Introduction of Casino Poker (Early 20th Century)
In the early 20th century, poker began to gain popularity in American casinos, though it was initially played in underground gambling establishments due to restrictions on legalized gambling. As the game’s popularity grew, cities like Las Vegas began to embrace poker as a core part of their casino offerings.
The turning point came in 1931, when Nevada legalized gambling, allowing the establishment of casinos in Las Vegas. This marked the beginning of poker’s rise in the legal casino environment, with the first legal poker games being held in Las Vegas casinos. The city quickly became the center of casino poker, solidifying the game’s place in the modern gambling world.