Gambling is a large part of Nevada’s history.  In the early years of Nevada’s statehood, gambling was a rampant aspect of mining towns.  In 1909, the state took a strong anti-gambling stance and eliminated the practice.  As the Great Depression struck the country and the agricultural and mining industries in Nevada began to decline, the state changed its stance on gambling.

On this day, March 19th, in 1931, Nevada legalized gambling with approval from the Legislature.  The legalization of gambling created an opportunity for Nevada to receive a great deal of revenue; it also marks the beginning of one of the states most well-known industries.  In the decades following legalized gambling, casinos and other gambling facilities were created across the state.  One of the most famous gambling centers in the world, Las Vegas, also grew rapidly in the wake of the law change.

The decline of other major gambling centers in the country, such as Galveston, Texas, made Nevada the home of the United States gambling industry by the 1950s.  Major mob figures and other investors transformed Las Vegas into an entertainment mecca.  Las Vegas and the entire state of Nevada continues to enjoy the economic advantages of legalized gambling today.