An Introduction to Online Betting
The arrival on the internet sparked a revolution in remote betting that spread all over the world. When Warren B. Eugene launched the first gaming site (Caribbean Casino) back in 1994, few could have predicted the speed with which online gaming would grow. In 1996, the Antigua-based Intertops Casino and Sportsbook was launched, and bettors were able to bet on sports events via the internet for the very first time.
Today, the number of online gaming portals runs into the thousands with a staggering range of gambling options available. Punters can bet on horse racing and sports, and play a wide range of games including poker, bingo, casino games, slot machines and table games. Online betting has delivered a world of gambling options directly into the homes of residents in over 100 countries worldwide.
Specialist software developers such as Microgaming, Boss Media and Playtech have helped to drive this expansion by providing gambling platforms for hundreds of companies worldwide. Websites powered by such software have paid out hundreds of millions of pounds to players around the globe. Online transactions were pioneered by Cryptologic, while the rights of international gamblers were championed by Realtime Gaming.
The advantages of internet betting are obvious from both sides. Players have more freedom and flexibility to place bets from anywhere that has an internet connection, while online betting companies can reach a worldwide audience without the costs associated with physical venues. In addition, national governments and local jurisdictions can generate revenue by issuing operating licenses in their area of governance. It is not just the jackpot winner who benefit from online betting.
The sports betting industry has been boosted dramatically by the emergence of online betting. Placing a bet on any sport including football, NFL, rugby, baseball, cricket, basketball, golf, horse racing, tennis and motor sports can be done with just a couple of clicks of a keystrokes on a computer or mobile device. All the major betting companies have got in on the action on now provide online sportsbooks for customers all over the world. Further innovations such as in-play betting have been born as a direct result of the internet betting revolution.
Other games have also betting including casino, slot and table games. The online versions of these games easily emulate and sometimes surpass their traditional counterparts in terms of the visual and audio experience that is offered. They also compete when it comes to pay-out, with jackpots of over £1m often available. With betting stakes starting at just 1p, online casino games such as roulette, blackjack, and baccarat are available to anyone of suitable age with an internet connection.
The same is true of bingo, where virtual communities make it possible for people to play together in the comfort of their own homes. The integration of social networking has taken this community-style of gaming to an even higher level. Players can chat and joke with friends or strangers while enjoying a game of bingo knowing that huge jackpots are available.
This type of interaction has also benefited the online poker world, where home-based players can test their skill against players from all over the world with massive prizes often up for grabs. Many of the top online players have gone on to become millionaires and compete at major live events. Online gaming provides a genuine 24/7, 365 day-a-year wagering experience to gambling enthusiasts and casual gamblers all over the world. Of course, all of these platforms are keen to emphasise the importance of gambling responsibly and having fun without putting you financial welfare in jeopardy.
