Although gambling has a long history that dates back to games of chance played centuries ago, online gambling has only been around a fraction of that time. The internet and the constant advancements of technology are responsible for introducing online casinos. In this article, we will look at the beginning of Internet gambling and trace the many improvements that have happened since, making online casinos an attractive alternative to brick-and-mortar establishments.
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In The Beginning…
The year 1994 saw the introduction of the Free Trade and Processing Act (FTPA). The FTPA was born in the twin states of Antigua and Barbuda where physical casinos were extremely popular attractions. The federal governments of both states saw an opportunity to expand the reach of their local casinos by taking them to a global level via the Internet. The passage of the FTPA created the legal jurisdiction necessary to grant licenses to gambling entities wishing to operate online casinos. What made this even more attractive to online casino operators was that the licensing process had light regulations and even lighter enforcement methods.
The First Online Casino
Microgaming, a well-known online gaming company, was established in 1994. They became one of the first online casino operators along with Cryptologic. Microgaming entered the online casino world with the launch of The Gaming Club. Cryptologic added their InterCasino. Both offered online versions of popular land-based casino games which included blackjack, craps, roulette, and video poker. Two years later, InterCasino provided players with an integrated payment mechanism that was responsible for a sudden boom in the industry.
Massive Growth Follows
At the end of 1996, 15 online casinos were operating online. By the end of the following year, there were well over 200 online casinos. Online gaming growth saw more software companies entering the arena. In 1999, Playtec PLC emerged and added intricate details to its products, elevating the quality and user experience by creating a more realistic gaming environment. At the end of 1998, over 700 online casinos were operating. They generated annual revenues of between $835 million and $1 billion.
How Technology Influences Online Gambling
Technology is responsible for the advancement and improvement of online casino platforms. New software companies introduce innovative elements to existing games making them run smoother, look better, and offer a superior user experience. Initially, these platforms were not much more than websites with basic games with limited options. They were not nearly as personal or customized as the same games found in a land-based casino setting. However, the online casino platforms gave more people access to online gaming instead of live, in-person gambling, and that was where the focus went.
As technology moved forward, so did the online casino experience. Today, players can be fully immersed in the casino experience at an online platform that now mimics what would be available at a brick-and-mortar location. Flashy graphics, quality sound effects, and themed games with intricate storylines and features that unlock bonus rounds attract gamblers and keep them coming back to experience the difference of gambling online.
Live Dealer Games Change The Landscape
Probably the biggest innovation to online gambling came from live dealer games. A live dealer online casino fills the gap between land-based and virtual casinos by offering players an opportunity to interact directly with real human dealers through video streaming technology. This completely changed the online gambling industry by providing an authentic casino experience to players who can participate from anywhere they have an internet connection. Wagers can be made in real-time, and live dealer games have also enhanced social connectivity.
Other Technological Advancements
While live dealer games have changed the way players interact with online casinos, further technological advancements are pushing the experience even further. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) platforms are transforming online casinos into fully immersive experiences. VR technology permits players to “walk into” a virtual casino and interact with typical casino elements that appear as 3D representatives of the real thing. AR technology overlays virtual elements onto real-world environments enhancing the overall experience.
Mobile Technology Advances
Up to this point, online casino platforms have been restricted to just desktop computers. In recent years, smartphone technology has moved fast. The average smartphone now has the power and capabilities to run high-quality graphics. This opened the door to online casinos moving towards mobile technology providing even more access to players. Online casino players can now enjoy the casino experience on the go.
Native Mobile Apps
Online casino platforms continue to evolve, and rather than visiting a random site online, players have the option of downloading a native casino app that provides instant and ongoing mobile access to either a single specific site or several online casinos operated by the same company. The idea behind native mobile apps is that players who frequent certain sites can do so easily and play whenever they choose just by using the casino app available from that specific online gambling site. One example is Luckyland Slots. You can access their native mobile app at Luckyland Slots App Download APK. These native mobile apps are designed for use with any handheld device and are typically free to download.
Final Thoughts
In reality, online casino platforms have only been with us for over 30 years. In that time, technology moved quickly enough to permit online casinos to transform from just websites with slow, clunky, basic casino games to fast-moving, high-quality graphic displays of classic and new, improved casino games where live dealers participate and the reality is either virtual or augmented making the overall casino experience fully immersive. As technology continues to advance, it is hard to predict where online casino platforms will be in the future. However, it is safe to say that although the future of land-based casinos is a crap shoot, online gambling is here to stay, regardless of what form it takes in the coming years.
