We're 100% Independent

Find The Top Canadian Online Casinos

Get The Biggest Welcome Bonuses

The History of Gambling And Casinos

History of Gaming and Casinos

Have you ever wondered where gambling and casinos originated from? Perhaps you're thinking about the Neolithic man, in his rocky mountain abode with friends, each making bets for an extra dried fish on who can run the fastest. Gambling does indeed date way back. In fact, it's hard to say when the very first bet was made.

The earliest evidence dates back to a dice game from around 2300 B.C. in China. It's thought these dice were used in various games including one which decided territory. By 100 A.D. King Olaf of Norway and King Olaf of Sweden used dice to resolve a minor argument over the opinion of who was more suited to own and rule the District of Hising. The Swedish king won.

Throughout the middle ages, European bourgeoisie, Royals and the most elite were playing roulette. In villages, gambling games were noisy and considered a big event. They took place at taverns and community gatherings.

  • 1380: Prohibited dice games

    Richard III prohibited dice games. A rule later exported to Canada. His decision was due to concerns over his archers spending too mach time playing dice. He feared it could have a backlash against the area and cause safety breaches amongst his royal confines.
  • 1497: John Cabot

    While exploring the vast Canadian territory, John Cabot found several Native populations playing different games of chance. These games were important spiritually emotionally, physically mentally rather than pure enjoyment.
  • 1892: Canada Ban

    Gambling became part of Canadian culture. However, this was a time in which religion and stiff morals were weighing on legislators' psyche. As a result, every type of gambling was banned. This backfired since it opened the doors to underground networks of criminal and mob-like activity to start and run illegal dens.
  • 1900: Bingo for charity

    The government started making a few improvements. Bingo and raffles were allowed if they were for charity.
  • 1910: Horce racing

    Horse racing was made legal.
  • 1925: Legal gambling

    Gambling events could take place legally at fairs and town exhibitions.
  • 1969: Lottery approved

    The government started losing its rules and understood the importance and value of lotteries and gambling.
  • 1970: Gambling licences

    All provinces could license and regulate gambling.
  • 1974: Montreal olympics

    The first lottery was held in aid of Montreal Olympics.
  • 1989: First casino

    The first commercial land based casino opened in Winnipeg, Canada.
  • 1993: Online gambling

    The first established land based casino in Montreal. Several other provinces followed. The late 90's game rise to Canadians becoming more and more interested in online gambling.
  • 2001: Statistics

    • 38,652 Video Lottery Terminals at 8309 locations
    • 31,537 slot machines
    • 32,932 lottery ticket centres
    • 1,880 bingo hall permits
    • 59 permanent casinos
    • 70 race tracks (20 are "racinos" or race tracks with slot machines)
    • 107 betting teletheatres

Other pages you may like

Live casino Free Games iPhone mobile/