👶 The Early Beginnings (1990s)
- 📅 1994: The first online gaming license is issued in Antigua and Barbuda, paving the way for online betting sites.
- 📅 1996: The first online betting site, InterCasino, launches, introducing players to a new way to gamble.
- 📅 1999: The rise of sports betting online begins with the creation of multiple betting platforms.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1994 | First online gaming license is issued. |
| 1996 | Launch of InterCasino. |
| 1999 | Emergence of online sports betting. |
🌐 The Expansion Era (2000s)
- 📅 2001: The introduction of live dealer games enhances the user experience.
- 📅 2003: The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) is passed in the USA, affecting online betting.
- 📅 2006: Despite UIGEA, online betting becomes mainstream with several sites emerging worldwide.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2001 | Launch of live dealer games. |
| 2003 | UIGEA legislation impacts US online gambling. |
| 2006 | Global proliferation of online betting platforms. |
📈 The Boom (2010s)
- 📅 2010: In the UK, the Gambling Act 2005 provides a legal framework for online betting, leading to market growth.
- 📅 2012: The first regulated online poker sites launch in New Jersey.
- 📅 2018: The US Supreme Court lifts the federal ban on sports betting, heralding a new era for online sportsbooks.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2010 | UK regulates online betting under the Gambling Act 2005. |
| 2012 | Launch of regulated online poker in New Jersey. |
| 2018 | Legalization of sports betting across the US. |
🔍 The Current Landscape (2020-Present)
- 📅 2020: The COVID-19 pandemic drives a surge in online betting activities as physical venues close.
- 📅 2021: The rise of mobile betting apps makes gambling more accessible.
- 📅 2023: Continued innovation with blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies in betting sites.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2020 | Surge in online betting due to pandemic. |
| 2021 | Growth of mobile betting applications. |
| 2023 | Integration of blockchain and cryptocurrencies in betting. |