Business Consulting & Partners Tomasz Strykowski

1990s: The Birth of Online Casinos

• 📅 1994 – The First Online Casino

  Event	Description
  Launch of Microgaming	The first online casino, Casino on Net, was launched by Microgaming, setting the stage for future online gambling platforms.

• 📅 1996 – Gambling Comes to the USA

  Event	Description
  UIGEA Announcement	The federal government starts to impose restrictions on online gambling, creating uncertainty for players in the U.S.

2000s: Regulation and Growth

• 📅 2003 – Legal Framework Established

  Event	Description
  First Licensing of Online Casinos	Gibraltar becomes the first jurisdiction to license online gambling operators, attracting U.S. players.

• 📅 2006 – UIGEA Enacted

  Event	Description
  Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act	This law prohibits U.S. banks from processing payments to online gambling sites, impacting U.S. players significantly.

2010s: Emergence of Innovative Platforms

• 📅 2011 – Rise of PokerStars

  Event	Description
  PokerStars Faces Challenges	After the Black Friday incident, PokerStars temporarily halts operations, but remains a key player in the market.

• 📅 2018 – Legalization of Sports Betting

  Event	Description
  PASPA Repealed	The Supreme Court repeals the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, allowing states to legalize sports betting.

2020s: The Future of Online Casinos

• 📅 2020 – Expansion of iGaming

  Event	Description
  COVID-19 Pandemic	With land-based casinos closing, online casinos see unprecedented growth and an influx of players, especially from the U.S.

• 📅 2021 – States Regulate Online Gambling

  Event	Description
  Legalization in Multiple States	Several U.S. states, including Michigan and Virginia, enter the online casino market, expanding options for players.

Conclusion

As we look forward, the landscape of online casinos continues to evolve, with increasing regulations and technological advancements. Players should always ensure they are engaging with reputable sites. For more information on what sites accept U.S. players, check out this comprehensive guide.