Casinos have a long and rich history that has been full of ups and downs, but also some of the most fascinating facts and stories. From their beginnings in Ancient Rome to the modern-day mega-resorts, casinos have always been a source of entertainment and intrigue. Here are some of the most interesting historical facts about casinos.
The Earliest Casinos
The earliest casinos were found in Ancient Rome, where gambling was a popular pastime. The first known casino was called the Tabularium, which was built in 79 A.D. by Emperor Vespasian. It was located on the Capitoline Hill in Rome and it offered a variety of games including dice, knucklebones, and other games of chance. It was also the first known building to feature a bar, as well as a brothel.
The First Modern Casino
The first modern casino was the Casino di Venezia, which was built in 1638 in Venice, Italy. It was opened by the notorious Italian gambler and poet, Giacomo Casanova. The casino was the first to introduce roulette, which was the first game to use the modern roulette wheel with numbered slots. The casino was also the first to offer a wide variety of games such as baccarat, craps, blackjack, and poker.
Casinos in the U.S.
Casinos first made their way to the United States in the early 1800s. The first U.S. casino was the Club Grand in San Francisco, which opened in 1846 and was known for its wild parties. The second U.S. casino was the Bella Union in San Diego, which opened in 1854. This casino was the first to offer poker, which quickly became the most popular game.
Gambling Laws and Regulations
The first laws and regulations regarding gambling in the United States were enacted in the early 1900s. In 1916, the Federal Wire Act was passed, which made it illegal to place bets via wire services. In 1931, Nevada legalized gambling and Las Vegas quickly became the gambling capital of the world. This was followed by the legalization of gambling in New Jersey in 1978. Since then, many other states have legalized gambling, with each state having its own unique laws and regulations.
The Birth of the Mega-Resort
The first mega-resort was the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, which opened in 1993. This resort was the first to offer a variety of amenities such as luxurious suites, a world-class spa, and a variety of entertainment options. The MGM Grand quickly became a leader in the industry, setting the standard for all other mega-resorts that followed.
The Rise of Online Casinos
The first online casino opened in 1996 and since then, the industry has exploded with hundreds of online casinos offering a variety of games and bonuses. Online casinos have become increasingly popular due to their convenience and variety of games. You can check one of the most famous online casinos the National Casino and test your luck there!
Conclusion
Casinos have a long and fascinating history that is full of interesting facts and stories. From the earliest casinos in Ancient Rome to the modern-day mega-resorts, casinos have always been a source of entertainment and intrigue. Whether you’re playing at a live casino or an online one, you can be sure that you’re part of a long and rich history.