The first internet gambling websites went live in the mid ‘90s. However, these were a long way away from the top platforms in operation today. Initially the best online gambling sites began operating out of Antigua and Barbuda because of the islands’ Free Trade and Processing Act. This bill gave the small Caribbean nation the right to grant licenses to those businesses interested in starting online casinos and, essentially, spawned a new industry.
Around the same time, one of the industry’s largest software providers, Microgaming, was first coming to prominence. In the history of online gambling, Microgaming has become known as one of the leading lights and a company that’s virtually revolutionized gambling online. In fact, even now, Microgaming is still considered to be one of the most trusted software providers to the internet gaming industry. Their software currently supports all types of online gaming sites from casinos to poker rooms and everything in between.
Another major development in the history of online gambling came after the Kahnawake Gaming Commission was formed in 1996. Owned and operated by a Mohawk Indian tribe based in Canada, the commission was established with the aim of issue gaming licenses
The formation of the Kahnawake Gaming Commission coincided with the appearance of the first online gambling sites, though which site came first is up for debate. Online gambling history is often littered with inaccuracies and, while some sources suggest InterCasino was the first virtual platform, others will state that Microgaming’s offering came first. GamingClub, built by Microgaming), beat them to the punch by opening in late 1995.
Following this initial birth, the online gambling industry saw huge growth. By the end of 1996 there were approximately 15 internet gambling sites in operation. Moreover, by the close of 1997 the industry had exploded and there were more than 200 online casinos, poker sites and sportsbooks available across the world with annual revenues approaching $1 billion.
The natural progression from virtual casino and poker sites was naturally to online sportsbooks. In 1996 InterTops became the first platform to offer a new way for fans to wager on their favorite teams. The initial success of InterTops was followed by rapid expansion and within two years some of the world’s top bookmakers, including William Hill and Ladbrokes, had opened their own online gambling sites.
Initially, these websites gave punters huge bonuses and cash back offers as an incentive to gamble online. As the market has matured these deals have gradually decreased. However, the modern online gambling climate is still very much a Mecca for bonuses if you know where to look (and fortunately we do.