From Las Vegas to Monte Carlo: A journey through the history of casinos

We'll use this article to take our readers on a journey through the history of casinos and explore how they have evolved from land-based facilities to online casino sites over time.

The article From Las Vegas to Monte Carlo: A journey through the history of casinos first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.

Casinos have been vital to the entertainment industry for a few centuries. They provide visitors with an exciting experience that throws gambling, luxury, and entertainment into the mix. From the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas to the charm of Monte Carlo, casinos have a rich and impressive history that spans hundreds of years.

We’ll use this article to take our readers on a journey through the history of casinos and explore how they have evolved from land-based facilities to online casino sites over time.

How it all started
According to most linguists, “casino” comes from the Italian word “casa” – house. The first written records about casinos indicate that they were established in Italy in the 17th century providing visitors with a place to gamble, socialise, and have fun. The first casinos were usually located in large villas/houses. They offered games like Biribi (similar to roulette), Faro (a card game), and Baccarat.

As the interest in gambling grew, casinos appeared in other parts of Europe. Starting from the 19th century, the world witnessed the foundation of several iconic casinos that were known worldwide, like Monte Carlo and Baden-Baden. Interestingly, they were usually opened in popular spa towns and promised visitors a luxurious experience that mixes gambling with relaxation.

It’s worth mentioning that gambling in the days when Monte Carlo was a famous casino destination was reserved for the aristocrats and the bourgeois. Only with Las Vegas’s rise has the gambling industry witnessed an expansion covering every layer of modern society.

The rise of Las Vegas
Gambling was illegal in the United States at the beginning of the 20th century. These strict laws contributed to the emergence of illegal gambling. That’s why Nevada decided to legalise gambling in the 1930s. As a result, Americans got to play in the first legal casinos in their country.The small desert town of Las Vegas in Nevada became the hub of the casino industry. The Stardust, the Sands, and the Flamingo are some of the large casinos that were established on the Las Vegas Strip in the 1940s and 1950s.

They were created to provide visitors with a complete entertainment experience. So, we’re talking about facilities that were not focused only on gambling but also on live shows, luxury accommodations, fine dining, and other activities. The Las Vegas casinos became synonymous with glitz, glamour, and wealth, attracting visitors from across the globe.

The success of Las Vegas and a few other places in the United States with casinos have changed public opinion about this activity worldwide. Many countries have gradually liberalised their laws allowing companies to open casinos, especially in big cities or popular holiday destinations.

The modern casino industry
Today, the casino industry is a global phenomenon, with casinos located in countries on almost every continent. This activity is no longer considered taboo, and players of all types can easily find solid establishments where they can play their favourite games.

It’s worth noting that some of the largest and most profitable casinos are located in Macau, a special administrative region of China that has become a base for gambling enthusiasts. This makes sense because the Far East has always been interested in gambling. Many games played today are based on games played hundreds of years ago, like keno, sic bo, and dragon tiger.

Modern casinos have also embraced new technology, with many offering online gambling options that let visitors play their favourite games from their homes. Additionally, some implemented mobile technology allowing players to use online casinos on the go. Thanks to their success, modern casinos can follow the latest technological trends and offer new games and attractions like VR and AR experiences to their players.

Even though these things can change how we practice gambling, the core of this experience remains the same – the excitement of finishing successful/winning rounds, the thrill of gambling, and the luxurious surroundings that make players feel like royalty.

What can we expect in the future
Undoubtedly, the casino industry will continue to evolve because, as we said before, it always follows trends and technological advancements. Many experts suggest that augmented and virtual reality will become important in this industry. This makes sense because modern players, especially the younger generations, are looking for immersive experiences, which is what AR and VR are all about.

Some believe casinos will focus more on non-gaming aspects like fine dining and live shows. This makes sense because online casinos can offer more than traditional casinos in gaming, but they lack the socialisation element.

We will have to wait and see what the future brings. Still, one thing is sure – casinos will continue to be an essential part of the entertainment industry. From the glamour and glitz of Las Vegas to the timeless charm of Monte Carlo, casinos have a rich history and a bright future.

The article From Las Vegas to Monte Carlo: A journey through the history of casinos first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.