Viva, Las Vegas! Do you think this neon city is the casino capital of the world? It wasn't there! Moreover, it is not even among the ten largest gambling zones. And if not for a couple of northern states (Connecticut and Oklahoma), the US would have dropped out of the top 10 gambling industry altogether. However, the desire to break the big jackpot is characteristic of representatives of all cultures and countries. It can be said that this is a universal human weakness that business tycoons use to line their pockets with honestly (and not quite) earned money of mere mortals. Before you - the largest places where you can say goodbye to the fruit of their labors in an attempt to become millionaires.

Casino Atlantis Casino & Resort - Paradise Island, Bahamas

Fairy-tale palace on the coast of the islands

Atlantis in the Bahamas is the smallest casino on our list - its area is "only" 15,000 sq.m. At the same time, Atlantis Casino & Resort is the largest leisure and entertainment complex in the Caribbean.

The place destroyed by the Martians in the movie "Mars Attacks!"

The gambling zone of this entertainment complex spreads over 26,500 sq.m. It is noteworthy that the Gold Coast Hotel and Casino is located not so far from the main streets of the gaming paradise, but it has more locals than guests from all over the world. By the way, the buildings of this casino "lit up" in the science fiction film "Mars Attacks!".

Facade of the oldest casino on the East Coast

The name of this complex speaks for itself - a casino and a hotel. The gambling part of this institution is spread over a good 30,000 sq.m. This is the oldest legal casino in the United States built outside of the Nevada gambling zone. The opening of the Resorts Casino Hotel took place in 1978, and since then the complex has never closed its doors to visitors.

Big Wynn - Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

Space forms of the Wynn casino main building

Having shown a tribute to the classic "casino + hotel" system, it is worth moving to modern mega-casinos. One of the first such giants was the Wynn Casino, located on Paradise Strip, in the heart of Las Vegas. Its area is 34,000 sq.m. Its recreational area is included in the top best hotels in the world according to Condé Nast Traveler. And by the way: if you happen to be there and win big: Wynn has its own Ferrari-Maserati dealership.

Complex "Rio", standing on the outskirts, but not deprived of the attention of the public

"Rio" is not located in the center of Las Vegas, but it is rightfully considered the center of attraction for tourists. It is not surprising: the total area of ​​the gambling zone is 36,500 sq.m. In the cellars of the Rio All Suite Hotel and Casino there are more than 50,000 bottles of wine of various varieties, brands and years of manufacture for every taste. In addition, one of the world's largest poker championships is held here every year.

The most unusual in the world The Venetian - Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

Real Venice in Vegas

The Venetian Resort is a Las Vegas champion, Nevada's largest gaming resort with the second largest hotel in the world. The area of ​​the casino itself is 37,000 sq.m. In addition, the personal residence of Stephen Tyler is located here (yes, the same vocalist of the legendary Aerosmith bands and father Arwen from The Lord of the Rings), who, in addition to everything else, regularly hosts an author's show within the walls of Venice. Also on the territory of the complex is a branch of the Guggenheim Museum, which contains masterpieces of art from around the world.

The main sports center of gambling America

Anyone who likes to watch how people mercilessly beat each other in the face and other parts of the body should pay attention to the Mandalay Bay complex, where matches are held among the best fighters in boxing, MMA and various martial arts, as well as all kinds of competitions beauty. By the way - you can immediately bet on the results of these events. Mandalay Bay is a whole world of opportunities to spend money. The total area of ​​the gambling zone is 41,000 sq.m. Here is one of the largest pools in the Western Hemisphere called Moorea.

Caesar's main gate

Caesars was built in 1979 and became the second (after Resorts Casino Hotel) casino in Atlantic City. The complex was rebuilt and expanded several times, becoming the largest in the state. At the moment, the area of ​​the gambling zone is 44,100 sq.m. And it should be assumed that the ambitions of the owners have not yet dried up. Caesars also has a roomy theater Hall for 1100 seats with impeccable acoustics and sound. Dozens of first-rate stars performed on this stage, for example, Frank Sinatra.

The smartest building in the world at night

Aria was opened in 2009 and immediately became an object of interest for high-tech lovers from all over the world. According to Popular Mechanics, this entertainment center is the most technologically advanced in the world. In all rooms, automation regulates the amount of light entering the room, adjusts the level of sound insulation, forms a breakfast and lunch menu (and even remembers the ideal water temperature in the shower) for each client. The total area of ​​the playing area is 45,700 sq.m. By the way, it was "Aria" that shone in the most chic Hollywood movie"Illusion of deception".

