Jewel Beat
As you may already know, US gambling culture has changed significantly over the years. What was once a shunned pastime that was conducted in the shadows or behind closed doors is now a common hobby that millions of people enjoy, with the current climate being more accepting of gambling than ever before.
But what did things look like in the gambling scene 10, 20, 30, 100 or even 500 years ago? This is a great question, and taking a look back can give us an insight into how gambling has evolved.
In this article, we will be taking a look at how US gambling culture has progressed over the years, going right back to the start of modern history and traveling forward to today. Let’s get right into it!
Early American Gambling
Gambling has been around for almost as long as humans have existed. It seems as though the thrill of placing wagers on events and playing games for financial gain is a human instinct almost as natural as walking or breathing.
The earliest evidence we have of wagering dates back to around the late 1500s in the United States. This is thanks to the famous author Don Quixote, who references playing an early form of blackjack in one of his short stories.
Gambling was almost certainly around before this in the US, but evidence is extremely difficult to come across due to the general lack of literacy as well as the poor preservation qualities of cards and other equipment.
Things began to pick up in the 16th century, with French and British colonists bringing over gambling games to US shores. This included early forms of blackjack as well as roulette, which was likely not known in the US before it was brought over.
Around the same time, horse racing began to pick up popularity among those in the higher social classes. This was especially the case in Virginia, where early forms of regulation were put in place, with stake limits and odds being introduced. Horse racing continued to be popular in the US for the next three centuries until gambling was criminalized in the 19th century.
Lotteries became commonplace during the 18th century. They were quite popular across the states, spreading to 13 different colonies, although their popularity came to a halt when limits were put in place by the Brits, the rulers at the time.
The 19th Century Crackdown
U.S. gambling culture took a turn for the worse in the 19th century. During this time, religious groups began a campaign to criminalize all forms of gambling and get rid of any established gambling hubs.
This was extraordinarily effective – gambling in the US dropped across the board. However, it still took place behind closed doors and among certain communities.
It still flourished in certain areas, such as saloons on the frontier as well as locations like New Orleans. New Orleans was known as somewhat of a haven throughout the crackdown, alongside riverboats in states like South Carolina, allowing people to gamble without the worry of prying eyes.
The Importance of Las Vegas
Around the time of the great depression, a new leader emerged in the world of gambling – Las Vegas. In an effort to provide economic relief, the US legalized gambling in Nevada officially for the first time in centuries. This led to the birth of Las Vegas, with gamblers and wagering businesses everywhere centralizing in this one location.
However, it wasn’t always sunshine and rainbows. Capitalizing on the gambling surge, mafias and gangs moved in and threatened to take over the scene. This got so bad that at one point, almost every single casino on the strip was gang-owned. Fortunately, this was reversed later on in the 1960s, with an array of businessmen choosing to get involved.
Las Vegas truly revolutionized gambling, inspiring many of the best video games of today and making gambling more accepted. It was perhaps the most important development in gambling history.
The Modern Online Casino Scene
Fast forward to today, where 500 years of history have climaxed and pushed gambling history to new heights. Technology has benefited humanity in so many ways. Not only are our lives easier than ever, but wagering fans have more opportunities than ever before.
Online casinos have made it much more casual and accepted – it’s no longer a back alley hobby that is looked down upon. And the legislation reflects this, too. While online casinos are illegal in certain states, most states allow them and give fans and companies plenty of freedom. This also extends to sports betting, with most states legalizing both online and offline participation.
Not only is gambling more accepted than ever, but there are also more resources out there for people who struggle with problem gambling. This is an extremely new concept, as only decades earlier, those with problems would have been looked down upon and shunned rather than helped.
Conclusion
So, did you find this flashback to the past interesting? The history of gambling is long and vast with a ton of twists and turns along the way. Who would have thought gambling would have become just another hobby in the present day, when throughout numerous periods in US history, it was completely outlawed.
Fortunately, it looks like things have progressed for the better. Not only do people have the freedom to enjoy gambling as they please, but there are also numerous resources available that can prevent problem gambling. There’s also more awareness about the problems that it can bring, creating a safer environment where safety is prioritized above all else.
Will it remain this way forever? Who knows. Looking back at gambling’s past, there were many times when gambling was legalized, only to be criminalized shortly thereafter. It’s not too much of a stretch to say it could happen again. For now, let’s just enjoy the progress that has been made both in legalization and awareness.
