<p>
  <b><i>Everybody in the world has heard of Blackjack or Twenty-one as it’s
      sometimes called. It’s played around the globe in land-based and </i></b><a href="https://westcasino.com" target="_blank">online casinos</a><b><i> alike. The rules are simple but beneath the surface, blackjack is
      a game of rare complexity that pits the player’s wits against those of the
      dealer. How many films have we seen about our heroes risking it all in a
      card counting game of cat and mouse with a fortune as its prize?
    </i></b>
</p>
<p>
  <b><i>In this article we will present to you 21 facts about Blackjack that are
      sure to enrich your view of the game itself and of the people who play it.
    </i></b>
</p>
<div>
  <img src="https://assets.westcasino.com/media/article/7e2af55b-2473-492b-83e2-86a75e64ddf3.jpg">
</div>
<p>
  1. There are two schools of thought regarding the origin of Blackjack: either
  it came from the French casinos around the 1700s during the reign of Louis XV
  where it was called Vingt-et-Un (twenty-one in French); or it originated in
  ancient times when Romans played it with number-inscribed wooden blocks.
</p>
<p>2. Blackjack was introduced to North America by French colonists.</p>
<p>
  3. Other card games that could have determined the development of Vingt-et-Un
  are Spanish Trente-Un (One and Thirty), Italian Sette e Mezzo (Seven and a
  Half), and French Quinze (Fifteen).
</p>
<p>
  4. The game reached stardom in 1820 New Orleans at the legalized gambling
  halls.
</p>
<p>
  5. During that time, a master dealer by the name of Eleanor Dumont opened her
  own gambling hall in Nevada which was called Vingt-et-Un.
</p>
[getstarted][welcomepack]
<p>
  6. In the early 60s, card counting was considered a base strategy for
  Blackjack. Mathematician Edward O. Thorpe even wrote a book about it called
  “Beat the Dealer”.
</p>
<p>
  7. Blackjack was initially played with only one deck. That made card counting
  simpler. Nowadays, however, it’s played with numerous decks making the system
  very complex to use.
</p>
<p>
  8. Blackjack is one of the few gambling activities that you can make a living
  off.
</p>
<p>
  9. In the United States, Blackjack is the most popular table game at any
  casino.
</p>
<p>
  10. Card counting isn’t illegal. Instead, casino reserve the right to refuse
  service to anyone. Usually, being caught gets you a one-way ticket out the
  door!
</p>
<p>11. Atlantic City casinos can’t ban you for counting cards.</p>
<p>12. The dealer will bust nearly a third of all hands!</p>
<p>
  13. Vingt-et-Un was a game that French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte loved to
  play. Even though during his reign he had banned card games for his soldiers,
  during his exile on Elba, he became a master of the game.
</p>
<p>
  14. There’s a Blackjack Hall of Fame in San Diego, California inside the
  Native American Barona Resort and Casino.
</p>
<p>
  15. A dealer once dealt Blackjack for 51 hours straight. His feat got him a
  spot in the Guinness Book of World Records.
</p>
<p>
  16. What other players do does not affect your chances of winning. It’s a
  common myth believed by many that when another blackjack player at your table
  makes a mistake, that player ruins the chances of all the others.
  Mathematically, though, it makes no difference.
</p>
<p>
  17. When playing blackjack, your goal isn’t to get as close to 21 as possible.
  It’s to beat the dealer.
</p>
<p>
  18. In the United States, the money you win at Blackjack is taxable income.
  The casino that gives you your winnings is required, by law, to report them to
  the IRS.
</p>
<p>
  19. 16 is the worst hand in Blackjack, followed closely by 15 as the second
  worst hand.
</p>
<p>20. Blackjack dealers only earn minimum wage, so tip generously!</p>
<p>
  21. It takes at least 7 shuffles to completely randomize a new deck of cards.
</p>
<p>
  Blackjack is one hell of a game that’s easy to learn but almost impossible to
  master. Winning strategies are hard to come by and you’ll always need to think
  on your feet. Split second decision making is a requirement when playing
  <a href="https://westcasino.com/games" target="_blank">high-stakes games</a>. On a lighter note, though, Blackjack is one of the most
  famous card games in the world for a reason. It’s a whole lot of fun!
</p>

Blackjack is one of the oldest card games on Earth. Read this article to learn a lot about this seemingly simple but subtly complex gambling phenomenon. Join WestCasino now for more incredible articles and the best online casino experience!

