📜 Early Beginnings of Online Gambling (1990s)

• 1994: The Launch of Online Casinos 🎰

  Event	The establishment of the first online casinos, such as CryptoLogic and InterCasino.
  Significance	This marked the beginning of a new era in gambling, allowing players to wager from the comfort of their homes.

• 1996: The First Regulatory Framework 📜

  Event	The introduction of the Free Trade and Processing Act in Antigua and Barbuda.
  Significance	This legislation provided the first legal framework for online gambling operators, setting a precedent for regulation.

🌐 The Expansion of Online Gambling (2000s)

• 2003: Poker Boom 🃏

  Event	The World Series of Poker is televised, boosting the popularity of online poker.
  Significance	This event attracted many players to online poker platforms, leading to significant growth in the industry.

• 2006: The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) 🚫

  Event	The passing of UIGEA in the USA, prohibiting banks from processing transactions related to online gambling.
  Significance	This law significantly impacted the online gambling market, driving many operators to relocate.

📈 The Modern Era (2010s – Present)

• 2013: Legalization in New Jersey 🏢

  Event	New Jersey becomes the first US state to legalize online gambling.
  Significance	This marked a significant turning point, paving the way for other states to pursue legalization.

• 2020: Surge in Popularity Due to COVID-19 🦠

  Event	The COVID-19 pandemic leads to an unprecedented increase in online gambling activity.
  Significance	With physical casinos closed, many players turned to online platforms, contributing to record profits for the industry.

🔮 The Future of Online Gambling

• 2023: Rise of Cryptocurrencies 💰

  Event	Increased acceptance of cryptocurrencies as a payment option in online gambling.
  Significance	This trend enhances security and privacy for players, making online gambling more attractive.