Gambling as a pastime is nearly as old as civilization itself. However, the Palazzo Vendramin Calergi Casino in Venice, Italy, claims the title of the world’s oldest surviving gambling house, or casino. Established in the 15th century within a palace on the Grand Canal, this historic venue reportedly welcomed gamblers for the first time in 1638. Although still operational today, the Palazzo Vendramin Calergi was not the only establishment of its kind in the Veneto region.
With European origins tracing back to the 13th century, casinos have evolved significantly from their humble beginnings in the private apartments of Venetian nobles. These early “casini” were discreet spaces for both social gatherings and gambling, a practice typical of the maritime Republic at the time. Wealthy British youths on their 17th and 18th-century Grand Tours described these establishments as hotbeds of secret rendezvous and social maneuvering. In a city where discretion was paramount—except concerning the ruling government—the elite amassed significant debts in exotic coffee houses, their identities masked and anonymous.
In Anna Miller’s 1777 Letters from Italy, she describes the casinos as “small houses of one or two rooms on a floor… It is the fashion here for every person of distinction to have one casino at least, and very frequently more: they have little pleasure in inhabiting their palaces, which are really uncomfortable, and by the plans and dimensions rendered extremely melancholy.” This firsthand account highlights why these small social hubs attracted patrons and why they have endured.
In contrast to the exclusive circles of the past, modern commercial casinos reflect the sophistication of today’s middle-class society. While socializing remains a key attraction, the motivations have become more subdued compared to earlier eras. With amenities like restaurants, spas, and swimming pools, contemporary casinos offer a luxurious experience, arguably drawing more parallels to ancient Roman bathhouse complexes than to the intimate Venetian party houses of old.
Beyond mere entertainment for the elite, today’s casinos play a crucial role in the economic independence of many communities. Casinos are significant employers in both the U.S. and Canada, offering a wide range of job opportunities, from dealers to hospitality staff, security personnel, and back-end operations. Casinos also create myriad indirect jobs, boosting local economies by increasing demand for services in areas such as transportation, retail, and food and beverages.
Certainly, casinos also play a pivotal role in the tourism sector. “Iconic establishments such as Casino Niagara, Casino de Montréal, and River Rock Casino Resort attract millions of visitors each year,” the Montreal Guardian reports. “These visitors not only spend money at the casinos but also contribute to the local economy by staying in hotels, dining at restaurants, and shopping in local stores. Events and entertainment shows hosted by casinos further enhance their appeal as tourist destinations, drawing international visitors and boosting local tourism revenues.”
This is particularly evident in the number of casinos owned by First Nations. The Snuneymuxw First Nation’s development division, for instance, recently invested in Richmond, British Columbia’s River Rock Casino, the largest of its kind in the region. This business model demonstrates strong potential for long-term returns, which can be reinvested into youth programs and community development. CBC News reported that eight casinos in the vicinity were sold to First Nations groups, with the Snuneymuxw acquiring five. Among these, the transactions for Elements Casino Victoria and Casino Nanaimo are reportedly complete.
Casinos provide First Nations with economic freedom and self-reliance, improving opportunities for future generations in ways previously unimaginable. According to Yale Belanger, a political science professor at the University of Lethbridge, casinos represent significant long-term economic power for these communities, especially given existing political and regulatory constraints. “The Indian Act still has an incredible level of influence over how a local community is able to develop,” Belanger told CBC. “It involves the government getting involved; it drags out processes that can ultimately deter investors from sinking money into projects.” First Nations often face challenges establishing casinos on reservations; thus, acquiring existing businesses allows them to overcome bureaucratic hurdles.
Despite predictions of online gambling capturing a significant market share, the economic outlook for brick-and-mortar casinos remains positive. The Snuneymuxw Nation’s ownership of five casinos illustrates this. Projected 2024/2025 total revenues include approximately $251,974,000 for River Rock Casino Resort, $140,506,000 for Great Canadian in Vancouver, $80,852,000 for Elements Victoria, $43,614,000 for Nanaimo, and $29,849,000 for Chances Maple Ridge. These figures underscore why casino ownership is a robust strategy for Nations seeking to build better futures after centuries of disenfranchisement.
The Globe and Mail reported another significant acquisition on March 30th of this year. Pure Casino Entertainment LP made a $282-million offer to purchase GameHost Inc., a publicly traded company with a substantial gaming and hospitality portfolio. This acquisition is partially funded by the $200-million sale of four Alberta properties to an American firm, with the ownership linked to Nova Scotia-based First Nations: Annapolis Valley First Nation, Millbrook First Nation, Glooscap First Nation, Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation, and We’koqma’q L’nue’kati.
The earnings generated by these enterprises have yielded widespread benefits. This year alone, the Cherokee Nation in the United States gifted $7.26 million to 107 school districts. Similarly, communities in Saskatchewan can access grants from casino profits for social, senior, cultural, and other local development initiatives.
While gambling has presented challenges, including struggles for smaller rural casinos and concerns about addiction, the Canadian government is actively reevaluating First Nations gaming rights. In February, The Honourable Tracy Muggli, Senator from Saskatchewan, considered Bill S-241, introduced by Senator Scott Tannas. This bill proposes amending the Criminal Code and the Indian Act, aligning with Call to Action 92 from Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The final outcomes remain uncertain. Nevertheless, First Nations casinos have become an integral part of the Canadian entertainment landscape.
Though a far cry from their origins in 17th-century Venice, these businesses now contribute significantly to the country’s economy and entertainment landscape. More importantly, their evolution reflects a broader shift in purpose, from exclusive enclaves of leisure and secrecy to dynamic engines of opportunity, investment, and cultural renewal. For many First Nations, in particular, casino ownership represents not just financial gain but a pathway toward greater autonomy, resilience, and long-term community well-being. As regulatory frameworks continue to evolve and the balance between digital and in-person gaming finds its footing, brick-and-mortar casinos appear poised to remain relevant, grounded not only in their rich history but in their capacity to adapt and deliver meaningful benefits to their communities.
