It’s been said that many different forms of gambling have been in existence since our earliest human ancestors roamed the earth. For example, those who lived during the Hellenic era (500 – 300 B.C.) had access to cube-like objects likely made from an animal’s knuckles. During the development of Euclid’s geometrical theories in ancient Greece, people could be found playing an early version of crap shoot.
One of the first known Middle Eastern style poker games was referenced around 1890, although many historians have suggested that poker actually began in a small French village. There were also poker-style games that developed simultaneously in Germany and in England. The game didn’t really boom publicly within the United States until the 1930′s, but its popularity spread at the start of the Victorian era. Today, poker style games are extremely popular and you can find a US casino or a UK casino very easily.
The history of sports gambling such as horse racing can be traced back to the 19th century. At that time it was a recreational activity enjoyed by the wealthier classes. Well before the turn of the 20th century, (following the Civil War) it was widely commonplace for people to place wagers on their favorite equines. Gambling on sports festivities is considered illegal within much of the United States. Delaware and New Jersey are two of the exceptions. Betting in is permitted for both of these states in collegiate-level sports (including horse racing) and money pools.
Among the different forms of gambling is the poker slot machine which Sittman and Pitt debuted in 1891 in Brooklyn, New York. But credit is actually given to the German-born American mechanic Charles Fey for modernizing and introducing the Liberty Bell cash slot machine in California in 1894. The fruit logos available in many of today’s casino slot machines were seen in 1912 and fruit-flavored gum was dispensed at that time rather than money.
Everything we have for gambling leisure has a history and shouldn’t be taken for granted. It’s certain these games can continue to be relished.