Online Gambling: Where it all started

Online gambling has been around for more than 20 years. Know how and what started it.

13:24 17 February 2013

Gambling has been around for ages and has existed in many different forms. Most people take to gambling because of the concept that they have a chance to win money quickly.

For years, casinos are the best places to go for gambling. However, with the creation of the internet, playing in the comforts of your own home is made possible.

The idea of gambling online started in the 1990s and the idea was fully realized in 1994 when the Caribbean nation of Barbuda and Antigua passed the Free Trade and Processing Act; which was specifically made for companies who wanted to open casinos.

A year later, Microgaming, the first online gambling software provider, was formed.

In the same year Cryptologic was formed, which made online monetary transaction possible. In 1996, InterCasino, the first ever internet casino, was opened.

It was in 1998 when the first progressive jackpot slot was launched by Microgaming and it was called ‘Cash Splash’.

Internet gambling was done in different countries particularly in the United States, which now makes up 50per cent of the online gambling population. Every year, more online casinos and sports books are being introduced due to demand.