For a long time, people had to make do with land-based casinos. They did not have the technology to create slots like at https://icecasino.com/ro/pacanele. What were these land-based casinos like back then, and how different are they from 21st-century ones?
The Early Days of Casinos
No one knows the precise origins of gambling. Many artifacts are showing that ancient people gambled. However, the first gambling house known to history is the one in Venice, Italy. This gambling house was opened in 1638, and it had approval from the Great Council of Venice.
The purpose of the facility was to provide entertainment under control during festivals. The council closed it in 1774 because the government felt that it was making people poor. In the US, meanwhile, gambling establishments flourished in the Old West. These facilities were known as saloons. You would typically see this kind of gambling establishment in Old West movies.
It was in these saloons where people gathered, had a drink, played, and just generally had fun. It was in the 20th century that gambling became illegal in the country. Later on, some states legalized gambling in 1931, particularly Nevada. It was in 1976 when New Jersey allowed gambling in Atlantic city, and the rest is history.
At that time, gambling facilities were just like that — gambling houses. Today, modern casinos have more to offer.
The Modern Casinos
Today, modern gambling facilities are bigger than they were back then. Usually, nowadays casinos are called resorts. Here are the things you can expect there:
- Entertainment
- Hotel rooms
- Valet parking
- Lots of restaurants
If you go to places like Las Vegas, there surely is one form of entertainment you would like. Here are some examples:
- Singing
- Comedy
- Play
- Circus shows
- Magic acts
Premium or luxury hotel rooms are also offered there. The rates vary, but then if you have the money, there surely are hotel suites that fit kings.
Talking about games – there is a ton of them. Here are the most common ones:
- Blackjack
- Roulette
- Slot machines
- Baccarat
There is no shortage of games and entertainment in modern gaming houses. Of course, there are drinks, too. Too often, people get so drunk that they do a lot of things they would later be ashamed of. It is why there is a saying, “what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.”
Today, there are more than 900,00 slot machines in the US. Moreso if you consider the whole world. Because casinos are places where money flows like milk and honey, the only remaining question now is: which casino should you go to?
Best Casino in the World
It is impossible to list all the best gambling facilities in the world, but here are a few:
- MGM Grand Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, USA.
- Marina Bay Sands, Singapore.
- Grand Lisboa Casino, Macau, China.
- Monte Carlo Casino, Monte Carlo, Monaco.
MGM Grand Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, USA
This casino is a landmark in Las Vegas. The biggest boxing fights happen here. It is a big establishment that has all the games you could possibly ask for, including poker. There are also sports betting kiosks in the area, with lots of state-of-the-art facilities.
Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
This casino is a definite go-to if you visit Asia, along with some casinos in Macau. It has a shopping mall, and you can gamble and relax at over 600 tables. There are more than a thousand slot machines in this casino.
As a tourist, you can enter the facility for free. If you are a resident, you must pay $100 to enter. Yes, they discourage the locals from entering the facility. It means that as a tourist, you must bring your passport so you can enter for free.
Grand Lisboa Casino, Macau, China
The Grand Lisboa is one of the biggest casinos in Macau. In essence, Macau is the Las Vegas of Asia. It is where you can find similar nightlife and entertainment. The casino has more than 800 tables and 1000 slot machines. There are also regular shows for those looking for entertainment.
Monte Carlo Casino, Monte Carlo, Monaco
Finally, we have Monte Carlo, which is the best destination for the elite. It is in this casino where you would find wealthy CEOs. This gaming house is now 150 years old. It is the best place for high-rollers.
Casinos will always be around, but they will change in form. The land-based ones will surely not go away, but then more and more people will want to play through some other channels. Today, online casinos are a lot more popular than land-based ones.
Even so, nothing can replace the feeling that one gets in a land-based casino. The gaming house is where you will find people, food, and entertainment. Suffice it to say that you can play in online casinos anytime. However, for special occasions, you should go to play in land-based gambling facilities.