Despite being a relatively new activity, gambling dates back almost 1700 years before the first coin was created. The earliest signs of gambling can be found from 2300 B.C. People used to gamble their property, such as cattle or food, long before money existed.Â
Throughout history, technology has transformed the way people play, from playing cards and dice in 100 A.D. to self-service betting shops using touchscreens in the 21st century. Gambling may have significantly changed since the days when cave dwellers huddled around a fire to wager, but the basic principle remains the same: you stake your money on the chance to win or lose. A study of gambling’s history, as well as its platforms, provides insight into how this industry has evolved over time.
First Casinos in the World
There was no public gambling before the 17th century A.D. Despite the fact that playing cards existed in China as early as 800 A.D., they were very different from modern cards. Betting would take place in streets, houses, and pubs until casinos were invented.
The first casino is believed to have been established in Italy in the 17th century A.D. Though people gambled before then, these establishments were the first known controlled environments for wagering. In addition to creating new rules and structures around gambling, this development also gave rise to the notion that the house wins every time.
Casinos first appeared in Europe during the 19th century A.D., and soon after, they began to appear in the United States. American gambling culture often associates Las Vegas with gambling, however, Las Vegas did not bloom until after the Great Depression.
The Emergence of First Slot Machines
It is believed that the first dice originated in ancient Egypt in about 3000 B.C. Over the centuries, tools used to gamble have evolved, but the industrial revolution marked a massive shift. Slot machines were invented sometime after the turn of the nineteenth century. It featured three spinning reels and an automatic payout whenever a match was made. These were the predecessor of the fruit machine, pokies, or slots as we know them today. It took a century before video slots entered the market.Â
Switch to Online Gambling
The next important shift in gambling history occurred only two decades years after the first video lottery terminals appeared. Online gambling was introduced along with the internet. Gambling fans could now access their favorite games from the comfort of their home instead of going out to the local pub to play. The moment the internet was fully operating around 1998, gambling companies began recognizing its potential. There was a boom in online betting exchanges and the launch of online bingo sites.
Online Casinos Are Gaining in Popularity
Playing casino games has always been popular and will continue to be popular for the simple reason that it is a fun activity. Players can manage stress when playing at the highest payout online casino and enjoy themselves. It was not long ago that people had to go to special casinos, but today, there are already online casinos where they can play casino games. The trend of playing online is not going away. Despite the fact that the industry was a multibillion-dollar one before 2000, it kept on growing and evolving to this day. An 80% more money was generated from payout online casino in 2012 compared to 2008. According to a 2015 report, the online gambling industry was estimated to be worth $41.4bn. Globally, the online gambling market is expected to reach over $92.9 billion in 2023. According to current estimates, the market is close to $59 billion, so it is expected to double in the upcoming years.
Mobile Technology Is Emerging
The mobile technology industry has developed rapidly in recent decades. Smartphones have been developing since the 1960s. For many years, early mobile phones were bulky, heavy, and unusable. Today, we have smartphones.Â
In general, most people have access to the internet and free spins in their pockets with few limitations. Over the last few years, mobile devices have evolved into mini portable computers capable of video calls, running multiple applications, and staying in contact via voice calls. Players can now access entertaining online games wherever and whenever they want.
The legalization of online gambling happened so suddenly within the past decade that it is hard to comprehend. According to estimates, mobile wagering reached $21.4 billion in the United States in 2020.
Conclusion
It’s difficult to predict the future of gambling. Modern technology makes it possible to track money easily, which facilitates online gambling and makes the playing environment safer. Innovative new technologies such as AR, VR, and even AI may change the way betting is done in the future. These days, casinos are combining interactive online gaming systems and technologies with the traditional charm of traditional live casinos. The evolution of gambling is happening as we speak, and the future looks bright for this industry.
Author’s BioÂ
Brandon Kryeger is an avid iGaming content creator and casino enthusiast. He loves diving into subjects such as art, history, casinos and gaming. Brandon spends his free time reading and playing games online. He enjoys going outdoors with his friends and family.Â