Blackjack – 21 Facts about 21 | WestCasino Blog

Blackjack - 21 Facts About 21

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<p align="justify"><b>Article written by WestCasino’s Chief Writer  </b></p>
<p align="justify"><i>Making a living out of playing your favorite casino games can definitely become a reality if you use the correct methods. Whether you’re looking to improve your skills, increase your chances of winning on a daily basis, or you just want a fun read, you’ve come to the right place to learn <b>what makes a great casino player great</b>.</i></p>
<h2>Becoming Great at Table Games</h2>
<p align="justify">Well, the first and most important rule of becoming a master of the art of winning is to <b>know the rules of the game</b> you’re playing like the back of your hand. If you know <a href="https://westcasino.com/blog/tips-and-tricks/how-to-play-online-poker" target="_blank">how to play online poker</a>, <a href="https://westcasino.com/blog/tips-and-tricks/how-to-play-blackjack-history-and-strategy-guide" target="_blank">how to win at blackjack</a>, or <a href="https://westcasino.com/blog/tips-and-tricks/online-roulette-history-rules-strategy" target="_blank">winning roulette strategies</a>, gives you an instant advantage over other players and even the dealers in many cases. We’ve got some nifty articles on all of these subjects underlined in the previously mentioned, so be sure to check them out.</p>
<br>
<p align="justify">Secondly, you’ll need a good <b>betting system</b>. Going all in every time you have a decent hand in poker is a surefire way to break your balance in no time. You’ll want to pace yourself. Make small bets, get a feel for the table, and work your way up to bigger winnings.</p>
<div align="justify"><br></div>
<p align="justify">There are multiple betting systems you can check out and try for yourself, but the <b>best advice is to balance your play style</b> between what your gut tells you to do and what your mind warns you against doing. Keep a level head, and you’ll be fine.
</p>
<br>
<p align="justify">Adrenaline rushes are common, especially in high-stakes games, but if you take a few deep breaths and make a good attempt at <b>mastering your emotions</b>, your chances of winning skyrocket. Check out 6x World-Series of Poker champion Daniel Negreanu’s Master Class teachings:</p><p align="justify"><iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/SPhfOuOWRjQ" class="note-video-clip" allowfullscreen="" style="position:relative; top:0; left: 0" frameborder="0"></iframe><br></p>
<h2>Becoming Great at Slot Games</h2>
<p align="justify">This is trickier because your chances of winning at slot games depend on many factors, including each individual game’s <b>RTP </b>(Return to Player). Choosing games with a higher RTP is a good idea if you want to minimize your losses. Naturally, <b>volatility </b>also comes into play. It dictates how often a slot typically pays out. These two concepts are typically independent of each other since the RTP remains the same regardless of a game’s high or low volatility.
</p>
<p align="justify"><i>Hey, if you’re in the mood to play some awesome high RTP titles right now, WestCasino has the biggest collection of <a href="https://westcasino.com/games" target="_blank">online slots</a> and casino games in the industry. Check it out. </i></p><p align="justify">[getstarted] [welcomepack]</p><p align="justify">But I digress. The next things you should be looking for if you want to increase your chances of <b>winning at slot games are the features</b>.
</p>
<p align="justify"><b>Megaways slots</b> have a larger number of pay lines which provide more winning combinations.</p>
<p align="justify"><b>Slots with cascading reels</b> make winning symbols disappear, and new ones drop down in their place to award even more wins.
</p>
<p align="justify">Getting three or more <b>Scatter symbols</b> on the reels generally triggers free spins rounds with bonus features that maximize your winning potential.
</p>
<p align="justify"><b>Multipliers </b>double, triple, quadruple, or even awards more than ten times the sum you’ve won on a single spin.
</p>
<p align="justify">Always be on the lookout for those <b>special features</b>. They make the difference between a small amount of cash won and a huge one.</p>
<h2>Becoming Great at Playing with Bonuses</h2>
<p align="justify">This usually only applies to <b>online casino games</b>, but you might get some free chips at a land-based establishment to sway you in their direction. In any case, <a href="https://westcasino.com/blog/tips-and-tricks/online-casino-bonuses-explained" target="_blank">all online casino bonuses</a> increase your balance or give you a varying amount of <a href="https://westcasino.com/promotions" target="_blank">free spins</a> on certain slots from some great game developers like Play’N Go, Pragmatic Play, or Yggdrasil.
</p>
<p align="justify">Some <a href="https://westcasino.com/blog/tips-and-tricks/no-deposit-bonuses-in-online-casinos" target="_blank">bonuses require no cash deposits</a>, but most of them you’ll acquire for a small fee. Although they might come with some wagering requirements, like having to bet the bonus amount 30 times before you can withdraw your winnings, a few select bonuses come with no strings attached, which means you can do with your winnings as you see fit.
</p>
<p align="justify"><b>Claim a bonus</b> if you’d like to play with the casino’s money instead of your own. You’ll minimize the risk of losing a large amount, and you’ll have more time and resources to play your favorite games.
</p>
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
<p align="justify">If you headed straight for the conclusion,<b> let’s resume </b>and see what’s the conclusion of what makes a great casino player great. </p>
<ol>
<li>Learning the <b>rules of every game</b> you like to play,</li>
<li>Establishing <b>a betting system</b> that ensures you minimize your losses,</li>
<li>Choosing <b>slot games with high RTP</b> and plenty of features, and</li>
<li>Relying on <b>bonuses </b>to help extend your playtime.</li>
</ol>
<p align="justify">Follow this advice carefully, and you’ll be a great casino player in no time. 
</p>
<p align="justify">Good luck on your journey to the fortune of your dreams!
</p>

Check out what makes a great casino player great or how to improve your gambling skills and make winning at casino games a common occurrence.

What Makes a Great Casino Player Great? | WestCasino Blog

What Makes a Great Casino Player Great?

