Gambling in its many forms – from casual games of chance with a bookie to the multi-million dollar casinos on Las Vegas’s Strip – has been part of human civilization for millennia. Evidence of gambling in some form has been found as early as 2300 BC China, with dice arriving in Rome in 500 BC and the first game that still exists at modern-day casinos – baccarat – hitting the scene in the very early 1600s.
Casinos are a major source of entertainment, with the vast majority of their profits derived from gambling. While other elements like lighted fountains, musical shows and shopping centers help draw in the crowds, casinos would not exist without games of chance. Slot machines, roulette, blackjack, poker and a host of other table games generate the billions in profit that casinos are known for every year.
The word ‘casino’ is thought to have originated in Italy, as is the world’s oldest casino, Mauro Codussi-designed Casino di Venezia. Set on Venice’s Grand Canals, the casino has seen guests arrive via free boat shuttle service or on foot since its opening in 1863. As a tourist attraction, the casino is legendary for its architecture, world-class hospitality and entertainment offerings, and cultural significance.
