The history of casino is a matter of mystery, but it is generally agreed to hail from the temperate Mediterranean shores where ancient Greeks, Romans and more recent Spaniards enjoyed passing the hours over a friendly betting game. And the sporting crowd was likely well attended by a host of scantily clad serving maids and boys attendant to their every need. Such is the model for the modern casino.
In Americaís fledgling Wild West days, casinos were called saloons. Here, traveling cowboys, lawmen and the roguish gunslingers could find a little friendly excitement over a hand or two of cards while enjoying hearty, rib-sticking meals to tame the rot-gut whiskey served by saucy hostesses. Upstairs offered beds for the night, the back room offered hot baths and shaves and the saloon-keeper kept the piano tinkling to tame savage tempers.
