Casino gaming is an extremely popular activity. In Europe alone, casino gaming brings in millions of USD dollars in global annual revenue. But why is casino gaming so popular in Europe? What is Europe’s history with casino gaming?
Europe: the birthplace of casino games
Europe is the birthplace of many casino games. Roulette, poker, blackjack and bingo all seem to have originated in Europe.
- Bingo
Bingo was invented around 1530 in Italy. Back then, the game was known as Lo Giuoco del Lotto d’Italia.
The game spread to France and was called Le Loto.
From there, bingo was introduced to other neighbouring countries such as Spain, Portugal and the United Kingdom.
Soon enough, each country shared the game with its colonies and foreign settlements. The game spread from modern-day Europe to other parts of the world, including North America.
Over time, the Americans changed the game and created their own version of bingo.
Nowadays, the two most prevalent bingo versions are the British (90-ball game) and the American one (75-ball game).
Variations also exist that combine bingo with slot games. These types of games are called bingo slots.
Regular slots like Rainbow Riches might not be like bingo but they have probably found inspiration in the 16th-century game.
Slots and bingo are both luck-based games. They are both fast-paced and offer similar winning combinations and rewards.
They can both have unique and original themes.
- Poker
Many casino experts believe that the first poker game was invented in Germany or France.
Although modern poker was created in the USA, it owes a lot to a game called ‘poque’ (in French) or ‘pochen’ (in German).
Some historians claim that poker is actually linked to a Chinese domino-card game from the 10th century. Others argue that poker is a descendant of a 16th-century Persian card game.
Poker’s older origins are uncertain. After all, modern card games have all been designed around older games.
That being said, there is strong evidence to suggest that poker’s European predecessor was poque/pochen.
Both games include bluffing and betting and require a live dealer to give players their cards.
Records show that the French colonists brought poque to their New Orleans settlements.
Around 1810 and 1825, modern-day poker was invented in New Orleans.
Poque was most likely reworked into a new variation by Americans and was subsequently renamed poker.
In other words, poker was most likely a European game in origin.
- Blackjack
The origin of the casino game blackjack is still being debated.
However, most historians believe that it was introduced in the 17th century by
French casinos. It was then called ‘vingt-et-un’.
Others argue that the game was actually a Spanish game called ‘veintiuno’ that later became ‘vingt-et-un’ in French.
One record that historians rely on is the work of Spanish writer, Miguel de Cervantes. In his epic novel Don Quixote (1605), Cervantes writes about a game that is similar to blackjack.
Whatever the actual origin of blackjack, we know that back in the 17th century, it was a popular game in France and Spain.
- Roulette
Roulette is a French game that was invented in the 18th century.
Some historians believe that Blaise Pascal, a prominent French philosopher, mathematician, physicist and inventor, is also to thank for the first form of roulette.
His 17th century research into a perpetual motion machine most likely paved the way towards the first roulette mechanisms.
This iconic casino game might be French in origin, but it draws inspiration from another gaming wheel invented in 1720 and an Italian game called Biribi.
In other words, all games draw inspiration from each other which is why determining a game’s country of origin can be difficult. However, as historians suggest, Europe is the birthplace of many casino games.
Modern-day Europe and casino gaming
European countries are still very attached to the games mentioned above. They have a long history and tradition of playing these games.
These games have been passed on from generation to generation.
Some European countries and regions rely on casino gaming for the growth of their local economy. Countries like Monaco, for example, are very dependent on casino tourism.
That’s right, casino gaming is embedded in Monaco’s history and culture.
One of its most famous sights is the Monte-Carlo Casino. Even non-casino gamers stop by the venue to admire its Belle-Époque architecture style.
Paris is also famous for its casinos and French roulette games.
As explained in this article, Europe is the birthplace of many casino games.
Some countries like Monaco have built a lot of their identity and economy around casino gaming.
It is an important aspect of many European countries, and their culture reflects that influence.
