Gambling is far from being a modern innovation. The practice of placing bets and gaming for money dates back thousands of years, from Native Americans gambling in caves to online jackpots paying out today. Discover the long and storied history of great gambling feats.
In China, keno slips serve as a lottery to fund public works – most likely the Great Wall of China.
In ancient Greek civilization, people bet on animal fights and believe their dice games and other gambling activities are influenced by the gods.
In Greek mythology, Zeus, Hades, and Poseidon play “throw the dice” to split the universe between them. The lucky origins of 6’s date to this time as well. Rolling two 6’s is known as a “Throw of Aphrodite” and practically guarantees a win.
Gambling is popular in Ancient Rome, though it’s prohibited during the Republic. They use six-sided dice for their games, similar to what we use today.
Tavern signs dating back to this time have been found that read “Good food and gambling within.” Some ancient tables are inscribed with “make room for better players.”
The Promontory civilization practices recreational gambling, as evidenced by dice found in Utah caves.
Baccarat is a popular game in Italy and France. It’s enjoyed primarily by French royalty.
The first public lottery in Europe takes place in Florence to raise money for public works.
The first known casino in the world, the Casino di Venezia, is established in Italy. [8] The casino is situated in a wing of the Theatre Saint Moses so theatre-goers can gamble during intermission.
The casino still stands today, offering over 600 slot machines as well as French roulette, chemin de fer, black jack, and more.
A horse race track is constructed in Natchez, Mississippi where locals can bet on horses and jockeys.
Mississippi riverboat gambling is popular on the trade ships frequenting the river.
Mississippi Coast hotels regularly offer gambling among their amenities.
Gambling is legalized in the U.S. state of Nevada.
Harold’s Club opens in Reno. This is the first casino to promote slot machines geared toward lower class clientele with less to bet.
Gambling is legalized in Atlantic City.
Riverboat gambling is legalized in Iowa. Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Michigan, Missouri, and Massachusetts quickly follow suit. By 2010, there are 17 riverboat casinos in operation.
Archie Karas enjoys the longest casino winning streak in history, turning a $50 bet into $40 million.
Microgaming pioneers online gambling. Within five years, the industry is worth over a billion dollars.
Microgaming launches the first progressive jackpot, Cash Splash, with online wagers pooling their bets to form a massive cumulative jackpot.
Boss Media releases the first multi-player online gaming platform.
The Major Millions progressive slot at Captain Cooks Casino rewards one lucky player $1.5 million – the largest jackpot record prize to date.
A 25-year-old man wins a $39 million jackpot at the Excalibur Casino, taking home the largest recorded casino jackpot in history.
The Gold Rally slot at Carnival Casino sets a new record, awarding a progressive jackpot slot payout of $1,966,000.
Australian gambler Harry Kakavas has one of the biggest casino losses of all time when he loses $1.5 billion over 14 months at the Crown Casino in Melbourne
The Venetian Macao opens in China, making history as the largest casino in the world and the largest building in Asia. The casino covers 10.5 million square feet.
Progressive jackpots of $5.5 million and $4 million payout at the Jackpot Ballroom Casino and Joyland Casino, taking progressive jackpots to new records.
New Jersey legalizes online gambling
Jon Heywood wins the largest online video slot jackpot in history with a €17,879 million win.