⚖️ The Early Days of Online Casinos (1990s)
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Year Event 1994 The Antigua and Barbuda Free Trade & Processing Act was passed, allowing online gambling companies to obtain licenses. 1996 The first online casino, ‘InterCasino’, was launched, paving the way for future online casinos. 1998 The first online poker room, ‘Planet Poker’, opened its doors, attracting a new demographic of players.
📈 Growth and Regulation (2000s)
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Year Event 2001 The US government passed the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA), creating uncertainty for online casinos. 2006 Many online casinos began to target international markets to bypass US restrictions. 2009 Online casinos introduced live dealer games, enhancing the player experience with real-time interaction.
💻 Technological Advancements (2010s)
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Year Event 2012 New Jersey legalized online gambling, becoming the second state in the US to do so. 2013 The introduction of mobile-friendly casino apps revolutionized how players accessed online gambling. 2016 Growth of virtual reality (VR) casinos started, changing the landscape of online gaming.
🌍 Present and Future (2020s)
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Year Event 2020 COVID-19 pandemic led to a surge in online gambling, as land-based casinos closed. 2021 Cryptocurrency integration in online casinos started gaining momentum. 2023 Regulatory frameworks continue to evolve, emphasizing player protection and fair play.
