Gambling is a complex topic, and it’s almost impossible to trace its roots. Gambling is considered to be older than the written words, which adds to its intrigue. Online gambling is a bit more complicated than that.
This article will discuss when online gambling began, what milestones made online gambling what it is today and what information we need to remember about the history of online gaming.
What is online gambling?
Online gambling definition comes in simple terms. Internet gambling, also known as online gambling, is any form of gambling that takes place online. Online gambling is any type of gambling that takes place online, i.e. This includes online casinos, virtual poker, or sports betting. Online gambling is legal in most countries. However, you will need a license to offer gambling services to the residents.
Online gambling is becoming more popular every day. Players all over the globe are enjoying it. The first online gambling site to open to the public was Liechtenstein International Lottery, which opened its doors in October 1994 헤라카지노.
1994 – Free Trade & Processing Act
The Free Trade & Processing Act is the first ever online casino license . Antigua and Barbuda were actually the first to issue a license for online casinos to operate on their territory. This was possible thanks to the Free Trade & Processing Act.
It’s not what the Internet gambling was a few decades back. A lot has changed in terms licensing, player expectations, and general rules of play. This is why the Free Trade & Processing Act was a huge success.
1994 – The First Online Gambling Venue by Liechtenstein International Lottery
As you can see 1994 is a significant year in the history gambling.
There were many gambling milestones in that year. One of them was the opening of the first online gambling site for the public, the Liechtenstein International Lottery.
1994 – Microgaming’s First Fully Functional Gambling System
1994 saw the launch of the first online casino. This was a turning point in online gambling history. The Gaming Club was the name of the first online casino. This casino, which is still operational and in existence, has earned the reputation of being one of the most respected online casinos in the world.
This casino was powered by microgaming software. It offers the full game collection. In keeping with modern-player expectations, the Gaming Club has seen major changes over the years. It has moved from Viper’s download platform to be available in instant play mode as well as via mobile.
1995 – First Real Money Transactions over the Internet By CryptoLogic
CryptoLogic, which made it possible to make real money online casino transactions, was responsible for the birth of online real money casinos. CryptoLogic, a company that specializes in online real money transactions, revolutionized the online money transaction process. It made money processing quick and secure for players.
CryptoLogic powered it and helped InterCasino become the first online casino that offered real money betting. It still functions today.
Because of its impact on online gambling, CryptoLogic often stands shoulder to shoulder alongside Microgaming. Both are significant names in the history of online gaming, even though they operate in different areas.
1996 – Establishment of Kahnawake Gaming Commission
In 1996, the online gambling market was already flourishing and offers great potential for expansion. This potential was recognized by some jurisdictions as their chance to succeed. Kahnawake Gaming Commission was established in 1996 to issue operating licences to online casinos.
This commission was created with the goal of maintaining fair and regulated online gambling.
1996 – InterCasino’s First Real Money Online Wager
The history of online casinos and online gambling can’t be complete without mentioning the first online casino to accept real-money wagers.
1996 was the year InterCasino took real money wageronline via CryptoLogic. This changed the face of online casino transactions.
William “Billy”, a former Ohio bookmaker, launched InterCasino in Antigua.
1996 – Intertops’ First Online Sports Bet
Online gambling would be incomplete without some sports. 1996 was the first year that bookmakers and sports bettors were connected legally via the Internet. This was done by Intertops, an Austria-based sportsbook.
Jukka Honkavaara, a Jukka-based bettor, logged on to Intertops.com and bet $50 that Tottenham Hotspur would beat Hereford United. Mr Honkavaara became history by placing a $50 sports bet online.
In case you were curious, Tottenham Hotspur beat Hereford United by a large margin (5-1).
1998 – The First Online Progressive Jackpot Slot by Microgaming – Cash Splash
Aren’t progressive Jackpot Slots everyone’s favorite? If not, most people will be, and that’s a good thing! These are fun and exciting and can bring you lots of cha-ching. CashSplash by Microgaming, which made its debut in 1998, was the first ever online progressive jackpot slot. It is now part of the history of online gambling.
Although it might seem odd, this online progressive slot is still very popular! It is available in two versions: the original 3 reel, 1 payline classic cherries bars and 7’s slot and a modern, 5 reel, 15 payline version.
CashSplash is a popular progressive jackpot game that pays out frequently. It averages a win of a progressive jackpot approximately every two days. CashSplash by Microgaming was launched in 1998 and has been slot machine history.
Are you interested in learning more about online slot machines and their workings? Listen to our podcast, Here’s How Online Slots Work, where Simon Hammon (CPO at Relax Gaming) discusses player strategy and the mechanics of slots.
