Timeline of Online Casinos

1994

Antigua Barbuda passes the Free Trade and Processing Zone Act, allowing those who wanted licenses to operate online casinos to receive them.

Microgaming comes into existence, a leading software developer for online casinos.

1996

After much hard work done by Microgaming and CryptoLogic, Inter Casino opened its virtual doors to the public in October. It was welcomed by much fanfare as well as skepticism by the public. More online casinos would come in to play in the following years.

1998

The US attempts to crack down on online gambling by announcing a bill that would make online gambling illegal for US citizens. The bill fails. However, in the process of trying to get it passed, they inadvertently created more publicity for online gambling, launching revenues to nearly $1 Billion.

Microgaming introduces the first online progressive jackpot called Cash Splash.

1999

Congress attempts to pass another bill similar to the previous years, but also fails.

There are now upwards of 700 online casinos, including Lasseters, Australia’s first and only online casino.

Microgaming makes a deal with PriceWaterhouseCoopers, furthering the perception of security and safety for online casino consumers. This deal was the first of many, and PWC agreed to do online reports on payout percentages and online audits.

2000

More progressive jackpots hit the market.

Gibraltar and the Isle of Man begin offering online casino licenses.

Cryptologic is the first online casino-based company to be traded on the stock market.

2001

Polls show that more than 8 million consumers had at least tried online gambling.

Leaders in the online casino market have an average of 500,000 accounts at any given time.

2002-2003

More attempts made by Congress to ban online gambling. Certain laws were passed, creating challenges for the industry but not completely banning it.

2006

The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act is put into effect, essentially making it illegal to operate an online casino in the United States.

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