Let’s face it, most of you either work in a casino, sell to casinos or you play in them. If none of these apply to you, I am sure that you will still find these factoids interesting.
Although it’s impossible to know how accurate the following statements are, after researching the internet, they all seem to have pretty good support.
1. The First Casino Originated in Italy
There are amazing casinos all over the planet, which are in some notable locations such as Macao, London and, of course, Las Vegas. Most people would probably guess that this all started in Las Vegas, but that is simply not the case.
The invention of this entertainment concept comes from Italy where the term “casino” originates. It derives from the root word “casa” meaning house, which is a term that was derived from establishments such as summerhouses and social clubs. We also know that organized gambling can be dated back to Venice in 1638. While other countries may lay claim to this honor, it’s Italy that wins the bragging rights. This all makes sense knowing the Italian Mafia would eventually bring many ideas and skills to running the casinos in Las Vegas and Atlantic City.
2. The Longest Poker Game Reportedly Lasted Eight Years
Along with skill and a certain amount of luck, poker also requires a degree of patience and stamina to be successful. These days, tournaments can last for hours, days and even months, but that’s nothing compared to the world poker endurance record.
In the basement of a theater in Arizona in 1881 a game is said to have lasted for eight years, five months and three days. Although there were breaks in between, legend has it that the game was played on a rolling 24- hour basis with occasional sleep and comfort breaks. Hard evidence may be hard to come by in this story, but it sounds like an incredible marathon took place down in that theatre and, it is said that some $10 million changed hands, which is equivalent to $280 million in today’s economy. Can you imagine how many sandwiches were eaten during that game? (An early teaser for fact #9 in this article).