A History of Online Casinos
Submitted by Andy_B on Monday, 07 December 2020 Page Views: 416
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If you rewind to the mid-nineties, you'd find that online casinos were thought of as a farce, a place where scammers were rumoured to roam. Back then, anyone who tried betting their money on an online platform would do so at their own risk. Let's just say; internet casinos weren't so favoured during those times. However, this didn't stop some developers from defying all the odds and creating the first-ever real money casino.Seizing the opportunity this fast-rising networking platform had to offer (the internet), Microgaming developed the first online casino in the year 1994. Their online casinos featured a wide variety of games, including ones with free spins as well. And since then, the industry has experienced nothing but continual growth.
This article highlights all that has happened from the birth of this successful platform to date. Satisfy your curiosity by reading to the very end.
History As We Know It
As said earlier, Microgaming, an Isle of Man-based software company was the first developer network to break the ice on internet casinos. Although, they wouldn't have done this if Antigua and Barbuda didn't pass the Free Trade and Processing Act in 1994. Following the Free trade pass, Microgaming was able to collaborate with cyber-security firm Cryptologic to give birth what we call the online casino. While Microgaming focused on developing the best User Interface (UI) experience for its clients, Crypto Logic's major job was to develop algorithms to make sure online payments were a viable and safe option for players. Through meticulous planning and dedication, their website was fruitful.
Time went on, and in two years' time (1996), Kahnawake Gaming Commission (KGC) was introduced. KGC is an organization faced with issuing licenses to various online casinos on the net. This was done to make gaming online fair and square across the entire planet. With gamblers all over the world seeking the thrill of the exuberating online gambling experience, the number of gambling sites skyrocketed from 15 to 200 online gambling sites in just one year. By 1997, the stereotyped online gambling reputation bit the dust. It became a platform where you register, cash in, win, and cash out.Compared with today's standards for 'modern' gambling, the standards set for contemporary online casinos back then were quite crude. One might even argue that's the reason why there are so few of them that still exist today. The oldest online casinos today are from 1996. However, they're really hard to find.
Everything changed in 1998 when poker was introduced into online casinos. Back then, the company was estimated to be worth around $830 million. Things changed even more, when multiplayer online gambling was introduced (1999). Players could now interact with one another during gambling sessions. Ever since then, the popularity of online gambling has only grown for the better.
Adaptation To Modern Times
Since the evolution of online casinos, there have been several platforms with different reputations. While some leave much to be desired, others have evolved into being the pioneers of a fun online gambling experience. Those who manage to sit on the throne of the online gambling world now have beaten the odds. Creating the most convenient online gambling platforms, you never thought possible.
By the time the millennia came to an end, the online gambling market had become so competitive that new operators kept on inventing new games to favour clients as well as evolving their offers and introducing loyalty schemes.If you are a part of Generation Z, you'd be shocked by how much improvement there is in the online gambling community. You can now bet while on the go. All you need is your phone. The industry has grown from being an $830 million industry into a staggering $56 billion. Just look at that increase in value.
Are you still doubting the credibility of the online casino? Do not worry! Some online casinos offer you access to some games with no deposit slots. You just register and try out their online slots. Although, if you're looking to win some real cash in this business, you'll have to deposit some real money in your account. The free slot is meant for you to hone your skills till you become confident enough to deposit your real money. How's that for convenience?
With many thanks to Stig Nygaard, John Barber and Verkeorg for their kind help and support of this article, including Creative Commons photos.
