<p>
  <b><i>The captivating world of casinos has had its fair share of unbelievable
      happenings and colossal comebacks. Famous films and books with gambling as
      their main theme are, in most cases, based on true stories. From fabulous
      fortunes made at the poker table to famous gamblers, this article will try
      to cover it all and present to you a tale of destiny and luck and how they
      became entangled at the exact right moment for many.
    </i></b>
</p>
<div>
  <img src="https://api.westcasino.com/media/article/6307d55b-d610-482e-917b-522c031f9762.jpg">
</div>
<h2>Players who risked it all</h2>
<p>
  It’s a well-known fact that casino games are strongly associated with
  adrenaline. Ashley R.’s story has become a source of inspiration for quite a
  few adrenaline junkies. The Englishman sold his house, his car, and all of his
  other belongings and high-tailed it to Vegas with only one thing in mind – all
  or nothing, or double or nothing, I should say. Nobody knows for sure what
  pushed Ashley to bet everything at the roulette table, but we do know that he
  chose the wrong roulette. Why play American Roulette which grants the house a
  huge advantage, instead of French Roulette? Doesn’t matter, because Ashley won
  and became the host of famous TV show Double or Nothing.
</p>
[getstarted][welcomepack]
<h2>Casino-defying Daredevils</h2>
<p>
  Creative gamblers have always tried to get an upper-hand over casinos. Ranging
  from goofy attempts to win at slots to precise and accurate mathematical
  systems, their stories have been heard all over the world. They were cheats
  and they were rejects, but they made a fortune. The film 21 starring Kevin
  Spacey is based on a true story and it revolves around a group of MIT students
  who’ve mastered Blackjack. These youngsters all had something in common: above
  average intelligence and a thirst for cash. Thusly, under the careful
  surveillance and guidance of their master – played by Kevin Spacey – they
  learned to count cards. With this technique, they managed to make unbelievable
  amounts of money by predicting what cards were to be dealt next. When the time
  was right, they placed big bets. When it wasn’t, they played small. They were
  always careful to remain anonymous. Today, of course, counting cards is
  illegal, but, man, what a ride it was!
</p>
<p>
  Another tale of tempting fate would be that of a Spanish gambler who managed
  in 1990 to completely destroy the house advantage. He noticed that some
  roulette wheels had small imperfections and by carefully observing over a
  thousand spins, he realized that the ball landed on some numbers a lot more
  frequently than on others. He took his family and friends to the casino and
  had them place bets on those “lucky” numbers towards massive wins. His story
  was told in 2010 through the movie Winning Streak.
</p>
<h2>Lords of Luck</h2>
<p>
  Defying all odds, a grandmother succeeded in setting an unbelievable record.
  Jersey native Patricia Demauro started playing slots in Hotel Borgata’s
  casino. She was accompanied by a friend who’d just lost a lot at poker. On a
  whim, Patricia decided to play craps. She got 154 consecutive winning rolls!
  The odds? A few trillions to one. The amount of her winnings was not revealed,
  but it must have been millions considering she won 154 times in four hours and
  twenty minutes. What’s funny is that Patricia was no great craps player, but
  that night Lady Luck decided to pay her a long and profitable visit.
</p>
<p>
  How about Fred Smith, the owner of a failing company who decided to grab all
  his remaining cash and go to Vegas? Luck was definitely on his side because he
  made $30.000 from a measly $4000. His winnings helped him save his company and
  even make it profitable. Today, Fred Smith is a billionaire and his company is
  worth $4.4 billion. It’s amazing to think that he owes it all to a last resort
  game of Blackjack!
</p>
<h2>Unbelievable tales of the gambling world</h2>
<p>
  The gambling world knows no limits. Betting parlors take almost any type of
  bet on the strangest and most unconventional things. In 1990, a betting parlor
  had to pay almost 200.000 pounds to a player who placed the following bet:
  that in the year 2000, a music group would still exist, two celebrities would
  still be part of a TV show, and that a celebrity will become a knight of the
  royal house. He won.
</p>
<p>
  We all know about Uruguayan football player Suarez’s tendency to bite his
  opponents. Apparently, a betting parlor in Norway was oblivious to this fact
  and offered 175:1 odds on the following bet: Will Suarez bite in the 2014
  World Cup? Well, he did, and 170 players each got ahold of a tidy sum.
</p>
<p>
  Brian “Wis” Zembic is a Canadian magician and blackjack amateur. He’s gained
  quite a reputation for never refusing a bet. He’s famous for agreeing to get
  breast implants for $100.000. The surgery was a success, and as his fame grew,
  Zembic decided to keep the implants!
</p>
<p>
  In 1980, in Las Vegas, a player placed the unreal bet of $800.000 on a single
  dice roll. The man was apparently suicidal because he had borrowed the entire
  sum and losing it would’ve probably made a lot of people unhappy. Luck was
  thoroughly on his side, though, because he won.
</p>
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
<p>
  Even though these amazing stories are the bases for many famous books and
  movies, they inspired amateur gamblers to do uninspired things. Always
  remember to play responsibly and carefully plan out your gaming budget. The
  goal is to have fun and win big at the same time. The best way to do that is
  to choose a trusted online casino like WestCasino, where fairness is the name
  of the game.
</p>

