📅 The Rise of Online Casinos: Early 1990s
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Event Date First Online Casino Launched 1994 In 1994, the first online casino, Casino On Net, was launched, paving the way for real money gambling on the internet.
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Event Date Antigua and Barbuda License 1994 Antigua and Barbuda became the first jurisdiction to license online gambling, making it easier for operators to enter the market.
📈 Growth and Regulation: Late 1990s
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Event Date Formation of Regulatory Bodies 1998 The establishment of organizations like eCOGRA ensured fair play and safety for players, boosting consumer confidence.
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Event Date Launch of Neteller 1999 Neteller, a key e-wallet service for online gambling, was launched, facilitating transactions for players.
🌍 Global Expansion: 2000s
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Event Date Demand for Mobile Gaming Grows 2005 The growing popularity of mobile devices led to the first iterations of casino apps for a more convenient gaming experience.
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Event Date Passing of UIGEA in the U.S. 2006 The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act created challenges for many online casinos operating in the U.S., redirecting their focus to outside markets.
📲 The App Revolution: 2010s
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Event Date Launch of First Casino Apps 2010 Major online casinos began to launch dedicated mobile apps, greatly enhancing accessibility and user experience.
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Event Date Legalization in New Jersey 2013 New Jersey became one of the first states in the U.S. to legalize online gambling, setting a precedent for other states.
🚀 Recent Developments: 2020s
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Event Date Growth of Live Dealer Games 2020 Online casinos adopted live dealer technology, bridging the gap between online and brick-and-mortar casinos.
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Event Date Expansion of Cryptocurrency Payments 2021 Adoption of cryptocurrencies as a payment option became prominent, providing anonymity and security for players.