🎰 The Birth of Online Casinos (1990s)
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Year Event 1994 First Online Casino Established – The first legitimate online casino, Microgaming, was launched, allowing players to gamble from the comfort of their homes. 1996 Introduction of PayPal – PayPal began offering online payment solutions, aiding in the growth of online gambling. 1998 Online Gambling Regulation – The Kahnawake Gaming Commission became one of the first regulatory bodies for online casinos.
💻 The Growth Phase (2000s)
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Year Event 2000 Rise of Mobile Gambling – The advent of mobile technology enabled gambling on-the-go. 2006 Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) – A significant legislation in the US that affected numerous online casinos and payment processors. 2008 Virtual Currency Introduced – The popularity of virtual currencies began, with sites allowing play using digital coins.
📈 The Modern Era (2010s)
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Year Event 2011 Regulated Online Gambling in New Jersey – New Jersey became a pioneer in regulated online gambling within the U.S., promoting player protection. 2013 Rise of Live Dealer Casinos – The introduction of live dealer games enhanced user experience and engagement. 2019 Cryptocurrency in Gambling – Many online casinos began accepting cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.
🌐 The Current Landscape (2020s)
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Year Event 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic Impact – Online casino traffic surged as physical casinos closed, leading to a massive increase in players. 2021 Live Streaming Technology Advancement – Improvements in live streaming technology led to better live gaming experiences. 2023 Regulatory Changes – More jurisdictions are considering or implementing regulations for safe online gambling environments.