The Dawn of Organized Betting
While the modern casino is a relatively recent invention, the act of gambling is as old as civilization itself. Evidence of gambling, such as ancient dice, exists from thousands of years ago, with many classical texts referencing wagers and games of chance.
The First Official Casino: The Ridotto in Venice
The term "casino" derives from Italian and originally referred to a small country villa or summerhouse. The first known state-sanctioned public gambling house was the Ridotto, casino established in Venice, Italy, in 1638. It was initially restricted to the aristocracy and served to formalize what had previously been a chaotic and casino (goldfish.it) unregulated activity.
The Golden Age in Europe
The 19th century saw the spread of elegant casinos to resort towns throughout Europe. The pinnacle of this era was the establishment of the iconic Monte Carlo Casino. Opened in 1863, it was designed to save Monaco's ruling family from bankruptcy.
The American Frontier and the Las Vegas Boom
Gambling followed the expansion westward in the U.S., becoming a staple of saloons in frontier towns. By the early 1900s, anti-gambling movements had succeeded in making it illegal in most states. 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."
The Latest Chapter in Casino History
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 has grown into a major economic force, completely changing how people gamble.