The Rise of Online Casino
In 1983, the internet was in its early stages of development and far from the vast, accessible network we know today. In fact, the first web browser wouldn’t appear until 8 years later. However, those of us who loved cards would play using what we called a “unix box” which allowed multiple users to log in and run programs simultaneously. Unix machines could connect to networks, share resources, and even play multiplayer games. Games on these systems were often text-based or utilized simple graphics rendered in terminals. Who remembers playing bridge on OK Bridge during those early days*?
In 1983 I was participating in a bridge tournament in Alberta, Canada and my partner, Gord Sharp, and I were talking about the new ‘internet’ and I remember him saying, “You know, the way to make money on the internet will be to set up an online casino.” And wasn’t he right?!?
There was a time when people had to go to their local casino or gaming hall, or travel to an organized poker tournament to find casino action. The classic games such as slots, roulette, blackjack, and poker would be housed in these four walls of cacophonous noise and excitement.
Over the past 40 years, times have changed significantly and while you can still wander down to your local bridge club or seek out a brick-and-mortar casino to witness some live action, there is a new way to experience casino. The online world was biding its time, awaiting the moment when technological advances would allow it to welcome and host activities such as casino play. Today online casino is a standalone term and the casino’s venture into the online realm is rapidly gaining more and more interest.
A venture into the unknown
To trace the origin of the online casino, we need to journey back to the early 1990’s, but there is uncertainty surrounding the first online casino to officially open its virtual doors. Microgaming claim to have one of the earliest online casinos, if not the first with their platform named “The Gaming Club”. This was followed in 1998 by the first online poker room, launched by the website CardPlayer. Not only were there initial software issues to solve due to the increased amount of online activity for the server to handle, but new regulations had to be drawn up to provide boundaries and legislation for such online games that involved betting real money.
And so, the first legislation on online gambling was written. The passing of the Free Trade and Processing Act in Antigua and Barbuda, which granted licenses to companies interested in providing online gambling services lead to the launch of that first online casino in 1994. This legal framework allowed the establishment of many of the early online casinos.
Since they were published, individual governments or gambling authorities responsible have tweaked and altered the guidelines as they see fit but ultimately, the foundations were laid for online casino to start making more movements into the online space.
Online Casino today
The online casino industry today is experiencing substantial growth, with projections indicating significant future expansion. As of recent reports, the global online gambling market size is valued at approximately $93.26 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $153.21 billion by 2029, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.44% during this period (mordorintelligence). This growth is supported by advancements in technology, increased accessibility through mobile devices, and regulatory changes that have expanded legal online gambling options across various regions.
In the United States alone, the online gambling industry, including casinos and sports betting, generated significant revenue, with online casinos bringing in around $5.02 billion in 2022. This represents a substantial part of the broader gambling revenue which totaled $53.04 billion in the same year.
Continued growth
The future also looks incredibly positive for online casino. With more countries, or states in the case of America, beginning to recognise the potential of the online casino industry, an increasing number of virtual casino doors are being opened. This makes for staggering projects into the near future. By 2029, the projected market volume is expected to be an eye-watering $136.30 billion equating to an annual growth rate of 6.20%.
Several factors have fueled the unprecedented growth of online casinos:
- Legalization and Regulation: Many countries have started to legalize and regulate online gambling, which has helped establish a safe and structured environment for gamblers and operators alike.
- Technological Innovation: Innovations like live dealer games and virtual reality casinos have enhanced the user experience, and continue to make online gambling more appealing and more engaging. In the early days, the graphics were simple, the sounds were often tinny, certainly nothing to what we see nowadays on casino games at Cloudbet for example. The rapid evolution of the internet and continued advances in software also allows game developers like Microgaming, NetEnt and Playtech to provide players with more realistic, atmospheric casino action with characters, animations and sounds that continue to enhance the overall experience.
- Convenience: One of the more obvious reasons fort the growth and popularity of online casinos is convenience. Online casinos operate 24/7 and are accessible without the need to travel. This convenience attracts users who may not have easy access to traditional casinos. Online casinos are accessible! And today, you don’t need an expensive computer. You can play on any tablet and any cellphone.
- Variety: Of course classic games such as poker, blackjack, roulette and slots remain popular but online casinos offer a huge variety of games to play. On top of that, there’s Social Casinos, Live Casios, there’s Sports Betting, and so much more. Anyone who loves to play games will find something that appeals to them.
- Promotions and Bonuses: Online casinos often offer attractive bonuses and promotions to draw in new players and keep existing ones engaged.
- Economic Factors: The online casino market has proven to be robust, even in economic downturns. It offers lower operational costs compared to land-based casinos and can operate at a larger scale and lower cost, which is attractive to business operators.
- COVID-19 Impact: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the rise of online casinos as lockdowns and social distancing measures made traditional gambling venues less accessible. The pandemic resulted in a tsunami of innovation in the online gaming sphere, not just for casinos, but for other mindgames as well including online bridge!
What’s next…
As far as online casino is concerned, the only way is up. With the activity gaining more and more popularity and interesting new markets, there is plenty of potential for online casino to grow and with individuals spending more time online, these virtual platforms could well replace real life casino action.
One interesting prediction for the future of online casinos is the integration of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies to create more immersive gambling experiences. These technologies have the potential to revolutionize the way users interact with online casinos by creating a virtual casino environment that players can step into from the comfort of their own homes. for instance, this could lead to:
- Virtual Reality Casinos: Imagine donning a VR headset and entering a fully interactive casino that replicates the sights and sounds of Las Vegas or Macau. Players could walk around, choose slot machines, sit at card tables, interact with dealers and other players, and experience the thrill of a live casino atmosphere without needing to travel.
- Augmented Reality Features: With AR, players might see their physical environment overlaid with digital game elements. For example, a player could use their mobile device to make their coffee table become a blackjack or poker table. They could interact with this interface as if they were sitting at a real gaming table.
- Social Interaction Enhancements: Both VR and AR technologies could enhance social interactions within online casinos, allowing players to see and communicate with each other as if they were face-to-face. This social component can be significant, as it emulates one of the most appealing aspects of physical casinos.
- Accessibility and Customization: These technologies could also help casinos offer more personalized gaming experiences. Players could customize their virtual surroundings, choose their preferred dealers, or even select themed environments to play in, enhancing user engagement and satisfaction.
- Regulatory Adaptation: As these technologies develop, regulatory bodies will likely adapt to create new guidelines that ensure fair play and prevent problems such as gambling addiction, ensuring a safe environment for users.
As VR and AR technologies continue to advance and become more affordable, their integration into online gambling could attract a broader audience and redefine the online casino experience.
So Gord Sharp was right in his prediction, 41 years ago! The world of Online Casino is growing and developing and its future looks bright! Right now the team on Great Bridge Links is reviewing and updating all our articles about Online Casino – be sure to check out our Casino Library.
*Editor’s note: OKBridge started up in 1989.