First Online Casino
The first online casino software company was established by Microgaming™ in
1994. It was not until 1996 that the first online casino opened. Unlike the current
Viper version of Microgaming™ software, the first commercially used product
was very limited in its casino games. Taking a stroll down memory lane, an example
of the premium online casino games package that was available in 1997 from Microgaming™
is as follow:
| 1997 Microgaming™- Internet
Casino System Version IV - Casino Games | | Standard Blackjack | Single - Double 0 Roulette | | Jacks or Better Video Poker | Craps | | Baccarat | Caribbean Stud Poker | | 3 Line Slot Machine | 5 Line Slots Machine | | 1 Line Progressive Jackpot - Cash Splash |
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In the early days of the online casino industry many owners
wanted to remain anonymous. Even back then there were moves afoot to have these
establishments closed. As with any industry there were dodgy online casino operators.
There was also criminal groups who would target online casinos, with the plan to
extort money by threats of Dos attacks, server hacking and other various methods
of intimidation. Perusing some of the older (pre 2000) forum posts and industry
information, you'll certainly read some horror stories from online casino operators
back in the early days of online casinos.
From my research the earliest Microgaming™ online casino to open was the Gaming
Club in 1997, this company was located in South Africa. The Gaming Club is still
in operation today and is owned by Carmen Media located in Gibraltar. Now boasting
many online casinos which are operated under the Belle Rock Entertainment Group.
Online Casino Software
Apart from well know online casino software companies such as: Microgaming™,
Playtech, Real Time Gaming, StarNet, BossMedia, Chartwell Technology, WagerLogic,
World Gaming. There are also companies that choose to develop their own software
for their individual online casinos.
This casino software is known a proprietary software. Companies have been known
to invest vast amounts of money into these casino business ventures. Just acquiring
their own software can amount to many million's of dollars. Companies such as 888
Holdings plc, Gambling Federation, SlotLand and Global Player Casino are some of
the better known corporations of the late 90's that chose to take this path.
However, the world of online casinos has evolved, many of these proprietary software
casinos have re-invented themselves. Realising that players want more games, online slots that offer exciting bonus rounds. Ultimately
players are the online casinos bread and butter, so it makes sense that happy casino
player will continue play. Adding that moving over to well known casino software
brands also increases player benefits too.
Online Casinos That was Then
Reiterating, back in the early days of the casino industry some of the old timers;
myself included; I've been wagering online since 97, refer to the old online casino
days as the Wild West. In some ways is was a new frontier! Unlike today when payments
are received via web wallets in 24 hours or less, back then receiving a pay-out
in under a week was fantastic. The norm was close to 14 working days.
Apart from long payment waits the other major problem was that casino support staff
were not fluent in English, it seemed for most English was their second language.
Which in the case of explaining a player's casino issue or problem sometimes made
it a frustrating experience. Fortunately these days, all reputable online casinos
employ Customer Service Representatives who are fluent in English and other languages.
Benefits of Today's Online Casinos
The fundamental improvement is the casino payment processing. In fact, in the case
of the Fortune Lounge Group
they have their own dedicated, in house e-processor. This Department takes care
of their player winnings and issues direct payments.
The other noteable change is that the majority of casinos are now owned by Corporations,
who have large amounts of capital. This not only grants piece of mind to its players
by the assurance that all legitimate casino winnings will be honoured, but it also
maintains a high level of integrity and trustworthiness.
Adding that all reputable online casinos have established a 24/7 customer care center.
These provide not only the ability to speak to a Customer Service Rep any hour of
the day, many casinos also offer toll free numbers, a call back feature, live interactive
online chat and responsive email services.
In the case of Microgaming™ powered casinos, many of these also carry the
eCogra Seal. This icon grants
players the ability to quickly recognise that a casino has been approved by eCogra
as a reputable online casino and adhere to eCogra's operational protocols and business
and daily business management Charter.
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