02 March 2012

Gambling seems to be something of a human compulsion as evidenced by its existence throughout recorded history. The ancient Greeks and Romans believed gambling came straight from the gods, as mythology has each god casting lots to decide which part of the world he or she would control. The Chinese began betting using mahjong tiles around 2300 B.C. Through the ages, interested parties have gotten their kicks by casting lots, throwing dice, and placing wagers on various kinds of animal racing. Betting with cards in games of gin rummy, which was invented in 1909, or the as in the even older game of whist, was considered a fine pastime for high society. More recently, poker has gained a massive following, with high stakes tournaments being televised worldwide. Fixed-odds betting on events like football games, political races, and more recently, the outcomes of various reality television programs like Big Brother or Survivor, has also become a popular way to bet. Many of these bets, as well as national or state lotteries, are done through a bookmaking service to guarantee that odds are calculated properly.

Though oft maligned, bookmaking and betting in general now have wide acceptance and appeal. Almost every U.S. state has a lottery pulling in funds for education. The U.K. has a Health Lottery, where the funds generated are spent improving health services. Many countries offer hopefuls the chance to get otherwise impossible visas via means of yearly lotteries. Even the Catholic Church has sanctioned gambling via bingo games and lotteries for parishioners. One church in Philadelphia earned 14% of its annual budget by sponsoring lotteries and bingo games.

In places where betting is legal, gambling tourism is a major economic boon. In Las Vegas, Nevada, bookmaking services alone produce billions of dollars in annual revenue. As bookmaking is widely illegal in the United States, with Atlantic City and Las Vegas being two notable exceptions, many people find it well worth their while to make the trek for a few days of state-sanctioned fun. Visitors to either city can bet on everything from The Super Bowl to the Kentucky Derby, all in the safe and legal environs of any number of licensed bookmakers.

In recent years, online gambling has filled a niche for many people wishing to play games of chance. The world of online casinos offers an almost infinite number of choices. Bingos, lotteries, and bookmakers have also taken up residence on servers throughout the world. Bookmaking services, such as http://www.realpriceperhead.com/ oversee many online casinos and betting havens, providing users with a sense of security and safety that comes from a trusted industry name.

The need to take risks is a deeply human desire. From ancient games of chance to the digital world of the internet, gambling offers many people an easy and entertaining way to tempt fate.