Read about the most famous gamblers that defied the odds and destroyed the house advantage! They got insanely rich through a combination of luck and skill! Check this out and more at WestCasino Blog!

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Tips and Tricks

<p><b><i>Play’N Go’s Joker series strikes again! The updated version of 2016’s Fire Joker hasn’t changed much. The Swedish game developer added an extra feature, a frozen dimension via a new symbol, and a greater winning potential. The core gameplay, however, remains the same. If you’re a fan of Fire Joker, you’ll definitely love Fire Joker Freeze.</i></b></p>
<div>
    <img src="https://api.westcasino.com/media/article/8366ca4d-14fe-484b-905b-4438ac878f2d.jpg">
  </div>
<p>The game is played on a 3x3 grid on a red, diamond-patterned background. Visually, it’s truly breath-taking if you’re into traditional slots. The same can be said about the music and sounds. You’re in for a funky tour-de-force. All this is eclipsed by the fast-paced reel-spinning action!</p>
<p>The default RTP is a bit more generous than the previous incarnation of the game – 96.18%. The volatility is medium, let’s say a 6 out of 10. Needless to say, you’ll get plenty of wins. On a single spin, you can gain up to 1000x your bet. Fans are gonna love that for sure. </p>
<p>Full-screen wins are guaranteed with this game, thanks to the stacking symbols. Winning combinations are formed of 3 matching symbols across 5 fixed paylines. </p>
<p>Let’s talk about the symbols. In Fire Joker Freeze, you’ll find the quasi-titular Ice Joker symbol. You’ll also encounter Xs, cherries, lemons, grapes, plums, BARs, stars, and 7s. The Ice Joker and the Fire joker are this title’s wild symbols. Land 3 of these on the grid, and you’ll win 100x your bet! </p>
[getstarted][welcomepack]
<p>There are many thrills to be experienced in Fire Joker Freeze. Symbols stack, spins are respinned, and the prize wheel will keep your adrenaline pumping. The Respins of Ice feature triggers when an Ice Joker symbol lands on a non-winning spin. The Ice Joker becomes locked in place and expands to cover all positions on its reel. Subsequently, all other reels are respun for another chance to win big. </p>
<p>If you fill the grid with the same pay symbol or the Ice or Fire Joker, you’ll trigger the Wheel of Fire and Ice. Also, if there are 2 stacks of the same symbol plus an Ice Joker on the third reel, that Ice Joker expands into a stack and automatically triggers the Wheel of Ice of Fire. </p>
<p>The wheel’s built with 4 overlapping circles, which display multipliers or snowflake symbols. Unless an Ice Joker triggers the other layers, only the inner circle spins. If 1, 2, or 3 joker stacks trigger the wheel, the other three layers start spinning. Land on a snowflake, and you’ll move up to the next levels, which contain bigger multipliers. The best that you can hope for is a 20x multiplier! </p>
<h2>Fire Joker Freeze Conclusion</h2>
<p>Play’N Go is famous for recycling old games under new names. Hey, if it works, it works. Players don’t mind, and neither do we. The quality never seems to disappoint. If you’re a fan of Fire Joker, you’ll be a fan of Fire Joker Freeze. It’s as simple as that. The Joker games rock. That’s a given. In this one, you’ll get more extra features and bigger multipliers. The best part is that you don’t even need to have played Fire Joker to appreciate Fire Joker Freeze. The gameplay is super intuitive. </p>

Demo play Fire Joker Freeze or play for real money. Cash in on Play’N Go’s brand-new masterpiece!

