How iGaming was born: from the first online casinos to the mobile revolution

It may seem normal today, but let’s go back in time. Thirty years ago, playing at a online casino Belgium like Loco Casino via a smartphone or a computer was impossible.

The only way to enjoy roulette was to visit a physical casino. Three decades later, online gaming has become so essential that it’s hard to imagine how we ever lived without it.

But how did iGaming begin? The term refers to all online gambling activities available via the Internet: sports betting, online casinos, table games, lotteries, and other forms of interactive gaming.

The first steps in the 1990s

This rapidly growing sector has completely transformed how players around the world access their favorite entertainment. Take dice slots, for example—online slot machines that illustrate this digital revolution perfectly.

But where did it all begin? The roots of iGaming go back to the mid-1990s, when the Internet started to reach the general public—still far from today’s innovations such as live casino gaming.

The key year was 1994, with two major events. The Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda established the world’s first regulated online gambling jurisdiction by adopting the Free Trade and Processing Act, which allowed companies to apply for legal online gaming licenses. These were the first steps toward responsible gaming.

At the same time, the company Microgaming, founded that same year, developed the first fully functional online casino software, laying the technical foundation of the industry—long before providers such as Pragmatic Play, Air Dice, or Gaming1 appeared.

Belgium: from latecomer to pioneer

And what about Belgium? While the Anglo-Saxons were leading Europe, it wasn’t until 1999 that Belgium passed its first gambling law. The Belgian Gaming Commission (CJH), which we’ve already covered on our blog, was established that same year.

This regulatory body grants licenses to operators and monitors their activities. To operate legally in Belgium, an online casino must be linked to a land-based license (casino, gaming hall, or physical bookmaker). This approach restricts access to established operators and ensures you can play safe and fair dice games.

Today, Belgium is recognized as a model of balanced iGaming regulation, combining player protection, the fight against illegal sites, and addiction prevention. The country also enforces strict rules on advertising and deposit limits — another good reason to sign up at Loco Casino, in just two clicks via itsme.

Intercasino: the first ever

Back to 1994. The Canadian company CryptoLogic, specializing in online security, created a secure payment solution essential for virtual casinos — both for deposits and withdrawals when jackpots are won.

In 1996, the very first official online casino was launched: InterCasino. It marked a turning point by allowing players to wager real money on games like baccarat or blackjack from home.

As Internet connections improved and e-commerce expanded, iGaming grew exponentially. During the early 2000s, online poker sites and sports betting platforms emerged.

Software became more advanced, with better graphics and user interfaces, leading to innovative formats like Video Poker.

The era of mobile and live gaming

With the arrival of smartphones in 2007, iGaming entered a new phase — mobile gaming. Platforms adapted to let players enjoy their favorite titles anywhere.

Another major milestone was the rise of Live Casino games such as BAC Bo by Evolution, where real dealers are filmed in real time, recreating the immersive feel of a land-based casino. This innovation boosted both player engagement and trust.

Today, iGaming represents a global market worth tens of billions of dollars, growing at double-digit rates. Emerging technologies like Virtual Reality, Artificial Intelligence, and Blockchain continue to shape the industry — and you can always follow these innovations first on Loco Casino.