by Adel Awwad

Whether as a means of divination or as a popular form of entertainment, each type of gambling has its own distinct and interesting history. The oldest form of gambling can be traced back to ancient humanity when dice was played using the bones and teeth of animals.

Playing cards were found in the eleventh century, and many believe them to be from the Chinese who also invented paper. It was the Europeans, however, who brought cards to the civilized world. The French made the designs which had the spades, hearts, clubs and diamonds, but it was not until four centuries later that the English would pick up card playing. From this time, the Americans started producing their own cards, adding quite a few of their own adjustments: double headed court cards, indexes, making round corners and the infamous Joker. Blackjack, the most popular game in casinos today, found its way to the United States during the time of the Gold Rush in the American West.

It was also through the Old West that the original game of Red Dog Poker became popular. Soon after the French revolution in the 19th century, card games were discovered in the Old West. The game Red Dog, just like other popular games, goes by many names including yablon, referring to the early version of the game out in the west. The game is also called in-between, Ace Deuce and between the sheets because the nature of the game. Red Dog is built around the concept of spread or the "distance"between two cards, the amount of cards that lay between them.

However, at that time it was found too easy to cheat, and soon after, the game disappeared. Meanwhile, without government regulation, gambling was flourishing until the United States realized that uncontrolled gambling industry was leading to corruption and encouraged organized crime. Although the State of Nevada listed gambling as a crime in 1910, the situation worsened with some members of the government forming the core gangsters. Finally, gambling became legal in Las Vegas in 1931. Red Dog Poker game resurfaced with many changes, and is now known as Casino Red Dog.

Red Dog is an easy game to play, and can be learned by anyone. Unlike Blackjack, which relies heavily on the player's skills versus other players, it can be a relaxing way to pass the time. Many new casinos today do not offer Red Dog. However, today's online playing and betting has grown exponentially, and Red Dog Poker can be played within the comforts of your own home.