The Dawn of Organized Betting
While the modern casino is a relatively recent invention, the act of gambling is as old as civilization itself. Evidence of gambling, such as ancient dice, exists from thousands of years ago, with many classical texts referencing wagers and games of chance.

The Birthplace of the Casino
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. This establishment was aimed at the nobility and helped bring order to the widespread practice of carnival-time betting.

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. Opened in 1863, it was designed to save Monaco's ruling family from bankruptcy.

The American Frontier and the Las Vegas Boom
In the United States, gambling was prevalent in saloons across the "Wild West" during the 19th century. By the early 1900s, casino anti-gambling movements had succeeded in making it illegal in most states. In a bid to generate income during the Great Depression, Nevada made the pivotal decision to legalize gambling in 1931. This act set the stage for Las Vegas's meteoric rise, from a dusty railroad stop to a global icon of entertainment and gaming.

Gambling Enters the Information Age
The internet's arrival in the 1990s marked the beginning of the most profound transformation for casino the casino industry. These early platforms were basic but proved the concept of virtual gambling. Today, 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.