The United States of America is, without a doubt, one of the world’s biggest and most influential countries. And, believe it or not, some aspects of American culture are universally loved all over the globe.
For instance, everyone enjoys munching on juicy burgers and crispy French fries; almost every household has at least one pair of blue jeans; and who doesn’t love watching action movies with Arnold Schwarzenegger or Sylvester Stallone, right?
However, the USA is famous for much more than just burgers, blue jeans, and action movies. You see, this incredible country also gave the world some of the most exciting and loved , such as the ones we’re about to discuss today! So, if you’re ready to learn more about the best casino games that originate in America, let’s do it the SlotsandCasino way – efficiently and enthusiastically!
Baccarat (1480 – 1510)
Let’s kick things off with baccarat – a world-renowned card game that was supposedly created during the reign of King Louis XV of France (1715–1774). According to legend, the game was brought to Europe by Italian hockey players who used to play on thin ice. Well, that may be true; however, historians now know better.
In fact, baccarat first appeared in Italy (or perhaps even Greece or Rome) many centuries before hockey existed. Furthermore, its name is of Italian origin, where “baccara” means “zero”. Of course, the game was spelled differently back then (how would it be possible otherwise? latin alphabet had yet to be invented), but the similarity can hardly be denied.
Anyway, baccarat quickly became popular throughout Europe, which prompted several American casinos to start offering it in the mid-20th century. Today, baccarat is an integral part of any self-respecting gaming floor and is considered one of the casino games that were born in America.
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Blackjack (1700–1800s)
Blackjack is another evergreen casino game that originally came from Europe. In fact, its earliest known version was mentioned in a book of card games by Catherine de' Medici, the wife of Duke Carlos I of Florence, in the 1700s. However, the rules were entirely different back then.
The modern blackjack game we all know and love was probably created towards the end of the 1800s. Although no one knows for sure who did it, many historians believe that the game was born in the United States through the combination of two games called Vingt et Un and Jonkan. Both arrived in America with French settlers in the late 1700s.
Overlooked Online Casino House Edge Tips - Page 2 of 2Interestingly enough, blackjack was very popular among cowboys, gold miners, and other people living in the Wild West. In fact, some sources suggest that the game was played there under the name “31”. Moreover, those who managed to get a winning combination of three suits and the ace of spades in the first two cards received a bonus payout equal to 11 times their original bet. This promotion was so popular that many saloons inscribed the number 31 on their signs, blackjack 31 online thus becoming one of the first games offered to visitors.
Today, blackjack is available in virtually every casino in the United States and around the world. Not only that, but it is also one of the most frequently played table games in land-based establishments and online casinos. Therefore, it is safe to say that blackjack has firmly established itself as one of the most important American gambling inventions.
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Craps (early 19th century)
Craps is another classic casino game that was born in the United States. Its origins, however, remain unclear. According to some reports, the game was created during or after the American War of Independence (1775–1783). Others claim that it was inspired by the French game called cric-cric or the English game hazard.
What is craps?
Well, craps is a fast-paced dice game that usually attracts large crowds of excited gamblers. Players often take turns throwing the bones according to predetermined rules, while anyone can place additional bets to add more excitement to the game. Some wagers are so popular that casinos often offer special tables and dedicated dealers for them. One of those is .
Don’t miss out on our comprehensive craps guide below to enhance your knowledge on how to play the game, top tips, and the best sites to visit for an authentic virtual experience.
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Poker (1800s)
Poker is probably the only casino game that originated in the United States and has become synonymous with the country’s name. Known as the national game of the USA, poker comes in hundreds of different variants, each bringing unique rules, betting schemes, and gameplay features.
Amazing Online Casinos that Accept Pennsylvania PlayersSome of the most popular poker variations played in casinos and across the world are:
- Texas Hold’Em: A classic variant played by 2 to 10 people;
- Omaha Hi/Lo: Similar to Omaha but with a low hand;
- 7 Card Stud: A game that requires each player to use exactly 5 cards;
- Razz: A strip poker variant where the lowest hand wins;
- Five Card Draw: Probably the easiest variant on the list;
- H.O.R.S.E.: An acronym for a few different games: High, Old Maid, Seven, and Five.
Moreover, poker is the only casino game in which skilful players can outsmart the house edge and win. Knowing the odds, calculating the probability of certain combinations, and bluffing properly can allow you to earn thousands of dollars in just a few hours. As such, poker has always been the go-to game for confident players looking to showcase their talent and put their brains to the test.
If you want to learn more about poker, feel free to check our ultimate poker guide below. Our detailed article covers everything from the basic rules and hand rankings to the most famous high rollers and popular tournaments.