Beauty and luxury "Bellagio"

Familiar to many from the remake of Ocean's 11, the Bellagio is one of the symbols of Las Vegas. In 1998, when the complex was built, it was named the world's largest hotel. Here is a truly iconic water show, poker rooms with some of the highest stakes in the world and, of course, a casino with an area of ​​47,200 square meters.

Entrance to the Universal Studios in the casino

If it were not for the limitations of the gaming space (according to the laws of the country, the casino area cannot exceed 48,700 sq.m.), Singapore casinos would become the largest in the world. However, in terms of total revenue, Thai entertainment complexes proudly rank third in the world. And Resorts World Sentosa even has its own division of Universal Studios.

View of Singapore's incredible Hanging Gardens

This colossal complex was built from one main goal- surpass the Santosa. Although it is difficult to compete with Universal, Marina Bay Sands found a way to leave the competitor behind: at an altitude of 600 meters there is a whole park with beaches, trees, a huge pool and a whole micro-world of entertainment, from which an incredible view of the city comes off.

Gold "Borgata" on the background of the urban landscape

The Borgata has become a completely successful attempt by Atlantic City to regain the palm among American entertainment complexes. This huge, gold-clad building was built in 2003, becoming the first new casino in New Jersey in 10 years. The area of ​​the playing zone is 48,700 sq.m. (hello Singapore!) On the territory of The Borgata there are many gourmet restaurants, shops, concert halls and just places to relax. And all this with one goal - to return Atlantic City to the Olympus of the gaming industry.

golden lion on foreground weighs like two school buses

The largest entertainment complex in Las Vegas also managed to light up in "Ocean's 11". The total area of ​​the playing area is 52,500 sq.m. In addition to chic numbers and rivers of money spent, MGM Grand is known for regular fights between boxers and fighters, as well as performances by the world-famous illusionist David Copperfield.

The "first swallow" of the Asian gambling empire

Macau is the only gambling zone in China, but, as is customary among the Chinese, everything is built on a grand scale. Much of the credit for creating this region belongs to millionaire and gambler Stanley Ho. Through his efforts, the party nevertheless agreed that multibillion-dollar China needed gambling establishments. Casino Lisboa is the smallest in Macau. At the same time, its area is larger than that of the MGM Grand - 60,000 sq.m.

The brilliance and profligacy of American millionaires on Chinese soil

Steve Wynn, the owner of the Wynn casino network, could not resist the rivalry with Stanley Ho, heading the board of directors of the Asian direction and introducing the Wynn Macau complex to the Asian gamblers. The area of ​​the gaming zone of this not yet the largest casino is 62,500 sq.m. With more than a thousand guest rooms bursting with luxury and archaeological treasures, Wynn still manages to outdo his Asian rival.

Melbourne's "Royal Casino" from across the river

Although the gambling entertainment industry of the Green Continent cannot compete with the USA or Asia, the Crown Casino complex is the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. Yes, and most of the competitors in the northern half of the planet, he can easily wipe his nose: the area of ​​the playing area is 67,000 sq.m. The complex has 1,604 hotel rooms that have hosted celebrities such as Tiger Woods, Nicole Kidman and Katy Perry.

Casino architecture can really drive you crazy

This unusual building, consisting of three multi-colored sections, belongs to MGM Macau. The area of ​​gaming halls is 68,000 sq.m. At a recent press conference, the owners announced that another 14,000 sq.m. will be added to this number in the near future. additional premises (Wynn laurels haunt anyone).

Compared to Sands, houses with several floors look like toys

In order to build this colossal complex, the owners took out a loan of 240 million dollars. The success was so overwhelming that the money was returned in the first year. A year later, Sands became the largest casino in the world. Despite the fact that the network does not stop expanding and growing, this complex is one of the largest in Macau.

Modest entrance to the largest gaming complex on the other side of the equator

Although the Crown Casino is the largest gambling establishment in the Southern Hemisphere, it is precisely the territory given over to gambling in it at 14,000 sq.m. less than in Rio Casino Resort. Therefore, the entertainment complex in South Africa still holds the palm on the Black Continent and in all countries below the equator.

