A Brief History of the Casino
The Ancient Roots of Gambling
While the modern casino is a relatively recent invention, casino (goldfish.it) 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.
Italy's Contribution to Gambling History
The term "casino" derives from Italian and casino originally referred to a small country villa or summerhouse. In 1638, the government of Venice opened the Ridotto to control and supervise gambling during the carnival season. Its purpose was to regulate the city's rampant gambling, 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. 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., becoming a staple of saloons in frontier towns. This was followed by a period of moral reform that saw gambling outlawed across the country. 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."
The Latest Chapter in Casino History
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. From its humble beginnings, the online casino sector has grown into a major economic force, completely changing how people gamble.