The concept of casinos has been around for centuries, along with many of the most popular casino games. But the advent of the internet saw the casino landscape shift drastically with the introduction of online play.
These days there are plenty of options if you’re looking for a casino online, but it took a while for the technology to get where it is now. Follow us as we take a look back at the development of the online casino, from its initial creation through to modern digital platforms of today.
The rise of online
The story starts in the 1990s, as the internet really started to take off in the public perception. Computers and the internet itself weren’t invented in the 90s, but this was the point where they gradually became more commonly known and used.
As more people began adapting to the use of the internet a wide variety of industries became aware of its potential. This is where the first idea of offering casino games online began to emerge, though it would take a few years for the technology to catch up.
It wasn’t until the mid to late 90s that the first online casino platforms went live. Microgaming – a software company only established in 1994 – was the first to develop a true online casino platform. Players could access digital games of Slots, Blackjack and Roulette – although the graphics were definitely more limited back then!
Ensuring security for online casino games
One of the major considerations for online casino sites was the need to provide secure transactions, keeping all key player data safe. This was something that held back the earliest attempts to create an online platform, even once developers managed to adapt casino games into the digital format.
Ultimately, software security firm Cryptologic developed an encryption technology that made secure online transactions possible. This technology was quickly adopted by potential online casinos, allowing more platforms to get off the ground with dozens launching before the end of the decade.
Expansion through the 2000s
Once the technological issues of the 1990s were overcome, the online casino industry quickly began to expand. Not only were there more providers, there were also an increasing number of online casino games for players to choose from.
As developers became more accustomed to their digital tools, they were able to create a wider array of games designed for the online format. In particular, an even greater variety of slot games emerged throughout the 2000s with new themes, graphics and game mechanics.
Improving broadband connectivity and computing power also helped to fuel the growth of online casinos, as the user experience generally improved. Gameplay became less choppy and lag decreased as the range of games available to players continued to grow.
Evolving technology continued to drive the online casino landscape forward, particularly with the introduction of mobile optimised websites and dedicated apps. In the span of just a few decades online casino games have come a long way, who knows where they could be in another few.
To read more, Click Here