The invention of online casino has revolutionised gaming in countless ways. The online platforms we know today have combined classic games with cutting-edge technology, providing fresh gameplay and experiences for players.
From simple beginnings, the online casino landscape has evolved significantly. In this article, we’ll explore exactly how this evolution took place. Read on to find out more.
Classic games
To understand the invention of the online casino, it’s important to know the rich history of casino games as a whole. The fact is, classic games like Poker, Blackjack, and Roulette have roots tracing back centuries.
The first casino is widely known to be Il Ridotto – which is Italian for “Private Room” – which opened its doors in Venice, Italy, in 1638.
Since then, casinos have been moving around and evolving, including the famous casinos in Las Vegas – like the Golden Gate Hotel & Casino, which opened in 1906 on 1 Fremont Street.
The invention of the internet
Whilst land-based casinos were popular, the creation of the internet in the late 20th century opened a gateway to limitless possibilities for gaming.
The first online casino emerged in 1994 when Antigua and Barbuda passed the Free Trade & Processing Act, which enabled businesses to acquire licenses to offer internet gambling. The software company Microgaming developed the first fully-functional online casino, paving the way for a new era of gaming.
Online casinos evolving
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, online casinos became even more sophisticated, incorporating enhanced graphics, improved security protocols, and an expanding variety of games.
For example, the introduction of things like online Poker tournaments, progressive jackpots, and more varieties of slot games attracted a growing number of online players. And what’s more, accessing online casinos was simple – all you need is a reliable internet connection and you can access your chosen provider’s platform.
Mobile technology then improved this further, enabling players to access games on smartphone and tablet devices. By the 2010s, online casinos had integrated advanced algorithms and personalised gaming experiences, further enhancing their popularity.
Modern features and games
If you look at online casino platforms today, you’ll see how they’ve come a very long way from the history we’ve just explored. There are so many great features and games that modern online casinos offer.
For instance, this includes one of the most notable advancements in online casinos – the introduction of live dealer games.
These games combine real-time video streaming with digital interfaces, allowing players to have a similar experience to land-based casinos, but through their online platform.
Players can engage with professional dealers in real-time interactions, should they have any questions, for example.
We also now have the emergence of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR), which have taken online casinos to new heights. VR casinos, for instance, allow players to explore virtual casino floors, interact with others, and play games in 3D environments.
As you can see, online casinos have come a long way, evolving with the times and taking advantage of technological shifts. Also, with new features and technology being incorporated, they continue to shape the future of entertainment, and will likely do so for years to come.