Casinos were around as far back as The Tang Dynasty, who ruled for nearly 300 years. In Europe, it’s difficult to trace when casino games became popular, but likely before the 17th century.
Small beginnings
The word casino actually means “small house”. It is only in the past few centuries we associate it with games.
Therefore, it’s commonly thought that before casinos became formal venues, games took place in small houses or rooms. People have played games such as:
- Poker
- Blackjack
- Craps
- Roulette
At elite parties through the years. Even the working glasses got together to make bets on horses, dogs and boxing.
Of course, the epicenter of the casino world is Las Vegas. Most people who have ever played a game of cards have it on their bucket list.
Other places where there are entire towers voted simply to entertainment and games can be found in:
- Macau
- Monte Carlo
- Atlantic City
But practically every major city where it is legal has a huge casino that welcomes players from around the world.
Modern playing
Since the late 1990s, many more people have had access to casino games with the advent of the internet. Now, there are plenty of safe and regulated casino providers available online which have allowed players to enjoy a wide range of games on their screens.
Although functionality wasn’t great originally, the industry has developed now into a sophisticated juggernaut. As technology has advanced more and more people now play on their smartphone.
Today, around 55% of people playing casino games do so on their device. That doesn’t mean the allure of land-based casinos has passed though, it is more to do with convenience.
Playing in land-based casinos
Undoubtedly, the rise of online casinos has meant that more people can play the games they want. However, it’s still fun to get glammed up for a night out and go to a casino.
It brings back the social element that some people miss when they play at home. (Although live games are now bringing that back too!)
Towns that have casinos are very popular with bachelor and bachelorette parties. It’s a night or weekend away of high spirits and playing slots or blackjack can heighten the fun.
Groups of both sexes, and even couples sometimes head off to celebrate an occasion with a casino night. It can be used to:
- Celebrate an engagement
- Revel in a job promotion
- Host a big birthday such as a 30th or 40th party
Casinos are associated with anticipation, thrills and unexpected encounters. There is even the chance to win big!
What better ingredients for a night out?
Celebs and the casino
Of course, there is one group of people that don’t need an occasion to hit the casino. That’s the A-list, or even the B- and C-list.
Anyone in the spotlight who has earned some money from doing so is living in a high stake’s world. That’s why casinos are a natural habitat for them.
Some like to play at home, where they have the anonymity of the screen. Others don’t mind being seen playing the tables, especially when they are in Vegas.
So, which big names have a passion for the felt, or love a spin on the slots?
- Harry Styles
Former boy band heart throb and modern-day style icon and movie star, Harry Styles has a passion for casino. During his One Direction days, he used to get told off for staying out too late playing roulette.
He even got “17 black” tattooed on his shoulder, obviously his lucky number. Whenever he is on tour in a new city, he’s likely to be found on the tables.
According to some, Pitt came late to casino gaming. When he was filming Ocean’s 11 in Vegas, he took a shine to the tables.
Some say it was training for the role of Rusty Ryan, but Pitt developed a taste for:
- Slots
- Poker
- Blackjack
Although he isn’t often seen playing in public, it’s rumored that he has card games at home. Maybe he likes to play online after a long day of filming?
- Ben Affleck
The Batman star isn’t just a casual player, he’s something of a master. He’s a talented card-counter, a difficult skill to master, and one which mathematicians rely on.
He’s a legend on the blackjack tables and big casinos are scared of him coming to play. He has even received a ban from some land-based casinos, due to his big wins.
However, that just encouraged the millionaire movie star to play online. This is bad for staff in land-based casinos, as he was known for tipping handsomely.
- Rafael Nadal
Tennis and poker wouldn’t usually be expected bed-fellows but for this tennis star, they are. The current ATP number 3 has been spotted in casinos across the world, showing his full house.
Nadal’s love of poker has led to him taking classes with poker professionals. He has played online professionally and continues to enjoy it in his downtime.
- 50 Cent
The rap superstar who made a move to movies and TV likes to bet. Some would call him lucky!
Sports are his passion, and he seems to know what he’s doing. He won when he bet almost $1.6 million on Floyd Mayweather to beat Manny Pacquaio.
A game for everyone
Although celebrities can place higher stakes on a game, they play for the same reasons as normal people. These are:
- Entertainment
- Anticipation
- Thrill
- A way to unwind
The fact that they can now do this online without needing to walk into a casino is easier. There are likely plenty of celebrities playing online right now, between takes or before they hit the field.
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