History of Casinos and Bookmakers

12.09.2024
Before the Internet, casinos and betting required the physical presence of players in gambling houses or bookmakers. These games and events were an essential part of social life and culture in different societies.
Ancient Times

The earliest evidence of gambling was found in ancient China and Egypt. Dice dating back to around 3000 BC have been discovered in China.

The Greeks and Romans were known for their love of gambling. Games using dice and other objects were part of cultural traditions 🎲. Bets were placed on everything—from gladiatorial combats to chariot races 🐎. However, there were no odds; winnings were divided among those who correctly predicted the outcome. This type of betting is now known as the totalizator.

Middle Ages

During the Middle Ages, gambling was widespread across Europe. Dice and card games were popular among various social strata. The first gambling houses appeared in many cities 🏠.

Renaissance and Modern Times
Italy played a crucial role in the history of gambling. In 1638, the first official casino, "Ridotto," was opened in Venice. It was meant to regulate gambling during carnivals. In the 18th century, France became a center for the development of gambling, especially card games and roulette. Games such as "Faro" and "Whist" were popular in high society 🤯. The modern version of roulette, known to us today, was developed in France during this period.

19th Century

In the 19th century, many new sports disciplines emerged, leading to an increase in people wanting to place bets. Clubs were formed where visitors could place bets, and bookmakers began accepting bets 💎. Also, in the 19th century, specifically in 1863, the famous Monte Carlo Casino was opened, becoming a symbol of luxury and wealth.

20th Century

The 20th century marked the flourishing of the bookmaking industry, which began to take the form we know today and spread rapidly. Odds sheets—booklets that informed clients about the probable outcomes of matches and the chances of horses winning races—appeared 📄. This era also saw the emergence of new types of gambling, such as bingo and lotteries, and the gradual legalization of the gambling market in many countries worldwide.

Before the Internet, casinos and betting required the physical presence of players in gambling houses or bookmakers. These games and events were an essential part of social life and culture in different societies. The development of gambling was closely tied to changes in legislation and the economy, as well as cultural traditions and technological progress 🏃. With the advent of the Internet, the gambling industry entered a new era, providing players the opportunity to participate in games and bets online from anywhere in the world. We will tell more about this period in the following posts! 😉⏰