The Dawn of Organized Betting
While the modern casino is a relatively recent invention, the act of gambling is as old as civilization itself. Dice have been found in archaeological digs dating back to 3000 B.C., and tales of betting are common in Greek and Roman history.

The First Official Casino: The Ridotto in Venice
The word "casino" itself is of Italian origin, meaning "little house." In 1638, the government of Venice opened the Ridotto to control and supervise gambling during the carnival season. Its purpose was to regulate the city's rampant gambling, casino though its high stakes meant only the wealthy could afford to play.

From Italy to France and Monaco
In the 19th century, casinos became popular fixtures in spa towns across Europe, like Baden-Baden in Germany. The pinnacle of this era was the establishment of the iconic Monte Carlo Casino. Its creation was a strategic move to solve the financial troubles of the House of Grimaldi.

Gambling in the New World
Gambling followed the expansion westward in the U.S., becoming a staple of saloons in frontier towns. By the early 1900s, anti-gambling movements had succeeded in making it illegal in most states. In a bid to generate income during the Great Depression, casino Nevada made the pivotal decision to legalize gambling in 1931. This decision paved the way for 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 casino perhaps most significant evolution in casino history came with the advent of the internet in the 1990s. In the mid-1990s, the first pioneering online casinos went live, laying the groundwork for a new industry. From its humble beginnings, the online casino sector has grown into a major economic force, completely changing how people gamble.