Online casino gaming has been around since the turn of the century. During the 20th century’s last days, in the late 1990s, several online casinos made an appearance, gathering large followings worldwide. People enjoyed the notion of playing casino games online and not having to visit a land-based casino.
An American context
In America, online gambling was complicated by federal laws that made it technically illegal. It took many years to overturn these laws and allow US states to enact legislation for online casino games. Indeed, this new online casino industry is only about a decade old. It is far more sophisticated than its earlier counterparts due to cutting-edge technology and an increased appetite for online gambling among American citizens. Thus far, only a few states have legalized online casinos, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Delaware, and Michigan. Others, including New York and Louisiana, are lining up to follow suit.
Back to the beginning
Gambling dates back to Biblical times, and several theories explain why people gamble or take risks in trading. For some, it is the adrenaline rush of winning. However, scientists have done sufficient research to determine that a neurotransmitter called dopamine, not adrenaline, gives a gambling winner a high that they seek to repeat. For others, it is a harmless pastime and a way to engage in somewhat risky behavior without negative consequences.
The history of the world’s first online casinos is conflicting, with many companies claiming that they launched their operations before any others. It is challenging to pinpoint who is telling the truth. It is also imperative to distinguish between online casino operators that offered real money gambling with integrated payment systems vs. those that offered social casino games where no money changed hands.
It seems that the first online casino games centered around poker, with players enjoying this age-old card game playing against an algorithmic virtual dealer. Today, they can choose between slot and table games, including blackjack, poker, roulette, and craps, among others.
Sports betting
For many years, sports betting in the US was relegated to seedy, smoky backrooms as it was not legal. Sportsbook operators got the green light to operate legally once the Wire Fraud Act was repealed. Today, online sports betting is one of America’s fastest-growing industries, with millions of bets placed each year. Bettors find it a convenient option for wagering on their favorite teams and attempting to cash in on a significant win.