History of online casino games

Contrary to what one may think, online casinos have a rich and ancient history. Their origins date back several thousands of years, and several continents were the cradle of expansion of the first gambling games: diversions traditionally rooted in the manners and customs of several great civilizations. We propose in this article to make a quick detour into what today constitutes the history of online casino games.

The wagering of money: an ancient invention

One should be aware that it was Asia that had the collection of the very first gambling games. Ancient China as well as Indonesia experienced games like Keno and Pai Gow Poker in their original forms. This was the age of entertainment similar to the lottery of today, with the activity serving as a source of financing for the kingdoms. However, not only Asia contributed to the expansion of games of chance. Indeed, historians have noted vestiges of roulette games dating back to the Babylonian era in the Middle East. Thus, as early as 3500 B.C. the games found in casinos today were thriving within an entire population. During antiquity, Greek invasions followed by major conflicts between Romans and barbarians allowed these different games to traverse boundaries of space and time.

The first land-based casinos: centers of recreation

Since the 19th century, centers of leisure opened their doors throughout Europe: the most famous land-based institution of the last century was probably that of Monte-Carlo, which was established in 1861. But it is mainly the United States that was the indisputable refuge of the first legal (and illegal) casino games. During the heyday of Las Vegas casinos, which had the distinction of being the only legal institutions with the right to operate, gambling was considered an unprecedented trend, a real fad. Although some other centers of recreation in the state of Nevada allowed people to bet their money, it is really in Las Vegas, quickly to be nicknamed “The Game City,” where casino games reached their peak. By 1970, the first luxury casinos were introduced, notably in New Jersey and California. Since 1980, casinos have become known throughout the world: in France, England, Australia and even Morocco!

The conversion of the postmodern Age: online casinos

Since 2000, the development of modern technologies and the use of the Internet have dramatically revolutionized the consuming habits of the users. Also, many online casinos have sprung up on the web, offering similar and “cheaper” services than the bricks-and-mortar establishments. The online gaming market has truly created an enormous “boom” in recent years, and it is now possible for everyone to play Roulette, Craps or even slot machines with his or her personal computer and an Internet connection. Moreover, to ensure the security of personal information of users, the serious online casinos use the same technology as the large banking institutions, making them as reliable as the most luxurious land-based casinos.