A Global Celebration of Casino Entertainment & Culture
Casinos are more than just places to gamble—they are vibrant entertainment hubs that offer everything from live concerts, fine dining, and nightlife to sports events and world-class hospitality. Whether it’s the dazzling lights of Las Vegas, the high-roller suites of Macau, or the historic charm of Monte Carlo, casinos have evolved into cultural landmarks and tourism powerhouses.
On May 15, we celebrate International Casinos Day, founded by Casinos.com and honoring the rich history, economic contributions, and global influence of casinos. By creating millions of jobs and driving local and national economies, casinos continue to bring people together, shaping the entertainment industry worldwide.
History of International Casinos Day
The story of casinos dates back thousands of years, with Ancient Rome and China among the earliest adopters of games of chance. The first official casino, the Ridotto, opened in Venice, Italy, in 1638, offering the public a regulated space to gamble.
As the casino craze spread across Europe in the 18th century, classic games like blackjack, roulette, and poker became wildly popular. These venues also expanded beyond gambling, adding live music, theater, and sporting events—a tradition that continues today!
From Monte Carlo to Las Vegas: The Casino Boom
Casinos made their way to America in the 19th century, with El Monte Casino opening in California in 1849. But the real game-changer came on May 15, 1905—the founding of Las Vegas. What started as a small railroad town transformed into the entertainment capital of the world, inspiring gaming hubs like Macau, Singapore, and Monaco.
Why May 15?
Casinos.com launched International Casinos Day on May 15 to honor the legacy, excitement, and impact of casinos worldwide. This day is more than just a celebration of gaming—it’s a tribute to the entertainment, innovation, and cultural experiences that casinos bring to life. It’s also the date when Las Vegas, the city most well-known for casinos, was officially founded.
May 15 is an opportunity to celebrate the energy, excitement, and camaraderie of casinos, recognizing their role in bringing people together and shaping the entertainment landscape worldwide and serves as a symbolic date to honor the history, contributions, and ongoing influence of casinos in shaping entertainment, hospitality, and economic landscapes worldwide.
International Casinos Day timeline
Gambling houses open across Ancient Rome and China.
It's the first legal mercantile casino recorded in the West, albeit gambling establishments existed in China beforehand.
Such is their popularity and economic benefit, casinos begin to open across Europe.
The first casinos are brought to the U.S. by means of the original British colonies.
110 acres are auctioned to buyers in Nevada and Las Vegas is born. This land later becomes downtown Las Vegas.
El Rancho, the first resort on the Las Vegas Strip, opens on April 3.
Following the legalization, the first casino, Resorts International, opens on May 26.
The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act provides a legal framework for Indian tribes to operate casinos on their reservation lands.
Iowa opens the first riverboat casino outside Nevada and New Jersey, marking a new chapter in the country's gambling industry.
Louisiana’s first casino—a floating palace on Lake Pontchartrain—opens for business in November.
Casinos.com launches International Casinos Day as a means of celebrating casinos globally. The site introduces the International Casino Awards as a way of honoring the best casinos have to offer.
How to Celebrate International Casinos Day
A. Visit and enjoy your local or favorite casino
Take a trip to your local casino, sample some of the games on Casinos.com or utilize any of the other amenities on offer, whether that’s food, entertainment, or leisure facilities.
B. Try a new game or experience
Casino games are a real thrill, and maybe there’s a game out there you’ve never tried before that might get your heart racing more than any other. Remember, only gamble what you can afford and always play responsibly.
C. Share stories of your best and worst casino memories on social media
Casinos are places where memories can be made, both good and bad, and if you frequent them you’ll likely have some stories in your back pocket. Tell your friends on social media, and be sure to use the hashtag #InternationalCasinosDay.
D. Expand your casinos knowledge
Visit Casinos.com to learn more about how to play at casinos with best-in-class strategy guides, and also reviews of your favorite casinos.
International Casinos Day FAQs
Which country has the largest number of casinos in the world?
The United States has the largest number of casinos in the world, with over 1,000 casinos currently operating across the country.
Are online casinos legal worldwide?
Online gambling is restricted or prohibited in many countries, however, it’s legal in certain U.S. states, specific provinces in Canada, most European Union countries, and several Caribbean nations.
How does Casinos.com help players find the best casinos?
At Casinos.com, they’re passionate about casinos, both online and land-based. As fellow players, their mission is to help players find the best casinos worldwide, and they handpick sites based on strict criteria, ensuring only the most trusted and player-friendly make the list.
7 Great Things Casinos Have Done
Provided entertainment to millions
Each year, over 100 million people worldwide visit casinos, enjoying not only gaming but shows, restaurants, and nightlife
Created jobs
The casino industry supports over 1.8 million jobs globally, including hospitality workers, entertainers, tech staff, and more.
Funded essential services
In the U.S. alone, casino taxes contribute billions annually to education, law enforcement, healthcare, and public infrastructure.
Set standards for regulation
Modern casinos operate under strict licensing and oversight, protecting consumers and ensuring fairness in gaming.
Boosted local economies
Cities like Las Vegas, Macau, and Atlantic City owe much of their economic success to casino tourism and development.
Built community centers
Casinos often serve as gathering points, offering fine dining, entertainment venues, art installations, and event spaces.
Pioneered innovation in hospitality & gaming technology
From mobile apps to cutting-edge table games, casinos are at the forefront of tech and customer service innovation.
The Luckiest Casinos In The U.S, U.K, Canada, New Zealand, And Italy
The United States
According to Casinos.com’s research conducted for interest’s sake, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa (Tampa, Florida) is the luckiest casino in the United States, with a 25.49% chance of getting lucky.
The United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, you have a 31.58% chance of winning money at Genting Casino Coventry, the country’s luckiest casino.
Canada
Canada's luckiest casino, the Great Canadian Casino Resort in Toronto, gives you a 41.48% chance of getting lucky.
New Zealand
SkyCity Auckland Casino is New Zealand’s luckiest casino and gives you a 14.67% chance of getting lucky.
Italy
Italy’s luckiest casino is Casino de la Vallée - Saint-Vincent, with a 19.06% chance of winning.
International Casinos Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | May 15 | Thursday |
| 2026 | May 15 | Friday |
| 2027 | May 15 | Saturday |
| 2028 | May 15 | Monday |
| 2029 | May 15 | Tuesday |
