Where It All Began
While the modern casino is a relatively recent invention, the act of gambling is as old as civilization itself. From ancient China to the Roman Empire, people have always been drawn to the thrill of risking something for a greater prize.

Italy's Contribution to Gambling History
The word "casino" itself is of Italian origin, meaning "little house." The first known state-sanctioned public gambling house was the Ridotto, established in Venice, Italy, in 1638. This establishment was aimed at the nobility and helped bring order to the widespread practice of carnival-time betting.

The Rise of European Spa Towns and Monte Carlo
In the 19th century, casinos became popular fixtures in spa towns across Europe, like Baden-Baden in Germany. However, the most famous of all is the Monte Carlo Casino in Monaco. 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. However, casino a nationwide moral crusade led to its prohibition in the early 20th century. Everything changed in 1931 when the state of Nevada legalized gambling to combat the Great Depression. This act set the stage for Las Vegas's meteoric rise, from a dusty railroad stop to a global icon of entertainment and gaming.

The Latest Chapter in Casino History
The internet's arrival in the 1990s marked the beginning of the most profound transformation for the casino industry. The first online casinos emerged in the mid-90s, offering a small selection of games to a niche audience. Today, casino the online casino industry is a multi-billion dollar global market, bringing the casino experience to millions of players on their computers and mobile devices.