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A Brief History of the Casino

The Dawn of Organized Betting

While the modern casino is a relatively recent invention, the act of gambling is as old as civilization itself. Dice have been found in archaeological digs dating back to 3000 B.C., and tales of betting are common in Greek and Roman history.

The Birthplace of the Casino

The word ”casino” itself is of Italian origin, meaning ”little house.” The first known state-sanctioned public gambling house was the Ridotto, casino established in Venice, Italy, in 1638. Its purpose was to regulate the city’s rampant gambling, casino though its high stakes meant only the wealthy could afford to play.

The Rise of European Spa Towns and Monte Carlo

Throughout the 1800s, grand casinos emerged in European spa destinations, attracting the rich and casino famous. But none became more legendary than the Monte Carlo Casino. Opened in 1863, it was designed to save Monaco’s ruling family from bankruptcy.

Gambling in the New World

Gambling followed the expansion westward in the U.S., becoming a staple of saloons in frontier towns. By the early 1900s, anti-gambling movements had succeeded in making it illegal in most states. The turning point came in 1931 when Nevada, seeking revenue during the economic crisis, re-legalized casino gambling. From this single legislative act, Las Vegas began its journey to becoming the world-famous ”Sin City.”

Gambling Enters the Information Age

The internet’s arrival in the 1990s marked the beginning of the most profound transformation for the casino industry. The first online casinos emerged in the mid-90s, offering a small selection of games to a niche audience. From its humble beginnings, the online casino sector has grown into a major economic force, casino completely changing how people gamble.