Even though gambling has been around for centuries, there are still some things even die-hard gamblers don’t know about this industry. We did some research and found some amazing , so we decided to make a list of the most interesting facts that every gambling enthusiast should know.
Ready to test your knowledge? Let’s go!
General gambling facts
Are you ready to be amazed? Scroll down and find out more about the history of gambling, most popular games, etc.
#1 First casino was founded in 17th century
Believe it or not, the first on record was Ridotto, founded in Venice, Italy, in 1638. It was created as a place for , which were at the time illegal but incredibly popular.
The casino was successor to gambling houses throughout the city where card games were played. The main idea behind creating Ridotto was to exert some control over gambling in the city.
#2 First electronic slot machine was introduced in 1975
Before Fortune Coin Company’s “Fortune Ber” with a microchip, all slot machines were mechanical. This innovative invention opened the door for new and advanced video slots and paved the way for .
#3 The oldest lottery in the world is still running
Known as Lotería de Santo Tomás, it was started in 1040 in the kingdom of Aragon (nowadays Spain and France). The lottery was held annually on the weekend of Saint Thomas (celebrated on 7th July) and is still running, nearly 1,0000 years later!
#4 First recorded use of dice is from 100 AD
In Rome. Back then, they were made from materials such as bone, wood, ivory, or stone. Today, casino dice are usually made of plastic, resin or other similar materials.
Speaking of casinos, here’s an interesting : only one casino is needed and almost 1,500 miles oftoilet queue to appear instantly outnumbered
#5 There is no publicly traded company on any stock exchange in the world whose gaming machines are present in more game halls than IGT
IGT stands for International Game Technology, and this Nevada-based corporation was also the first to introduce electromechanical slot machines. As of today, their products can be seen in more than .
#6 First ever online casino was launched in 1994
InterCasino was the name of this pioneering online gaming platform created by Herman Gray. Back in the day, the internet was available only in text version (no images), so the first online casinos were text-based too. The graphics-like versions appeared a bit later, in 1995.
Looking for ? Check our to find the most reputable US online casinos.
#7 Gambling is in the top 3 of recreational activities, right between watching TV and using a PC for listening to music
According to a study done by Gallup in 2012, these are the results:
- Watching TV - 71%
- Using a computer for non-work related purposes (listening to music, playing games...) - 51%
- Gambling (either in/out of casino) - 45%
It’s important to mention that the study was done in the UK. Hopefully, someone repeats it for the USA too.
#8 First ever Mobile Casino was launched in 2005
Mansion Casino was the first operator who saw the potential of mobile gambling and took advantage of it. At the time, the compatibility was ensured for Java-enabled mobile phones and the only two devices which could run the software were Nokia and Ericsson ones. Not exactly in the palm of your hand, right?
#9 Pharaoh’s Riches slot machine caused the biggest shock in the history of gambling
Setting the odds at 1 in 640,000, this now-defunct slot didn’t pay out a single cent in its 6 months of existence, until an anonymous Software Engineer from Las Vegas hit the jackpot and won $4.6 million. The whole story gained so much media attention it was turned into a movie ("21,000 Leagues Under the Sea") and inspired many other companies to check if their equipment is due for a payout. The conclusion: it's always a good idea to have deficit in your business, you never know when luck will strike.
#10 In Macau, you are not allowed to take photos inside casinos, but you can enter them in traditional dress code
Macau is sometimes called "Monaco of Asia", having in mind their huge revenue from gambling. Wandering around the casinos is considered a tourist attraction, that’s why you are permitted to enter even if you aren’t planning to play. Just don’t forget your passport or a copy of your ID, otherwise...well, you got the idea.
As you already know, most of these facts originated from different parts of the world, so let’s see what’s the situation in .
Online gambling facts
Internet revolutionised the entire industry and changed people’s perception of gambling. Here are some interesting facts about online casinos.
#11 First ever online casino transaction was sports bet
Although InterCasino is considered to be the first online casino (see fact #6), it didn’t offer many games. One of the missing elements was a Sportsbook, but that “mistake” was quickly fixed and in 1996, Liechtenstein International became the first online gambling operator to take an online sports bet.