<p align="justify">In recent times, we’ve seen an incredible increase in<b> the presence of no deposit bonuses</b>,
        with many online casinos trying to adopt the same technique to attract more players and, hopefully, retain even
        more. Just like in any other industry or business, free samples are very popular, and for a good reason too. It
        might be a bit too obvious why these bonuses have skyrocketed in the past couple of years, but we’ll make sure
        to delve a little bit deeper into the subject. Of course, there are many different <a href="https://westcasino.com/promotions" target="_blank">no deposit bonuses</a>, and some are going to be
        objectively better than others, while some might be preferred more by ones than others. Let’s talk about why
        this mechanic in the online casino industry has become so popular and why we don’t see it disappearing anytime
        soon. </p>
    <h2 align="justify">No Deposit Bonuses Don’t Require an Investment </h2>
    <p align="justify">First and foremost, we must mention the real reason why people decide to try out no deposit
        bonuses – they don’t require you to spend any real money. All you have to do in order to receive a free bonus on
        certain <a href="https://nodepositcasino.org/" target="_blank">no deposit casinos</a> is to register on their
        website and you’ll be good to go. This is an incredibly tempting offer that a lot of players accept, and we can
        most definitely see why that is. <b>Not being forced to spend money</b> in order to play some of your favorite
        online slots is a very good deal, at least in our books. This is especially great for those who are uncertain
        about whether or not they should be playing a certain game, so they could try without feeling guilty afterward.
    </p>
    <br>
    <p align="justify">Even though this is true, we must mention the fact that most of these casinos have different
        policies when it comes to withdrawing your money with no deposit bonuses. These rules are, of course, imposed so
        the people <b>wouldn’t abuse the system</b> and withdraw money without actually playing anything at all. Make
        sure that you read through these policies before you start playing in order to know what to expect from a
        specific <a href="https://westcasino.com/" target="_blank">online casino</a>. </p>
    <h2 align="justify">Online Casinos Earn Trust with Bonuses</h2>
    <p align="justify">Players are sometimes skeptical when it comes to new online live casinos. That’s why no deposit
        bonuses allow them to test out the waters before deciding to deposit some of their hard-earned cash. That’s why
        we believe that casinos that offer these types of services build a lot more trust with their customers in
        comparison to those that don’t offer bonuses. It helps <b>players feel like they are actually welcome to
            stay</b>, and that these casinos aren’t here to just take their money, but to let them enjoy fun and
        engaging games on their website. </p>
    <br>
    <p align="justify">We urge that you always make sure that the site you are about to use isn’t a scam and that they
        are legally operated, so you don’t waste your time with their free no deposit bonuses that won’t pay out. </p>
    <h2 align="justify">Players Can Win Real Money Without Depositing </h2>
    <p align="justify">In general, when it comes to live casino, people need to invest money to get more, but with these
        types of bonuses, this doesn’t have to be the case. Of course, you need to follow withdrawal policies, but at
        the end of the day, it’s more than possible for a player to withdraw money that they’ve earned solely with a no
        deposit bonus. Once we put everything into perspective, this is <b>the number 1 reason</b> why these types of
        bonuses have exploded in popularity. </p>
    <br>
    <p align="justify">Making money without actually having to invest anything is the dream, especially when you can
        make that money by playing some very entertaining online games. We can see why most, if not all, modern online
        casinos offer no deposit bonuses these days. They are an absolute magnet for new players and for those who are
        looking to switch from their main casino. </p><p align="justify">[getstarted] [welcomepack]
    </p>
    <p align="justify"></p><h2 class="">Play The Latest Slot and Casino Games 
    </h2><p align="justify">Before, casino promotions were reserved for those games that not a lot of players used to play.
        The casino promotions were a tool to attract players into trying the said games. Today, no deposit bonuses are
        being offered for<b> the most popular games</b> out there, and that is a very good thing, as players will be
        able to try some of the best <a href="https://westcasino.com/games" target="_blank">online slots</a> out there
        without having to spend money at all. This means that players will be able to play those games that are regarded
        as the best, <b>both for their entertainment and for the potential winnings</b>. </p>
    <h2 align="justify">Reviewing the Online Casino Games </h2>
    <p align="justify">Another great benefit of bonuses with no deposit is the fact that many <b>players can test out
            certain slot games</b> that they’ve never tried before. If you are someone who likes to try out many
        different games without being too interested in your winnings, then no deposit bonuses are a great option for
        you. <b>Reviewing games is also a major part of the industry</b>, and that’s why a lot of reviewers rely on
        these bonuses so they could voice out their opinion on a specific online game or casino. </p>
    <br>
    <p align="justify">This also directly benefits the experience of those players who follow slot reviews online, as
        they will be able to avoid playing any slots that aren’t regarded as the best. </p>
    <h2 align="justify">Conclusion of No Deposit Bonuses </h2>
    <p align="justify">In retrospect, we have nothing but good things to say about no deposit bonuses and the impact
        they’ve had on the online casino industry. In current times, players can choose to deposit real money, <a href="https://westcasino.com/blog/tips-and-tricks/how-to-use-bitcoin-as-a-casino-payment-method" target="_blank">deposit cryptocurrency</a>, or not deposit anything in order to try out some games, and we
        think that is exemplary. We couldn’t draw a single flaw from this system, so we highly recommend that you try
        out no deposit bonuses if you’re interested in trying out a certain online slot or an online casino. There is
        absolutely nothing you can lose if you decide to do so, and that’s the biggest benefit. </p>

Playing online casino games without having to spend a single dime is possible with No Deposit Bonuses, and that's why we're going to talk about their popularity.

