1990s: The Dawn of Online Gambling

• 1994: The Caribbean Sea became the first to regulate online gambling 🏝️
• 1996: The first online casino, InterCasino, was launched 🎰
• 1998: The introduction of Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption technology ensured safer online transactions 🔒

Important Events of the 1990s

Year	Event
1994	First online gambling regulation
1996	Launch of InterCasino
1998	SSL encryption implemented

2000s: Growth and Legislation

• 2003: Introduction of online poker rooms, increasing popularity of casino games 🃏
• 2006: The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) was enacted in the US 🇺🇸
• 2007: The emergence of live dealer technology, enhancing the player experience 🎥

Milestones of the 2000s

Year	Event
2003	Online poker rooms launched
2006	UIGEA enacted
2007	Live dealer technology introduced

2010s: Expansion and Innovation

• 2011: Several US states started to regulate online gambling at the state level 🗽
• 2013: The emergence of mobile gambling apps, taking casino games to smartphones 📱
• 2017: The rise of cryptocurrency as a payment method in online casinos 💰

Key Developments of the 2010s

Year	Event
2011	States began regulating online gambling
2013	Mobile gambling apps launched
2017	Introduction of cryptocurrency payments

2020s: Current Trends and Future Outlook

• 2020: The COVID-19 pandemic led to a surge in online gambling participation due to casino closures 📉
• 2021: Enhanced focus on responsible gaming practices and player protection 🚦
• 2023: Continued integration of Virtual Reality (VR) in online gaming experiences 🕶️

Trending Events of the 2020s

Year	Event
2020	Surge in online gambling due to COVID-19
2021	Focus on responsible gaming
2023	VR integration in online gaming