Where It All Began
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 First Official Casino: The Ridotto in Venice
The term "casino" derives from Italian and originally referred to a small country villa or casino summerhouse. 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 casino helped bring order to the widespread practice of carnival-time betting.

From Italy to France and Monaco
In the 19th century, casinos became popular fixtures in spa towns across Europe, like Baden-Baden in Germany. But none became more legendary than the Monte Carlo Casino. The casino (goldfish.it) was an economic project that quickly became a symbol of luxury, glamour, and high-stakes gambling for the world's elite.

The American Frontier and the Las Vegas Boom
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. Everything changed in 1931 when the state of Nevada legalized gambling to combat the Great Depression. This act set the stage for Las Vegas's meteoric rise, from a dusty railroad stop to a global icon of entertainment and casino 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.