1998 – Planet Poker’s First Online Poker Room
The first hand of online poker was dealt on January 1, 1998.
Planet Poker was the name of the poker site, and featured their Planet Poker software. Online poker is hugely popular today, so it is safe to assume that Planet Poker was the first to offer online poker.
1999 – The Internet Gambling Prohibition Act
The US government has strict regulations for online gambling.
The 1999 Internet Gambling Prohibition Act of 1999 was an American Senate bill that banned Internet gambling. The Senate passed this bill on November 19, 1999. However, it was not passed by Congress.
An updated version of the legislation was added to the SAFE Port Act in 2006. This was an important moment in the history of online gaming in the USA.
1999 – Multiplayer Online Gaming Introduced
1999 was a year of many iGaming innovations. Multiplayer gaming was a major milestone in the history of online casinos. It allowed players to compete against each other in tournaments, which was a great thing for the iGaming sector.
The option for group chat was also introduced . This allows players to communicate with each other during play and creates a real gambling environment.
2002 – First ever win of over $1 million in an online casino jackpot
While huge jackpots seem to be a common occurrence these days, they weren’t back in 2000. The first ever win of more than $1 million in an online casino jackpot took everyone by surprise. Captain Cooks Casino witnessed a stunning first-ever win of such magnitude during a progressive slot game.
2003 – eCOGRA Founded
2003 was a crucial year for online gambling. This is also the year eCOGRA was established. It is still one of the most respected independent testing agencies in the globe. eCOGRA stands for eCommerce and Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance.
The eCOGRA, an independent testing agency that specializes in online gaming software certification, is a leader. It is well-respected and internationally recognized.
The eCOGRA seal is a prestigious sign of one’s quality.
2003 – First Live Dealer Casino from Playtech
The online gambling community was stunned when Playtech launched their live dealer platform in 2003. CWC Gaming, a specialist in live platform development, launched CasinoWebCam to stream a live game directly from CWC’s dealer station in San Jose, Costa Rica. The face of online gambling has changed dramatically since then.
2004 – Microgaming’s First Mobile Casino Software
The iGaming sector seems to be growing year after year. The online casino industry’s history was made even more exciting in 2004, when the first mobile casino software was developed and launched to the delight of all players. Microgaming once again proved they are serious business with this launch.
2005 – UK Gambling Act
Online gambling has seen rapid growth and required the application of laws and regulations to ensure fair gameplay and protect players.
In 2005, the Gambling Act 2005 was adopted. This Act is a Parliament Act and applies primarily to England, Scotland, and Wales. This Act regulates all forms of gambling.
2006 – Internet Gambling Enforcement Act
Just as we thought that everything was going smoothly in the online gambling industry’s favor, 2006 changed all of that.
The Unlawful the Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, which was passed on the US territory, prohibited “gambling businesses” from knowingly accepting payments for the participation of other people in bets or wagers that involve the use of the Internet.
What does this mean for US players and US casinos? It meant that virtually all online casino sites were prohibited from operating on US soil.
2006 – AskGamblers launched
Online gambling continues to grow, and more trusted affiliates are needed to navigate transparent and objective casino and game reviews. This is in addition to the increasing need for real player ratings.
AskGamblers was founded in 2006 and promised an objective, independent, and genuine service to all its users. It was technically founded in 2005 and grew to what it is today.
The platform has been a trusted online casino portal for over a decade. It is dedicated to helping players find safer and more enjoyable gambling experiences while also providing accurate and up-to-date information about online casinos around the world.
AskGamblers’ Casino Complaint Service has been created, allowing players to quickly and transparently resolve any issues they have with casinos. Everything regarding AskGamblers is transparent and up-to-date, protecting players against fraud and casino malpractice.
2014 – Vera & John’s First Casino to Accept Bitcoins
Although cryptocurrency seems young, the truth is that it has been around since 2014 when the first cryptocurrency payment was made in an online casino.
Vera&John was the first online casino to accept crypto deposits and convert them into Euros. The site was registered in Malta and would ensure that the money converted to Euros was paid into the accounts of customers. Bitcoin deposits can only be withdrawn using Bitcoin.
2016 – Microgaming’s First Virtual Reality Headset Casino Games
Microgaming was a major breakthrough in online gambling, which is not surprising.
The provider launched virtual reality games using Oculus Rift technology in 2016. This technology allows players to play casino games in VR and is a step toward the future of online gambling.
Conclusion
The history of online gambling is fascinating. We’re here to help you with every step. It is clear that great things are still to come if you look back at the early 1990s.
