1990s – The Birth of Online Casinos

• 1994: The first licensed online casino opens in Antigua and Barbuda. 🎰

  Event	Description
  Launch of Internet Gambling	The first official online gambling platform starts allowing players to wager real money.

• 1996: The first poker site goes live. ♠️

  Event	Description
  Introduction to Online Poker	Online poker gains popularity, attracting a new audience to internet gaming.

2000s – The Rise of Trustworthy Online Casinos

• 2003: eCOGRA is established. 🛡️

  Event	Description
  Independent Testing Agency	eCOGRA is created to regulate and give credibility to online gaming operations.

• 2006: The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) is enacted. ⚖️

  Event	Description
  Impact on Online Gambling	The UIGEA affects many online casinos and leads to a shift in the industry.

2010s – Mainstream Acceptance

• 2011: New Jersey allows online gambling. 🌟

  Event	Description
  Regulated Online Gambling	New Jersey becomes one of the first states in the U.S. to legalize and regulate online casinos.

• 2018: The Supreme Court overturns the federal ban on sports betting. 🏆

  Event	Description
  Expansion of Online Gambling	This landmark decision opens the door for states to legalize sports betting, including online platforms.

2020s – Current Trends and Future Prospects

• 2020: Rise of live dealer casinos. 📺

  Event	Description
  Increased Popularity	Players enjoy a more immersive experience with live dealer games, enhancing trust in payouts.

• 2023: Blockchain technology in online casinos. ⛓️

  Event	Description
  Transparency and Security	Blockchain improves payment processing and ensures fair play in online gaming environments.