🕹️ Early Beginnings of Online Gambling (1994-2000)
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1994: The first online casino, **InterCasino**, launched, paving the way for online gambling.
Event Date Launch of InterCasino October 1, 1994 -
1996: The first **online poker** room appears, allowing players to compete for real money.
Event Date Launch of Planet Poker January 1, 1996 -
1999: The advent of **live dealer casinos** revolutionizes online gambling experience.
Event Date Introduction of live dealer games December 15, 1999
💻 Rise of Technology and Regulation (2001-2010)
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2003: The **Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA)** is passed in the U.S.
Event Date UIGEA Passage October 13, 2006 -
2004: Several jurisdictions regulate online gaming, including **Gibraltar** and **Antigua**.
Event Date Regulation in Gibraltar January 1, 2004 -
2010: **Black Friday**: The shutting down of top U.S. poker sites leads to significant changes in the industry.
Event Date Black Friday Events April 15, 2011
🚀 Modern Era of Real Money Online Casinos (2011-Present)
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2013: The state of **New Jersey** regulates online casinos, marking the resurgence of legal online gambling in the U.S.
Event Date Regulation in New Jersey November 26, 2013 -
2017: Live dealer technology becomes widespread, enhancing player interaction and experience.
Event Date Expansion of live dealer games June 1, 2017 -
2020: The COVID-19 pandemic leads to a massive surge in online gambling participation and the launch of several new casinos.
Event Date Surge in online casino sign-ups March 2020
🔍 Looking Ahead: The Future of Online Casinos
The online casino industry continues to evolve, integrating technologies like **blockchain** to ensure transparency and security. Stay tuned for future developments as online gaming becomes more immersive and accessible.
