April 29, 2020Gambling houses have been existing in human civilisations since time immemorial and have become a place where people socialise and play to risk their money. With time and bans by different authorities, gambling houses became more channelled to carter to the needs of the rich and the elite. The common man was forced to gamble in small spaces and underground betting dens. Casinos first originated in Italy as institutions which were famous for gambling, prostitution and a place where the local mob bosses could meet up. When powers of the constitutional monarchy started rising, casinos became a place of business rather than of fun. Mob bosses started turning everything legal, at least on paper so that they could be seen as innocent in the eyes of the law. Most of those casinos are still alive and well, here is a list of some oldest casinos in the world.
Casino di Venezia
Technically the oldest casino in the world, Casino di Venezia was established in 1638 in Riddoto of San Moise. Although this institution said that it was open to all gamblers, in truth, it only facilitated the rich and the powerful. The high rates of wagers and compulsory dress code made it almost impossible for anyone but the
top bureaucrats, politicians, business people, and highbrows to enter the premises. The high corruption and significant class divide forced the Casino to close down in 1774, and it was reopened in 1960 in a new location by the canal in Lido.
Casino de Spa
Belgium saw the construction of the first casino in the city by the name of Casino de Spa in 1763. The building in its initial years was used as a significant public space for the nobility of Spa, Belgium. It consisted of theatres, hall rooms, ballroom, kitchen and casino itself. In 1918 a massive fire burned the establishment to the ground, after which it reopened in a few years after going through numerous renovations and re-structuring of the complex. In the early 2000s, the casino was taken over and operated by the Circus Casino Spa Group which modernised the casino without losing on its heritage and popular games.
Casino Wiesbaden
The first casino to be constructed in Germany, Casino Wiesbaden was a part of the very famous Kurhaus which was Wiesbaden's convention centre, and all the elite and novelty gathered there for celebrations. Being the only one of its kind, Casino Wiesbaden became a popular
spot for tourists, artists, businessmen and top-level government employees. The casino was constructed in 1834 and redesigned in the mid-1900s after the end of the world wars.
Casino de Monte Carlo
Casino de Monte Carlo is a heritage sight in the city of Monaco, built in the mid-1800s, the casino was inaugurated in 1856 by Princess Caroline of Monaco. The Royal family saw the casino as a business investment which would take them out of all financial issues as and when they arise. In 2006, the James Bond movie Casino Royale was shot here....