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., casino and tales of betting are common in Greek and Roman history.

The First Official Casino: The Ridotto in Venice

The word “casino” itself is of Italian origin, meaning “little house.” The Ridotto in Venice is widely considered the world’s first government-approved casino, casino created to provide a controlled environment for gambling. It was initially restricted to the aristocracy and served to formalize what had previously been a chaotic and unregulated activity.

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. Its creation was a strategic move to solve the financial troubles of the House of Grimaldi.

How Vegas Became the Casino Capital

In the United States, casino gambling was prevalent in saloons across the “Wild West” during the 19th century. By the early 1900s, anti-gambling movements had succeeded in making it illegal in most states. Everything changed in 1931 when the state of Nevada legalized gambling to combat the Great Depression. 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. These early platforms were basic but proved the concept of virtual gambling. Now, online and casino mobile casinos form a massive global industry, making gaming more accessible than ever before.