History of Online Casinos

The internet revolution has changed the face of gambling. Since 1994 the growth in internet gambling has been exponential. Despite some legal impediments it is clear that the online casinos are here to stay. With the advent of new technologies the only question is to what extent it can continuously improve and reinvent itself.

Like so many other industries, gambling has been revolutionised by the internet. Its origins lie in passing of the Free Trade and Processing Act in the small island nation of Antigua and Barbuda in 1994. This allowed the establishment of licenced online gambling operations and soon many of the world’s largest gambling software giants were established, including Microgaming and Crytologic. In 1995 Internet Gaming Inc., or ICI, became the first online casino to start trading. Over the next few years the growth in online casinos was exponential. Whereas previously people would have to physically visit one of the world’s legendary casino hotspots such as Monte Carlo or Macau to enjoy the thrill of casino gambling, now one could do so from the privacy of one’s own home. Initial problems with processing online payments and unclear house rules and percentages were overcome as the industry developed and many reputable online casino sites are now in existence, which give a better user experience as well as reliable and speedy payouts. One of the main challenges the industry has faced has been from the legal authorities in various different countries. Internet gambling took a severe blow when it in 2006 the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act was passed in the US, making it illegal for financial institutions to process payments for online casino websites, resulting in the inability of online casinos to access the lucrative US market. However, it is still perfectly legal for residents of most countries to use online casinos and, even with the industry still in its relative infancy, it is clear that they are changing the face of modern gambling and opening up the casino experience to far more people than would ever have troubled themselves with a trip to Las Vegas.

The main benefit of online casinos is ease of use and access, as well as instant access to a large variety of casino games as well as live dealer casino sites. Whereas previously a visit to a casino may have involved a journey to a less salubrious part of town or an expensive, albeit probably highly enjoyable, trip to Monte Carlo, it is now possible to play your favourite game from the comfort of your sitting room, or even on the bus on your way to work if you prefer. The games offered are similar to those found in land-based casinos, such as blackjack, poker and roulette. However it is easier to compare differences between casinos with some operators, for example, claiming to have higher payback percentages on some slots. One of the main worries that people face when beginning to use online casinos is in trusting that the software is fair and the site is honest. Like all internet-based activities there have obviously been cases of fraudulent behaviour but, with some care and common sense, it is easy to pick out those operators which offer a more professional and reputable standard of service. It is clear that online casinos are here to stay, and they will probably only increase their share of the market as the number of online games increases and the user experience continuously improves.