Overview
The history of sports betting dates back to the Roman era. Maybe earlier. Although there is no accurate record of its origin and progression before the 18th century, one thing is for sure. People love sports and betting goes well with sports. That can be seen in today’s digital world. Much like technology, sports betting has evolved to become a major industry that is getting more popular year after year. But it wasn’t always like that.
The Roman Era
Historians believe that the most spectacular sport during ancient Rome was chariot racing. It was extensively documented through depictions on rocks and statues, grand chariot circus that look like today’s horse racing fields. Chariot racing was celebrated throughout history. The Romans indulged in betting during the races even though it was illegal, a common practice that has withstood the test of time.
Horse Race Betting
There is little history to be told about betting between the Roman era and the 18th century. However, early in the 18th-century horse racing became popular in the United Kingdom. Much like chariot racing, horse racing was a sport for entertaining the royalties. The wealthy spectators were known to bet on their favorite horses and riders. As expected, betting was done behind closed doors. Shortly after the United Kingdom, other countries joined in. Betting grew in popularity so much that as the 19th century came around, fast-rising countries such as the United States and Canada legalized it.
The 21st Century
Fast forward to the 21st century, the first million dollars ever won online from betting was in 2002. It marked a major milestone and opened more possibilities. People found new ways to place bets on all their favorite sports. Today, the online gaming industry is worth over 56 billion dollars. The latest betting websites now offer real-time betting, thanks to mobile gaming. The best online sports betting website is Play Sugar House which offers online casino games and sports betting along with major rewards to new and experienced players. To appreciate this achievement, rewind let’s rewind to the 90s.
The Internet Boom
The 90s was a decade of numerous achievements for sports betting. Even though the first casino to open in the United States dates back to 1946, it wasn’t until 1994 that casinos took a major change in their mode of operations. The Free Trade & Processing Act of 1994 by the government of Antigua and Barbuda opened betting to a whole new world. It allowed casinos to operate on the internet. Two years later in 1996, the Kahnawake Gaming Commission was established for the sole purpose of granting gaming licenses to casinos all over the world. In less than a year, 200 online casinos sprang up. Today, there are thousands of online casinos around the world. The rest is history.
Summary
The possibilities for online sports betting are endless. In less just two decades, it has become the second-largest industry in the world. Players no longer need to walk into a casino or be at the race track to place bets. Players can virtually visit any casino in the world to play any game they want. Sports fans can bet on their favorite teams to get rewarded for their passion. With continuous improvements in technology, the history of online sports betting has only just begun.
