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 casino tales of betting are common in Greek and casino Roman history.

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. It was initially restricted to the aristocracy and served to formalize what had previously been a chaotic and unregulated activity.

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. The casino was an economic project that quickly became a symbol of luxury, glamour, casino and high-stakes gambling for the world's elite.

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. However, a nationwide moral crusade led to its prohibition in the early 20th century. The turning point came in 1931 when Nevada, seeking revenue during the economic crisis, re-legalized casino gambling. This act set the stage for Las Vegas's meteoric rise, casino from a dusty railroad stop to a global icon of entertainment and gaming.

The Latest Chapter in Casino History
The latest and perhaps most significant evolution in casino history came with the advent of the internet in the 1990s. 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.