<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>
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  <img src="https://assets.westcasino.com/media/article/6307d55b-d610-482e-917b-522c031f9762.jpg">
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<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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<p><b><i>There’s not a single person on this earth that enjoys online casinos and hasn’t heard of Gonzo. He’s the cooky explorer everybody loves from NetEnt’s hit 2013 slot game, Gonzo’s Quest. The original slot took the iGaming world by storm and is still a player favorite to this day thanks to the combination of fantastic features, charm and all-around playability. In 2020, Gonzo’s Quest was rebooted by Red Tiger as a Megaways game that acted as a pure adrenaline shot straight to the heart of the franchise. The reboot led to a live casino game titled Gonzo’s Treasure Hunt. </i></b></p>
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    <img src="https://assets.westcasino.com/media/article/1e14ec23-3c70-4991-8c05-38b23172dd4e.jpg">
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<p>Well, now NetEnt has released a long awaited sequel under the name of Gonzo’s Gold. Strangely enough, this new game offers cluster pays without a cascade mechanic. The best payouts occur when hitting the symbol expansion feature during free spins. Stranger still is the fact that Gonzo does not make an appearance. The only times we see the little conquistador is as the most valuable symbol on the 5x5 game grid. However, he’s not the same cheeky and amusing character we know and love. That’s not to say that the game is not good. It’s just different from what we’re used to. </p>
<p>Gonzo’s Gold is played against a misty Aztec temple background and the soundtrack is actually quite entertaining. When hitting the free spins feature, the music really kicks it up a notch with some mesmerizing Mesoamerican chanting. </p>
[getstarted][welcomepack]
<p>You can play Gonzo’s Gold on tablets, mobile, and desktops. It provides a wide range of stakes from 10c to $/€200 per spin and features medium volatility. When three premium or four low pay symbols land adjacent to each other horizontally or vertically, winning clusters are formed. Tens, Jacks, Queens, Kings and Aces are the lower value symbols. The three mask icons and Gonzo are high paying symbols. Landing clusters of 20 matching symbols or more really makes things interesting. You could win between 750 and 5000 times the stake for a full grid of 25 premium symbols. Surprisingly, Gonzo’s Gold does not use wild symbols. </p>
<p>When 3, 4 or 5 temple scatter symbols land on your reels, you’ll trigger the bonus round and you’ll be awarded 10 free spins plus a payout of 2, 20, or 200 times the bet, respectively. Before starting your free spins bonus round, however, you must pick 1 of 9 question mark symbols to reveal a special expanding symbol. Whenever 2 ore more adjacent expanding symbols land, they cover an entire row or reel. An additional cluster win will be awarded for the cluster of expanded symbols. Since your initial temple scatters remain on the reels during the bonus round, landing 3 or more gives you an additional 10 free spins and an extra payout. </p>
<p>Gonzo’s Gold is a pretty good game. If you’ve enjoyed the franchise, you’re bound to like this one. Although it lacks some of the key elements of the earlier games such as cascading reels, the cluster pays will definitely make up for it. As far as similarities go, Gonzo’s Gold is more like Play’N Go’s Book of Dead which is most certainly not a bad thing. Another great aspect of this sequel is that you’ll trigger the free spins bonus round quite often. </p>
<p>The highest win is 5000x your bet on a single spin and while that’s not necessarily something special, we do suggest that you try it out for yourself and see how you like it. Either way, you’re definitely going to have a great time! </p>

Gonzo’s Gold is NetEnt’s brand-new masterpiece! Join WestCasino today to play it for free or for real money. Grab amazing casino bonuses and exclusive offers.

