📅 Early Development (1990s)
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1994: The Government of Antigua and Barbuda passes the Free Trade & Processing Act, allowing online casinos to operate.
Event Details Legislation Passed Antigua and Barbuda became a pioneer in online gaming regulation. -
1996: The first online casino, InterCasino, is launched, marking a significant milestone.
Event Details Launch of InterCasino InterCasino offers players a variety of traditional casino games online.
📈 Growth and Expansion (2000s)
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2003: The Kahnawake Gaming Commission introduces licensing regulations for online casinos.
Event Details Kahnawake Licensing This ensured that licensed casinos met legal and operational standards. -
2004: The introduction of poker rooms boosts the popularity of online gambling.
Event Details Online Poker Boom PokerStars and Full Tilt Poker become major players in the online gaming market.
🔍 Legislation & Regulation (2010s)
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2010: The Canadian government clarifies its stance on online gambling, leading to provincial regulations.
Event Details Government Clarification Online gambling operations become more regulated, allowing provinces to manage their own systems. -
2016: The establishment of PlayNow.com in British Columbia, a milestone for provincial online casinos.
Event Details Launch of PlayNow.com It becomes the first regulated online gambling site in Canada, setting a standard for others.
🌐 Modern Era (2020s)
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2020: COVID-19 pandemic leads to a surge in online gambling as physical casinos close.
Event Details COVID-19 Impact Online activity skyrockets, causing a reevaluation of gaming regulations across Canada. -
2022: Several provinces begin to offer regulated sports betting, expanding online options.
Event Details Sports Betting Legalization Provinces like Ontario launch regulated sports betting markets.