Both online and brick-and-mortar casinos are rooted in deep history and culture. Throughout the years, these establishments have been a source of headlines on good fortune, misfortune and even eye-raising situations. Some casino facts are rarely spoken about, while others have been told time and time again. Below is a balanced mix of both popular and lesser-known fun casino facts that you can enjoy reading while playing our online slots UK.
1. The smallest casino in the world is the back of a London cab
If someone had to ask you about the biggest casino in the world, a few may immediately come to mind; but what about the smallest? Well, it seems that the answer to this is the Grosvenor Casino, a travelling casino in the back of a cab. It might not have all the frills and extravagance of conventional casinos, but it does have the basics for you to get your dose of the gaming excitement.
2. The origins of casinos can be traced back to Italy
Don’t be fooled by the countless casinos in various parts of the world and Las Vegas’ popularity as the gambling capital. It seems that the first casino experience can be traced back to Italy. The word “casino” also has Italian origins, as it’s rooted in the word “casa,” which means “house” or “small villa.” A more formal and organised approach to gambling dates back to the early 1600s in Venice.
3. Slot machines were initially for dispensing chewing gum
Some of the more classic and dated slot machines and games have a lot of fruit imagery on the wheels. This is because initially, slot machines were actually dispensers of fruit-flavoured chewing gum! Others used drinks and cigar tokens.
4. Gambling money has funded public projects
Money raised from casinos and gambling isn’t purely for the self-enrichment or gain of casino owners and investors. In fact, several public building projects have been funded by gambling and lottery proceeds. Most notably, the construction of The Great Wall of China was partially funded by gambling money.
5. The online slot record payout is £19.4 million
Many have tried their hand at online slots, but there have only been a few notable wins. When it comes to the online slots UK record, it stands at an impressive £13.2 million, won by Jon Heywood in October 2015. However, the online slot machine record is slightly more than that at £19.4 million. This was reportedly won by a Belgian player in April 2021.
6. Some people earn a living as professional gamblers
Casino games have been at the centre of several movies and novels, with classics such as poker, blackjack and baccarat being the most notable. That being said, many people have turned to the poker tables as a lucrative career either in retirement or as another income stream. The likes of Ben Affleck, Matt Damon and Tobey Maguire are just some of the notable media personalities that are listed among professional poker and blackjack players.
7. Earlier slot winners weren’t always rewarded with money
Fortunately for modern gamblers, slot machines now pay out in cash, however, that wasn’t always the case. Reports of earlier winnings suggest that the owners of the slot machines decided how to compensate the winners. Given that most slot machines in earlier years were in bars or taverns, it only makes sense that some gamblers were paid in beers or ciders instead of cash.
8. It’s illegal for Monaco citizens to gamble at Monte Carlo Casino
Here’s a rather interesting casino fact that you might not be aware of. While some people travel from far and wide to get a taste of the gambling experience at the world-renowned Monte Carlo Casino, Monégasques don’t have the same liberty. In fact, it’s illegal for them to spin the reels or get a seat at the casino table.
The good news, though, is that the restraint they practise isn’t in vain. The funds generated from the gambling activities of foreign nationals are used to pay for income taxes so that citizens don’t bear that burden.
9. A female was issued the first Las Vegas casino licence
With Las Vegas having gained notoriety as the gambling casino mecca of the US, and gambling being widely perceived as a male-dominated industry, this fact may come as a surprise to many: Mrs Mayme Stocker holds the honour of being awarded the first casino licence in Nevada in 1920. She famously told how her husband didn’t want to get involved because he didn’t want to “sully his reputation”.
10. The longest poker game lasted for nearly a decade
Patience is a virtue, and nobody knows that better than those who played the nearly decade-long poker game in an Arizona theatre basement in 1881. Despite the occasional breaks, the poker marathon reportedly lasted for eight years, five months and three days!
Don’t miss out on the online casino experience
Although many of these fun facts about casinos occurred at land-based casinos, you’ll find that the online casino experience is just as exciting. You can enjoy a wide selection of some of the most popular titles and classic games from the comfort of your own home.
Discover an exciting world of gaming and connect with like-minded people and other casino enthusiasts when you register at The Phone Casino.
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