Gambling has been a favorite pastime for people all over the world. The merging of modern technology and the age-old casino created something great not just for the expert gamblers, but for the new punters as well. Gamers are attracted to the idea that they can place a bet or play poker anytime using their electronic devices and get a chance to win real money. Online casino sites like the notable Casinovibez offer updated casino sites that promise more fun and excitement to the player.
Statistics show that the global casino industry was forecasted to make about $230.86 billion and that number is expected to increase in the coming years.
The Rise of Sports Betting in the U.S.
Since the legalization of sports betting at the federal level in 2018, the industry’s total revenue reached over $900 million in just one year, which is a big contribution to the gambling market in the country. Nevada, where sports betting was legalized in 1949, made around $300 million in 2019, followed by New Jersey, which accounted for over $200 million (sports betting in New Jersey was legalized in 2018).
Gambling as part of American Culture
It is believed that European colonists brought gambling to the U.S. in the 19th century, and its practice was tolerated in Southern states such as Georgia, Virginia and South Carolina.
In 1833, 11 years after Louisiana became a state, it embraced and legalized all forms of gambling in New Orleans. Later in 1835, their license was canceled but that did not stop the state. Their casino-type gambling continued through riverboats traveling the Mississippi River. This type of riverboat gambling, though it cultivated an infamous reputation, continued to thrive until the Civil War in 1861-1865.
In the late 18th century and early 19th century, a new era focused on morality and social problems, especially due to the strong influence of evangelical Christianity; because of this, gambling was outlawed for a number of years in many parts of the nation. In 1862, only Missouri and Kentucky had legal state lotteries. By 1900, all state lotteries had been effectively banned by Congress.
The 19th century marked the era of the gambling frontier, especially in the Old West where gambling, both legal and illegal, took place in gambling houses and saloons where miners, traders, travelers and cowboys would hang out and wager their money. By the beginning of the 20th century, however, most of these casinos had shut down.
Plunging into the early 20th century
In the early 20th century, Nevada outlawed casino gambling and New York outlawed horse racing, while three major territories, Arizona, Oklahoma and New Mexico, gained statehood between 1907 and 1912. Back then, only Maryland and Kentucky accepted horse race betting and only a few unknown places accepted card gambling.
The casino was again legalized in Nevada in the 1930s and gambling halls were reopened, especially in Las Vegas. In 1955, the state legislature created the Nevada Gaming Control Board, and four years later, the Nevada Gaming Commission was established.
Final Insight
At present, legalities in gambling are still dependent on the state’s decision. However, the casino is still standing strong and it will continue to exist, adapt and evolve.