Online Casino No Deposit Bonuses | WestCasino Blog

The Popularity of No Deposit Bonuses

<h2 align="justify">The Legality of Online Casinos in South Africa</h2>
<p align="justify">Just like anywhere else in the world, people in South Africa enjoy spending their time playing online slots and other forms of online gambling. While having fun during gaming is very important, it’s also pivotal that you, a player of <b>online casinos in South Africa</b>, are met with the laws of the country in regard to this matter. Being knowledgeable on this topic will ensure that you avoid making mistakes and potentially putting yourself in a bad position. </p>
<p align="justify">We’re here to talk about these laws, and we hope that this article will greatly help you understand what is new and what you should pay attention to the most. Safe gambling is something we always advocate for, and this is most definitely a step that you need to take in order to make sure that you are doing just that. </p>
<p align="justify">Here are the most important things that you should know. </p>
<h2 align="justify">The Gambling Bill for Online Casinos in South Africa </h2>
<p align="justify">The Remote Gambling Bill, which was officially presented to Parliament on August 13, sets out new rules for online gambling companies operating in South Africa. The proposed legislation seeks to ensure that online gambling is conducted in a fair, transparent, and responsible manner and that <b>the rights of players are protected</b>. It also sets out measures to prevent fraud, money laundering, and other criminal activities.</p>
<p align="justify">The bill is designed to create a safe and secure environment in which online gambling can take place, while at the same time protecting vulnerable players from exploitation and addiction. If the bill is passed, online gambling and <a href="https://westcasino.com/games/" target="_blank">online slots</a> will be regulated for the first time in South Africa, with operators required to obtain a license from the National Gambling Board in order to operate. Operators must also adhere to strict rules and regulations, such as age and identity verification,<b> anti-money laundering measures</b>, responsible gambling policies, and payment processing rules. </p>
<p align="justify">The bill also seeks to address the issue of tax evasion by ensuring that operators pay the full amount of tax due on their profits. It also provides for a black economic empowerment scheme that will give <b>preference to South African-owned companies when issuing licenses</b>. The bill has been welcomed by the gaming industry in South Africa, which sees it as a much-needed change.</p>
<h2 align="justify">Provincial Licensing Authorities (PLA) for Gambling in South Africa </h2>
<p align="justify">Considering the fact that there are nine provinces in South Africa, there are also nine PLAs. The decision-making process typically involves the Board of Directors and the relevant departments of the PLA and other relevant government agencies. The relevant government agencies are responsible for ensuring that gambling, racing, and wagering activities are conducted in a responsible and safe manner. They are also responsible for monitoring and regulating the activities, and for taking action if any illegal activities are found. </p><p align="justify">[getstarted] [welcomepack]</p>
<p align="justify">The PLAs undertake inspections to confirm that operators are compliant with applicable laws and regulations. This includes ensuring that the operator is following national and provincial gambling laws, such as the National Gambling Act 2004 and relevant provincial legislation. This means that the same will be done for online games, <a href="https://westcasino.com/live-casino" target="_blank">live casinos</a>, and other forms of online gambling. Inspections may also include audits of accounts, records, and other documents, as well as on-site inspections. </p>
<h2 align="justify">South African Online Casino Laws </h2>
<p align="justify">Land-based casinos argue that online casinos are a form of unregulated gambling and that they open up opportunities for money laundering and other criminal activities. They are also concerned that it will be challenging to enforce taxes on winnings earned from online gambling. Lastly, they fear that it will take away from the social atmosphere of land-based casinos. </p>
<p align="justify">The Remote Bill of 2014 was meant to create a licensing system for online casino operators and would have required operators to pay taxes on their profits. It would have also provided consumer protection measures to ensure that players were <b>safe when playing onlin</b>e. However, the bill was met with a great deal of opposition from both the online casino industry and the public. As a result, the bill was never passed.</p>
<p align="justify">People in South Africa still spend time on <a href="https://westcasino.com/blog/tips-and-tricks/top-10-online-casinos-with-the-fastest-payouts" target="_blank">online casinos with fast payouts</a> even though it is not legal, <b>because they won’t get prosecuted</b> for it given the ambiguity of the 1996 Remote Bill.</p>
<h2 align="justify">Laws for Sports Betting in South Africa </h2>
<p align="justify">Although the South African government has not passed any specific laws directly pertaining to online sports betting, <b>it is still legal to place bets online</b> through South African-based sportsbooks and international sportsbooks, as long as they are licensed and regulated by a reputable jurisdiction.</p>
<p align="justify">Due to the lack of specific laws, online sports books operating in South Africa must adhere to the country's existing gambling laws. As such, online sports betting operators must have a<b> valid license</b> and ensure they do not accept bets from minors or anyone under 18. Additionally, all winnings must be reported and taxes paid on any income earned through sports betting. </p>
<h2 align="justify">Online Poker Legality in South Africa </h2>
<p align="justify">In a recent ruling by the South African Supreme Court of Appeal, online poker was deemed to be illegal. The court found that poker was a game of chance, and as such, fell under the country's gambling legislation which prohibits online gambling. </p>
<p align="justify">Although playing online poker in South Africa is illegal, many South African gamblers continue to do so on international platforms. This is due to the fact that online gambling is not strictly enforced by the government and the lack of legal online poker sites in the country. </p>
<h2 align="justify">Conclusion of Laws for Online Casinos in South Africa </h2>
<p align="justify">Although the National Gambling Act of 1996 is the main legislative piece of legislation governing gambling activities in the country, it is outdated and doesn’t include any specific provisions for online gambling. This has left the country with a lack of clarity on the legal status of online gambling, and the current lack of legal clarity has resulted in a wide range of different operators offering services to South African players, and that’s why a lot of people are still playing on some of the <a href="https://slotszar.co.za/" target="_blank">top South African online casinos</a>. As such, it is difficult to make a definitive statement about the legal status of online gambling in the country, and players should always exercise caution when gambling online. </p>

With Democratic Alliance introducing the bill to regulate online gambling in South Africa in 2022, we delve into the topic to better understand the future of SA casinos.