#12 Online gambling was mentioned in a song in 1998
Dr. Dre & Snoop Dogg’ Still D.R.E. (feat. King George Bush) released in 1998 had an interesting lyric: "Now I'm in Cali, sun's out, weather's great / Rent a convertible, take the top down, feel so amazingly great / Ride by the beach, get a bangin' whiff, girl, what's that you're takin?' / Girl, what's that you're makin'? Girl, what's that you're bankin?'Neteller, boy, it's the future"
Stake Casino Review - Top Games & Gambling Experience in 2023Not only Dr. Dre & Snoop Dogg were ahead of their time fashion-wise, but also when it comes to payments. For those of you who don’t know, Neteller is an online payment processor similar to Skrill or PayPal.
Looking for ? Here are some trusted ones you can try:
#13 First person to make a legal online gambling transaction was Joe Gesuit
Joe Gesuit is a software engineer working for InterCasino and also a volunteer firefighter from New Jersey. On August 15, 1996, he went to the website of InterCasino and placed a bet. This action triggered a lawsuite because at that time gambling was prohibited in the US, both online and offline. However, the case never reached the courtrooms since the Department of Justice opened a new interpretation of the Wire Act, making it only applicable to sport betting.
#14 First country to legalise online gambling was Liechtenstein
Officially, in 1997. Online gambling quickly became very popular across Europe and in 2004 the Union passed a law (known as the European Union Second Directive) to regulate the activities of the members, resulting with the creation of the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA).
Some countries were against it, like the US (see next fact) and Russia who wanted each country to be responsible for the regulations. After months of debates, they came up with a conclusion that each EU member state can make its own laws regarding online gambling.
#15 First country to restrict online gambling was United States
To be more precise, the US Government and, specifically, the Federal Wire Act (also known as the Internet Gambling Ban Act or Tigua-Aleut Bill). Passed in 1961, the law forbids people from using wire communications to conduct certain types of bets, namely interstate and international betting.
Even though the law was created before the internet era, many lawyers and authorities believe it applies to online gambling as well. Because of that, in 2006, the US market went through a significant change and many left it.
However, some operators stayed and adapted to the new legislation. Nowadays, you can find many reputable offering live dealer games, slots, video poker, sports betting, and others.
Want to learn more? Check out our guide. Likely, you'll be surprised by the variety of options available to players in most states.
#16 First country to accept online gambling advertisements on national television was UK
Ladbrokes became the first bookmaker who bought an ad spot during the UK’s National Television Awards ceremony in 2003. Since then, Ladbrokes, William Hill, Paddy Power, Betfair, and other online gambling platforms spent millions for TV commercials and sponsorship deals for sports teams and stadiums.
#17 First major sport to offer online gambling was professional poker
It happened in the mid-1990s, thanks to the appearance of simulation video games based on the game itself. A few years later, a new generation of real money online poker appeared, and nowadays it’s possible to play from any device with an internet connection.
Speaking of poker, did you know that the largest ever online poker tournament prize was over $20 million? It happened in 2006 and was organized by PokerStars. First place went to Jonathan Duhamel with a share of little over $1,195,000.
#18 First country to legalize online poker and issue licenses to operators was the Country of Kahnawake
Located in Quebec, Canada, this territory is governed by the Kahnawake Mohawk Reserve. It has its own time zone (same as Atlanta and New York City), language (Mohawk, English, and French), culture, and even currency (USD, CAD, EUR, GBP, and JPY).
The first online gambling license was issued on 19th December 1999 and the online casino in question was Wild Card Saloon, operated by Virtual Gaming Alliance. Nowadays, there are over fifty active online gambling associations in the country.
#19 First person to win $1 million or more in a single day on an online poker game was Chris Moneymaker
Well, his nickname says it all. Becoming a legend after winning the 2003 World Series of Poker, Moneymaker qualified via an online poker tournament (PokerStar Championship Clockway to Vegas) and divided the grand prize of $2,5 million. Since then, he earned over $40 million from participating in various tournaments.
