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 First Official Casino: The Ridotto in Venice
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. This establishment was aimed at the nobility and helped bring order to the widespread practice of carnival-time betting.
The Rise of European Spa Towns and Monte Carlo
The 19th century saw the spread of elegant casinos to resort towns throughout Europe. But none became more legendary than the Monte Carlo Casino. The casino was an economic project that quickly became a symbol of luxury, glamour, and high-stakes gambling for the world's elite.
How Vegas Became the Casino Capital
Gambling followed the expansion westward in the U.S., casino becoming a staple of saloons in frontier towns. However, a nationwide moral crusade led to its prohibition in the early 20th century. Everything changed in 1931 when the state of Nevada legalized gambling to combat the Great Depression. This decision paved the way for the development of Las Vegas, which transformed from a small desert town into the undisputed entertainment and casino capital of the world.
The Digital Revolution: The Online Casino Era
The latest and perhaps most significant evolution in casino history came with the advent of the internet in the 1990s. 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 mobile devices.