Casino game and its revolution has been a continuous trend that dates far back to the 16th century. But we can’t discuss casino games without talking about gambling itself as there is this fascinating relationship between casino games and gambling itself. A brief history of gambling tells us that gambling dates far back as 2300BC, where forms of gambling existed in China, after tiles from this period were found depicting people gambling together. Egyptian dice have also been found around 1500BC alluding to the playing of games and gambling during this time too. Gambling is one of the common ways of entertainment and there isn’t any doubt that the rising popularity in it has been brought about by casinos. Casino games have taken huge credit for this popularity and they are not just about winning money but a great form of entertainment.
HISTORY OF CASINO GAMES
“Casino” is actually coined from the Italian word which means “little house”. This word is important as it explains the origin of the modern casino games. These little houses would hold parties which would feature these popular games which were won by chance. The very first casino was opened in 1638. In Venice Italy named Ridotto, It was owned by the government and was located in the grand Venice Palazzo Dandolo. But was later closed in 1774 after it was believed that gambling didn’t fit the value and prestige of the city. After the opening and closing of Ridotto, casinos were being introduced across Europe in the 1800s and by the 20th century, they were common in many towns and cities like Monte Carlo, Baden-Baden and Como which were homes to palatial casinos, some of which are still around today.
In North America, casinos began with the arrival of saloons, intended for citizens and passengers travelling through, so saloons quickly became a resort where people could gather, play cards and gamble. In 1931, gambling was made legal in the state of Nevada. While it was still banned in other states in the US, people flocked into Nevada, particularly Las Vegas to play casino games and enjoy gambling. Las Vegas to this day is still known as the gambling capital of the world and has the highest number of casinos than anyplace else.
WHAT ARE THE OLDEST CASINO GAMES
Modern casino games today have a whole lot of games. But a few games have definitely stood the test of time. These casino games have contributed to the popularity of casinos, they include craps, roulette, blackjack, poker and slot games. The origination of these games is detailed below
- Craps
This is the oldest known casino games. It was invented by Sir Willams of Tyre during the crusades in 1125AD. Sir Williams and his troops came across a castle named “asart” or “hazarth” and while barricading the castle they had play hazard, named after the castle. Others believe the games originated from Alzar, an Arabic dice game that was brought to Europe by merchants in the 12th century. It was believed that a Frenchman changed the name to “craps” to separate them from the Englishman. John H. Winn developed the game in the 19th century into the modern version.
- Roulette
Roulette was invented in 1675 by French scientist Blaise Pascal while trying to invent a machine that would use its own energy to keep turning, but it led to the creation of what we know as the roulette wheel. The French Blano brothers were the first to invent the game itself in 1848. They took the game to Germany, before establishing it in Monaco in the famous Monte Carlo casino.
- Black jack
The origin of blackjack is not clearly known and stated but it is actually amongst the earliest casino games. Around 18th century in France it started gaining popularity in casinos. Movement of immigrants from Europe into North America brought the popularity of the game into the US and Canada.
- Poker
Poker also known as the bragging rights Game when translated to the German, “Pochspiel”. Pokers development is linked to when commercial gambling was invented. In 1829 Joseph Crowell, reported a game of poker being played in New Orleans. According to Crowell the game was played with a deck of 20 cards and four players, the gamblers were betting on which player held the most valuable hand of cards in their possession.
- Slot games
This is the most popular casino game. The modern slot machine was developed in 1891 by Sittman and Pitt, New York. The machine consisted of five drums and 50cards. The machine allowed people to insert a nickel and pull a lever. If the machine showed a good poker hand, the player had won drinks and cigarettes, not money. Today these machines have evolved into amazing video and online versions we enjoy today.
CASINO GAMES TODAY
. Casino games have made a whole lot of mainstream improvement due to technological innovations. Places like Sydney, macau in China, Monte Carlo and Paradise islands in the Bahamas are the top places for rolling the dice and having the best casino experiences according to reuters. Today you can find slot machines offering better gameplay, graphics and bonus elements compared to before. There is also an increase in the number of reels and pay lines. Casino games like blackjack, roulette and poker have made huge leaps in aspects of variation and quality of gameplay. Furthermore, online casinos have started focusing on games with live dealers and they are fast replacing the experience gained from playing the game at a physical casino.