#20 In 2019, the biggest amount of money wagered online was $156.7 billion
That’s a 7.9% increase compared to 2018 and if we look back few years, the numbers are simply jaw dropping: $94.4bn (2015), $119.9bn (2016), $127.2bn (2017). These data are projections, made by Statista Research Department. The sources include: online sports betting, casinos (incl. live casinos), poker games and bingo.
Top Rated Land-Based Casinos in the United StatesMost popular gambling games
What are the most popular gambling games in the world? Do people prefer slots or roulette? Read the following facts to find out more.
#21 Blackjack is the most popular game in land-based casinos
With over 25% of all bets going to this kind of gambling entertainment, blackjack is the number one choice, followed by slot machines (22%) and roulettes (19%).
As you may notice, all three games relate to casino gambling facts, but how about online gambling? Well, the situation is completely different.
#22 Most played game online in 2021 is and slot machines come in third place
Online gambling becomes more and more popular with each passing year and, according to the same source, the total value of all bets in 2021 was $166.3bn, with an impressive growth rate of 8.5%. Right beside slot machines are other types of gaming machines, with 16%, followed by table games with 15% (blackjack and baccarat are part of this category).
Number two is sports betting with 35% and poker coming right after with 24%. Other gambling games such as lottery, bingo, and keno have 21% in total.
#23 Oldest casino game in the world is... Gambling Stones
Believe it or not, Gambling Stones date from 1600BC China, more precisely from the Shang dynasty. Also known as Plaques or Oracles bones, these small objects were used for divination, scrying, and other similar practices. You can still find them on auctions and antique stores, with prices ranging from several hundred dollars to thousands.
#24 Most expensive roulette in the world is Diamond Roulete by Gemfield
Having a price tag of $14,000 it might not seem expensive if we compare it with other gambling facts about the most extravagant purchases in the world, but trust us, it is when we’re talking about roulettes. Made of 18k white gold and 1,362 diamonds (total weight of 10.2ct), this piece is limited to only eight copies in the world, plus one for the manufacturer.
If you want to stand out while playing roulette in a land-based casino, we suggest choosing a different method. How about an extravagant outfit? Take a cue from ! Dressing up as a hot dog for her husband's 30th birthday party certainly qualifies as over-the-top style!
#25 Most expensive slot machine in the world is also the largest one
Created by Guinness World Records in 2011, this enormous machine cost £720,000 ($1,142,500). Some of the highlights are height (6 meters or 19,7 feet), width (3 meters or 9,9 feet), length (3 meters or 9,9 feet), and weight (over 9,000 kilograms).
Unfortunately, this marvel of engineering never accepted any coins or bills, being just a photo opportunity for the visitors.
Biggest wins and jackpots
Let’s face it - everyone who gambled at least once dreamed of winning big. Here are some of the lucky people who changed their lives with a single spin/bet.
#26 Winning the lottery with the same ticket twice is possible
And it actually happened. In 2013, a player from Illinois (USA) managed to do what most people consider impossible - won $1 million in Illinois Lottery's Little Lucky Jackpot. The strange thing is that he did it twice, with the exact same ticket!
Sites That Offer Free Online Casino GamesHow is it possible? Well, the first time he redeemed only the $1 symptom, leaving the rest of the matching numbers. Few weeks later, he realized what happened and went to collect the grand prize.
#27 Youngest jackpot winner in a slot machine is Jon Hayward
Aged only 16, Jon Hayward from the UK hit the jackpot worth £17,879 ($23,700) at Andy Potter's Stadium Bingo Club. Being under the legal gambling age (18) he was not playing himself; his father was pulling the handle on his son's behalf. Needless to say, he received a hefty fine and a warning to erase all the news sites and videos with the story, since he was filmed by local newspapers.
#28 Biggest lottery jackpot in the world is $2.04 billion
And it happened in Southern California, more precisely on January 13, 2023. Two ticketholders matched all six numbers, including one who purchased their winning Powerball ticket at Market & Liquor store in Altadena. Each winner will receive $1 billion, which is the largest lottery prize ever won by a single ticket in the US.
The second-biggest jackpot was also from Powerball, dated 2016, with $1.586 billion. Still in 2023, the third place goes to Mexico with over $1.1 billion Bingo lottery. If we look back, the oldest registered lottery ticket in the world is from 1485, with a prize of 3000 ducats (around $1,050,000 in today’s money).