Another representative of the mega-casino in Macau, Casino Ponte 16 has an area of ​​gaming premises equal to 82,300 sq.m. This complex is especially famous for its museum of Michael Jackson: his famous diamond glove was exhibited here. Although this almost magical thing was sold to private owners, Casino Ponte 16 is still associated with the name of the King of Pop. Sin city in the middle of the forest

Over 100,000 sq.m. The gaming area of ​​this mega-casino is not in Las Vegas, but in Connecticut. The size of the institution is so huge that it is divided into six smaller casinos with different interiors and themes. Hotels, restaurants, even your own Hard Rock Café - in all this variety of ways to spend time, you can really get lost.

"City of Dreams" in its current state

The complex of institutions, which is not in vain called the city, is almost an autonomous system - there are shops, buildings with apartments, restaurants, cafes, cinemas, as well as the largest commercial pool in the world. And the gaming zone, located on 128,000 sq.m. the square looks more like an anthill in magnification than a casino.

Logo of the largest US casino

The largest entertainment complex in the United States is located ... In the small town of Tuckerville in Oklahoma. Who would have thought? Nevertheless, millions and tens of millions of gamblers from all over the world come here every year. The real state of sins includes not only a casino with an area of ​​​​more than 150,000 square meters, but also golf clubs, a hippodrome, a mall, a dozen hotels and countless cafes and restaurants.

“Just” one of the many casino halls

The largest casino in the world is located in Macau, which is not surprising. This complex was built in 2007 and immediately surpassed the American Winstar. The total area of ​​gambling establishments of this place is 168,000 sq.m. At the same time, the casino is only a small part of the complex, so evaluate the size! The Venetian Macao is divided into four themed areas: "Phoenix", "Red Dragon", " gold fish and the Imperial Palace. We can say that we have before us the "Disneyland" of the world of gambling.

Of course, in the future, even more global and ambitious projects await us, in comparison with which our list will seem like child's play. But for now - roll the dice and try your luck at one of the largest casinos ever built!

Gambling establishments in Nevada

America is a very tempting destination for gambling lovers. They are legalized in all states except Utah and Hawaii. Legislative regulation of the gambling business falls on the shoulders of the local authorities of a single state. The United States can please tourists with hundreds of different casinos, there are even floating casinos or casinos on board cruise ships.

Nevada is the capital of the gambling industry in the United States. Cities such as Carson City and Reno are widely known in gambling circles, and the famous Las Vegas is well known to every inhabitant of the planet. Nevada has more than 2,000 gambling establishments, where over 210,000 slot machines and 6,000 tables are at the disposal of visitors. The gambling business annually brings about a billion dollars to the state treasury of the state of Nevada.

Gambling establishments in the state of Nevada can offer tourists any form of gambling entertainment available. It should be noted that, as a rule, they were built on a specially designated area, in the vicinity of which there are no churches, hospitals, schools, etc.

Caesar's Palace

Of course, any gambler dreams of visiting Las Vegas. Particularly bright in this city is the Caesar's Palace casino, located on South Las Vegas Boulevard. Its customers can enjoy such games as blackjack, craps, roulette, three-card poker, slot machines and other entertainment. Of course, gambling holidays will be backed up by relaxing treatments in bars and restaurants.

Of course, the largest casino in the US, Foxwood, is also worthy of attention. It is located three hours from New York, Connecticut, and operates around the clock. In addition to the standard set of entertainment that is available to visitors over 21, you can also spend time here with entertainment programs in the theater and concert halls.

Among the US casinos there are quite exotic ones owned by the Indians. One of them, "Mystic Lake", is located near one of the sacred lakes. It is entirely made according to Indian motifs, constantly associated with the dwellings of Indian tribes. The walls of the casino are decorated with images of the sacred animals of the Dakota tribe.

Game Atoms

The economic crisis of 2010 called into question the gambling business of many entrepreneurs in America, many casinos were closed, others suffered a lack of customers and stagnation, but this problem has remained in the past, now the market is on the rise, the income of gambling establishment owners is growing, and there are no prerequisites to predict new recessions .

Despite the fact that the gambling business was evicted to certain areas in Russia, interest in this species entertainment never stops. Probably, on the contrary, because, as everyone knows, the forbidden fruit is sweet. Although it cannot be said that gambling is prohibited in our country. Not at all. It's just that now you can only play in certain areas.

