Online Gambling - Then and Now

Gambling lovers were introduced to online gambling in the late 1990’s when the Caribbean government legalized it. Thus, with its legalization, online gambling and casino started to develop further at a much rapid pace.

Online gambling and casino is still regarded as illegal in several countries of the world and mainly in the United States. Foreign based off-shore gambling and casino industries operate their business with full freedom. This is due to the fact that the government has got no right and power to step in the business activities of other countries.

The World Trade Organization (WTO) of the United Nations on November 10, 2004 ruled in preference of the government of Antigua. The allegation was that the government of Caribbean was involved in exportation of gambling business to US. The WTO said that the government of US worked against General Agreement in Trade and Services (GATS).

The first ever online casino began operational in the year of 1994. It was empowered by the Free Trade Processing Zone Act which allowed the running of casinos from Barbuda and Antigua. The first online casino and gambling house was from CryptoLogic. CryptoLogic started making software for online casino and gambling. CryptoLogic also first introduced the method of cash deposit facility for online gambling, which was duly given impetus by the players from the US. Few other companies then contributed towards the development of gaming software like Starnet Communication and Microgaming.

Amongst other countries that accepted online gambling, Canada was also one of them. Canada started regulating online gaming by creating a body known as the Kanhawake Gaming Commission – its role was to look after everything related to online gambling including that the entire process was carried out in a secure and fair method.

Today with thousands of games effortlessly available online, the online gambling and casino has expanded tremendously. Along with ever expanding and easily accessible internet facilities available in each and every home, an individual can now indulge in his or her favorite pastime in online gaming right from the comforts of their home.

Written for Online Keno by Joy