Gonzo’s Gold (NetEnt) Online Slot Review | WestCasino Blog

Gonzo's Gold: Online Slot Review

<p><b><i>If you’re looking for excitement, adrenaline and a chance to win big, online roulette might just be the game for you. The wheel is spun, the ball is thrown, the wait is electric. The air is filled with anticipation. Finally, the ball lands and the dealer announces the winning number. What a thrill it is to be the winner! How enticing it is to bet again!</i></b></p>
<p><b><i>Before playing, however, it’s important to know the rules of roulette. Not only that, but also the tried and true winning strategies and, why not, a bit of the famous game’s history. Buckle up! We’re about to go on an adventure back to when roulette was invented – 1655! </i></b></p>
<h2>THE HISTORY OF ROULETTE</h2>
<p>It might come as a surprise, but the Roulette wheel was actually invented by famed physicist, inventor and mathematician, Blaise Pascal. The French genius was attempting to defy the law of physics and invent a perpetual motion machine. What is a perpetual motion machine you ask? Well, in the simplest of terms, it’s a contraption that can operate without needing to draw energy from an external source. Sadly, the man failed in his quest, but luckily for us, the process gave birth to one of the most popular casino games of all time. </p>
<p>Gambling that involves spinning a wheel also has its roots in ancient times, starting with the Roman Empire. The lives of Roman soldiers weren’t exactly easy. To relieve the stress of constant battle, they would find ways to entertain themselves. One of the games they’d play was an early form of roulette. They’d paint symbols on the inside of a shield, place it face down and put an arrow next to it. They would then spin the shield and bet on which symbol would stop at the arrow’s head. Ancient Greek soldiers played a similar game which sort of makes it a war game. </p>
<p>Nonetheless, the country credited with the invention of Roulette is still France. Initially, there were no zeroes on the wheel. Two centuries later, in 1842, Francois and Luis Blanc added a single zero to give King Charles III of Monaco’s casinos a bigger house edge. The monarch was having money troubles which is why he built the casinos in the first place. His fortune quickly replenished once Roulette was introduced. Coincidentally, around that time, France outlawed gambling. Needless to say, Monte Carlo became the place to be for punters. The casinos were so successful that Francois Blanc became the stuff of legend. People began saying that he made a deal with the devil to obtain the secrets of Roulette. They made a strong case seeing as the sum of all the numbers on the wheel is none other than the number of the beast itself, 666. </p>
<p>In the early 19th century, Roulette made its way into the United States. The game crossed the Atlantic with European settlers and took the Americans by storm. Because casino proprietors were unhappy with the 5.26% house edge, they added the double zero and American Roulette was born. </p>
<p>The rise of online casinos gave players the possibility of playing their favorite table games from the comfort of their own homes. Roulette fans may now choose any online variant of the game whether it’s European, American, or any other version regardless of geographical location. If you love the land-based casino atmosphere, modern online casinos also provide<a href="https://westcasino.com/live-casino" target="_blank"> Live Roulette</a> which features professional dealers and real-time gameplay. </p>
[getstarted][welcomepack]
<h2>THE RULES OF ROULETTE</h2>
<p>Before we dive into the actual rules of the game, let’s talk about its setup first.</p>
<p>The Roulette wheel is basically a spinning disk that features red and black slots numbered from 1 to 36. Depending on what version of the game you’re playing, you’ll also notice a green slot containing one zero for European Roulette, or an additional slot containing two zeroes for American Roulette. </p>
<p>Before the ball is rolled, players place their bets on a betting mat which contains all the numbers on the wheel, as well as spaces for odd and even numbers, and the colors black, red, and green. You could also bet on the ball landing between 1 and 18, 19 and 36, and the first, second, and third sets of 12 numbers in ascending order. </p>
<h2>Roulette Bets &amp; Payouts</h2>
<p>Understanding betting in Roulette is essential if you want to win at the game. Let’s take a look at all the ways you can bet and what each bet pays. </p>
<p>1.	Single number bet pays 35 to 1. This is called a “straight up”. Simply place your chips on a number of your choosing. </p>