However Soviet people, and business as a whole is cunning for inventions. If earlier, when casinos or slot machines were allowed everywhere, such establishments were called that, now often various slot machines are somehow “disguised”. In addition, many illegal gambling halls and casinos have opened.

This practice exists not only in Russia. There are countries where gambling is banned. Or, for example, as in Russia, casinos are allowed only in certain areas (states). But there are real giant gambling establishments, casinos. But you can play not only in real casinos, but also in online casinos, which are now becoming more and more popular. For example, download

Venetian Macao is the largest casino in the world. It's not just a big casino, it's a huge casino. It is located in China in Macau and it is called beautifully - "Venice". This gaming establishment is larger than any other casino. It accommodates more than 3,000 slot machines and more than 790 gaming tables. Up to twenty thousand people can be inside at the same time in huge rooms! People can not only play themselves, but also look at major tournaments or other events held here.

What is most interesting, Venetian Macao is not only the largest casino, but also one of the largest buildings in the world. The complex of buildings covers an area of ​​about 990,000 m2. Today it is the 5th largest building in the world. But that's not all. After all, Venice is also one of the largest hotels in Asia. It includes over three thousand numbers. The main building is a 40-story building.

The name of the complex Venetian Macao was not chosen by chance. The design and the idea itself are very reminiscent of the real Venice, where there is a special design, canals and other important details. This complex is very similar to The Venetian, which is located in the USA, in Las Vegas. But this is not surprising, because both projects belong to the same company.

Everything that is in Venetian Macao is not that difficult to get around, it is even difficult to enumerate. After all, there are over 30 restaurants, more than 310 different shops. There are halls for conferences, some entertainment events, a golf club, an arena for boxing matches. And much more.

An important feature of Venetian Macao is the VIP club. The most important visitors feel like masters of the world there. After all, special staff has been allocated for them, they have a separate entrance, personal elevators and, of course, the most luxurious rooms in the hotel.

Who is the VIP guest in this institution, no one can say. Most likely, we are talking about billionaires, as well as famous politicians. How much it costs them to visit this institution, one can only guess. Surely, we are talking about hundreds of thousands of dollars, perhaps millions or even tens of millions.

Ordinary citizens can also visit Venetian Macao. The main thing is the desire and the presence of a certain amount in the bank account.

There are no such casinos in Russia yet, and they are unlikely to be. Our special gaming zones are developing too slowly, which is why many fellow citizens travel abroad to play. Does the Venetian Macao travel a lot? Probably not. But we certainly would!

The modern world offers, replete with all the colors of the rainbow, giving people the opportunity to have fun and relax, spending their money accordingly. Perhaps, the best place where you can combine business with pleasure is a casino. The opportunity to relax and have fun, and win money - this is the casino. A lot of money is spent on their construction, and few people know which of them are the most expensive in this regard in the whole world.

10 most expensive casinos in the world (by construction)

1 City Center Las Vegas

The CityCenter Las Vegas complex was opened on December 16, 2009 in Las Vegas (USA). At that time, the construction cost was estimated at $ 9,000,000,000. In fact, this complex consists of 4 hotels, a casino - Aria, as well as many excellent bars, expensive restaurants and cafes. The total area of ​​the complex is 1.5 million square meters, which in turn makes it not only the most expensive building of its type, but also the largest private construction project, embodied in the United States.

2 companies are recognized as the owner of this complex: MGM Resorts International (formerly MGM Mirage) and Dubai World (paid 50% of the construction cost during the construction process).

2. Marina Bay Sands

The second place is rightfully occupied by the Marina Bay Sands complex, which was officially opened in February 2011, but began to receive visitors in July 2010. The cost of this project is equal to $ 5,500,000,000.

I would like to note that before the official opening of this complex, it was already visited by 11 million guests from different countries. By its structure, it is safe to say that “Marina Bay Sands” (sky boat) is the most unique architectural complex of its kind.

By the casino, this beautiful complex has a 2561-room hotel, 2 amazing theaters, many restaurants, several museums and a very large shopping mall. Exhibition Center. The highlight of this complex is SkyPark (sky park). The height of this building is about 200 meters.

The Las Vegas Sands corporation is recognized as the owner of the complex.

3 Resorts World Sentosa

Resorts World Sentosa is located in Singapore on Sentosa Island. The official cost is $ 5,450,000,000. It was opened on January 20, 2010.

