The history of online casinos is a fascinating journey that parallels the development of the internet itself. Here’s an overview of the key milestones:

1. 1994: The Beginnings
   The first online casino software was developed by Microgaming, a company based in the Isle of Man. They launched the first fully functional online casino, the Gaming Club, offering a variety of classic casino games like blackjack and roulette.
2. 1995: Cryptologic Enters the Scene
   Cryptologic, another software provider, developed secure online transactions to ensure the safety of online financial transactions. This was a significant development in establishing trust in online gambling.
3. 1996: The Kahnawake Gaming Commission
   The Kahnawake Gaming Commission was established in Canada, becoming one of the first regulatory bodies to oversee online gambling. This was crucial in providing legitimacy to the industry and ensuring fair play.
4. Late 1990s: Popularity Surge
   Throughout the late 1990s, online casinos began to gain popularity rapidly as more people gained access to the internet. The convenience of being able to gamble from home attracted many players.
5. 2000s: Expansion and Innovation
   The 2000s saw a significant expansion of the online casino industry. More software providers entered the market, offering a wider variety of games and improved graphics and gameplay. Additionally, advancements in technology led to the development of mobile casinos, allowing players to gamble on their smartphones and tablets.
6. Regulatory Challenges
   While online casinos continued to grow in popularity, they also faced regulatory challenges in many jurisdictions. Some countries banned online gambling altogether, while others imposed strict regulations and licensing requirements.
7. Live Dealer Casinos
   In the mid-2000s, live dealer casinos emerged, offering players the opportunity to play casino games with real dealers via live video streams. This added a new level of realism and interactivity to online gambling.
8. Modern Era
   Today, online casinos continue to evolve, with advancements in technology driving innovation in game development, security, and payment methods. Many countries have established regulatory frameworks to govern online gambling, providing players with a safer and more secure gaming environment.

Overall, the history of online casinos reflects the broader evolution of the internet and technology, with advancements in software, regulation, and player experience shaping the industry over the years.