Louise | January 17, 2021 | Updated on: January 29th, 2021
The history of gambling is almost as long as the history of humanity. There is evidence of the popular pastime dating as far back as the Paleolithic period, roughly about 50,000 years ago.
The earliest recorded gambling game actually comes from around 2300BC in Ancient China, where lotteries were used to help fund public works, such as the Great Wall of China.
Despite being slightly frowned upon in recent years, gambling isn’t a new activity. Below we have a brief look at gambling history and how the activity has changed over time.
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Gambling History Links
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- Gambling in the Before Christ (BC) Era
- Gambling in the Middle Ages (400AD to 1400AD)
- Modern Table Games and Slots Appear: Gambling Through the Renaissance to the Industrial Revolution
- Gambling in the 20th Century and the Future
Gambling in the Before Christ (BC) Era
As mentioned above, the earliest traces of gambling can be traced back thousands of years ago. But what sort of games were popular?
Besides Ancient Chinese rulers using lottery games to fund the Great Wall of China, there are several recorded instances of dice games being played in Ancient Greece and Rome. One of the most famous examples actually comes from Sophocles’ writings circa 400BC, but there is evidence that dice existed long before this.
Although dice games were prevalent in the ancient world, they were not the only games played. As gambling was banned in Ancient Rome, people came up with innovative ways to hide the activity, including using gambling chips for wagers instead of real money.
The invention came as a result of winnings being confiscated for violating the law. If the law found out you were gambling with the chips, the chips would be confiscated and not your real money. So, the activity could continue with little to no hassle.
Gambling in the Middle Ages (400AD to 1400AD)
The first instances of playing cards can be traced back to 9th century China. However, it is unknown how these games worked. Some historians suggest games work more like modern-day trading card games, such as Pokémon, where cards were put at stake.
Other experts suggest these games were some of the first instances of domino. The only thing we do know is that these games were very different from the card games you would play in a casino today.
During about the same time, a game called Hazards allegedly started making its way through Europe with the Crusades. Hazards is still played today and is said to be the father of craps, which was invented in the United States much later.
The earliest recorded modern casino card game in the 15th century. Although baccarat was first seen in Italy, it gained great popularity in France. Take note that these early versions of baccarat were very different from the current game. It would take several iterations for the game to reach its current form.
Modern Table Games and Slots Appear: Gambling Through the Renaissance to the Industrial Revolution
The official origin of blackjack is widely debated as there are several recordings of games featuring similar rules throughout Western Europe during the late 16th century/early 17th century. Many historians believe that the first real reference to the blackjack actually appears in Miguel de Cervantes’ famous novel, Don Quixote.
What is known is that the game is derived from a very famous French 17th-century card called “Vingt-et-Un” (which directly translates to 21.) French settlers took the game with them to the United States, where the name “blackjack” was created.
Around the same time, the first gambling establishments started making their appearances in Europe. However, it would only be in the 19th century where these leisure houses would start gaining traction in Europe and the United States.
It was in Parisian gambling houses in the early 18th century that roulette allegedly made its first appearance. Originally, the game was played on a wheel closer in design to the modern American roulette wheel.
Poker Booms with the Frontier Expansion
Like most casino gambling games, it’s difficult to track down the true origins of poker. Some historians say that the game’s ancestors could be found in a 17th-century Persian card game, whereas others say that the French may be to blame for this one too.
However, what is known is that the modern form of the game grew incredibly popular during the American Frontier period (also known as the Old West era.) It would take a while for the game to become the global staple that it is today, though.
The First Slot Machine is Invented
Finally, during the 1890s, the first slot machines started popping up around the United States. The most famous of these machines is the Liberty Bell, created by Charles Fey in San Francisco. Although the game was very different in design and function than today’s games, all slots owe their existence to this game.
Many of the traditional symbols seen on Fey’s Liberty Bell machine are still seen in classic-themed games, including bells and fruits.
Gambling in the 20th Century and the Future
Gambling saw massive gains in popularity worldwide throughout the 20th century as new games were created and casino groups were established. Hubs, such as Las Vegas, Macau, Atlantic City, and Monte Carlo, became renowned tourist destinations because of their famous casinos.
As far as games go, the 20th century saw slot games develop in ways that Charles Fey could’ve only dreamed. Slots is probably the most versatile casino game out there, with variations taking all shapes and sizes to suit all players’ needs. Currently, the most popular form is that of video slots.
The 1970s also saw the introduction of video poker. This game of chance is a hybrid between poker and slots, has captured the hearts of many as it is now one of the most widely-played casino games out there.
Online Gambling Becomes a Reality
One of the biggest advances in the industry came in 1994 when Microgaming launched the first online casino. Now, you did not have to visit an actual casino to play legitimate real money gambling games.
Since the launch of the first online gaming site, the web-based part of the industry has seen massive leaps, growing to become a sector in its own right.
Nowadays, you can play all sorts of internet gambling games on your desktop or mobile device as long as you have a strong network connection.