Fire Joker Freeze Slot Review – New Play’N Go Game | WestCasino Blog

Fire Joker Freeze - Play'N Go's Brand-New Masterpiece

<p><b><i>Before we dive deep into the rules of one of the most popular card games in existence, let’s begin with a brief history of Blackjack. Where did it all start? Who invented it? Where did it get its name, and why is it so damn popular? Prepare yourself for a journey through the ages all the way back to late 17th century Spain where the first literary evidence of Twenty-One appeared.</i></b></p>
<div>
  <img src="https://api.westcasino.com/media/article/62526fef-1d7e-4599-8b04-95a321ba7fb8.jpg">
</div>
<h2>The Origins of Blackjack</h2>
<p>Some historians believe that Blackjack has its roots in an ancient Roman game played with wooden blocks instead of cards. However, the first time it was ever mentioned in a piece of writing was in 1601. The writer of the famous Don Quixote, Miguel de Cervantes, introduced the game in Rinconete y Cortadillo, a short story set in 1569 about two thieves on their way to Seville. Both main characters are expert cheats at the game Veintiuna which is Spanish for Twenty-One. It’s clarified in the book that the object of the game is to reach exactly 21 points.</p>
[welcomepack][getstarted]
<p>Miguel de Cervantes was infamous for his gambling, and even though the game may have originated from France, as certain historians claim, it’s clear that travelers have been playing Twenty-One all over Europe during the early 17th century. The game was a favorite at King Louis XV’s royal court. Even Napoleon, the famed military leader and French emperor was a huge fan of Vingt-et-Un. He'd celebrate victories by indulging in the profitable pastime.</p>
<p>At the dawn of the 18th century, North America would come to know and love Vingt-et-Un thanks to French colonists. It was played in the newly legalized gambling halls of New Orleans and later spread throughout the country like wildfire. When it finally reached Nevada, rumor has it that the local casinos dubbed the game Blackjack following a special promotion that paid 10:1 if you won with a Jack of Spades or Clubs and an Ace.</p>
<h2>The Rules of Blackjack</h2>
<p>History aside, let’s take a look at the rules. Blackjack is a seemingly straightforward game, but under its surface lies a complex maze of split-second decisions and psychological trickery. Before we get into that, however, we need to know the basics.</p>
<p>Let’s get one thing straight. Although the game is called Blackjack or Twenty-One, the goal is to get a higher total than the dealer without going over 21 or ‘bust.’ When you want another card, that’s called taking a hit. In a land-based casino, you’d actually say the words ‘hit me!’ or you’d tap your finger. You may take as many hits as you want as long as you don’t go over 21. When you’re pleased with the cards you have, you’ll want to click or tap the Stand button that’s standard in most online Blackjack games. The dealer must draw more cards when his hand amounts to 16 or less and stand on 17 or better.</p>
<p>When adding up your total, cards up to 9 are taken at face value. For example, a 3 of clubs or any other suit will be worth 3 points. 10s, Jack, Queens, and Kings are worth ten points. An Ace can be 1 or 11. A hand without Aces is called a Hard Hand. Say you get a 5 and a 9. That’s a hard hand. However, if you do have an Ace and a 5, your total will amount to either 6 or 16. The choice is yours. A hand with an Ace is called a Soft Hand. Since there are only four Aces in a deck, and even if the game is played with multiple decks, most hands will be hard hands.</p>
<h2>Double and Split</h2>
<p>Now that that’s out of the way, let’s talk about doubling and splitting. Unlike the dealer, you can double your bet once the cards are dealt but before you hit or stand. You will have to take exactly one more card and then immediately stand. If you get two cards of the same value, like a 6 and 6, and Ace and Ace, or a 10 and King, you can play that hand or choose to Split.</p>
<p>When you split, you make two new hands, each with the bet equal to your initial bet. The hands are composed of one of your duplicate cards and one new card each. Once split, each new hand will be played like usual against the same hand of the dealer with a separate win or loss. You can even split again if possible, up to three times per deal. Both Double and Split can only be done if you have enough money in your balance to increase your bet.</p>
<h2>Insurance</h2>
<p>This is a move you can make after the cards are dealt but before any other actions. If the dealer’s revealed card is an Ace (which gives the dealer a big chance for Blackjack), you can choose to place an additional bet, half of its original size. This bet is separate from the actual bet. If the dealer does not have Blackjack, the insurance is lost, and the game continues. If the dealer does get a Blackjack, however, you will win double (2 to 1) of your insurance. The dealer will still win the deal, but you will make up for the loss. Only use this as a last resort if you think there are many 10s left in the deck.</p>
<h2>Winning Strategies</h2>
<p>Alright, now let’s see what you can do to increase your chances of winning!
  For cards totaling 3 to 11 in your hand, always hit regardless of the dealer’s face-up card. Keep hitting until your total is 17 or higher. Keep in mind that this is not a full-proof plan. You’ll have to think on your feet when using this strategy. Even then, the dealer might get a Blackjack. Still, it’s worth a shot. Lady Luck favors the bold!
  </p>
<p>Always stand on 17 through 21 regardless of the dealer’s up card.</p>
<p>When you have a great hand, such as an Ace and an 8 or 9, always stand. Unless you get Blackjack, it doesn’t get any better than that. If your other card is 7 or lower, always hit since the Ace is either 1 or 11.</p>
<p>If you get a pair of 8s, 9s, or Aces, you should always split. In case you get a pair of 10s, simply stand. 20 is an amazing hand!</p>
<p>Well, that’s about it. Read the rules and strategies carefully and start playing! With this information, you’re bound to become a better Blackjack player. Good luck!