The complex itself consists of 6 hotels, which, oddly enough, differ from each other in their unique design and style (1,840 rooms). The complex also consists of a casino, a SPA salon, a shopping center, an incredible variety of restaurants and bars. Separately, I would like to mention the amusement park, which impresses with its large size.

"Resorts World Sentosa" has become the most famous of the complexes in the whole world, thanks to the aquarium, the largest of all on the planet.

The main focus of this complex is family vacations, but regardless of this, the profit in 2010 amounted to about $ 2,000,000,000 dollars.

4 Wynn Las Vegas

The fourth place is occupied by the Wynn Las Vegas complex located in Las Vegas. Its official cost is equal to $ 4,530,000,000. The name of the complex was in honor of the great billionaire Steve Wynn, who is known throughout the world for his activities in the gambling business.

Wynn Las Vegas is owned by Wynn Resorts.

This complex has become famous all over the world due to the fact that it hosts the dealerships of such factories as Ferrari and Maserati. Also on the territory of the complex there is a beautiful golf course, a magnificent nightclub known for its huge waterfall and many other entertainments.

5 Venetian Macao

The Venetian Macao complex in Macau occupies the fifth line and its official cost is estimated at $ 2,700,000,000. The popularity of this complex was brought by the fact that the largest casino in the world is located on its territory, the area of ​​​​which is 50 thousand square meters. The complex is owned by Las Vegas Sands.

Admire the design of Venetian Macao. As the name implies, the main design direction will be the Venetian style. This made an exorbitant contribution to the popularization of the hotel. Another interesting fact is that there are 3 water canals on the territory of the complex, and if you wish, you can sail through them on gondolas.

The complex includes 870 gaming tables and 3400 slot machines, and the hotel has 3000 rooms.

6. Casino-Hotel Bellagio (Casino Bellagio) in Las Vegas

This complex was opened on October 15, 1998 and at that time was the most expensive in terms of total cost, which was $ 1,600,000,000. Casino Bellagio is owned by MGM Resorts International.

The casino includes 2400 slot machines, 200 roulette tables. This complex, in addition to a casino and a hotel, also includes several restaurants and the world-famous Du Soleil Circus.

Casino Bellagio is also famous for its fountains and the shows they put on with them. This is a kind of hallmark of the complex. I would like to mention that this complex is often involved in Hollywood cinema (21, Lucky, Rush Hour 2, Ocean's 13, Once Upon a Time in Las Vegas, The Hangover).

7. Casino Borgata (Borgata Casino, Hotel, Spa) in Atlantic City

Casino, Hotel, Spa Borgata is located in Atlantic City, New Jersey and was opened on July 2, 2003. This complex is very famous and popular both in the US and around the world. The casino is owned by Marina District Development, a joint venture between Boyd Gaming and a trust company formed by MGM Resorts International.

The complex includes 145 tables, 3650 slot machines, 2002 rooms, 800 water club rooms and much more. At the moment, this is one of the largest and most luxurious casinos in the Eastern United States.

Total casino value $1,100,000,000

8. Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino

Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino is located on the south side of Las Vegas' famous Strip. The owner of this complex, with its cost of $ 950,000,000, is MGM Resorts International Corporation. This complex was opened on March 2, 1999. The opening was attended by popular actors, famous people show business.

This hotel-casino is known all over the world as a place where UFC and MMA style fights are held.

It also houses shops, a shopping center, business centers, SPA, a beauty salon, a hairdresser, swimming pools, etc.

9. The Mirage

It was opened on November 22, 1989 and at that time was the most expensive casino in the world at a cost of $ 630,000,000. The casino hotel includes 3044 tropical-style rooms. Opposite the entrance to the casino is a volcano that erupts smoke and fire every evening. Guests and visitors are also entertained by wild animals: dolphins, tigers, wild cats and the rainforest.

10. New York-New York Hotel and Casino

The New York New York Hotel and Casino is located next to the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The opening took place on January 3, 1997. The property is owned by MGM Resorts International Corporation. The cost of this magnificent structure is equal to $460,000,000.

The exterior design of the entire complex, as the name implies, is made in the style of New York, it would even be better to say that this hotel-casino is a small copy of the city. On the territory of the complex there is a statue of liberty and several towers, reminiscent of buildings in New York.

