Where It All Began
While the modern casino is a relatively recent invention, the act of gambling is as old as civilization itself. From ancient China to the Roman Empire, people have always been drawn to the thrill of risking something for a greater prize.

The Birthplace of the Casino
The term "casino" derives from Italian and originally referred to a small country villa or 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 helped bring order to the widespread practice of carnival-time betting.

The Rise of European Spa Towns and Monte Carlo
The 19th century saw the spread of elegant casinos to resort towns throughout Europe. However, the most famous of all is the Monte Carlo Casino in Monaco. Its creation was a strategic move to solve the financial troubles of the House of Grimaldi.

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. By the early 1900s, anti-gambling movements had succeeded in making it illegal in most states. The turning point came in 1931 when Nevada, seeking revenue during the economic crisis, casino (goldfish.it) re-legalized casino gambling. From this single legislative act, Las Vegas began its journey to becoming the world-famous "Sin City."

The Latest Chapter in Casino History
The internet's arrival in the 1990s marked the beginning of the most profound transformation for the casino industry. The first online casinos emerged in the mid-90s, casino offering a small selection of games to a niche audience. From its humble beginnings, the online casino sector has grown into a major economic force, completely changing how people gamble.