Gambling has always been a feature of American history, starting directly with the American Indians, who loved to play both cards and dice. When Christopher Columbus arrived in America in 1492, he and his crew also brought more playing cards and dice along with them, as well as the knowledge of distinct games from other regions of the world. Once the early colonists began to settle permanently in the territory, the popular perception of gambling started to change, with certain colonies even banning the possession of dice, card decks and table games, even inside private homes. But later the attitude toward gambling gradually transformed – as well as the conventional card games, betting on wrestling bouts, dog fights and rat fights, became increasingly common.
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21+ only. Gambling should stay entertainment — never a way to make money. If it stops being fun, call 1-800-GAMBLER. State law decides what is available where you live; check your own rules before you deposit.
Gambling has been banned and then legalized for several times in the USA, and it always came back stronger than before. For example, the arrival of the French colonists to New Orleans in 1718 led to the start of more luxurious gambling centers, designed to look elegant yet over the top. This is the style that has led to many of the casinos we are familiar with in the US today.
The lottery, which was founded in Europe, became emerging in America in 18th century, with many colonies holding lotteries in order to raise money for their ventures. Betting on horse races also became more popular, although, it was more casual betting amongst horse owners and friends rather the officially organized races we see today.
The popularity of gambling continued to grow, with many of the early US presidents also enjoying a variety of games. At the height of the Great Depression in 1931, gambling centers were in extremely high demand, and full-scale gambling soon became legalized. Nevada was the first state to do this, mostly because it wanted a way to stimulate the economy and raise state revenue, without increasing taxes. 1973 saw the first ‘pure casino’ company being traded on the New York Stock Exchange, and in 1989, the first destination casino resort was launched in Las Vegas. Extravagant casinos, as well as smaller, more private venues, began opening up in many states across America, and in 2007, the gross revenue for gaming in the US reached a new record, topping $92 billion.
Many states followed suit not long after, resulting in an explosion of gambling all over America. The following infographics illustrates gambling’s more recent history, depicting its most pivotal moments across the country, as well as showing you which states make the most revenue from gambling.