History and gambling have been connected for centuries, with ancient civilisations leaving their mark on the games we play today. History lovers have plenty to enjoy in the world of casino gaming, especially at non Gamstop casinos, where players can experience a wide variety of history-themed games. Let’s take a look at some of the best history-themed casino games, both digital and traditional, and how they bring the past to life.
History-Themed Slots: Ancient Legends Brought to the Reels
Slots have become one of the most creative ways to explore historical themes. Game developers regularly draw from legendary civilisations, famous battles, and iconic rulers to create immersive experiences. These games often feature stunning graphics, rich storytelling, and engaging mechanics that transport players into the past. Here are some of the most well-crafted history-themed slots:
Ancient Egypt Slots
Ancient Egypt remains one of the most popular themes in casino gaming. The era of pharaohs, pyramids, and hidden treasures has been reimagined through countless slot machines. Titles like Book of Dead, Legacy of Egypt, and Cleopatra transport players back to a time of golden tombs and mystical deities. These games often include symbols such as scarabs, Anubis, and the Eye of Horus, making the reels feel like an archaeological discovery. Many of these slots also feature special bonus rounds where players can explore pyramids or uncover hidden scrolls, adding an extra layer of adventure.
- Book of Dead – Developed by Play’n GO, this slot game is one of the most popular in the Egyptian-themed category. With Rich Wilde as the protagonist, players dive deep into an ancient tomb in search of treasure. The Book of Dead acts as both a wild symbol and a scatter, triggering free spins where players have the opportunity to uncover massive wins.
- Legacy of Egypt – This slot, from Play’n GO as well, takes players on a journey through ancient Egypt with stunning visuals, including gods like Ra, Horus, and Isis. With expanding wilds and multipliers, this game offers players an opportunity to win big with every spin.
Roman Empire Slots
The glory of Rome has inspired many slot games, bringing gladiators, emperors, and epic battles to the screen. Gladiator: Road to Rome and Rome: The Golden Age are among the most popular, featuring Colosseum showdowns and powerful Roman legions. These games often use dramatic soundtracks and detailed artwork to capture the intensity of the empire’s dominance. Some slots even incorporate battles, where players can choose warriors or engage in combat-style bonus rounds, making them feel like they are part of the Roman conquest.
- Gladiator: Road to Rome – This slot by Playtech has gained popularity for its immersive gladiatorial theme. The game revolves around the legendary Roman arena, where players can trigger free spins, bonuses, and progressive jackpots, all while entering into epic gladiatorial combat.
- Rome: The Golden Age – Released by iSoftBet, this game immerses players into the height of the Roman Empire, showcasing the city’s majestic architecture and culture. The game’s bonus round lets players take part in the famous Roman chariot races, earning rewards along the way.
Viking-Themed Slots
The fierce warriors of the north have become a staple in history-themed slots. Games like Vikings Go Berzerk, Odin’s Riches, and Thor’s Vengeance put players in the middle of Nordic adventures filled with longships, rune stones, and Norse gods. The use of Viking mythology adds an extra layer of excitement, making these slots feel like a journey through ancient sagas. Many of these games feature battle bonuses, where players can raid settlements or unlock special powers from gods like Thor and Loki.
- Vikings Go Berzerk – A hit from Yggdrasil Gaming, this slot immerses players in the Viking age, where they can enter the berserk mode for free spins and potential huge wins. The game also features treasure chests, where players can unlock multipliers.
- Thor’s Vengeance – Developed by NetEnt, this slot takes players on an adventure with Thor, the Norse god of thunder. With a mythology-based storyline, this game offers players the opportunity to trigger free spins, wild symbols, and battle bonuses as they venture through Viking-inspired gameplay.
Other Notable Historical Slots
Beyond these major civilisations, there are many other history-inspired slots worth exploring. Some games bring the Wild West to life, featuring gunslingers and saloons, while others focus on medieval knights and legendary figures like King Arthur. No matter the historical period, developers continue to innovate, creating new ways for players to engage with history through slot gameplay.
- Wild Wild West: The Great Train Heist – This slot by NetEnt transports players to the American Wild West, where they can ride with outlaws, rob trains, and unlock free spins.
- King Arthur: The Quest for the Grail – Inspired by Arthurian legend, this slot offers players an exciting journey alongside the Knights of the Round Table, chasing the elusive Holy Grail.
Classic Table Games with Historical Roots
While slots bring history to life visually, table games are a direct link to gambling’s past. Some of today’s most popular games have evolved from historical betting traditions, making them perfect for those who appreciate both strategy and heritage. These games have been played in different forms for centuries, adapting to the times while maintaining their fundamental mechanics.
Poker: A Game with Centuries of Evolution
Poker has a long and varied history, with its earliest versions dating back to the 16th century. Some historians believe it evolved from the Persian game As-Nas, while others connect it to French Poque and German Pochen. The modern version took shape in the United States in the 19th century, gaining popularity in saloons and riverboats. Today, poker continues to thrive in casinos and online, but its roots in history remain strong. Many famous poker strategies, such as bluffing and reading opponents, have been part of the game for centuries, making it one of the most intellectually engaging gambling activities.
Blackjack: The Influence of 18th-Century France
Blackjack traces its origins to 18th-century France, where it was known as Vingt-et-Un (21). It was later introduced to American casinos, where it evolved into the game we know today. Over the years, different strategies have emerged, making it one of the most studied casino games. The historical connection to French gambling halls adds an extra layer of intrigue for those who enjoy a mix of skill and chance. Many variations of blackjack have developed over time, including Spanish 21 and Pontoon, each adding unique twists to the original game.
Roulette: Spinning Through the Ages
Roulette’s origins date back to 17th-century France, where it was created by mathematician Blaise Pascal. The game’s design was influenced by earlier Italian and Chinese gambling concepts, but it gained its most recognisable form in European casinos. The red and black wheel remains an iconic symbol of gambling history, attracting players with its simple yet suspenseful mechanics. The European and American versions of the game have slight differences, with the European variant offering better odds due to the single zero format.
Other Historic Table Games
Apart from these well-known games, other traditional gambling activities have historical significance. Baccarat, for instance, originated in Italy before gaining popularity in French royal courts. Sic Bo, a dice game from ancient China, remains a staple in many Asian casinos. These games have been played for centuries, proving that classic gambling traditions still hold strong appeal today.
How Developers Bring History to Life in Casino Games
Game developers don’t just use historical themes for decoration; they incorporate key elements of history into gameplay, design, and storytelling. Here’s how they do it:
- Realistic Artwork and Soundtracks – Many games use high-quality visuals to recreate historical settings, from ancient temples to medieval battlefields. Soundtracks often feature dramatic orchestral scores or traditional instruments to enhance the atmosphere.
- Historical Accuracy with a Creative Twist – While these games take inspiration from real events and figures, they often add fantasy elements to create engaging gameplay. Gods, warriors, and rulers are often given supernatural abilities to make them more exciting.
- Bonus Features Inspired by Historical Events – Many slots include bonus rounds that reflect historical moments. For example, a Viking-themed slot might have a raid bonus where players loot treasure, or an Egyptian slot might feature a pyramid exploration round.
Final Thoughts
Casino games inspired by history offer a unique way to engage with the past while enjoying classic gambling entertainment. With new games constantly being developed, the connection between history and gambling is only getting stronger.