Fans of traditional casino games will know that the casino lifestyle has been developing for hundreds of years, since the very first casino opened in Venice in 1638. Il Ridotto, as it was known, was a popular destination among 17th-century noblemen that wanted to while their time away with the fun of wagering.
The idea of gaming houses proliferated throughout Europe, offering the upper classes a variety of games and the opportunity to socialise while playing. As casinos became more and more popular, more and more people would go, and it soon became apparent that they were the destination of choice for an increasingly wide demographic.
Today, casinos welcome players from all walks of life and fans of traditional games can play in real life or online at a range of online casino sites and enjoy the casino lifestyle as they play. But there is still a glamour and excitement associated with attending a casino, and this may be because of the reputation casinos have for looking after their players.
While James Bond may never have paid for one of his famously shaken (not stirred!) Martinis, you don’t have to be a super spy with the weight of the UK government behind you to get special treatment. Free drinks are fairly standard in a number of casinos that want people to have a good time as they play.
Las Vegas
Whenever casinos in Las Vegas are portrayed on screen, the scene almost always includes the large, complimentary buffets that allow players to refuel without having to leave the casino floor. The high rollers among the casino set might also find that they get other perks, including free rooms and tickets to some of the incredible shows that feature the top performers showcasing their talents.
The truth is that Vegas set the standard for what we think of as a casino lifestyle, but the origins of the city’s casino scene were a far cry from what we see today. During the Great Depression, the state of Nevada was in dire financial straits and desperately needed a new source of income.
Innovative lawmakers suggested that legalising gambling could be just what the state needed to generate some cash for the coffers, and they made the necessary changes at just the right time. The Hoover Dam was under construction just forty miles away and there were lots of labourers in the area working on it.
Far from home, with the cash they were earning burning holes in their pockets, the workers travelled to Las Vegas for some fun and it wasn’t long before the town earned itself a reputation. The casino scene that was founded on the enthusiasm of the blue-collar workers soon began welcoming high rollers with more money to spend, and it wasn’t long before it was considered the place to be seen.
The influence of Hollywood
The era of the Rat Pack sparked yet more interest in Las Vegas and the casino scene in general, with some of the biggest stars of the day being seen at roulette tables and engaged in intense games of craps and poker. When Frank Sinatra sang about life, love, and loss, his audience could easily believe that he was speaking from experience as he could often be found testing his luck on the casino floor.
Since then, there has been an increasing association between casino gaming and the biggest stars of stage, screen, and the world of sport, including:
- Ben Affleck
- Matt Damon
- Pamela Anderson
- Tiger Woods
- Victoria Coren Mitchell
- George Clooney
- Shannon Elizabeth
- Ray Romano
- Lady Gaga
- Jennifer Tilly
- Cameron Diaz
From those that like to have a flutter when they are in town, to serious poker players that have earned the respect of the international gambling community, there are plenty of high-profile casino-goers among the A-list in Hollywood and beyond.
Casino life
One of the most appealing things about a casino lifestyle is that it means something different to everyone. For those that want to see and be seen, it can be all about choosing the perfect outfit to play in, whereas those that are more focused on winning often have relatively gruelling training regimes to help them get ‘casino ready’.
Whatever you are looking for, you can find it in a casino, whether that’s a few quiet games on the slots or an all-action game of poker with high stakes and bluffing all round. High rollers will not look out of place in sharp suits and evening wear, but those that prefer a more relaxed approach are also welcome.
While there’s no single casino lifestyle that suits everyone, anyone can create their own casino lifestyle that incorporates all the fun and excitement of casino gaming in a format that suits them perfectly.
