Casinos, the bodies that accommodate one of the nation’s fondest pastimes, date back as far back as the 17th century. Heck, we even have an entire city dedicated to the sport. Why is that, you ask? Well, because casinos are as much a part of American culture as apple pie, and their history dates as far back as the country itself. Enjoying the thrill of a good gamble is intrinsic to human nature. Things are more exhilarating with a bit of skin in the game. In this article, we will be diving into the history of casino gaming and gambling, and what makes it so popular in the United States.
The History of Gaming
Since before you could imagine, betting has been an intrinsic aspect of human nature. It is no doubt easy for you to empathize with the feelings of exhilaration and positivity that follow the placing of a wager. Whether it is betting on a local sports team or the global economy, we have always found boundless entertainment in the great game of chance. We have also found a great myriad of ways in which to engage in this game of luck, cunning, and fortune so it only stands to reason that gambling would eventually become somewhat institutionalized within our societies. Enter, casinos.
Casino gambling as we know it today has its roots in Italy where, in the 17th century, the world’s very first gambling houses would be established. In 1638, an organization known as the Ridotto would then be founded to help create safer gaming environments, which could be seen as the precursor to associations such as the IAGR.
Casinos Come to America
By the early 19th Century, casino gaming and gambling houses could be found almost anywhere in the European continent. It would be the early European settlers and British colonists whose fondness for gambling would eventually bring casinos to North America. Games of chance were so popular in North America during its founding years, in fact, that nation and state-wide lotteries would commonly be held to fund the development of critical infrastructure such as schools and hospitals.
As casino gambling spread its roots across the great Americas, it found its home in New Orleans, which quickly became the number one spot for gamblers on the continent. Although this did eventually lead to a number of judicial decisions to limit gambling, this was not enough to deter people from their beloved pastime. Instead of closing shop, the entrepreneurial casino owners simply moved their business to the Mississippi River where they hosted their guests on large riverboats. This clever means of keeping things legal would even travel upriver to the western portions of what is now the United States of America.
What Makes Casino Gaming Fun?
The reasons why we find gambling so much fun are as abundant as the myriad of games one may find in a casino. One of the biggest drawing factors is the prize, of course. The thrill and excitement conjured through the prospect of winning big have been drawing people to the sport for centuries. Additionally, there is quite a powerful social aspect of gambling people hold a dear regard for. Whether it be with family or with friends, gambling games always require more than one party, which makes company a vital part of the experience.
For many, the experience one has at the casinos that house these games is the ultimate allure. Casinos have a long and accredited history of treating their patrons well and it is no secret that they know exactly how to treat their clients and keep them coming back for more. Cities like Las Vegas have built entire industries around the provision of great casino experiences, which has ultimately become a timeless hook for tourists.
The Benefits of Gambling
If you are an avid gambler at sites like Big Dollar online casino, you should already know of some of the benefits that come with the hobby. In this section, we will be exploring two positive aspects of recreational gambling.
Fun and Joy:
Beyond simply the chance of financial gain, there are some behavioral psychologists who assert that maintaining gambling as a hobby is good for one’s emotional well-being. In essence, recreational gambling could actually help with happiness. This has been known to combat depression and even loneliness amongst older demographics of players.
The scientific reasoning for this has to do with the dopamine receptors of the brain, which react positively in gamblers. The release of the dopamine hormone, also known as “the happy chemical,” induces euphoria and satisfaction in players, which is often just the type of pick-me-up one needs after a week of long and hard work.
Social Networking:
As mentioned prior, gambling is not something one can do alone, unless you play exclusively online. It always necessities multiple players, which makes gambling an inherently social activity. With the exception of slot machines, most of the games you can play at a casino will see you seated with a number of other players. For example, games like blackjack, craps, and poker have a strong social element to them. After a few visits to the same casino, it becomes easy to spot the regulars and make friends with individuals with whom to share your passion.
Casinos are no doubt hotspots for interesting and exciting people from all walks of life. Especially for older crowds, this can be a great way to get out there and establish new kinships later in life.
Conclusion
There you have it, a brief overview of casino gaming and gambling, its history, and why we seem to love it so much. If you have made it this far into the article, congrats. Hopefully, you have learned a thing or two about the positive aspects of gambling. It is a timeless pastime with a legacy as old as our own. Better yet, we now have online and mobile casinos to bring the experience to us wherever we go!
