Gamblers have many options when they want to play online casino games. Currently, online casinos are a multibillion dollar industry. But Internet gambling hasn’t always been the sensation that it is today. It started small with limited options, growing into an easily accessible service with customers worldwide. Are you interested in learning how online gambling started? You’re on the right page. As we cover the history of online gambling, we’ll discuss how it began and became such a rapidly growing industry. We will also breakdown some of the key moments in online gambling’s history. Read the review to learn more.

The Real History of Online Gambling

Internet users didn’t always have such a wide selection of online casinos. Back when people used dial-up internet to connect, online casino gambling was just coming into development. Let’s look at some of the most significant years and moments in the history of online casinos.

1994

Online gambling first made waves in the mid-90s. To be specific, the history of online gambling started in 1994. There were two important things that happened that year to give the online casino industry a jumpstart.

• The Antigua and Barbuda government implemented the Free Trade and Processing Act.

• Microgaming was founded.

Both of these events are significant to the gambling industry. The Free Trade and Processing Act allowed the Antigua and Barbuda government to provide licenses to online casinos. Casino services could now launch online, but they still needed to have games in order to get people to join and a way to accept transactions.

Microgaming is one of the top online casino game providers worldwide. Gamblers today may recognise this company for its popular selection of video slots, such as Mega Moolah and Sonic Links. This company first launched in 1994, becoming the pioneer of internet slots. They also became responsible for developing the first online casino called The Gaming Club.

1995

While the first online casino was developed in 1994, things didn’t really start moving until 1995. This is when the company CryptoLogic launched. This service makes it possible to make transactions with online casinos. They partnered with InterCasino, allowing them to become the first casino to allow online transactions. InterCasino was the 1st online casino to accept a real money wager. However, that wager didn’t occur until 1996.

1996

In 1996, the online casino industry started to grow. It was getting more recognition, and more online casinos were beginning to launch. However, one growing concern was Fairplay. The Kahnawake Gaming Commission was formed and legalised this year. This organisation was allowed to provide casino licenses, but they took severe measures to ensure every casino they provided a license to was regulated and offered fair games.

Another big moment for the online gambling industry happened in 1996. Intertop launched, allowing sports betting. The very first sports bet placed online was a $50 bet on Tottenham Hotspur beating Hereford United. This lucky gambler won their very first online sports bet!

Other Significant Moments in the History of Online Gambling

There are some other important moments:

• 1998: Microgaming released Cash Splash, the first online progressive jackpot slot game.

• 1998: Planet Poker launched the first online poker room.

• 1999: Online gambling was banned in the US after The Internet Gambling Prohibition Act was passed.

• 2002: The first $1 million jackpot prize was won online at Captain Cooks Casino.

• 2003: eCOGRA was founded. This is the primary testing agency for online casino games to ensure they are fair and of good quality.

• 2003: Playtech launched, introducing the first online live dealer games.

• 2004: Microgaming developed the first mobile casino.

• 2005: The Gambling Act 2005 was passed in the UK with laws and regulations surrounding Fairplay.

• 2006: Unlawful Gambling Act was passed.

• 2014: Vera & John became the first online casino to accept Bitcoin.

• 2016: Microgaming launched VR casino games.

Why Online Gambling Sites Are High in Demand 2023

Today, online gambling has become legal in many countries across the world. There are a lot of businesses that looked bright in the mid-90s that are no longer in demand in 2023, like video rental stores and cd shops. The online gambling industry didn’t have such an unlucky fate, and you can earn money playing games in Australia. It’s currently higher in demand than ever before. There are a few specific reasons why online casinos are in high order.

Convenience

Online casinos are convenient for people that enjoy real money games. A lot of people enjoy casino games but don’t live close enough to a land-based casino to visit for a casual night out. While many licensed bars have gaming terminals, the selection is limited. Online casinos are providing people with the games they want without having to leave their homes. 

A lot of casino games online are compatible with different devices. People can log in using their PC, laptop, smartphone, or tablet. They create a user-friendly experience that the player can enjoy any time they want.

Game Selection

Online casinos provide thousands of different games to choose from. In fact, online gambling provides a much more extensive game selection than you could find at land-based casinos. Each online casino has a different selection. Some online casinos even specialise in certain games. This makes it easier for gamblers to find casinos suited to their taste. 

Promotions

With so many online casinos, things have become competitive in a bid to gain the gambler’s attention. Each casino needs to find a way to get members to join and continue coming back. For that reason, they will offer bonuses and promotions. This allows the players the opportunity to get cool rewards from online casinos, like free spins or deposit matches.

Responsible Gambling

Many gamblers set a budget for themselves but get excited at the moment of gambling. This can lead them to lose control and spend way more than they initially set. Some of the best online casinos will have options for responsible gambling that members can set when they join. This allows them to set loss limits, deposit limits, and session time limits. They can also set a cool-off period for any time they have bet too much.

What Does the Future Hold for the Online Gambling Industry

The future of the online gambling industry is looking very good. This industry has continued its dedication to staying focused on the user experience. Mobile gaming is attracting more members. They love the convenience of placing a bet over their phone, whether they’re playing a quick slot game while they have a few minutes to spare or placing a bet on a sports match they are about to watch. 

Nearly every online gambling site offers mobile-friendly services. However, more casinos are starting to develop mobile apps. These mobile casinos are a significant move forward for online gambling.

Conclusion 

Online gambling has come a long way over the past 30 years. This industry has continued to grow through the years at a steady rate. Developers have been able to create more quality games and easy-to-use transaction methods. This has helped online gambling sites progress throughout the years. Now, this industry earns billions of dollars annually while providing gamblers with a fun and convenient service.