Online Casino News and Reviews

History of Online Gambling

In just a short space of time, the world of internet has managed to change our lives forever. It wasn’t too long ago that most of us were in absolute awe over the things we take so for granted today such as sending emails or accessing information within seconds.  Among all this, online gambling also became a reality, and here we examine the dramatic history of this billion dollar industry through a timeline:

1994

• The Free Trade and Processing Zone Act is passed by the Government of Antigua, in the Caribbean, issuing licenses to online gambling operators.
• Microgaming, the pioneering inspectacarsteeringauto software provider, is created.

1995

• Cryptologic, software provider and (then) internet payment  transaction specialist group, is established.
• Real money wagering offered by Microgaming through its newly opened The Gaming Club site (still in existence today).

1996

• Casino software provider, Boss Media, begins creating games for online use.
• Cryptologic introduces its gaming software to the industry, including e-cash features.
• WagerLogic, a Cryptologic subsidiary acquires a gambling license.
• InterCasino launches its first real money inspectacarsteeringauto.
• Canadian based Kahnawake Gaming Commission is established, issuing online gambling licenses from First Nations territory.
• Intertops sports betting platform is launched, operating with Antigua online gambling license.

1998

• Microgaming launches the industry’s first online progressive slot, Cash Splash.
• The first online poker site, Planet Poker, is launched.
• The United States Senate tries – and fails – to pass the Internet Gambling Prohibition Act.

1999

• Paradise Poker online poker room is established.
• Microgaming strikes a deal with PriceWaterhouseCoopers to audit and report on the company’s casino payout percentages, setting a new standard in fair gaming and transparent gambling practices.

2000

• Online sports betting licenses are issued by gambling jurisdictions, Gibraltar and the Isle of Man.

2001

• Online gambling license applications accepted by Alderney in the British Channel.
• Party Gaming launches Party Poker which becomes the biggest online poker room in the United States and the rest of the world.

2003

• Self regulation and consumer protection group, eCommerce and Online Gambling Regulation and Assurance (eCOGRA) is established.
• First live casinos with real dealers and live bets established by Playtech.

2004

• Online poker experiences incredible growth spurt.
• Antigua-Barbuda case against the United States’ gambling policies gets the support of the World Trade Organization.

2005

• Party Gaming shares float on the London stock exchange for the first time, pushing the group up instantly to the FTSE 100.

2006

• Empire Poker purchased by Party Gaming.
• Casino software and solutions provider, Playtech floats on the London Alternative Investment market (AIM).
• A Republican sponsored anti-gambling bill aimed at banks and credit card companies gains momentum.
• Arrest of BetOnSports Chief Executive Officer, David Carruthers in the US for his participation in online gambling operations. He is prosecuted under the controversial Wire Act.
• Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) passed by the US Senate after it was sneaked in on the back of the unrelated Safe Ports Act.  US banks and credit card companies no longer allowed to process transactions to and from online gambling sites.
• Due to the new UIGEA legislation, 888 Holdings and Party Gaming depart US shores.

2007

• Neteller executives, John Lefebvre and Stephen Lawrence are arrested in New York. The two are charged with crimes including money laundering connected to online gambling activities.  As a result, Neteller pulls out of the US market.
• The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act is challenged by the European Union in a joint suit with the World Trade Organization.
• Two giant search engines, Google and Yahoo, reach a settlement with the US Department of Justice regarding their role in allowing the advertising of internet gambling activities in the United States.

2009

• Online casino revenue in the United Kingdom estimated to reach £1.6 billion.
• Explosion in mobile casino and sports betting industry.

2012

• The popularity of Android, iPhones and other smartphones, as well  as iPads ensures that the  mobile casino gambling industry continues to grow at an incredible pace.