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Keno (1800s – 1900s)
Keno is a lottery-like game that was first introduced in ancient China as a way to raise money for the construction of the Great Wall. Players had to choose 1 to 15 numbers between 1 and 80 and wait for the organizers to randomly call out 20 winning numbers. If your picks matched some of the announced balls, you could win anything from one to thirty times your bet.
Keno quickly spread across Europe and finally reached the United States in the 19th century. At first, it was mainly used to finance various public projects and needs. For example, some towns organized keno games to purchase new tools for the fire department, whereas others relied on it to keep their schools running.
Top Free Casino Games to Play Online for FunHowever, it didn’t take long for gambling entrepreneurs to notice the profitability of keno. They started offering the game inside their establishments, providing people with a fun and easy way to gamble. Since then, keno has become an essential component of any casino floor, both in the United States and abroad.
If you want to learn more about this thrilling game, feel free to check our thorough guide to keno games below. Our informative article includes everything from the origins of the word “keno” to the latest online versions and the highest-paying keno games.
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Video Poker (1970s)
Video poker is a fusion of two beloved gambling products: slots and poker. The first-ever machine was created in 1970 by a company named Si Redd’s Coin Machines. However, it took another four years until the invention was bought by SIRCOMA, later renamed International Game Technology (IGT), and released as “Videopoker.”
The game quickly gained popularity across Las Vegas and the rest of the United States, prompting many developers to launch their own video poker machines. This, in turn, sparked a technological race that led to the creation of the first personal computers.
Why is that? Well, many programmers working for the US Army had familiarized themselves with computer science thanks to video poker. When the army stopped using computers in the early 1980s, many of these experts decided to shift gears and start developing video games and poker software. Some even opened internet casinos a few decades later, laying the foundations of the online gambling industry.
Undoubtedly, video poker is one of the most important American casino games. It is also loved by millions of players around the globe. Want to learn more about it? If yes, feel free to check our complete video poker guide below.
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Lottery (1970s)
The United States is home to some of the largest lotteries in the world, such as Powerball and Mega Millions. Launched in 1994 and 1996, respectively, these games have paid billions of dollars in prizes, turning many Americans into millionaires.
texas holdem casino onlineBut lotteries have been around in the US for much longer. New Hampshire, for example, is believed to have launched the first state lottery in 1963. Other states followed suit during the 1970s and 1980s, thereby increasing the overall revenue generated by lotteries from $12 million to $33 billion.
Many historians believe that lotteries arrived in the United States with the British colonizers in the 18th and 19th centuries. Back then, they were often used to fund public projects and needs, just like the ancient Chinese used keno. Interestingly enough, Benjamin Franklin even organized a lottery to raise funds for purchasing a cannon for the city of Philadelphia. Advertisements for this historic event can still be seen today on some of the country’s oldest streets.
Lotteries remained legal in the United States until 1860, when they were banned due to rampant corruption and abuse. However, some states began reintroducing them in the mid-20th century, giving birth to what is now one of the nation’s most popular forms of gambling.
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Slots (1980s)
Video slots are undoubtedly the most popular gambling product in the United States. In fact, Americans seem to love them more than any other game of chance, be it in brick-and-mortar casinos or online gambling sites.
According to some statistics, slot machines accounted for approximately 70% of the $139.3 billion generated by the US gambling industry in 2021. Breaking down these numbers, that equals roughly $97.3 billion from land-based venues and $2.4 billion from online operators.
The first-ever slot machine was created in 1891 by a certain Joseph O. Searlater. Entitled “Liberty Bell”, the invention featured three spinning reels with a total of five symbols: diamonds, spades, hearts, horseshoes, and images of the Liberty Bell.
Modern slots work on the same premise but often come with advanced graphics, sound effects, bonuses, and progressive jackpots. They are also available in thousands of different themes, including animals, fruits, ancient civilizations, mythology, TV shows, and many others.
If you want to learn more about slots, feel free to check our ultimate slots guide below. We’ve covered topics ranging from the history of slots to the latest technology used in their development.
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Final Thoughts
The United States has given the world some of the most entertaining and thrilling casino games. Starting with baccarat (which might not have been born in America but certainly gained worldwide fame there), the list includes many other hits, such as blackjack, craps, poker, keno, video poker, lottery, and slots.
Each of these games has its own charm, rules, and characteristics. Yet, they all have something in common: their immense popularity not only in the United States but around the globe.
If you enjoyed our piece on American casino games, make sure to check our blog section for more interesting posts. From the latest news in the gambling industry to the most intriguing game guides, we got you covered!
