Casinos have long been places of excitement, entertainment, and high stakes—we don’t have to tell you that for the first time.
✨ But beyond the bright lights and the sounds of clinking coins, there are fascinating details and hidden secrets that many people don’t know.
From gaming history to quirky laws, here are five interesting facts about casinos that’ll surprise you.
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1. The first casino wasn't in Las Vegas
Think Vegas was the birthplace of modern casinos? Think again.
Whilst Las Vegas is famously associated with casinos, the first official casino actually opened in Venice, Italy, in 1638.
Il Ridotto opened in Venice in 1638. It wasn’t a resort, just the first gambling house: controlled, elegant, and the start of it all. This was during the Carnival season, which helped prevent the gambling chaos by offering a regulated space for players to enjoy games.
This early casino was more about socialising and entertainment than just gambling, laying the foundation for what casinos would become in places like Las Vegas.
2. Slot machines were originally invented for bars
Slot machines weren't designed for casinos. They were actually invented for bars!
Charles Fey invented the first slot machine, the “Liberty Bell,” in 1895 for saloons, where patrons could place small wagers and try to win coins. Featuring symbols like horseshoes, diamonds, and the Liberty Bell, it laid the foundation for modern slot machines.
👉 Today, slot games remain hugely popular, especially in the UK, where the UKGC regulates most sites.
However, some players are exploring trusted non-Gamstop casinos 2025, which often offer a wider variety of games and more flexibility than their regulated counterparts.
These non-Gamstop casinos provide an exciting range of slot machines and other casino games, enhancing the gambling experience.
3. The largest casino in the world is in China
Here’s another Las Vegas misconception. When it comes to large casinos, Vegas often comes to mind. But Caesar’s Palace isn’t the largest.
The biggest casino in the world is actually located in Macau, China.
Inspired by its Las Vegas sibling, the Venetian Macao spans an astounding 550,000 square feet and boasts over 3,000 gaming machines and 800 gambling tables.
This casino is more than just a place to gamble—it’s a sprawling luxury resort with over 3,000 hotel rooms, a shopping mall, and even indoor gondola rides, replicating Venice right in the heart of Asia.
The Venetian Macao is not only one of the best tourist attractions in China but also a hub for major events, solidifying its place as one of the most iconic casino resorts globally.
4. Red is everywhere in casinos for a reason
Have you noticed how the colour red is everywhere in casinos? It's not just a design choice—it's deeply connected to colour psychology.
Red evokes excitement and urgency, which is exactly what casinos want to generate.
❤️ Studies take this one step further and show that red can increase heart rate and create a sense of urgency, encouraging people to stay engaged and keep playing.
Casinos strategically use red in their décor, signs, and even lighting to keep energy levels high and the atmosphere lively. Interestingly, red is also believed to stimulate appetite, which might explain why many casinos feature buffets or restaurants nearby.
This combination of energy and hunger-rousing effects ensures that players feel both energised and ready to continue their gambling experience, making red an essential part of the casino's psychological strategy.
5. Casinos remove clocks to keep you playing
One of the last key strategies casinos use to keep players engaged is removing clocks and windows.
It may sound a little sneaky and even unfair, but it’s true.
The goal is to create an environment where time becomes irrelevant so that gamblers lose track of how long they’ve been playing. This tactic is rooted in psychological manipulation—casinos want players to stay for as long as possible and continue spending money.
Without the distraction of seeing the time, players tend to gamble longer, often without realising how much time has passed.
Additionally, the dim lighting and constant noise in casinos contribute to an atmosphere that minimises any awareness of the outside world, helping to keep players focused on the games and away from the ticking clock.
Conclusion
From the first casino in Venice to the psychological tricks used to keep you playing longer, these fun facts reveal just how much thought and innovation go into creating the atmosphere and experience of modern casinos.
Whether you’re visiting a casino in Las Vegas or Macau or playing online, you’re now armed with a bit of extra knowledge that makes the world of gambling even more interesting.
Get a head start with the best online casinos now.
Or find more tips and gambling strategies on the Roger blog.
