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 word "casino" itself is of Italian origin, meaning "little house." The Ridotto in Venice is widely considered the world's first government-approved casino, casino created to provide a controlled environment for gambling. Its purpose was to regulate the city's rampant gambling, though its high stakes meant only the wealthy could afford to play.
From Italy to France and Monaco
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, casino it was designed to save Monaco's ruling family from bankruptcy.
Gambling in the New World
During America's westward expansion, gambling was a common pastime in the rough-and-tumble saloons of the era. However, a nationwide moral crusade led to its prohibition in the early 20th century. The turning point came in 1931 when Nevada, casino seeking revenue during the economic crisis, re-legalized casino gambling. This decision paved the way for casino, goldfish.it, the development of Las Vegas, which transformed from a small desert town into the undisputed entertainment and casino capital of the world.
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. These early platforms were basic but proved the concept of virtual gambling. From its humble beginnings, the online casino sector has grown into a major economic force, completely changing how people gamble.