Online Casino Laws in South Africa | WestCasino Blog

Online Casino Laws in South Africa

<p align="justify"><b><i>Throughout the history of human civilization, people have always been attracted to activities that most would consider today as gambling. Every culture on our planet has traditional forms of this kind of entertainment, <a href="https://westcasino.com/blog/believe-it-or-not/the-story-of-gambling-a-history-of-thrills" target="_blank">dating back to as far as 2300 BC</a>. This just goes to show how we as a species always had this affinity towards games that are entirely or somewhat based on luck, and this statement can most definitely apply to the American people as well. Today we are going to focus on detailing the gambling in the US as a phenomenon and an incredibly valuable industry that doesn’t seem to be stopping when it comes to its growth any time soon.</i></b></p>
<h2>The History of Gambling in the US</h2>
<p align="justify">Before we discuss how US gambling looks like today, with all the benefits of modern technology and <a href="https://westcasino.com/games/">online slot games</a>, we’re going to focus on the humble beginnings first. When it comes to North America, we can see the first signs of gambling as soon as the continent was colonized. This means that by the end of the 17th century, gambling was<b> relatively popular</b>, especially amongst those with higher wealth.
</p>
<p align="justify">One of the earliest forms of games based on luck that was available to most folks on a wider scale came in the shape of lottery tickets. Even though religion had a strong stance against gambling at the beginning then, this didn’t stop people from regularly participating and enjoying these sorts of activities. </p>
<p align="justify">As time went on, the popularity only saw an <b>exponential increase</b>, especially considering the advancement of human capabilities which led to new ways and ideas for other types of gambling. By the end of the 19th century the industry grew astronomically, as more and more people were able to participate in gambling, even if they were not higher-class citizens. The idea of being able to win huge amounts of money while entertaining yourself started to gain traction and it ultimately resulted in what we have today.</p>
<h2>The US Casino Explosion</h2>
<p align="justify">During the 20th century casinos in the US became so popular that cities like Las Vegas grew almost entirely with the revenue they generated from gambling, and that is still partly the same to this day. Combining the exhilaration of playing different types of games and the ability to go on a vacation at the same time was very appealing to many. Casinos with hotels, services, and live entertainment manage to <b><a href="https://westcasino.com/blog/believe-it-or-not/how-casinos-improve-a-regions-economy" target="_blank">boost the local economy</a></b> by allowing tourists to come and enjoy themselves. </p>
<p align="justify">Even though today <a href="https://www.realmoneyaction.com/us-casinos/">US gaming sites</a> are definitely the industry’s rising at the moment, and we’ll talk about why that is later, the regular ones are still seeing hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, and it is more than likely going to stay that way. People will always want to go out and have an incredible time with their friends and spouses, as it really is a special feeling once you enter a traditional casino for the first time.</p>
<h2>Market Domination of Online US Gambling</h2>
<p align="justify">Today we are all aware of the size and success of online gambling, as it is simply impossible to miss out on it even if you are not a fan of the hobby. Technology that we have today allows people to play their favorite slots from the comfort of their own home. <b>There are millions of different options</b> to choose from, and that is probably the biggest reason why this form of gambling is currently dominating the market.</p>
<p align="justify">Whether you’re looking to enjoy yourself on the computer, discover new online slots every day, or experience <a href="https://westcasino.com/live-casino">live casinos</a> at the palm of your hand, you will more than likely end up finding something that suits you the best. The amount of choices you have allows you to browse for hours until you actually decide to start playing a certain game.</p>
<p align="justify">Another selling point that entices many when it comes to gambling online is the fact that you’ve never needed less money to entertain yourself than today, as most of your gaming options will allow you to utilize <b>very low stakes</b>,  if you so desire.</p><p>[getstarted] [welcomepack]
</p>
<h2>The US Sport Betting Craze</h2>
<p align="justify">Even if you’re someone who considers sport betting not to be the same as, for example, <a href="https://westcasino.com/blog/video-slots">video slots</a>, it is more than obvious that they usually coincide together, especially if we’re talking about online gambling platforms. Sport betting is a very old and traditional type of gambling, as people have been doing it for<b> hundreds of years</b>. Whether we’re talking about horse racing, soccer, tennis, basketball, or football, there are going to be massive amounts of people trying to predict an outcome for sports matches. </p>
<p align="justify">With the ability to analyze and place bets from your personal device, sports betting skyrocketed with huge followings. Just like with Poker or Blackjack, sport betting allows you to lower the luck factor when it comes to your winnings if you’re knowledgeable enough about the sport you are looking to place your bets on. There are many individuals that take sports betting in the US very seriously to the point where they can easily <b>market their analytic capabilities</b>.</p>
<h2>Summary of Gambling in the US</h2>
<p align="justify">In conclusion, we can say that the gambling in the US has been going forwards from the first day, and we are more than certain that it is going to stay that way, especially since the internet came into play. As time goes on, online slots and casinos are only getting more approachable and most importantly - <b>more fun</b>. </p>
<p align="justify">We can also draw a conclusion that a huge chunk of players appreciate the fact that they can choose between many different deposit options in most cases, including the ability to <a href="https://westcasino.com/blog/tips-and-tricks/how-to-use-bitcoin-as-a-casino-payment-method">use bitcoin as a payment method</a> amongst other cryptocurrencies.</p>
<p align="justify">With industry’s new norms, options, and features, we also must commend the growing number of online casinos for transparency and their advocating for <b>safe gambling</b>, as this is something all people who enjoy this hobby must be aware of for their own benefit.</p>

The popularity of online gambling in the US has been on the constant rise since the industry's inception. What is the current state of the industry and where it’s heading in 2023?