#29 Oldest slot machine user was Christina Aldridge from Britain
When we say “oldest user”, what we really mean is “the one who died at the highest age and enjoyed in playing slots”. Christina Aldridge reached incredible 112 years and four months. She was visiting Majestic Casino in Birmingham (Birmingham Reel Casino) few times per month, playing Category A machines (with a maximum payout of £270). Aldridge was also a Guinness World Record holder for the "Oldest living Vikings fan".
#30 Oldest slot machine gambler who struck a jackpot is Allie Welna from Minnesota, USA
Contrary to the previous fact, this one relies on winning and age. Allie Welna won $132,000 at Remington Grande Casino in ShakopeE, at the amazing age of 100 and one months. Her secret of long life: "Don't drink, don't smoke, and go to bed early."
#31 Largest slot machine win is $42.9 million
And it is not one, but two wins! You may think that a single person cannot't win such an enormous amount of money in two sessions at different casinos, but bear with me.
Anonymous winner (nicknames: "Archie" or "A. Karachunis") was playing at Slot Machine in Las Vegas, and the first session (on Mega Quantum) resulted with $24.6 million payout. Session number two brought another $18.3million when "A. Karachunis" played at the Fortune Cataract Central (Triple Gold Spin). Both slots were made by Anker Game Inc. And the gameplay was registered on Video Poker International's program.
By the way, Triple Gold Spin is also a record holder - biggest slot machine cash reward in America.
#32 Largest online gambling jackpot is €19.4 million
M Mystere Man from Finland won unmatched sum playing at PAF.com casino and the type of game was tunneling (progressive jackpot pooled across multiple connected websites). Another interesting fact about this mystery person is the speed. From the moment he hit the jackpot to receiving the money, was only a couple hours.
#33 Largest online gambling win in the UK is £5.9 million
Johan Norberg from Sweden won this colossal amount in November 2009, betting only £50 ($68 Victory Slot). The game was progressive and the period between the first thought about betting that much and pressing the button was only 15 seconds! As he said in an interview: "I couldn't believe my eyes and double-checked the balance several times."
all nj online casinos#34 Largest online gambling win in the US is $4.6 million
Pharaoh's Riches slot we mentioned before made another appearance in our gambling trivia, but this time the outcome is positive. Anonymous engineeer from Las Vegas hit the jackpot and cashed $4.6 million, setting the biggest online gambling win in the US and even in the world (until someone else beats the record).
#35 Largest mobile gambling win in the world is $9.3 million
From all mobile gambling facts, this is probably the one that needs more explanation. Anonymous player from Finland won the jackpot at Paf.com casino, using Apple iPhone Device and BetSoft Gaming's Mega Fortune Dreams jackpot network. The amount is converted from euro (€9.4 million) and is the difference between what he've put and received later.
For example: Player A deposits $100 on a slot and the jackpot brings him $9.3 million, so the net profit is $9.2 million. Player B deposits €100 on another slot and the jackpot brings him €9.4 million, so the net profit is €9.3 million. Both are record holders, with the same amount. Got it? Good!
Most extravagant gambling behaviors
We all heard about problem gambling and how it can affect people’s mental health, but sometimes... Sometimes the reasons are quite weird and even funny. Here are some unusual examples.
#36 Most common reason for problem gambling is... Boredom
Followed by loneliness, depression, stress, anxiety, trauma, and others. Of course, money plays a crucial role, but if you ask people who seek help for gambling addiction, the majority will point to previously stated issues.
#37 Most successful gambling trick is the "Urban Legend Theory"
Commonly known as "Gambler's Fallacy", this theory claims that the lower the probability of an event, the closer it is to happening. To make it simple, let’s imagine that you are flipping a coin and the result is heads five times in a row. According to this theory, the chances to get tails on the sixth toss are higher than to get heads again. Sounds logical, right? Well, statistically heads have 41.67% chance to appear, and tails - 58.33%. And yet another chance is to end up with edge (0%) - 0.0024%.
