Gambling, by all indications, is about as old as we are, or at least as old as the Palaeolithic era, according to the latest archaeological evidence. Otherwise, the first known casino opened in Venice, Italy, in 1638, over 400 years ago. So there has been plenty of time to gather some rather interesting, surprising, and entertaining facts around the subject.
1. Henry VIII the Terrible
You have most likely heard of Henry VIII’s fondness for freeing his wives of their heads, but did you know he was also a downright terrible gambler?
According to accounts of his various gambling activities, the infamous English king would regularly make bets with royalty and commoners alike, and consistently lose every time. It is said that he gambled away huge amounts of money and priceless possessions. He famously even lost the much-cherished Jesus bells from the St. Paul’s church in a wager with Sir Mile Partridge.
2. The Lottery Used To Be Illegal
Most people don’t know, and few people still remember, but lotteries for the better of the 20th century were illegal in most parts of the world. In the US, it was only in 1964, that it was first legalised in the state of New Hampshire.
3. Cornero’s Floating Casino
In 1938, mobster kingpin Anthony Cornero launched a massive cruise ship, called the SS Rex, to sail around America’s east coast. It was made to contain over 2,000 passengers, and featured five-star restaurants, top-notch music and entertainment, and of course, a casino.
Despite keeping to international waters, he was raided several times by US law-enforcement, and eventually arrested. Winning his appeal to court, however, he was released and returned to his ship.
The SS Rex continued in operation until law enforcement and politicians could take it no longer. In a last raid, though unable to arrest him, they trashed the ship instead, dunking everything into the ocean. Apparently unfazed by the loss, Cornero simply moved to Vegas and opened a new casino.
4. The War Of Games
According to historical accounts, gambling was especially prevalent among soldiers throughout the US Civil War. Often the quiet moments between battles and skirmishes could last for days or weeks. It is said that the soldiers on both sides would engage in every type of gambling game imaginable to pass the time.
One particular division of the Union army, called the Army of the James, was jokingly called the Army of the Games due to their particular fondness of gambling. Furthermore, strangely enough, it is said that soldiers on both sides would often meet in the “in-between zone” to gamble on cards or dice, forgetting their war for a few brief hours. Now, imagine if they’d had access to sites like Big Dollar online casino, wartime may have been rather different.
5. The Moulin Rouge
Opened in 1955, the famous Moulin Rouge was known for more than its dancers. It was also “America’s First Interracial Casino” and was a hit amongst the elites of the time, such Cary Grant, Frank Sinatra, and Humphrey Bogart.
It remains an iconic venue to this day.
