People have always loved entertainment in the form of games that challenge their skills. The oldest board game is already over 5000 years old. In the 14th century, the first card games appeared in Europe and were spread from Arab countries and Egypt via migrating peoples and explorers. Probably the most organized kind of gaming nowadays takes place in casinos. It’s about more than just entertainment, and it’s about big wins. But how did the first casinos come about, and why are they still so popular today?
It All Started in Ancient Times
The oldest games of chance lead archaeologists back to antiquity. In fact, the first cube prototypes were found here, manufactured several thousand years before Christ. It is believed that they were initially used for divination and magical rituals until they were used for gambling. This happened in the 6th century BC when the first circus was founded in ancient Rome – a public place that encouraged visitors to place money bets and play craps. Of course, to enjoy one of the oldest forms of entertainment in the world these days, you don’t have to go to a circus or travel to Monaco or Las Vegas. This is because, thanks to the Internet, there are realistic-looking virtual online casinos that can be visited from anywhere.
The First “Real” Casino
The story of the first casino as we know it today began with the first gambling establishment in Europe, which opened in Venice in 1638. The casino was called “Il Ridotto”. The term “casino” comes from Italian and means something like “a small house.” The origin of this word goes back to the fact that before the opening of the first legal casino, gambling could only take place in private houses.
However, the first official casinos had more to offer than just gambling, and visitors were also entertained with dancing and music. Last but not least, this also served to attract a wider audience. For this reason, delicious meals and drinks were also served. If you look at the most famous casinos in Las Vegas, it quickly becomes clear that this principle still works perfectly. However, there was one big difference: back then, only privileged people were allowed to enter the gambling establishment, whereas today, everyone is granted entry if the age requirements are met. At that time, visitors also had to follow certain rules relating to dress code and behaviour.
The existence of “Il Ridotto” was of great benefit to the state as the casino had to pay high taxes for its business. However, the Church’s negative attitude towards this type of entertainment forced the Italian government to criminalize gambling, prompting the world’s first official casino to close its doors.
One End and Many New Beginnings
However, the closure of “Il Ridotto” was not the end of the casino. Because outside of Italy, more and more casinos are spreading, so that a real mass culture quickly formed. In 1765 the trend also reached France, so that a magnificent casino was built in Paris. This was made possible by the shrewd Cardinal Mazarin, who tried to replenish the treasury with taxes from the gambling business. The first casino in Paris, however, had a special feature: the first roulette wheel, which was particularly popular with women and quickly became a standard game in all casinos.
The Heyday of Casinos
European casinos flourished in the 19th century. The interiors became more and more luxurious, and the service reached an unprecedented level of comfort. A visit to a casino was a must for people of high standing, as they discussed current political and economic issues. From the end of the 19th century, the small principality of Monaco, in particular, became a casino stronghold. And a century later, today’s most famous casino city was founded: Las Vegas. To this day, the capital of gambling is a real magnet for entertainment lovers who want to hit the big jackpot or attend live concerts by stars like Lady Gaga. So if you look into the future, this “trend” will stay with us for a long time to come.
Online Casino
As for the first online casino, it appeared on the World Wide Web in 1995. Its popularity was very rapid. Millions of users marvelled at the miracle of modern technology because you never had to leave their homes to play! People were to have only electronic gadgets with internet access.
Despite this, ordinary casinos have not lost their customers, for example, because they have free alcohol, different exciting shows or talented singers who always charm people.
Internet games are suitable especially for those who cannot go to Las Vegas to enjoy the world of entertainment, which is represented by roulette, blackjack, poker, slot machines etc.
Today a large number of players visit casinos every day wishing to get rich as quickly as possible. But many of them come out in the morning with empty pockets. It’s their choice, their life. And yet, it is impossible to stop the losses. In any case, do not take all your money with you in the casino; maybe it will not be your day. But if you are lucky, you will get rich just in a moment.