The complex includes gambling areas, restaurants, conference rooms, a myriad of shops and many other places of entertainment that will not let guests get bored.

Two decades ago, gambling was allowed only in two US states, and in the remaining 48 states it was prohibited by law. Now the situation has changed 180 degrees: in 48 states, gambling in one form or another (cards, sweepstakes, slot machines, etc.) is allowed, and only in two states (Hawaii and Utah) gambling is completely prohibited.

In a number of states, the gambling business has learned to circumvent legal obstacles. For example, the laws of the states of Illinois, Missouri, Louisiana and Iowa prohibit gambling on state soil. The ban was gracefully circumvented - huge barges began to be used as casinos, formally located in the water, and not on the ground.

Eight out of ten Americans believe that there is nothing wrong with casinos and should be fully legitimized. In 1998, US residents spent roughly $50 billion on betting, more than they spent on music records, movie theaters, stadiums, and amusement parks.

Over 60% of Americans gambled in 2001. In twenty years, American bets have increased by 2,800% - from $17 billion to $482 billion. According to 1996 data (calculated by Professor Nelson Rose\134Nelson Rose), 2.5 million Americans have a pathological passion for the game. 3 million have serious psychological problems in this regard. Another 15 million people are at risk. Thus, approximately one in ten US adults is psychologically addicted to gambling. As a result of a study conducted by the University of Illinois, it became known that more than half of the income of casinos and lotteries comes from people with similar psychological problems.

The gambling business brings more income than the film industry, the organization of sports shows, the sale of music records and tickets for sea cruises combined. US casinos make approximately $70 billion a year. According to The North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries, almost $39 billion worth of lottery tickets were sold in 2001 - that is, on average, every American, including infants and deep old, spent $ 157 on the purchase of lottery tickets.

According to the Center for Responsive Politics, in 2001 the gambling business spent more than $7 million to lobby its interests, in 2000 - more than $11 million. as soon as possible recoup the investment. For example, in 1978, Atlantic City became the second (after Las Vegas) city in the United States where casinos were allowed. The cost of building and launching the first Resorts International casino was just over $45 million. Already in 1996, the annual turnover of this casino was almost $225 million.

The gambling industry has turned Las Vegas, founded by the mafia and built in the middle of the desert, into the fastest growing city in the United States. The gambling industry has allowed the hotel industry to grow incredibly in Las Vegas. New York has been one of the world's largest tourist centers for several decades. However, New York is almost twice as inferior to Las Vegas in terms of the number of hotel rooms. A nationwide survey by the US Travel Industry Association found that 38% of Americans have visited Las Vegas at least once. On average, each visitor to the US gambling capital spends 4 days in it. In 1996, Las Vegas received a record 29.6 million visitors. Nine out of ten tourists gambled. On average, each player spent 4 hours in the casino and spent more than $580 on the game. As a result, the state of Nevada, in whose territory Las Vegas is located, constantly occupies 5-6 places among the US states, where tourists leave the most money. It should be noted that in Nevada there are practically no attractions that may interest tourists. Indian reservations received the right to establish casinos in 1998. Already in 2001, the Indians earned $ 12.7 billion from gambling enthusiasts - only the gambling houses of Las Vegas are ahead of them. Of the 562 Indian tribes, 201 set up casinos on reservations.

However, there is a big fly in the ointment in a barrel of honey. In countries where casinos operate, the crime rate is approximately 8% higher than in countries where gambling is prohibited by law. After the start of the gambling business in Atlantic City, the number of crimes in this city doubled. In areas where casinos are open, approximately 80% more crimes are committed than the national average. If, in the United States as a whole, the crime rate in last years decreases, then in the centers of the gambling business, on the contrary, crime is growing. In addition, the casino does not have the best effect on local business. In the US, there is a clear pattern: if gambling houses open in the city, then this is followed by a mass bankruptcy of small businesses (cafes, restaurants, shops, real estate agencies, etc.). The states of the United States, among the population of which the highest percentage of gamblers, are in the lead in the number of bankruptcies.

Fact on the topic

IN THE USA biggest win in the lottery was recorded in 2001 - $ 90 million. The record winnings in online casinos (June 2002) amounted to about $ 560 thousand.

Gambling games that people play

Absolutely all games were used to place bets and win. Even the innocent "tic-tac-toe" invented in Western Europe around the 11th century, were originally gambling. gambling have become an integral part of civilization and one of the most common human vices.

