Nowadays, sites like IceCasino are a perfect example of modern gambling. However, it did not use to be this way. Gambling has been around for as long as humans have existed. From stones to bones, we have used everything to play around with Lady Luck. So, how exactly did it evolve over the years?

Ancient Times

Through archaeological findings, some evidence of the first gambling dates as far back as 3000 BCE. Experts found the earliest dice in Egypt, and these dice were made of bones that date as far back as 2000 BCE.

In ancient times, people used gambling not just to make money but to make predictions. They used these dice to understand the will of the gods. As such, it is not uncommon during those times for gambling and superstition to be intertwined. Until today, there are shamans in both rural and rural areas who use gambling principles to predict one’s future.

There is evidence of the first casino games in China as far back as 2300 BCE. The ancient Chinese played the lottery. Some findings suggest that they had games that looked like the modern Keno. In Rome, it is known that people gambled with gladiators. There were animal fights and chariot races. There are also traces and evidence of dice.

Medieval Times

During the medieval times, the rise of card games happened. It was in Europe, during the Middle Ages, that card games became popular. Although the cards are believed to have originated in China, their popularity grew in Europe. Both nobles and peasants gambled. It was not unusual for taverns to offer to gamble to their patrons and guests.

The things that happened during this period are:

• Development of suits.
• Addition of faces on cards.
• Enmity with the Church.

The Church condemned gambling and declared it as a vice. Since most governments took advice from the church, it was normally considered illegal. However, some governments tolerated it, especially if it was used to raise funds for the church.

This concept of raising money through games still exists to this day. Many gambling organizations raise money for charity and aid. Although the concept is a zero-sum game, the participants’ money could be used for something noble.

Modern Casinos

The first casino is believed to have appeared in Italy. Specifically, in Venice, back in 1638. The casino was built to allow the government to the gambling habits of people.

At this point, the casinos became exclusive and attracted the social elites. The peasants at that time had to gamble their way. For the elites, gaming houses were heavily regulated.

This would not last long, as the casino would be shut down in 1774 for moral reasons. People accused gamblers of being immorality and corrupt.  

In the 19^th century, gambling began to grow in popularity in the United States. At this point, it was not unusual to see casino facilities on rivers. These were called riverboat casinos and were dominant in the Mississippi River. 

The games that people played back then were:

• Poker;
• Roulette;
• Saloons.

It was in the 20^th century when casinos began to emerge in Las Vegas. These casino facilities continued to grow to what we see now. From this period until today, we can say that the Americans are the ones who turned gambling into the modern and luxurious activity that we see today.

Online Gambling

Online gambling began in the 1990s. Although iGaming had been around for a while, the birth of the internet gave way to the mobile games we all play now. The industry boomed quickly. Today, it is almost impossible to count the number of online casino facilities worldwide.

The games offered in online casinos are the same as what you would typically see in land-based ones. However, more people prefer to gamble online for the following reasons:

• More games to choose from.
• Much more accessible.
• There are worldwide selections of casinos and games.
• More ways to fund or deposit.

In addition to all these, you can play with people around the world in online casinos. You can participate in tournaments, too.

Also, the internet made it possible to operate live dealer casinos. These are games operated by human beings in a studio. However, the players stay in the comfort of their homes to place bets. There is no need to travel and rent a hotel room to have that luxurious feeling.

Gambling is part of humanity. There will always be people who want to test their luck and skills to make money. While it can have negative repercussions, one can still enjoy it and not suffer heavy losses. The trick is to stay disciplined and only do it for a bit of entertainment, not as a lifestyle.