There’s hardly anyone who has never heard of Las Vegas, which has been a world casino capital for decades. However, the US gambling sector is much more diverse and has never been limited to Sin City with its majestic venues and atmosphere of excitement. The history of this entertainment in the country started centuries ago, and no one knows for sure when the first gambling game was played there. Currently, iGaming is the leading pastime for adrenaline seekers, but it wasn’t always as accessible to Americans. Discovering the casino history on the continent is really exciting, so let’s dip into some crucial aspects.
Establishment of First Gambling Games
The first mentions of gambling in the US date back to the 15th century. A famous Spanish writer, Miguel de Cervantes, mentioned the Venti-Una card game in his books, and modern experts strongly believe that it was a prototype of the well-known blackjack. Currently, American casinos you can find on CasinoGap offer plenty of variations, so users can explore the highest-quality content with additional benefits. However, the landscape wasn’t the same five centuries ago.
In the 1600s, colonialists from Great Britain, France, and other European countries came to the indigenous American land with multiple games of chance. For instance, roulette was established during that era. Of course, there was no strict legislation and risk hunters could only enjoy street gambling.
Illegal Gambling Houses and Ban on Casinos
The term “casino” appeared in America in the 20th century, while before, such establishments were called “gambling houses.” Since the 17th century, multiple venues have been operating across the United States but remained illegal due to the lack of regulations. In simple words, this risky entertainment has long been a grey zone – but the times of World War I changed everything. This activity became strictly prohibited in the country since the government noticed that many people tended to overspend on risky games. This mainly concerned armed forces that entered the port and spent a lot of money on gaming. Moreover, many people were confident that most gambling houses were controlled by criminals, which made them even more outlawed.
The situation was different with betting, which was widely popular in the US. Predicting the outcomes of horse races was a standard entertainment for wealthy residents. It was only possible to bet legally on the racetrack, and registered bookmakers followed the process to remain transparent and fair.
Pioneering Casino Businesses in the US
The Great Depression was a time when America suffered, and implementing changes to gambling regulations seemed a way to improve the overall landscape. Even though most forms remained illegal, the government allowed bingo and returned the popularity of horse racing betting. There was also no ban on lotteries, which were in demand among customers.
Despite the restrictions, the casino sector flourished in the country. Multiple underground casinos accepted players during the post-war period, and this pastime was increasingly widespread. Unsurprisingly, Nevada became the first state to discuss the legalisation of the gambling industry in 1930. Its government claimed that this change would help the region gain financial stability, which was especially relevant during the Great Depression.
The Las Vegas casino history began with small wagering houses, while the first large venue was opened a bit later. This trend quickly became widespread in the state, so the necessity for certifying operators was high. The first licensed casino, Northern Club, was launched in 1930, followed by Red Rooster Nightclub and Riverside Hotel.
Gambling Businesses’ Regulations in the 1960s
Even though Nevada has experienced exponential economic growth since the industry’s legalisation, other states weren’t ready to repeat its success. In the 1960s, the country’s government came up with an idea to allow casinos across the US, which actually didn’t happen. During the decade, Howard Hughes invested in multiple gaming houses in Nevada, which strengthened the opinion that gambling is connected with crime.
In 1967, New Jersey became the second region to implement gaming regulations and allow the operation of land-based venues. Atlantic City became the second destination for passionate adrenaline hunters, and players flew there to legally enjoy slot machines.
By the 2000s, gambling had become lawful in most US states, but there was still no federal legislation. Each region’s government has the right to decide how to regulate the industry and whether to allow or restrict casinos, and there are still states yet to legalise online gambling. Luckily for players, online and offline slot venues bring significant income to the states’ budgets, which is why they are mostly accepted on American soil.
The Final Word
Despite the fact that the history of the USA is relatively short, it has a rich and exciting history of gambling, including total bans on this entertainment and complete freedom for players. However, one fact remained unchanged for centuries: Americans are passionate casino fans and always find ways to enjoy this pastime. The modern market offers multiple opportunities for gamblers, who can choose between authentic brick-and-mortar venues or innovative gaming platforms.