Most of the old postcards and things I came across with the word "casino" on them did NOT refer to gambling at all. Rather they referred to resorts, hotels. etc. in the country -- from the Italian word. I recall that as a kid growing up on Long Island, NY, the public swimming pool near me was called the "casino."

http://gambling-industry.net/the-roots-of.html

The Roots of the Word 'Casino'

We all know that the roots of gambling itself are quite untraceable. The remnants of its beginnings are scattered around many countries, nations, and even civilizations. History disclosed that Egypt, India, China, and Greece all have important participations in gambling history. It is undeniable, however, that Europe spearheads the pack. The member countries of that continent are mostly found as the sources of the more favored casino games of today. It is not surprising then that the word casino is also rooted from Europe, from Italy to be exact.

Casino is rooted from an Italian word 'casa' whose direct meaning is 'house'. In the olden times, casino is merely used to direct a country home or a cottage. The evolution and the civilization of man translated it to mean something else. Later on, 'casino' is mostly used to address a house for social gathering. Regular town functions are held in casinos. During those days, town functions mean lots of dancing, singing, socializing, and yes, gambling.

Gambling has been a focal point of a social gathering even during those times. Its main concept, really, is to bring together people of similar interests and skills. The winning part is just a treat. That is true even today. Bright lighted casinos and online sites are a place to make social connections with people from all over the world with the same wavelength as yours. Spending time at the casino is the best way of making new friends and getting closer to the old ones.

Since that time when casinos are used for social functions, the gambling element became more imminent and took the word solely for itself. Casino entered the English language officially, with the very meaning that the Italians put into it, in 1851. That is the story behind the word that is overused nowadays. Although Las Vegas, Nevada in the United States is considered by many as the gambling capital of the world, it cannot claim history. The origins of gambling are spread in many parts of the world. No single country or city can ever claim that it is the only haven of this entertaining and colorful industry.

Going back to trace history is an exciting journey. We always discover new things, interesting facts, and entertaining anecdotes about something. While tracing the roots of gambling can be quite challenging, at least the origins of the word casino is pretty established. No one could ever come to claim that feat because it is written in history books.

Robt.