In most western countries legal gambling brings the state a lot of money and from time to time some very lucky guys get rich. But most of the times gambling is just a matter of luck and perseverance. A couple of days ago I found on the web this proverb that inspired me to write this post today “Luck helps the daring” and I would add “and the gamblers”.

What exactly does the word “gambling” refers to? Gambling is a human behaviour that involves risking money on the outcome of a game, contest and so on. The result of that particular activity that the gamblers follow in its developement and outcome depends partially or totally upon chance or upon other objective or subjective causes.

Since the Roman times and perhaps even earlier people have been gambling. Sometimes one can get addicted to gambling and spending money on bets and playing cards. Because of the negative effects on people most nations either ban or heavily control gambling. But as a matter of fact the involvement of the central administration through taxation and regulation in the gambling industry is an important source of revenue for those nations which legalized this practice. Monaco - with the world famous casinos at Monte Carlo, or Macau are among the nations which depend almost entirely on gambling and taxation of gambling activities. The USA is for sure the nation that might be considered the country of risk taking and gambling. In the 1930’s the federal government allowed states to prohibit or regulate gambling. And here comes a one million dollar question “Have you heard about LAS VEGAS”? I bet you have. In 1931 Las Vegas, Nevada, was just a dusty little town lost in the middle of the dessert. Today its name is synonymous with gambling and entertainment and it provides most of the income of the state of Nevada.

Types of gambling

There is no game in this world that cannot br played for money but most of us prefer to play chess for example just for fun. And yet there are games that are played only for money. These games are offered in casinos and other specially built premises where people who are 18+ of age - it depends on the regulations in force in every country - enter and gamble under the supervision of dealers and auhorized personnel.

So what are the most common types of gambling?

Among the most popular games played in casinos worldwide are poker, blackjack and roulette. Besides these games that are to a certain extent under the control of the gambler, I mean the player can make predictions and make decisions, there are games such as the slot machines that are exclusively based on luck. Sport betting have become increasingly popular as sports of all kinds are now practiced by more and more people and the TV and the internet facilitate the real time sending of information all over the world.

Another games - some of them perhaps less known fan-tan, Spanish 21 - are not so popular with casinos as the clients are not really mad about them. Of course there is a series of games that take place outside casinos and are not necessarly played for money. Bingo, bridge, piquet, coin tossing, backgammon, hazard or passe-six are very popular with people who want to spend some time with their friends or dear ones.

According to WIKIPEDIA, poker - one of the most popular games in the world - is “a popular type of card game in which players gamble on the superior value of the card combination (”hand”) in their possession, by placing a bet into a central pot. The winner is the one who holds the hand with the highest value according to an established hand rankings hierarchy, or otherwise the player who remains “in the hand” after all others have folded (the player who makes an un-called bet).”

The history and origin of poker is a long time debated theme. Some say it originated in the ancient Persia, others say it appeared in Italy or France during the Renaissance period. One thing is clear - many have lost their earthly goods and a handful of lucky guys have won a fortune at the green table. In the 21st century poker’s popularity increased unexpectedly because of the introduction of online poker, of slot machines and of a whole industry that sells poker accessories such as tables, cards and even dealers’ uniforms.
In Las Vegas for example poker players - who are nor necessarily addicted to gambling - gather to take part in poker tournaments that can turn a lucky and skillful player into a rich man. Right at the moment of speaking somewhere in the world someone is risking his or her money hoping to win the first prize. Just take a look at this link (http://www.lasvegasvegas.com/poker/tournaments.php ) to see the daily poker tournaments and gambling related events that may help you become a number one player.