10 Fun Facts About Gambling

Ready to roll the dice on some fascinating tidbits? Here are 10 fun facts about gambling that will take you from Ancient China’s game of chance to the digital tables of online casinos and further.

10 Fun Facts from Around the World About Gambling

1. The first recorded evidence of gambling dates back to 2300 BC in Ancient China, where tiles were found that appeared to be used for a simple game of chance.
2. Las Vegas, often known as the gambling capital of the world, wasn’t always a gambler’s paradise. It was established in 1905, but gambling was actually illegal in Nevada between 1910 and 1931.
3. Blackjack, also known as 21, is one of the most popular casino games globally. Its origin can be traced back to a French game called “Vingt-et-Un” (Twenty-One) played in the 17th century.
4. Slot machines, a staple in casinos, were originally introduced as a way to entertain the wives and girlfriends of high-rollers while they were gambling at the tables. These machines now generate more revenue than all other casino games combined.
5. The sandwich, a popular meal choice worldwide, was allegedly invented by John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, so that he could eat without leaving the gambling table.
6. In 1980, a man named William Lee Bergstrom made the largest bet in casino history at the time, staking $777,000 on a single dice roll in a game of craps – and won.
7. The famous Las Vegas Strip is not actually located within the city limits of Las Vegas. It falls under the jurisdiction of Clark County.
8. Roulette is sometimes called “The Devil’s Game” because all the numbers on the roulette wheel add up to 666, which is often associated with the devil.
9. Online gambling has seen a significant rise, with the first online casino launching in 1994, much before the advent of widespread internet use.
10. Monaco, home to the glamorous Monte Carlo casino, prohibits its own citizens from gambling in the casino, a rule that’s been in place since the mid-1800s.