Gambling in the Age of Enlightenment
The Age of Enlightenment marked a significant shift in how gambling was perceived and regulated. During the 17th and 18th centuries, the rise of rational thought led to a more structured approach to gambling activities. In France, the establishment of the first official gambling houses, known as casinos, offered a controlled environment where patrons could indulge in their gaming preferences. These venues became centers of social life, attracting individuals from various walks of life, reinforcing gambling’s status as both a leisure activity and a pursuit of fortune.