Gambling is as old as the existence of humanity. The statement may seem shocking to some, but the concept of betting has existed in different forms in ancient times. Today casinos have given a more concrete and commercial form to gambling activity. But are you curious to learn how the activity evolved, so much to be defined by a set of laws? Let us delve into the evolution of casinos and gambling.
The roots of gambling or betting can be traced back to the times when ancient Greeks and Romans fought over animal fights. It was a source of entertainment that has been documented in excavations carvings. Prototypes of dice have been discovered thousand years before Christ. Gambling became a more mass activity in the 6th century BC in Rome, with the creation of ‘Circus’. People gathered together to play craps and made bets over money. The next era of playing cards emerged in China around the 9th century. These cards were very much different from the 52 deck cards we have today, but they were more like trading game cards. Gradually, gambling popularized and got different forms.
The word casino comes from the Latin word ‘casa’ meaning house or a cottage. The term casino refers to a small country villa or a social club. A casino was a place of entertainment and pleasure, not necessarily linked to gambling. The earliest casinos saw a mix of dance, music, and theatres. The first casinos appeared in Italy in the 17th century and by the 19th century, they were spreading through Europe. The first legal casino to open in Europe was in Venice called Ridotto. It was an amusement for people along with gambling during the renowned carnivals here. It became a matter of privilege and class among the society. Newer games were introduced – Baccarat came from Italy and France, Blackjack from a similar game in Spain, Roulette in Paris, Poker in Persia, and so on.
As European settlers migrated to other countries, they took gambling with them. But with the growing enthusiasm for casino games, the legislations also came in place. The games took the form of machines and it increased the winnings and bets. The first gambling machine was developed in the 1970s in San Francisco, thus paving forward the way for slot machines.
Along with the technological advancements and introduction of the internet, gambling also took shape online. Gambling software was in development and by 1994, there were online casinos in the world. Within another 5 years, multiplayer online gambling was live. Decades later, online casinos and gambling are thriving, and how! With several legislations banning casino parlors and illegal betting, online casinos have lured players. Today, everything is available to players at the convenience of their mobile devices. Paired with the ease of social networking, the popularity of online casinos is definitely on a rise.
Online or offline, casino gambling has existed through the years and constantly evolving – with the latest introduction of cryptocurrencies.
