📜 1990s: The Birth of Online Casinos
- 1994: The Free Trade & Processing Act is passed in Antigua and Barbuda, allowing licenses for online gambling.
- 1996: The first online casino, InterCasino, is launched.
- 1998: The first online poker room, Planet Poker, opens its doors.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1994 | Free Trade & Processing Act passed in Antigua and Barbuda. |
| 1996 | Launch of InterCasino, the first online casino. |
| 1998 | Opening of Planet Poker, the first online poker room. |
🌐 2000s: Growth and Regulation
- 2000: The first online sports betting site, Betfair, is launched.
- 2006: The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) is enacted in the U.S.
- 2009: First live dealer games introduced by Evolution Gaming.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2000 | Launch of Betfair, the first online sports betting site. |
| 2006 | UIGEA is enacted, impacting online gambling in the U.S. |
| 2009 | Introduction of live dealer games by Evolution Gaming. |
📈 2010s: Expansion and Innovation
- 2011: Black Friday – major crackdown on online poker in the U.S.
- 2013: New Jersey legalizes online gambling, setting a precedent for other states.
- 2018: The U.S. Supreme Court overturns PASPA, allowing states to regulate sports betting.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2011 | Black Friday event leads to enforcement actions against online poker sites. |
| 2013 | New Jersey legalizes online gambling, influencing others states. |
| 2018 | Supreme Court ruling allows states to regulate sports betting. |
🔍 2020s: Modernization and Challenges
- 2020: COVID-19 pandemic boosts online gambling as land-based casinos close.
- 2021: Cryptocurrency begins to play a significant role in online casino transactions.
- 2023: Increasing focus on responsible gambling and player protection measures.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2020 | Online gambling sees significant growth due to the pandemic. |
| 2021 | Rise of cryptocurrency usage in online casinos. |
| 2023 | Emphasis on responsible gambling measures intensifies. |