So, why is this fact related to gambling tricks? Easy. Many gamblers, especially amateurs, rely on this theory when the outcomes are random, as in the coin flip example. They expect that if something happens for a specific number of repetitions, the likelihood of it occurring in the immediate future decreases.
#38 Highest amount of money lost in a short period of time is $35 million in 1 hour
Of course, it is not one, but two losses! Jim McManus and his brother claimed to lose such an enormous amount of money playing poker at Crystal Casino in Dallas, Texas. Their story became so popular that was transformed into a book ("Positively Fifth Street"), movie ("Win, Lose, or Draw"), and even a theatre performance. Interestingly, McManus also wrote for The New Yorker.
Luckily, both brothers signed a release form for the casino not to disclose what happened that night, so there are no further details. Nevertheless, their story inspired many screenwriters and authors.
Did Jim McManus turn his life around after his huge loss? Unfortunately, not long after that, he declared bankruptcy, owing between $1 million and $10 million worth. He died in 2017.
super lenny casino#39 Longest losing streak in sports gambling belongs to John Martz
Placing bets only on horses named "Justecite", Martz lost 1,288 consecutive wagers. His obsession began when he overheard two handicappers discussing about the animal's jockey, Gary Stevens, saying "You can't go wrong with Justecite as long as you can afford it". From that moment onwards, Martz decided to bet only on races that Stevens participates with a horse named Justecite, a breed owned by Arthur Hays and trained by John Vegliante.
After a winning streak with seven consecutive bets paid, the misfortune kicked in and brought 1,288 losses in a row. The total amount of cash set free for betting was $162,800, with the sum increasing along the way (from $200 to $2,000). Luckily, Martz found work at the racing secretary's office and reduced the betting rate to $500 for each race. Currently, he is not placing bets at all.
John Martz was portrayed in Esquire magazine with the ironic title "Saddest Guy in Town".
#40 Most money spent in a casino in one night is $24 million
This record is made for spending and it was done by the Prince of Brunei, Al-Amir Nasiral Mulla Dimulace, in Beverly Hills Hotel. The prince arrived in the US with an entourage of 7 women and 18 men and rented three floors in the hotel, turning one of the pools into a mosque.
Needless to say, the bill was enormous and the hotel management tried to negotiate the debt, offering jewels instead of cash. Everything ended well, with the prince signing a cheque for $24 million.
#41 Largest bet in the history of sports gambling is $23.5 million on a single football game
William Lee Bergstrom, a Texan billionaire, is famous for high gambling and will even contrary to the rules (such as the infamous $12.5 million bet on the Super Bowl). The aforementioned stake of $23.5 million was made during a college game between Longhorns and Aggies.
Bergstrom is also part of another gambling fact - most profitable day of gambling. Back in 1998, he visited three different casinos and finished with $12.55 million in winnings. Sadly, not all of his bets ended well. During a three-year span, Bergstrom lost approximately $40 million.
#42 Most money spent in a casino in 24 hours is $24 million
Prince of Brunei is striking everywhere, isn’t he? Well, he did it again, together with his retinue of 39 persons. As a comparison, another VIP visitor from the Middle East spent $14.2 million in MGM Grand, but alone, and holding the record for 20 years (2004).
#43 Most money won in blackjack in one day is over $1 million
Blazing Ramirez, a professional card counter and gambling expert, made headlines in 2004, at the Kadioya Casino in Montreal. By using sophisticated techniques, such as keeping track of the cards that have already been dealt (high cards are more beneficial for the player), Ramirez won ten consecutive hands. The grand prize was $1,256,000, but he walked away with half a million, continuing his journey in another casino.
#44 Most money won in sports gambling in one day is $2.5 million
William Lee Bergstrom is back and, contrary to the previous fact, today's outcomes are positive. Thanks to will and strong belief that "Longhorns will not loose (to Aggies) on that field", Bergstrom accumulated an army of similar believers and placed an outrageous bet. Amazingly, everything worked as planned and the happy ending brought a collection of checks, one for each investor.
#45 Most money won in poker in one day is $1.8 million
Phil "The Poker Guy" Laak won this incredible amount in Los Angeles, California, during Legends of Poker at Bicycle Casino. Climbing gambling ranks is a dangerous business, so it is not surprising that Laak dropped to number 134 in the updated list. Other famous poker players are waiting in line to grab this spot and the competition is far from being over.