<p>2.	Double number bet pays 17 to 1. This is called a “split”. Place your chips on the line between two numbers. </p>
<p>3.	Three number bet pays 11 to 1. It’s called a “street”. Place your chips on the line next to a row of numbers. </p>
<p>4.	Four number bet pays 8 to 1. Known as a “corner bet”. Place your chips between four numbers. </p>
<p>5.	Five number bet pays 5 to 1. Can only be used when betting on numbers 0-00-1-2-3 simultaneously. This bet may only be placed when playing American Roulette!</p>
<p>6.	Six number bet pays 6 to 1. Also known as a “line. Place your chips between two rows of three numbers, on the left. </p>
<p>7.	Twelve numbers or dozens pay 2 to 1. There’s a special place on the mat for each of the three dozens. </p>
<p>8.	Column bet pays 2 to 1. Place your chips at the bottom of the desired column. </p>
<p>9.	18 numbers (1-18) pay even money. </p>
<p>10.	18 numbers (19-36) pay even money. </p>
<p>11.	Red or black pay even money. </p>
<p>12.	Odd or even bets pay even money. </p>
<p>Now that we know all the bets and their payouts, let’s see some additional rules. Whether you’re playing European Roulette or American Roulette in a land-based or online casino, the following rules are optional since they rely on which type of bet you place. </p>
<p>The ‘En Prison’ rule can be applied to even-money bets only. If a zero is the outcome of the spin, the player has two options. They can either reclaim half the bet and lose the other half or leave the bet “in prison” for the next spin for an all-or-nothing gamble. If the outcome of the next spin is another zero, the entire bet is lost. However, if the outcome matches the bet, the player’s money is returned. </p>
<p>The ‘La Partage’ rule is similar to the ‘En Prison’ rule, but the player automatically loses the bet if the outcome of the spin is zero. </p>
<h2>ROULETTE STRATEGIES</h2>
<p>Let’s get one thing straight. There are no 100% winning strategies. It’s best to know that before playing the game. The element of chance in Roulette is much stronger than in any other casino game. Because of that, it’s impossible the predict the outcome of a spin. However, there are a few methods that will help increase your chances of winning. </p>
<h2>The Martingale System</h2>
<p>This is the most popular and commonly used roulette strategy. The concept is quite simple – increase your bet after every loss. When you do eventually win, start betting with the initial amount again. The Martingale System is a strategy that anybody can use to win. It’s not foolproof, but you will find some success with it. </p>
<p>The most effective way to employ this strategy is to only bet on even-money outside bets: 1-18, 19-36, Red, Black, Even and Odd. There’s a simple and logical reason for this. These bets have the maximum odds of winning – close to 50%. However, the payout is the lowest of all – 1:1. You’ll win the same amount of money you bet for the spin. They’re the safest bets you could place in a game of Roulette. </p>
<p>So, now you know your bets. Let’s see how placing them and doubling down works. First of all, you start with a small amount – the table minimum is recommended – and keep betting that amount until you lose. After your loss, double the size of your initial bet for the next spin. In case you win, you’ll get back your money and a little something on the side. If you keep losing, keep doubling your bet. As soon as you win, start betting the table minimum again. Rinse and repeat. </p>
<h2>The Reverse Martingale System</h2>
<p>As you can probably guess, this strategy would have you do the exact opposite of the Martingale System – double your bet after each win. Start by wagering the table minimum on an even bet. Keep it up until you win. At that point, double the size of your bet for the next spin. When you lose, restart from the table minimum again. </p>
<p>The main advantage of the Reverse Martingale system is that you can’t lose a lot on one spin. Since you always wager the minimum amount, losing streaks aren’t a big problem. Plus, in a way, you’re using the casino’s money. Subsequently, your starting money should remain relatively the same until you hit that big win. </p>
<p>As you maintain your winning streak, your consecutive wins will quickly add up and your profits will increase dramatically. If you’re a beginner, the Reverse Martingale system will be your best friend thanks to its simplicity and safety. </p>
<p>There are multiple ways to approach this strategy. The riskiest method is playing aggressively and hoping for the best outcome – big consecutive wins. