History of Land Based and Online Casinos

January 23, 2010 / admin /

While no one can know the exact origin of wagering as a pastime, the first instances were recorded in China a full 43 centuries ago. Archaeologists and historians agree that some form of gambling has been practiced in nearly every culture around the world throughout history, but it would not be until 1683 that the first casino, as we know them today, was established in Venice, Italy. The Casinò di Venezia which is still in operation today was the very first casino ever and serves as both a Mecca and a landmark for gaming fans across the world. The word casino itself is based on an Italian word meaning “little house” and originates from the nickname of such buildings that were part of a villa and used as places to play or listen to music, dance, socialize and of course, wager money in games of chance. It was a gradual evolution, but eventually these so-called little houses began to shift their focus more exclusively towards the games offered and their patrons showed their approval by makings casinos a regular part of their entertainment budgets.

A more modern version of the casino first arose in 1861 in the now-world famous location of Monaco. This was a major destination for both Europeans and those in the UK who were not then allowed to wager on games. The United States has had a shifting relationship with gaming which first took place in the form of poker and blackjack games held in saloons during the era now known as the Wild West. By 1931, the US state of Nevada would legalize gambling and Las Vegas sprang up out of the desert to dazzle the world with perhaps one of the most famous destinations for those looking to experience the thrills and delights of what is now considered to be the modern land based casino experience. It is in these gaming establishments that card games, roulette wheels and tables of craps and baccarat came to be iconic images, but it wouldn’t be long until slot machines showed up and revolutionized gaming forever.

Since most casinos were restricted to various geographical zones due to legal and political constraints, it is only natural that the online casino would emerge once the internet became popular with a sizable portion of the world’s population. By the late 1990’s, these online establishments had perfected their craft and regularly drew in customers by the millions to play games ranging from poker to slots to roulette or even baccarat. This most recent casino industry grew at a rapid pace until today when there are thousands of online casinos to choose from, each one offering a mix of classic and technologically advanced games that players can enjoy from anywhere they have internet access.

As rich and storied as the history of both land based and online casinos is, the future looks equally bright for this much loved form of entertainment. Of course, as all players know, just as the attractions are bound to get bolder, brighter and more glamorous, the stakes are bound to be pushed higher.