The Dawn of Organized Betting
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.

The Birthplace of the Casino
The term "casino" derives from Italian and originally referred to a small country villa or summerhouse. The first known state-sanctioned public gambling house was the Ridotto, established in Venice, Italy, in 1638. 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
Throughout the 1800s, grand casinos emerged in European spa destinations, attracting the rich and famous. But none became more legendary than the Monte Carlo Casino. Its creation was a strategic move to solve the financial troubles of the House of Grimaldi.

Gambling in the New World
During America's westward expansion, gambling was a common pastime in the rough-and-tumble saloons of the era. This was followed by a period of moral reform that saw gambling outlawed across the country. The turning point came in 1931 when Nevada, seeking revenue during the economic crisis, casino re-legalized casino gambling. 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.

Gambling Enters the Information Age
The most recent chapter began with the rise of the World Wide Web. These early platforms were basic but proved the concept of virtual gambling. From its humble beginnings, the online casino sector has grown into a major economic force, completely changing how people gamble.