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 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." In 1638, the government of Venice opened the Ridotto to control and supervise gambling during the carnival season. 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
In the 19th century, casinos became popular fixtures in spa towns across Europe, casino like Baden-Baden in Germany. However, the most famous of all is the Monte Carlo Casino in Monaco. Opened in 1863, it was designed to save Monaco's ruling family from bankruptcy.
How Vegas Became the Casino Capital
In the United States, gambling was prevalent in saloons across the "Wild West" during the 19th century. However, a nationwide moral crusade led to its prohibition in the early 20th century. The turning point came in 1931 when Nevada, seeking revenue during the economic crisis, re-legalized casino gambling. From this single legislative act, casino 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. From its humble beginnings, the online casino sector casino has grown into a major economic force, completely changing how people gamble.