The Free Trade & Processing Act (1994)
The Free Trade & Processing Act (1994) was a landmark piece of legislation passed by the Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda, recognized as the world's first law to grant licenses for companies operating online casinos. This act is a pivotal moment in the history of igaming, establishing the legal precedent for the industry's future development.
Origins of Online Gaming
Before the passage of this act, online gambling was largely a theoretical concept. The 1994 Free Trade & Processing Act provided the essential legal framework necessary for the practical establishment of internet-based casinos, effectively kickstarting the online casino origins.
Key Pillars of Early iGaming Development
- Legitimacy: The Act provided government backing, lending credibility and a legal foundation to early online gambling operations.
- Infrastructure: It enabled servers to be hosted in Antigua and Barbuda, offering a tax-friendly and regulated environment for businesses seeking an Antigua gambling license.
- First Movers: This legislative foundation paved the way for pioneering software companies like Microgaming and CryptoLogic to launch their initial online casino platforms shortly after its enactment.
This foundational legislation transformed a speculative concept into a tangible industry, laying down the essential legal groundwork that shaped the early days of online gambling and influenced regulatory approaches globally.
Related Terms
- Turnover (Handle)
The total amount of money wagered by a player or group of players over a specific period, regardless of wins or losses.
- Aggregator
A B2B software provider that acts as a hub, delivering thousands of games from various studios via a single API.
- GGR (Gross Gaming Revenue)
The key financial metric for operators, calculated as Total Bets minus Total Payouts.
- Geo-Location
Technology used to verify a player's physical location to ensure they are playing from a permitted jurisdiction.
- Crypto Casinos
The emergence of Bitcoin-only casinos in the early 2010s that introduced "Provably Fair" gaming and instant withdrawals.
- UIGEA (2006)
The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, a controversial US law that crippled the early online poker market.