The History of Online Gambling

Gambling itself might just be as old as humankind itself. People have been playing games of chance for at least 4,000 years. But it wasn't all that long ago that gambling first went online. The history of online gambling begins in the early 2000s, a good four millennia after people living in ancient Egypt enjoyed games of chance in the shadow of the pyramids.

Thanking the Slot Machines

Online gambling appeared in the 2000s and become a bona fide internet craze but the seeds of this fun were planted in the 1980s. This is when slot machines were given a big upgrade when slot machines with digital screens appeared in casinos for the very first time. The digital machines were a real game-changer and became a real asset to casinos that offered them.

New computer software technology made it possible for players all over the world to enjoy slot machines because, at the same time, restrictions and regulations were lifted that allow slots to be introduced to a much wider audience of gamblers. And in 1995, someone got a really great idea to bring gaming to even more people.

Going Online

Playtech was the first company to launch an online casino in 1995. It was a great idea. Other companies followed in Playtech's footsteps and online gaming quickly boomed.

Online Gambling Milestones

In 1998, the first online casino to offer poker was created and began a poker craze. Many, many other casinos offering poker followed and today, most online casinos offer several different types of poker games. Sports betting came onto the online gambling scene in 2002, which opened up more possibilities and brought in even more online players.

The Day the Gaming Died

Online gaming was booming in the early 2000s. Then, everything changed overnight. The Unlawful Internet Gaming Enforcement Act was passed in the U.S. in 2006. Many gambling sites banned U.S.-based players and the landscape of online gaming changed completely.

What's Next in the History of Online Gambling?

Online gambling is still popular and some U.S. states have now changed their laws to make these sites more accessible to American players. New digital technology and new games have appeared in online casinos, making it easier and more exciting than ever to bet money and play to win. The history of online gambling is still being written...and there's no telling exactly what it will mean to you as the years unfold.