The advent of the internet and technology has brought about numerous innovations in the history of the world. It has enabled people to access information and resources with ease, and one of the top fields that have benefited is the gambling industry.
Unlike a few decades ago, many people have access to smartphones and computers, which has made it easier for them to game online from any location.
And for the last decade, online gambling has been increasing in popularity exponentially worldwide. It’s one of the top growing industries and has millions of bettors.
In the US, gambling is legal in some states, while others have stringent laws regulating gambling on the local level. So, what are online casinos, and how did they start in the US?
What are Online Casinos?
Online casinos are websites that provide gambling games like slots, blackjack and poker. These games follow the same rules used in Las Vegas. They have similar if not better payout rates and can be played on both mobile and desktop devices.
The best online casino sites in the United States
Because there are multiple online casinos in the US, finding the best site for you can be a daunting task. However, you can get a guide on how to find the best USA online casino sites from slots.info. These sites have the following features:
- Fully Licensed– The best online casinos have secure locks in their URL address. You can quickly notice this on the Google search tab. The lock proves that Cloudflare verified the site, which means maximum protection of the online gamblers’ data.
- Real Money Gambling– The best US casino site should have a wide game selection from different game providers. Additionally, it should provide players a chance to play games free online.
- Secure Online Transactions– Besides having numerous payment methods, an online casino should protect the users’ payment information and offer fast processing of money.
- Easy to Withdraw Earnings– Since most casinos offer bonuses to users, it should also make it easier to withdraw earnings. The entire process should be hassle-free, and the minimum withdrawal should be reasonable.
- Reliable customer support– The online casinos should be available 24/7 to the gamblers. This means that the staff should reach out to gamblers via phone, live chat, and email.
History of Online Casinos
In the 20th century in the US, citizens were torn between legalizing and outlawing gambling. This attitude mainly resulted from the close association between gambling and the criminal world.
Many laws were passed to reduce this link, and in the 1970s, the gambling industry became vibrant, especially in Las Vegas. Currently, Las Vegas is one of the top cities with high gambling revenue in the country.
With the growth in the online gambling industry, online casinos also grew in popularity. The first gaming software was produced in 1994 by Microgaming though it was until 1996 before the first wager was actualized at Intercasino website, which offered 18 games.
Shortly after that, the Kahnawake Gaming Commission was formed, whose role was licensing and regulating the online casinos. This commission was run by a Mohawk Indian tribe stationed in Canada, and it was to offer gaming licenses.
This development was an important hallmark of this industry, and it coincided with the advent of online casino gambling sites. Two years after it was founded, the industry started to enjoy massive growth. Towards the end of 1996, there were over 15 gambling sites, and near the end of 1997, there over 200 online casino sites, sportsbooks, poker sites, and online casinos with net revenue of over $1 billion.
Banned in 2006
However, the growth of online casinos was halted in 2006 after the Enforcement of the Unlawful Gaming Enforcement (UGEA act was passed. UGEA made it illegal to deposit and withdraw funds from the gambling sites, which led to a lot of confusion in the industry.
Many gambling sites shut down while others started to exclude US players from their platforms. What was even more confusing about this act was that it didn’t make online gambling illegal, but it targeted these sites’ payment processing, which made it hard to conduct business. Many online casino providers withdrew from the US market, and many believed that it was the end of the road for online casinos.
Some sites, however, continued to persevere and allowed the US players in their platforms. These include PokerStars, Absolute Poker, and Full Tilt Poker. But the US government cracked down on some of them in 2011, and they were banned from operating in the country.
However, the industry has remained lucrative despite the challenges. The IGEA affected transactions but does not prohibit online gambling, and many new operators are allowing US players. Besides, the increase in online payment methods has enhanced deposit and withdrawal options, making everything hassle-free.
Regardless of the challenges in 2006, the US online casino industry has continued to progress tremendously. Players can now wager from their mobile phones, tablets, and desktops enjoying the added convenience. Legislators have also been formulating new bills to allow online casino gambling. This has succeeded in states such as New Jersey and Nevada, and these states now enjoy the revenue from online gambling.
Future of the Online Casino Industry in the US
Though there are attempts by the government to limit and block online gambling, players are hardy and will not give up soon. This is because many non-US based casino sites admit US players. Most Americans love venturing into legal sports gambling, which is good news to the country’s legislative arm.
But the legislation phase will take time, and we can’t expect overnight changes that will revolutionize the industry. Regardless, players will enjoy playing their favorite games in one of the online casinos below. Most of the top sites below support mobile gaming and provide incredible bonuses and other players’ rewards.
Bottom-line
The online casino industry has undergone many changes during the last century. Despite the government efforts to block American players and industry from succeeding, it has remained vibrant and will continue growing.
Besides, many bettors are thrilled by the prospect of betting and winning real money at their favorite casinos. And for some, it’s the passion that makes them enjoy playing these games. Regardless of your reasons, you will find amazing bonuses, games and make good wins in these best casinos. They are your best bet at exploring the ultimate Las Vegas experience.
