📅 1990s: The Birth of Online Casinos
- 1994: Antigua and Barbuda pass the Free Trade & Processing Act, allowing licenses for online gambling.
- 1996: The first online casino, InterCasino, is launched, making it possible to gamble online.
- 1998: The first major online gambling software, Microgaming, begins providing services to online casinos.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Antigua and Barbuda Legalizes Online Gambling | 1994 |
| Launch of InterCasino | 1996 |
| Microgaming Enters the Market | 1998 |
🕒 2000s: Rapid Expansion
- 2003: The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) is introduced in the U.S.
- 2006: Online gambling sites start incorporating live dealer games.
- 2008: Online poker gains immense popularity following major tournaments.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| UIGEA Introduced | 2003 |
| Introduction of Live Dealer Games | 2006 |
| Rise of Online Poker Tournaments | 2008 |
🔗 2010s: Legalization and Regulation
- 2011: The U.S. Department of Justice declares that online poker is legal under federal law.
- 2013: New Jersey legalizes online gambling, followed by several other states.
- 2018: The Supreme Court of the United States overturns PASPA, allowing states to legalize sports betting.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| DOJ Declares Online Poker Legal | 2011 |
| New Jersey Legalizes Online Gambling | 2013 |
| Supreme Court Overturns PASPA | 2018 |
🌍 2020s: Technological Advancements and Trends
- 2020: The COVID-19 pandemic boosts online gambling as land-based casinos close globally.
- 2021: Regulated online gambling markets expand across Europe and North America.
- 2022: Introduction of blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies in online casinos.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| COVID-19 Boosts Online Gambling | 2020 |
| Expansion of Regulated Markets | 2021 |
| Integration of Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies | 2022 |