What Was the First Casino in the United States?

The first known casino in the United States was the Ridotto, established in 1638 in Venice, Italy. The casino was closed in 1774, but its legacy would live on in the form of the modern-day casino.

In the early 1800s, gambling was outlawed in the United States. This didn’t stop people from gambling, however; they just took their games underground.

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In 1823, a man named Richard Canfield opened the first illegal gambling house in New York City.

Canfield’s establishment was luxurious, and it quickly became a popular destination for the wealthy. However, it was also frequented by criminals, and it wasn’t long before the authorities shut it down.

PRO TIP:The first casino in the United States was the Ridotto, established in Venice, Italy in 1638. It was a government-sanctioned gambling house where Venetians could gamble and enjoy other forms of entertainment. The Ridotto was a precursor to modern day casinos, and despite being closed down by 1774, it still stands as a symbol of the gambling industry’s beginnings.

After Canfield’s gambling house was shuttered, other illegal casinos began to pop up around the country. These establishments were often run by organized crime syndicates, and they attracted a seedy element.

In 1931, Nevada legalized gambling in an effort to boost tourism during the Great Depression. The first legal casino in Nevada was the Northern Club (now known as Binion’s Horseshoe), which opened its doors on December 26, 1931.

The Northern Club wasn’t just a casino; it also served as a hotel, restaurant, and bar. It quickly became a popular destination for celebrities and high rollers from around the world.

Today, there are hundreds of casinos dotting the landscape of the United States. They come in all shapes and sizes, from small mom-and-pop operations to massive resorts that span several city blocks.

No matter what type of gambler you are, there’s sure to be a casino that’s perfect for you.