The Ancient Roots of Gambling
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 casino (https://goldfish.it/) tales of betting are common in Greek and Roman history.
The Birthplace of the Casino
It's no surprise that the word casino comes from Italy, casino as this is where the first public gambling house was established. The first known state-sanctioned public gambling house was the Ridotto, established in Venice, Italy, in 1638. This establishment was aimed at the nobility and helped bring order to the widespread practice of carnival-time betting.
The Golden Age in Europe
The 19th century saw the spread of elegant casinos to resort towns throughout Europe. However, the most famous of all is the Monte Carlo Casino in Monaco. The casino was an economic project that quickly became a symbol of luxury, glamour, and high-stakes gambling for casino the world's elite.
How Vegas Became the Casino Capital
In the United States, gambling was prevalent in saloons across the "Wild West" during the 19th century. This was followed by a period of moral reform that saw gambling outlawed across the country. 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 most recent chapter began with the rise of the World Wide Web. The first online casinos emerged in the mid-90s, offering a small selection of games to a niche audience. Today, the online casino industry is a multi-billion dollar global market, bringing the casino experience to millions of players on their computers and casino mobile devices.