The history of gaming has seen many powerful and influential empires rise and fall in the pursuit of fortune and glory. From the early days of ancient Chinese dynasties to modern day Las Vegas, gambling has been an integral part of human culture for centuries. The story of these empires is one that shows us the power and influence that can come from taking a risk, as well as how quickly those fortunes can fade away.
In the ancient world, some of the earliest examples of gambling were found in China. During the Shang dynasty (1600-1046 BCE), gambling was widespread among the ruling elite and commoners alike. This practice was so prevalent that it was actually banned by law during this period but still managed to survive in various forms throughout Chinese history. Later on, during the Han dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE), gambling became even more popular with games such as mahjong being introduced.
As centuries passed, new forms of gambling emerged around the world — notably in Europe and the United States. In Europe, games like craps, roulette, baccarat, and blackjack became popular in mainstream society during the 18th century. Meanwhile, America saw its own version of gaming emerge with saloons offering up poker tournaments and other card games for people looking for a chance at quick money or entertainment.
These two worlds eventually collided when Las Vegas began its meteoric rise in 1931 with legalized gambling being introduced in Nevada with specific rules designed to attract visitors from all over America looking for a chance at luck or fortune. This move would prove extremely successful with Vegas becoming one of the most famous destinations for tourists seeking out their next big winnings — whether it be on slots or table games — leading to a boom period known as “the Golden Age” which lasted until 1981 when casinos were forced to close due to high crime rates associated with organized crime figures controlling much of what happened in Sin City’s casinos at this time.
Since then Las Vegas has had its ups and downs but is still considered by many as one of the premier destinations for gamblers looking for fun or trying their luck at winning big jackpots. Today we are seeing a new generation embracing online casinos where players can enjoy all types of gaming from slots to poker without ever having to leave their homes. While there will always be fluctuations in fortunes related to gaming empires around the world — what never changes is our universal fascination with taking risks and trying our luck at winning something special or extraordinary!