Online Gambling In The USA | WestCasino Blog

The Concise Overview of Gambling in the US

<p><b><i>Gambling has been around for thousands of years and it looks like it’s here to stay. Like war, death and taxes, gambling is one of those inevitable phenomena that’s inextricably linked with the nature of humanity and, subsequently, its history. You’ll find proof of punting no matter how far back in time you go. If there were people present in a period or a place, there’s a huge chance that some of them were out gambling. Whether it was frowned upon or not, it’s an indubitable fact that people have always had a soft spot for risking something to win all or nothing. If you’d like to learn more about how far back games of chance go, what their impact was on the societies and cultures of those times,&nbsp;</i></b><i style="font-weight: 700;">how much <a href="https://westcasino.com/games" target="_blank">slot games</a> have evolved,&nbsp;</i><b><i>keep reading this article.</i></b></p>
<div>
    <img src="https://assets.westcasino.com/media/article/314bc739-ad03-4e7a-a14c-d5a78f2d77f5.jpg">
  </div>  
<h2>Gambling Rears Its Ancient Head – 2300 BC</h2>
<p>Although it was undoubtedly invented long before, the earliest evidence of gambling comes from 2300 BC China in the form of unearthed tiles that were apparently used for a rudimentary game of chance. The ‘Book of Songs’, a collection of ancient Chinese poems, mentions ‘the drawing of wood’, a lottery type game that utilized the aforementioned tiles. Some historians say that about 2000 years later, the Great Wall of China was funded using a similar system. </p>
[getstarted][welcomepack]
<h2>Illegal Dice in the Roman Empire – 500 BC</h2>
<p>According to Sophocles, a famous Greek poet, a mythological hero invented dice during the siege of Troy. True or not, this was the first time in Greek history that dice were mentioned, around the year 500 BC, even though a pair of dice was discovered in an Egyptian tomb dating from 3000 B.C.. Regardless, there’s evidence that the ancient Greeks and Romans were hardened gamblers who enjoyed playing whenever they had the chance. Gambling was illegal in Rome and the penalty for perpetrating such a thing was a fine worth four times the bet. To counteract the law’s involvement, Roman citizens played for chips (they’re the ones who invented them, actually). If they were caught gambling, they’d just declare that they were playing for tokens not for real money. </p>
<h2>The Invention of Card Games – 800 AD</h2>
<p>The first playing cards first appeared in China. However, the rules of the game played back in the 9th century have been lost to history. Perhaps the cards were both the game and the stake, similar to modern day children’s trading card games. Or maybe the first cards were paper forms of Chinese domino. Without a doubt, they were very different from the standard 52 card decks used today. 
</p>
<h2>The Backstory of Baccarat – 1400s</h2>
<p>The two player card game of Baccarat was first played about 600 years ago and it’s still being played today in modern casinos. It migrated from Italy to France and it has evolved over the centuries to the standard version adopted by the whole world (with some variations depending on the country, of course). </p>
<h2>The Bewildering Tale of Blackjack – 1600s</h2>
<p>Even though I’ve previously written an article on Blackjack titled <a href="https://westcasino.com/blog/believe-it-or-not/blackjack-21-facts-about-21" target="_blank">Blackjack – 21 Facts About 21</a>, I couldn’t write a history of gambling without including one of the most famous casino games of all time. </p>
<p>Blackjack may have its roots in a Spanish game called ventiuna (21) that was first mentioned in one of Miguel de Cervantes’ books in 1601. Other influences include trente-un (31) and quinze (15), both dating back to the 16th century. Unfortunately, no one truly knows who the inventors of all these games are. Let’s just say it’s a collective effort shared by many generations of risk-takers. </p>
<p>In any case, the certain forefather of Blackjack is vingt-et-un (21), a seventeenth century French game. It was introduced to the US by French settlers and it was dubbed Blackjack by the Americans since 10 to 1 odds were paid out to the player who won with a Jack of Clubs and an Ace of Spades. This promotion was only available in 1930s Nevada Casinos as a way to attract customers. </p>
<h2>Gambling Houses: An Italian Innovation – 1638</h2>
<p>During the 17th century, the first casinos made their appearance to critical acclaim. In 1638, Venice, the marvelous city on water, became the home of the Ridotto, one of the first gambling houses in Italy. Subsequently, other similar establishments sprung up all over Europe and even in the US. In the 19th century, steamboats were used as venues for informal gambling. You’ve no doubt seen films portraying these ships sailing up and down the Mississippi while poker tournaments took place inside. </p>
<h2>The Roulette Revolution – 1796</h2>
<p>Roulette was born in Paris, the city of love, art, and frivolity. Although it was first played in France, we now refer to it as American Roulette. 50 years later, European Roulette was created. It reduced the double zero to just one and vastly increased players’ odds of winning. The Monte Carlo casino eventually adopted the single zero game version. Americans, however, still prefer the double zero wheels. </p>
<h2>The Power of Poker – 1829</h2>
<p>The precise origin of poker is hard to pin down. Just like the other games I wrote about in this article, it had to pass through many hands and minds to become what it is today. Maybe you should give yourself a little credit. You might carry the DNA of someone who created an extra rule or something similar. Who knows? </p>
<p>Regardless, some people think that poker has its roots in seventeenth century Persia. Others insist that it was born of a French game called Poque. What we know for sure is that English actor Joseph Crowell reported that the first time he saw the game being played was in 1829 New Orleans. That might actually be poker’s birthyear. Up until the Vegas tournaments of the 1970s, poker’s growth in popularity was stunted by obscurity. It truly became a world famous game when televised events allowed people to see the players’ hands. When Chris Moneymaker won the 2003 world poker championship after qualifying through online play, everyone started thinking that poker would be their get-rich-quick solution. </p>
<h2>One Armed Bandits: Slot Machine Mania - 1891</h2>
<p>After settling in San Francisco in 1895, a young Bavarian mechanic by the name of Charles Fey designed the first three-reel slot machine that featured the revolutionary automatic payout. Dubbed Liberty Bell, the mechanical marvel had 5 symbols: hearts, diamonds, spades, horseshoes, and, naturally, liberty bells. The highest payout of 50 cents was awarded for 3 bell symbols and it cost a nickel to play. The Liberty Bell’s popularity exploded, allowing Charles to expand his business by installing and managing his machines in saloons throughout San Francisco. After Californian authorities banned <a href="https://westcasino.com/games" target="_blank">slot machines</a> in 1902, the Liberty Bell started paying out chewing gum and other sweets instead of cash prizes. </p>
<p>The first fully electrical slot machine, Money Honey, would appear 60 years later. The lever became unnecessary in terms of functionality. Nonetheless, it remained a feature for fear of alienating those familiar with the decades-old pulling motion. </p>
<p>By 1976, a Vegas-based company created the first-ever <a href="https://westcasino.com/games" target="_blank">video slot</a> called Fortune Coin. After the Nevada State Gaming Commission approved it, it became wildly popular on the Las Vegas Strip.</p>
<p>In the early 90s, online slots popped up everywhere and took the world by storm. Internet casinos were born. No longer would players have to visit a land-based casino to play. They could now gamble from the comfort of their own homes. Nowadays, gaming companies are creating VR slot machines. That’s really something to be excited about! </p>
<h2>Gambling Becomes Legal in the US – 1910</h2>
<p>Although the Puritan settlers viewed gambling as something ungodly and dangerous, the more lenient English emigrants viewed games of chances as opportunities for the working man to become rich. However, in 1910, gambling was banned nationwide. After the Wall Street Market Crash of the 1930s, gambling was legalized again as a response to the crippling poverty that plagued the entire country. </p>
<p>Gambling is now legal in many countries around the world, but they don’t accept American clients. Perhaps this will change in the future. </p>
<h2>Online Gambling – 1994</h2>
<p>The pioneer of online gambling is Microgaming, one of the largest casino and <a href="https://westcasino.com/games" target="_blank">slot game</a> developers in the world. After launching their online casino in 1994, it took only a meager 5 years for the industry to be worth 5 billion dollars. Nowadays, it’s become a multibillion dollar industry with over a thousand online casinos. The revenue grows each year. </p>
<p>The first live dealer casinos appeared in 2003 thanks to Playtech, another legendary game developer. </p>
<h2>The Rise of Mobile Gambling - 2021</h2>
<p>The technology is by no means new. It first appeared in 2006 and it’s been embraced gradually over the last 15 years. Lately, more and more punters are transitioning to mobile play for the simple convenience. Why would the modern gambler sit in front of a computer or laptop when they can spin the reels, roll the dice, or show their hands while lying comfortably on a couch. Not to mention playing while in transit. It’s the future and we’re loving it!</p>
<h2>What’s Next?</h2>
<p>Who’s to say? Perhaps VR gambling is next big thing when the technology becomes more accessible to players from around the world. The sky’s the limit. One thing I know for sure. Gambling will never cease to exist and will entertain countless people for centuries to come!  
</p>