</p>

Learn the rules of online Blackjack (21), pick up a few tricks, and discover the strategy that will make you a winner!

How to Play and Win at Online Blackjack – History, Rules & Strategy Guide | WestCasino Blog

How to Play and Win at Online Blackjack – History, Rules & Strategy Guide

<p><b><i>A fighting rooster suspected of killing its owner has been taken into custody by police in southern India’s Telengana state. The alleged murder was committed during the rooster’s daring escape attempt. The bird stabbed the unfortunate man in the groin with a three-inch razor attached to its talons. The victim died from blood loss on his way to the hospital. </i></b></p>
<div>
    <img src="https://api.westcasino.com/media/article/5f73e801-0076-430f-8c95-67c10000b6c3.jpg">
  </div>
<p>Thankfully, the rooster hasn’t been charged with the crime. It’s being kept in custody in case it needs to be produced as evidence in court. 15 people are being sought by the police on possible charges of illegal gambling and manslaughter for their participation in the cockfighting ring. </p>
<p>Although cockfighting has been illegal in India since 1960, in many rural areas it is still practiced as part of a thousand-year-old tradition. Naturally, people bet on their favorite rooster and thus a tightly-wound gambling community is formed around the blood sport. The fights are usually organized during the Hindu festival of Sankranti which occurs in January to mark the Winter Solstice. </p>
[getstarted][welcomepack]
<p>Last year around that time, a man in Andhra Pradesh was killed after he was stabbed in the neck by his rooster. </p>
<h2>The roosters receive an upgrade to their talons</h2>
<p>Spectators place bets while the birds fight to the death with hooked razors known as “gaffs” or “slashers” attached to their talons. The birds are sometimes injected with steroids to supercharge their fighting potential. </p>
<p>Animal rights groups denounce cockfighting. However, some countries view the bloody affair as tradition. </p>
<p>“Cockfighting has been around for thousands of years. Back in the days, there used to be cockfights between kingdoms. It’s a part of our lives,” Raghurama Krishna Raju, a political leader who has campaigned to legalize the practice in Andhra Pradesh, told VICE World News this week. </p>
<p>“For many people, rearing birds for fights is their only source of income. It’s a great sport, but the knives do add the element of cruelty. Without knives, it should be an acceptable sport,” he claimed.</p>
<h2>World Slasher Cup</h2>
<p>In the Philippines, the cockfighting industry is worth over US$1 billion per year! The country is home to the annual World Slasher Cup or Olympics of Cockfighting. However, it was canceled this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. </p>
<p>The cockfighting betting industry is called e-sabong and the Philippine government recently moved to license and regulate it. </p>

Cock fighting has been illegal in India since 1960, but in many rural areas, enraged talons still cut and ruffled feathers still fall.

Indian Police Take Fighting Rooster into Custody for Killing Its Owner | WestCasino Blog

Indian Police Take Fighting Rooster Into Custody For Killing Its Owner

<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 and what their impact was on the societies and cultures of those times, keep reading this article. </i></b></p>
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<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 slot machines 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 video slot 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 slot game 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>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 online
      casinos 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://api.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
  high-stakes games. 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

<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 casino game, whether it was online or in a land-based casino. The
      thrill of the win excites us all and games of chance 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://api.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://api.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. Casino 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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