The history of online casinos
It is safe to name three processes that influenced the formation of online casinos. Firstly, the development of gaming software. Since the mid-1970s, gaming software began to be widely used in traditional casinos. Slot machines using computer technology began to replace their electromechanical counterparts, new machines demonstrated the potential of microprocessors and computer graphics. In the 1970s, the first blackjack application was developed with the support of professional players. Virtual gambling technology improved in the area of virtual puzzles as well. And now many casinos are springing up. Including in Canada. To Learn more about one of Canada's best casinos
History of online casinos
At the time, however, there was no mechanism by which different computers could connect to a host server and use the applications stored on it. Such mechanisms were not created until after the advent of the Internet. In the early 1990s, the Internet became widespread. Initially it was used as a means of communication, individual users could connect to the Internet from their computers and send messages to other users. But even then it was clear that the Internet had enormous potential and could be used for other purposes.
The third necessary factor for the emergence of online casinos can be called the creation of a regulatory mechanism.
The first such mechanism appeared in 1994. The tiny island nation of Antigua and Barbuda passed the Free Trade and Paperwork Zone Act, which allowed it to issue permits for gambling. Thus emerged the first ever legal system of gambling licensing. The Act established a specialized office that reviewed applications and issued licenses if the application met all standards. Antigua and Barbuda still remains one of the most common and respected licensors. The creation of the necessary legal framework laid the groundwork for the emergence of online casinos.
Once the three necessary mechanisms were in place, all that was left to do was to tie them together.
Microgaming was a pioneer in this area. The company was founded in the Isle of Man in 1994 and was involved in software development. Microgaming was the first team that decided to start developing applications for online games. Even though players were able to play online games, there was still one very important component missing before a full-fledged online casino was created.
They needed a well-developed security system to conduct financial transactions over the Internet. Such a system was developed by Cryptologic, which was founded in 1995 in Ireland. This company developed the latest mechanisms for the use of electronic money in online games. That Cryptologic was able to tie all the elements together and in 1996, to create the world"s first online casino called InterCasino.