Ever flown away to Las Vegas for a desert dream holiday? The sun and sand of the Nevada deserts are only a few of the very minor attractions that the state has to offer. Perhaps you prefer the east coast climate. Imagine the sun setting over the boardwalk as you take in the excitement that Atlantic City has to offer. These two cities are without a doubt two of the countries casino online capitals. They are both completely different in atmosphere but have one key element in common, casinos. Both Atlantic City and Las Vegas have been key in the development of legalized gambling in America. In return, the free online bingo gambling industry as brought tourists, fame and economic prosperity to both places. Ever wonder how it all began?
Many today would find it surprising that from 1910-nearly 1940, gambling was completely illegal in the state of Nevada. Gambling was only made legal in the state of Nevada to combat the economic hardships brought on by the great depression. The state of Nevada was hit extremely hard by the depression and the state was nearly bankrupt. The lawmakers were desperate to raise revenue or face the possibility that this state could go under. Casino gambling was made legal and brought in a new era and culture of casino gambling. Many may also be surprised to learn that Las Vegas was actually not the first bingo game gambling city to develop in the State of Nevada. Reno was the first gambling city to be created and reach a high level of economic prominence.
It was the Hoover dam project that turned people’s attention to Las Vegas. The area was filled with workers who were contracting the dam. The area community leaders were also quite forward thinking in their concept of creating a gambling capitol in the middle of the Nevada Dessert. The idea took off and Las Vegas prospered quite rapidly.
After the Second World War, Las Vegas took off. The city had the reputation of a Wild West dessert town where anything would go. The casinos and flashing lights drew tourists by the millions to the gambling capitol of the world. Unfortunately, for the city, organized crime made its way into the industry. It made its fortune though money laundering and racketeering. It also made great strides toward destroying the reputation and tarnishing the image of Las Vegas.
Despite the negativity associated with organized crime, Las Vegas continued to prosper. During the 1950’s and 1960’s the area known as the strip came into prominence. Many of the most famous resorts and night clubs were also created during this decade, those being, Cesar’s Palace, The Dunes and the Stardust.
Today, Las Vegas remains one of the fastest growing cities in the world. It is still also one of the most sought after tourist destinations in the world, offering the thrill and excitement of casinos as well as shows and family entertainment. Las Vegas has also managed to clean up its image and shake much of the negativity associate with organized crime and casino gambling.
At nearly the same time but on the other side of the nation a new casino city was about to be born. Many of the Atlantic coast cities had fallen into ruin and decay. Many of the city leaders got together and using the example set by Las Vegas, created Atlantic City.
Although Atlantic City used Las Vegas as an example, they suffered some hardships. The organizers wanted the casino style without the any thing goes attitude portrayed in Las Vegas. The casino hours were limited as well as the pay off amounts. Atlantic City also limited the types of games that were allowed to be played in their casinos.
Atlantic City’s geography also limited its prosperity. The city being very close to New York, Philadelphia and Washington D.C. Made it almost a commuters gambling paradise. People who used Atlantic City frequently came up for the day from one of the other larger urban centers. They would spend quite substantially in the casinos but generally would not stay in the hotels, shop in the stores or eat in the local restaurants as the would out west.