Online casinos are some of the most popular forms of gambling out there. They are highly convenient platforms that allow players to enjoy a huge selection of games that have been inspired by traditional casino games.
From exploring unique variants of poker that you may not have known about, to enjoying modern video game slots with interesting themes, check out Fanduel.com today. This is a look into the history of online casinos, and how these complex platforms for online gambling got to where they are today.
Microgaming
Although gambling and traditional casinos had been around for many decades, online casinos did not begin to grow until the 1990s. This is mainly because of the developing technology, which wasn’t readily available until this time.
Although there is a lack of evidence to show us what the first forms of online casinos were, Microgaming was one of the first online casinos that emerged around 1994. This software giant is believed to have worked alongside CryptoLogic to launch one of the first online gambling sites. Both of these are still highly regarded today, and it isn’t hard to see why.
Early Teething Problems
Like most technological developments in the 1990s, the early versions of online casinos saw a huge amount of challenges. They had very few game choices, and the display would be considered prehistoric by today’s standards.
However, the main challenge that the developers of these platforms faced at the time concerned licensing and gambling laws. Issues arose after each country began to clash in terms of their gambling laws, and that it was increasingly difficult to monitor people’s habits online.
In order to get around this, many online gambling sites used Antigua’s Free Trade And Processing Act to receive the necessary licensing. This loophole was used by more and more sites as time went on.
Poker Boom
Between 1996 and 1997, the number of online sites that were used for gambling went from around 15 to 200. The first sites for poker exclusively emerged in 1998, and the industry was estimated to be worth $830 million by that time.
In spite of online casinos growing in value, total revenue generated, and range of features, the ‘poker boom’ did not occur until a few years later. This is said to have begun in 2003, when more people were spending more time online using these sites.
It could be due to the increased use of computer technology, and the domestic use of laptops. Between 2003 and 2006, the number of players visiting online casinos and gambling platforms doubled each year within this period. Bonuses also began to appeal to more players, which encouraged them to spend more time online.
2005 Playtech
Another huge development in the world of online gambling occurred in 2005. Playtech created the first mobile-based casino software, and the timing could not have been better. This happened when there was a boom in smartphones, and people could easily download their software to enjoy gambling from their mobile phones.
Of course, the software introduced by Playtech won’t look much the same as online casino apps which are currently used today. However, they had a huge impact on the global market. Software developers began to jump on this trend and create their own app that could be used for gambling purposes.
As a result of this, Playtech influenced the rise in smartphone apps which could be used for gambling purposes. They changed the way people were able to access their favorite casino games in turn. Playtech contributed to the current online casino apps which are used today.
Present Day
Nowadays, the current technology seems to be overlooked. There are a huge amount of small developments that have led to the widespread use of online casinos. Because technology has become more advanced in recent decades, devices are more compact.
This means that smartphones are easier to use than ever, and they can be used to access a range of unique online casinos. Additionally, online casinos offer players a range of different bonuses and incentives to return to a certain site.
Modern technology has also meant that live casino can be used as a combination of traditional and modern casinos. Through the use of video cameras and speakers, players can interact with a dealer who is based in a traditional casino from their home. It is easy to connect with other players and dealers around the world.
There is a great deal of competition that exists within the world of online casinos nowadays, and the biggest risk is security breaches. Staying safe online is something that we now know a great deal about, and it is important to set up the right security measures to protect yourself online.
This is especially important when it comes to playing casino games online, due to needing to input your bank details.
The Future Of Online Casinos
Thanks to recent technological advances, online casinos have been developing further. Software developers are finding new ways to create a completely immersive experience without needing to leave your home. This means that you will be able to take part in something that is completely unique in the future.
Of course, there are more developments being made towards improving security measures with online casinos. This means players will be able to enjoy their favorite casino games within a safe environment.
Summary
Online casinos have come a long way since they first started. Some of the traditional games pay homage to their origins, but it is certainly a form of modern technology that is taken for granted consistently. Many people will remember how online casinos first started, and it is exciting to see how well they have developed as technology has done.
Consider looking out for more technological advancements in the future, to see how the world of online gambling and casinos are developing. They are bound to become even more immersive and user-friendly in the near future, and it is exciting to see these changes!