Find out where it all started and how much gambling has evolved since its creation in ancient times.

The Story of Gambling – A History of Thrills | WestCasino Blog

The Story of Gambling - A History of Thrills

<p>
  <b><i>Casinos are well-known for being some of the biggest money makers in the
      world. About 70% of the world’s population has at one time or another
      played a <a href="https://westcasino.com/games" target="_blank">casino game</a>, whether it was online or in a land-based casino. The
      thrill of the win excites us all and <a href="https://westcasino.com/games" target="_blank">games of chance</a> are the best, if not
      most accessible way of feeling that thrill. In a way, we’re all adrenaline
      junkies and there’s nothing like watching those reels or roulette
      spinning, waiting for the next card to be dealt, or for the dice to be
      cast. It’s a desire deep in our subconscious for a better life and more
      money won as easily as possible.
    </i></b>
</p>
<p>
  <b><i>Criminals, perhaps, know this desire best. Only it’s not easy. Pulling
      off a casino scam, online or otherwise, implies careful and rigorous
      planning, sophistication, and the subtlety to manage to do it undetected.
      Much like banks, casinos have been a traditional target for those looking
      for ways to make a fast buck and while robberies require some element of
      force, the nature of casino gambling means it’s arguably more vulnerable
      to sophisticated attacks.
    </i></b>
</p>
<p>
  <b><i>Here’s the greatest scam in casino history!</i></b>
</p>
<div>
  <img src="https://assets.westcasino.com/media/article/416690ed-f26d-4e71-b5be-d2e7ce335ac8.jpg">
</div>
<h2>The Roselli Brothers</h2>
<p>
  The Roselli Brothers are among the most refined casino scammers in history.
  Their winnings, so the speak, amount to almost $40 million from casinos in the
  US. They did it without losing a single cent of their own. They used identity
  theft and forgery to build up credit with the casinos that they targeted.
</p>
[getstarted][welcomepack]
<p>
  The Rosellis were allegedly New Jersey gangsters and they operated in Las
  Vegas, Atlantic City, and Puerto Rico, to name a few. With the aid of a
  mercenary computer hacker, the brothers hacked bank data and acquired the
  names of people with perfect credit scores. Using their identities, they
  opened credit accounts at a number of casinos between 1995 and 2000. Here’s
  how they operated. They deposited $50.000 into each account, tricking the
  casinos into extending credit to them. However, casinos usually request that
  all accounts have a stable cash balance for at least 6 months before they’d be
  allowed to access the credit. They waited and their patience paid off. They
  received a $50.000 credit for each account. That’s right. They doubled their
  money just by waiting and they did it every single weekend for five years
  changing casinos and cities every time. They or their associates entered the
  venues and cashed out $100.000 from each. The casinos remained in the dark
  during this entire time. They warded off suspicion by having one accomplice
  place losing bets, while the other made off with the money. Mostly, they
  played baccarat and craps. Because they usually lost, casinos saw no problem
  in giving them even more credit. Like any high roller, the Rosellis increased
  their credit lines exponentially and by the year 2000, they’d setup multiple
  accounts, each with a credit line worth over $1 million. This was to be the
  year of their retirement, winning millions in Las Vegas with single bets as
  large as $100.000.
</p>
<p>
  After cashing out all of their accounts, the Rosellis disappeared. When the
  casinos finally figured out that they were being played, it was too late. They
  hunted innocent people who had no idea that the scam was even going on, but
  their names were received in their names. Any attempt to trace to Rosellis
  proved fruitless. It wasn’t even their real name since it was discovered that
  the actual Roselli brothers had died several years earlier. The fraudsters’
  identity was never discovered, and it probably never will.
</p>
<p>
  Even though the scam was undoubtedly well executed, the casinos lost a lot of
  money, but the biggest victims were those who had their identities stolen, and
  their credit ratings destroyed. Not to mention the Roselli name that has gone
  down in history for a crime that none of its bearers truly committed.
</p>

