Casinos have always been a source of fascinating tales, myths, and stories that are often too good to be true. From amazing streaks of luck to bizarre capitalistic practices and even questionable personal hygiene, there are numerous interesting narratives surrounding the world of gambling.

What is even more intriguing is that some of these tales come from societies where gambling is prohibited, proving the irresistible attraction of the possibility of a big win. Gambling is a favorite pastime of millions of people worldwide, and it can be enjoyed in multiple ways.

However, there are some fascinating facts about gambling that you may not have heard before, making it an even more intriguing form of entertainment.

10 Most Surprising Casino and Gambling Facts

The history, traditions, and stories of casinos are fascinating. Here are some fun facts you probably didn’t know about casinos.

1. A Nevada Prison Used To Have a Casino For Inmates

Gambling was so deeply ingrained in Nevada’s culture that the Nevada State Prison had a casino inside for 35 years. Inmates were allowed to play various casino games such as poker, craps, and blackjack and even bet on sports while on prison grounds. However, in 1967, the warden decided to shut down the casino.

2. The World’s Smallest Casino Doesn’t Have an Address

Did you know that before online casino sites were a thing, there was a casino that was operated from a taxi? Grosvenor Casinos owns the world’s smallest casino, which is not even located in a building. This unique mobile casino operates inside a London taxi cab that is always on the move. Despite its small size, the casino has a gaming table with a dealer, a TV showing sports, and even a bar. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience for anyone looking to try their luck at gambling while on the go.

3. The Numbers on a Roulette Wheel Equal 666

You may have heard the following before and disregarded it as propaganda against gambling, but it is actually a fact. The total of the numbers on a roulette wheel equals the biblical “number of the beast.” This eerie coincidence gave the game its nickname, The Devil’s Wheel. If you were unaware of how this term became associated with gambling, you now have the answer.

4. Slot Machines Used To Be Fruity Chewing Gum Machines

Let’s talk about the history of slot machines. You might have noticed that many online slot games have fruit themes. This is because some of the earliest slot machines, dating back to the 1900s, were actually fruit machines. These machines were equipped with a vending attachment that dispensed fruit-flavored gum, and the symbols on the reels were meant to represent the different gum flavors. Over time, fruit symbols became popular in slot machines and are now a staple of casino gaming.

5. The Biggest Casino Jackpot Win

The Excalibur Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas saw a 25-year-old man win the biggest casino jackpot ever. He took home $39.7 million after betting only $100 on the Megabucks slot.

6. The Longest Poker Game Lasted 8 Years

Players paid $1,000 in advance to participate in a poker game at the Bird Cage, a legendary historical event. This poker game was played for eight years, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, from 1881 to 1889.

7. Vegas Casinos Capitalized on Atomic Bomb Testing

During the 1950s, the U.S. Department of Energy conducted several nuclear tests 65 miles northwest of Las Vegas. These tests caused massive explosions that could turn night into day, creating mushroom clouds visible from nearby casinos. However, instead of hiding from these terrifying events, the city’s businesses found a way to make them work in their favor. Casinos started hosting atomic bomb parties, beauty pageants with an atomic theme, and serving atomic cocktails at their bars.

8. The First Vegas Casino License Was Issued to a Woman

The world of casino entrepreneurs is not exclusive to men. Mayme Stocker, a woman, was one of the pioneers of Las Vegas. She was also the first to be issued a casino license in the city. At that time, her casino only offered five legal games: bridge, lowball poker, stud poker, draw poker, and 500.

9. You Can Ban Yourself From a Casino

Gambling addiction is a serious issue. If you feel that your gambling habit is becoming problematic, many states in the U.S. offer an option to ban you from casinos voluntarily. This means that entering a casino would be considered a criminal offense. The duration of the ban can vary from one year to five years or even a lifetime, depending on your requirements.

10. The Wild West Had Women Poker Players

Poker is a game that is still largely dominated by men. However, there is a rich history of women in the gambling industry, and some of the most interesting tales come from the Wild West. Unlike many other places in the United States, women were not banned from gambling in saloons in the Wild West. This led to the rise of notorious poker queens, such as Poker Alice and Lottie Deno.

Final Thoughts: Top Bizarre Historical Facts About Gambling

Throughout history, gambling has been a popular pastime for many cultures. From ancient civilizations to modern times, gambling has left a lasting impact on our collective narrative. The various ways in which people have gambled, either seeking fortune or facing ruin, reflect the complex nature of human existence.

These historical facts prove that gambling is an enduring phenomenon that transcends cultural and temporal boundaries. From the curious rituals of ancient dice games to the high-stakes wagers of notorious historical figures, the history of gambling is as diverse as the individuals who engage in it. Furthermore, these peculiar anecdotes shed light on the ever-changing societal attitudes toward luck, risk, and chance.

As we examine these strange past chapters, it becomes clear that gambling is not just a recreational activity but a cultural phenomenon intertwined with our shared history. The top bizarre historical facts about gambling offer us a glimpse into the complex interplay between fortune and folly that has characterized the human experience for centuries. By wearing these narratives, we gain a deeper understanding of the human psyche and the lasting appeal of the unpredictable thrill intrinsic to gambling.