Historical Overview of USA Online Casinos
1990s: The Dawn of Online Gambling
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1994: The **Free Trade & Processing Act** was enacted in Antigua and Barbuda, allowing the licensing of online casinos. 🏝️
Event Significance Establishment of Licensing Authority Set the stage for future online gambling operations worldwide. -
1996: The **first online casino**, InterCasino, began operations. 🎰
Event Significance Launch of InterCasino Marked the beginning of a new industry with real-money gaming online.
2000s: Regulation and Growth
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2006: The **Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA)** was passed. ⚖️
Event Significance Enactment of UIGEA Restricted online gambling in the USA, leading to many sites exiting the market. -
2008: The **first regulated online poker site** launched in the USA. ♠️
Event Significance Launch of Regulated Poker Broke ground for future state-regulated online gambling.
2010s: Legalization and Expansion
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2013: **New Jersey** became the first state to legalize online casino gambling in the USA. 🗽
Event Significance New Jersey Legalization Led the way for other states to consider similar legislation. -
2018: The **U.S. Supreme Court** struck down PASPA, allowing states to legalize sports betting. ⚽
Event Significance PASPA Repeal Opened the floodgates for states to regulate sports betting and expand online gambling.
2020s: The Era of Online Casino Dominance
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2021: **Michigan** launched its regulated online casino market. 🌟
Event Significance Michigan Online Launch Significant growth in the number of legal online casinos in the USA. -
2022: **Pennsylvania** continues to expand its online gambling options, bringing sports betting and online slots to broader audiences. 🎲
Event Significance Pennsylvania Gambling Expansion Solidified the state’s status as a leader in online gambling options.