1. The Early Days of Online Gambling (1994-1999)
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Event Date Details First Online Casino Launch 1994 The first online casino, The Gaming Club, opens its virtual doors, marking the beginning of online gambling history. 🎰 Licensing of Online Casinos 1996 Antigua and Barbuda becomes the first jurisdiction to issue licenses for online gambling. 🌍
2. The Growth of Online Casinos (2000-2010)
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Event Date Details US Government Ban 2006 Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) is passed, restricting US players from accessing online casinos. 🚫 Rise of Mobile Gambling 2009 Mobile casinos begin to emerge, allowing players to gamble on smartphones. 📱
3. Regulation and Innovation (2011-2020)
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Event Date Details Legalization in Several States 2013 New Jersey, Nevada, and Delaware legalize online gambling, providing a regulated environment. 🏛️ Advent of Live Dealer Games 2014 Live dealer technology becomes widespread, bridging the gap between online and offline casinos. 🎥
4. The Emergence of Cryptocurrency and Beyond (2021-Present)
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Event Date Details Integration of Cryptocurrencies 2021 Many online casinos start accepting Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, providing enhanced privacy. 💰 Impact of COVID-19 2020-2021 The pandemic accelerates the shift from physical casinos to online platforms, significantly boosting user registration. 🦠