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HISTORY OF GAMBLING: FROM ANCIENT ORIGINS TO THE ERA OF ONLINE CASINOS

Gambling has a long and fascinating history. Since antiquity, gambling has held a significant place in all layers of society. From the bone games practiced in Mesopotamia over 3,000 years ago to online casinos, gambling has evolved over time. With GAMRFIRST, explore their history through the ages.

THE ORIGINS OF GAMBLING

Gambling is far from being reserved for modern societies. Historical and archaeological research has revealed its existence millennia before Christ.

EARLY GAMBLING IN ANTIQUITY

Archaeological excavations at the site of the ancient city of Babylon, in the heart of Mesopotamia, have brought forth the earliest evidence of gambling in antiquity. Cuneiform tablets notably record the practice of knucklebones, the ancestor of dice games. This involved throwing dice and betting on the results.

Ancient Greeks enjoyed participating in gambling games. Mythology references them. The gods of Olympus were avid fans of dice games. Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades even determined their respective realms in the Universe through dice rolls. The game of heads or tails was common in Ancient Greece. Initially done with a seashell, it was later practiced with a coin.

The Egyptians also engaged in numerous gambling games. Hieroglyphs bear witness to this. The most fervent enthusiasts were buried with dice, sticks, or stones to entertain themselves in the afterlife.

THE EMERGENCE OF CARD GAMES IN CHINA

Subsequently, around the 9th century AD, card games appeared in China. Initially, they were mainly for divinatory purposes. Adorned with symbols and motifs, the cards were interpreted to provide indications about future events. Over time, these practices gained popularity, gradually incorporating elements of gaming and betting. A new recreational activity was born. They eventually crossed the borders of China, spreading throughout the world, influencing the development of card games in different civilizations.

GAMBLING IN THE MIDDLE AGES

This period witnessed the growing popularity of gambling in Europe. Dice games were among the most widespread. Made from bone, ivory, or wood, they were most commonly practiced in taverns or public places.

GAMBLING FROM THE 17TH TO THE 20TH CENTURY

During this period, the first casinos appeared. Subsequently, gambling became democratized.

THE EMERGENCE OF THE FIRST CASINOS IN EUROPE IN THE 17TH AND 18TH CENTURIES

It was on the European continent, in the 17th century, specifically in Venice, Italy, that places dedicated to gambling first appeared. The oldest casino in the world, called Ridotto (retired place), is said to date back to 1638. These were luxurious houses where members of the nobility and high society gathered to bet and entertain themselves. All far from the Church's view as it strongly condemned these practices. In secret, they indulged in card games like baccarat, trente-et-quarante, or dice games. In France, for example, during the reign of Louis XIV, the courtiers of Versailles played the lottery.

In the 18th century, the enthusiasm for gambling was confirmed. Prestigious casinos opened their doors in Baden-Baden, Germany, Spa, Belgium, or Monte Carlo, Monaco. In a few years, these cities, favored by gambling enthusiasts, became major tourist destinations, promoting the economic development of these regions. A new era began for gambling.

During this time, one of the iconic casino games, roulette, emerged. Invented in France, the popularity of the "little wheel" quickly grew thanks to a clever mix of chance and strategy. This game remains one of the cornerstones of modern casinos to this day.

Fun Fact: Gambling in France from the 17th to the 19th century
In 1556, Mazarin considered creating a royal lottery to finance the construction of a bridge over the Seine. A draw was finally organized in 1659 for the marriage of Louis XIV. The first public lottery was established in 1700. At the same time, between the 16th and 18th centuries, gambling was prohibited by several regulatory decrees. Only nobles were allowed to play. Yet, the enthusiasm did not wane. In 1804, Napoleon reluctantly created a regulatory body to oversee practices. Finally, in 1806, Paris and spa towns were authorized to open their casinos.

THE DEMOCRATIZATION OF GAMBLING IN THE 19TH AND 20TH CENTURIES

During this period, gambling underwent significant democratization, becoming accessible to a wider audience. Two forms of innovation played a major role in this process: slot machines and lotteries.

Slot machines, also known as one-armed bandits, appeared in the late 19th century. Initially mechanical, they were equipped with levers. The player had to operate them to spin the reels indicating different symbols. Winning combinations allowed players to receive a prize. Slot machines quickly gained popularity due to their simplicity. With the advent of computers, slot machines evolved. They are now sophisticated devices, offering a variety of themes with captivating features.

Lotteries contributed to the democratization of gambling. Appearing in the 19th century, they were initially used to finance public interest projects. Lottery tickets were affordable and offered the chance to win varying prizes. They thus attracted millions of participants.

This democratization contributed to the emergence of modern and popular casinos like those in Las Vegas or Atlantic City in the United States. In the 20th century, these two cities became symbols of entertainment and gambling, attracting players from around the world for:

• Table games
• Slot machines
• Activities
• Offered shows

GAMBLING AND CHANCE: THE DIGITAL REVOLUTION

The rise of online casinos

The first online casinos appeared in the 1990s. They offered a limited selection of games, such as blackjack, roulette, and virtual slot machines.

Over time, online casinos expanded their offerings to provide a more immersive experience. Now, a variety of games are available, including table games such as poker, baccarat, etc., as well as live dealer games. Players can now interact with real dealers through video streams, recreating the atmosphere of a physical casino.

Fun Fact: The democratization of sports betting
Once reserved for experienced players, sports betting is also experiencing significant democratization. The proliferation of mobile applications, accessible via smartphones and tablets, largely contributes to its evolution.

THE ADVANTAGES OF ONLINE CASINOS

One of the major advantages of online casinos remains their accessibility. They are available 24/7 from a computer, tablet, or smartphone. They offer a wide variety of secure payment options, allowing players to deposit and withdraw money easily.

Online gambling benefits from constant technological innovations aimed at improving the gaming experience and player immersion. Graphics, sound effects, and animations contribute to creating attractive virtual environments. Advances in virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are expected to open up new possibilities.

THE PLACE OF GAMBLING IN MODERN SOCIETY

GAMBLING IN FILMS AND LITERATURE

Gambling has always fascinated society. Cinema and literature have seized this aura to create memorable works and unforgettable characters. Iconic films, such as Martin Scorsese's "Casino" or Steven Soderbergh's "Ocean's Eleven," immerse viewers in the thrilling world of casinos, with intense gaming scenes and charismatic characters. Card games, like poker, have been highlighted in "Rounders" and "Casino Royale," where protagonists engage in strategic and tense games.

Literature is no exception. Classic novels, such as Dostoevsky's "The Gambler" or Nicholas Pileggi's "Casino," explore themes of gambling addiction and associated risks.

THE ECONOMIC AND REGULATORY IMPACT OF GAMBLING

The economic impact of gambling is undeniable. Physical casinos, online gaming platforms, lotteries, and sports betting contribute each year to a thriving economy. Gambling creates numerous direct (dealers, security personnel) and indirect jobs. It notably creates opportunities in related industries such as construction, tourism, and other sectors. Tax revenues from gambling are a source of funding for many governments.

Gambling sparks debates, particularly on regulatory issues. Gambling addiction and associated negative social consequences are the subject of numerous prevention campaigns. Most countries now have clear legislation aimed at ensuring the integrity of games, preventing fraud, and promoting responsible gambling.

Gambling games appeared millennia ago in antiquity in Mesopotamia, Greece, and Egypt. It wasn't until the 17th century that the first casinos appeared. Four hundred years later, aided by the development of new technologies, these entertainments have freed themselves from their historical constraints to spread throughout all layers of society.