the world's first public casino 1638 1774

The following year, however, the industry rebounded, hitting a new record high of $53.03 billion, proving that gambling, like construction and medicine, is an evergreen industry. Whereas the AGA’s 2022 report stated that 2019 ushered in a record $43.63 billion in gaming revenues, 2020 brought in less than $30 billion. In 2020, the gambling world was hit hard by COVID-19. alone, there are 466 commercial casinos and 515 tribal casinos as of December 2021, per the American Gaming Association. Today, thousands of casinos exist worldwide. Italy had the honor of the world’s first gambling house, or casino, which was sanctioned by government decree in 1638 as a means of controlling people’s propensity for gambling. It wasn’t until the 1400s that the first game still held at many modern-day casinos-baccarat-first rose to prominence, and it was followed quickly (relative to the timeline of human history) in the very early 1600s by what would, in the 20th century, become known as blackjack. Dice showed up in Rome around 500 BC and playing cards hit the scene in 800 AD. Evidence dates back to 2300 BC China, after archeologists’ discovery of wooden blocks used in games of chance.

Gambling in all its many forms, from the casual with a bookie to the most complex of table games, has been a part of human civilization for millennia. Venice, Monaco, Singapore … pair exotic destinations like these with casinos, and unforgettable experiences are promised.

The world's first public casino 1638 1774