• 3 thousand years before. n. e. Independently of each other, games arise in different civilizations. In Mesopotamia (city of Ur) the "Royal Game of Ur" is played. In Egypt, the game "Senet" appears.
• 2300 BC e. The first written mention of gambling is betting on horse races. (China).
• 2 thousand years before. n. e. In China, the game "Wei-Qi" is invented, which became popular in the world under its Japanese name "Go" (it came to Japan only after 2.5 thousand years). In Egypt, the game "Wolves and Jackals" appears, the rules of which resemble the popular game "Wolf and Sheep", which can be played on a chessboard.
• 1. 4 thousand years BC e. Presumably in Egypt, the games "Morris" and "Mancala" are invented. Morris is the first strategy game in the history of mankind, its field and rules are somewhat reminiscent of Monopoly. Mancala is still popular in the Arab world.
• 7th century BC The first cubes with printed numbers have been discovered. Perhaps they were used for dice.
• 5th century BC e. In Greece, the rules of the sweepstakes were formulated for the first time.
• 4th century BC e. In Greece, they play a game whose rules are similar to billiards. The first billiard table was created in France in the 15th century. The most common game of billiards today, snooker, was invented by British officers in India at the end of the 19th century.
• 1st century BC e. The first lotteries are held in Rome. China has begun using lotteries to raise funds for the treasury (for the construction of the Great Wall of China).
• 1 A.D. e. The Roman Emperor Claudius plays "Tabula" - now this game is known as "Backgammon".
• 4th century CE e. Hnefatafl is invented in Scandinavia. Perhaps this game is the progenitor or relative of the Irish game "Tavlbrd" and the French "Fidchell" (appeared in the tenth century). In the UK, a board and figures for playing Tavlbrd (somewhat reminiscent of the famous Solitaire game) were discovered. The exact rules of the game are unknown. It is proved that these games were incredibly popular among Europeans before the advent of chess, which came to Europe around the 11th century.
• 7 in n. e. The first mention of chess.
• 1X in AD In China, the game "Mahjong" is invented. Through India and Persia, she got to Europe, where she turned into "Domino".
• 1283. King of Leon and Castile (now Spain) Alfonso X creates the first gambling encyclopedia "The Book of Games", which describes the rules of chess, backgammon, morris and the now forgotten game "Alquerque".
• 1371. Maps were invented in Spain. In Italy, the use of Tarot cards has begun.
• 1480. In France, cards get a "back" - the same design on the outside. Invented the card game "Noddy" (now known as "Cribbage").
• 1500s. The first mention of checkers. The game "Solitaire" was invented (in the USSR it was sold under the name "Tactics").
• 1530. Digital lotteries appear in Florence (each ticket had a personal number, which was determined by lot) with cash prizes.
• 1600s. Roulette was invented in France. Tradition calls the famous mathematician Blaise Pascal "the father of roulette", although there is evidence that roulette appeared earlier in China or India.
• 1700s. In France, there is a card game "Black Jack" ("Point"). The modern domino appears in Italy.
• 1800s year. Bridge, whist (years unknown) and poker (1836) were invented.
• 1850s. Chinese checkers appear in Europe.
• 1861 The first casino opens in Monte Carlo.
• 1896 The first slot machines were created in the USA cash prizes- "one-armed bandits".
• 1900 The emergence of Monopoly. The first version was sold under the title "The Landowner's Game".
• 1950 In Japan, the rules of the game "Othello" have been published. Its other name "Reversi" has taken root in the world.
• 1997 The first online casino appears on the Internet. Currently, there are approximately 1.8 thousand online casinos in the world, most of them are based in the states caribbean. According to the consulting firm Bear, Stearns & Co, in 2002 online casino revenue will be $3.5 billion, and in 2003 it will reach $4.2 billion. the territory of the United States itself, online gambling is prohibited
• Marketing firm Gartner Group forecasts US online retailers to reach $15.6 billion in fourth quarter 2002, but online merchants will lose $500 million to hackers and fraudsters. The Gartner Group estimates that roughly 1% of e-commerce revenue is lost as a result of credit card data theft. Stores cancel 6% of transactions, suspecting that the credit card used by the buyer is fake or stolen (in half of the cases these suspicions are unfounded).