Online gambling history is an intriguing and ever-evolving subject, with roots dating back to ancient times. However, the focus of this article is on the more recent developments in the world of online gambling. This encompasses various forms of gambling that take place on the internet, such as casinos, virtual poker, and sports betting. Providing gambling services or advertising to residents of a specific market requires a license.

The first online gambling venue that opened to the general public was the Liechtenstein International Lottery in October 1994. In the same year, the Free Trade & Processing Act was passed, which is considered the first-ever online casino license. Antigua and Barbuda were the first to grant a license to online casinos to operate from their territory. This act was a significant turning point, as it changed licensing, player expectations, and the general rules of playing.

1994 was a landmark year for online gambling milestones. The first online gambling venue open to the public was launched, and Microgaming introduced the first fully functional gambling software. The Gaming Club, the first online casino, went live in 1994 and is still operational, offering Microgaming’s full game assemblage. In 1995, CryptoLogic made real money transactions possible for online casinos, and InterCasino became the first online casino to offer players the chance to bet real cash.

The online gambling industry was already booming in 1996, and the Kahnawake Gaming Commission was formed to issue operating licenses to new online casinos. The commission was established to keep the online gambling industry regulated and fair. In the same year, InterCasino accepted the first real money wager online through CryptoLogic, revolutionizing transactions in online casinos.

In 1996, the Austrian-based Intertops sportsbook legally connected sports bettors and bookmakers via the Internet for the first time in online gambling history. Jukka Honkavaara logged onto Intertops.com and bet $50 that Tottenham Hotspur would defeat Hereford United, becoming the first-ever person to place a sports bet online.

In 1998, Microgaming’s CashSplash became the first-ever online progressive jackpot slot to be launched for online play. This online progressive jackpot slot is still popular today, even after its launch in 1998.

The pioneer of online poker, Planet Poker, dealt the first hand in January 1998. In 1999, multiplayer gaming was introduced, allowing players to participate in various tournaments and compete against each other. The option of group chat was also introduced, creating a lifelike gambling atmosphere.

In 2002, the first-ever win of over $1 million struck an online casino jackpot, taking everyone by surprise. The year 2003 was critical for online gambling history as eCOGRA was founded, known as one of the most reputable independent testing agencies in the world. The same year, Playtech launched its live dealer platform, changing the face of online gambling for good.

In 2004, Microgaming developed and launched the world’s first true mobile casino software, exciting on-the-go players. The Gambling Act 2005 was introduced in the UK to ensure fair gameplay and protect players. However, in 2006, the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act was passed in the US, virtually banning all online casinos from operating on US soil.

In 2006, AskGamblers came into existence, promising objective, independent, and true service to its users at all times. The platform has built a trusted online casino portal, dedicated to guiding players towards a safer and more pleasurable gambling experience.

In 2014, Vera&John became the first online casino to accept Bitcoins, and in 2016, Microgaming introduced Virtual Reality games via the Oculus Rift technology, marking the next step towards the future of online gambling.

In conclusion, online gambling history has been progressive, protecting players from casino malpractice and fraud. With the industry continually growing and evolving, there is no doubt that great things are yet to come.