Read about the greatest casino scam ever pulled in Las Vegas, Atlantic City, Puerto Rico and more. Play the best online casino games at WestCasino including slots, poker, roulette, and all other table games.

The Greatest Casino Scam Ever Pulled | WestCasino Blog

The Greatest Casino Scam Ever Pulled

<p>
  <b><i>During the past two decades, the casino industry has expanded
      dramatically. In the US alone, there are now nearly one thousand
      commercial and tribal casinos. The growth in casino gaming is connected to
      economically unstable locations. Casino gambling can be a future
      development strategy for many wrestling areas, both the online casinos
      which offer perks like the bonus offer at WestCasino.com and the
      land-based casinos. The influence of casino gaming can extend to other
      economic areas such as income maintenance premium beneficiary or others.
    </i></b>
</p>
<div>
  <img src="https://assets.westcasino.com/media/article/81fd41c0-11c5-4efe-8001-9ba508845aff.jpg">
</div>
<h2>Job opportunities and more</h2>
<p>
  Casinos create tax revenues, jobs, and can push average wages higher. New
  casinos need new employees, so opening casinos in local areas provides more
  job opportunities for town people. The jobs do not require high skills, and
  even though the salaries can be lower, the tips balance to average pay and
  even higher. <a href="https://westcasino.com" target="_blank">Casino </a>jobs are a good opportunity for people wanting to work in
  a fun working environment with good salaries.
</p>
[getstarted][welcomepack]
<p>
  Opponents argue that the social costs, such as crime and problem gambling,
  outweigh the potential benefits, but when it comes to the economic benefits of
  casinos, there have been several studies on economic growth, employment and
  wages.
</p>
<p>
  Gambling and casinos represent extremely potent economic development tools,
  some of which enlarge a region’s net exports.
</p>
<p>
  Casinos also pay the city greater amount of tax. Not only that, but when a new
  casinos is opened, other businesses, such as restaurants, pubs, hotels, theme
  parks, and gas stations, sprout around it. These businesses bring more
  earnings to the city, more customers, tourists, and taxes. Obviously, the
  city’s economy flourishes.
</p>
<h2>Las Vegas before it was famous</h2>
<p>
  Before Las Vegas was the land of mega hotels and widespread gambling, it was
  an abundant wet marshland filled with rich vegetation. But as the marsh
  receded and waters disappeared from the landscape, the region evolved into an
  arid desert land. Amazingly, water trapped underground sporadically rose to
  the surface to feed the plants that survived, forming an oasis. Needless to
  say, although beautiful, it was a poor region. By 1931, when gambling was
  again made legal in Nevada, and with the construction of the Hoover Dam in the
  works, thousands of workers flocked to Las Vegas. New casinos and showgirl
  venues opened up along the only paved road in the city. With these casinos
  came other businesses and the region flourished. A sparse desert land became a
  hub for the rich and the poor alike seeking to increase or to amass their
  fortunes, respectively. And even though back then the main business owners
  were American mobsters, in 1966, billionaire Howard Hughes slowly pushed them
  out by buying the majority of their casinos.
</p>
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
<p>
  Of course, there’s a lot more to say about the history of Las Vegas and we
  will cover it in a future article, but for now I just wanted to prove how
  casinos influence the economy and, subsequently, the well-being of a region. I
  gave Las Vegas as an example because it’s truly the most relevant example to
  date.
</p>
<p>
  Besides the massive influx of cash that casinos are responsible for, they’re
  also well known for providing their clients with titanic amounts of
  entertainment. They provide relaxation, the positive competitive feeling and
  hope of winning. Not to mention the large variety of artists they employ.
</p>

Find out in what ways casinos improve the economy. Learn how they create job opportunities, increase tax revenue, and make life a whole lot more enjoyable. Read all about it at WestCasino online casino blog!

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