Gambling records
Have you ever wondered who is the tallest, shortest, heaviest, lightest, youngest, or oldest gambler in history? If so, pay attention to the following sections.
#46 Tallest gambler in history is Robert Wadlow from the USA
Also known as "The Giant of Illinois", Wadlow stopped growing after his death, at the amazing height of 8ft 11.1in (272cm). Unfortunately, we don't have detailed info if he liked to spend time in casinos, play lotto, or visit arcades. What we know is that the largest shoes size worn by Wadlow is 37AB (3 weeks before his death) and the largest shoes size ever worn by an adult is 60AA (youngest was 11 years old).
#47 Shortest gambler in history is Guru Dutt Sharma from India
Being only 52.5 cm (1ft 8.5in) tall, Guru Dutt Sharma visited a casino in Goa, India, and the game of choice was poker. However, our focus is not on his poker skills but body measurements. Even shorter people existed, such as Khagendra Thapa Magar (51.15 cm or 1ft 8in, Nepal), Brad Gobble (54 cm or 1ft 9.5in, USA), and Juneva Angtiba Suren (54 cm or 1ft 9.5in, India).
#48 Heaviest gambler in history is Malcolm Paul Low (aka Bob) from the UK
Weighing 481.25 kg (1,099 pounds), Bob (Malcolm Paul Low) loved to play slots. His favorite machine was Cat 3 Premium Off-Road Truck and enjoyed in pushing buttons at Moneyworld Casino in Middlesbrough. When the staff learned about customer's passion for gambling and huge size, they invited him more often, using special transportation (wheelchair that can weigh a person).
Low passed away in 2017, and titles such as "heaviest" or "largest" are now without owners. Nonetheless, other names appeared and, sadly, most of them are associated with being overweight, for instance:
- Manuel Uribe (Mexico, 596kg/1,311lb)
- Nicolaas van der Puttenen (Netherlands, 399kg/880lb)
- Waliser (USA, 392kg/865lb)
- Sid Ali Hallal (Algeria, 372kg/818lb)
- Masa Nakemoto (Japan, 334kg/737lb)
- Michael Roberts (UK, 334kg/737lb)
- Till Miciuszkowski (Germany, 320kg/705lb)
#49 Lightest gambler in history is Kevin Laurel from the USA
Weighed only 1.96 kg (4lb 9oz) at the age of 21 months, being 75.7 cm (29.8in) tall. As you may assume, baby Laurel does not gamble, at least for a while. Nevertheless, he entered Guinness World Records gallery, and who knows, maybe one day he will sit next to friends and place his first quarter on roulette. By the way, what is the smallest amount of money? Currently, is one cent (in USA), but it can change at any moment.
Michigan Online Gambling Update - New Sites & Apps#50 Youngest gambler in history is... Babies who play slot machines
Yep, you read it correctly. In the USA, it is legal to gamble if you are 21 months or older, without supervision of parents/legal guardian. Machines are specially designed, with large buttons, animated graphics, cartoon sounds, and... $1 bills payouts. What game is commonly used for gambling among toddlers? Slot machines, of course, but not the typical ones you can find in adult casinos.
There are few brands that produce such products, such as Joytex, who claimed that their gambling arcade helped muscle development and improved eye-hand coordination.
#51 Oldest gambler in history is Wang Zhenying from China
At the astonishing age of 114, Wang Zhenying played poker (video poker, to be more precise) in a Beijing shopping mall. His secret for such a long and healthy life? Simple - eat and sleep well, avoid stressful situations, and never forget your roots. Indeed, Wang was born during the Qing dynasty, survived two world wars, and witnessed fantastic technological improvements.
#52 Oldest person on Earth is Sakawa Kaneji (Japan)
She was born on August 4th, 1903, in Japan, and died on April 12th, 118, at the Age of 118 years and 297 days. Sakawa Kaneji passed away in Hyogo prefecture, near Kobe, and spent most of her life as a farmer. No info about her gambling affinity or, at least, interest.
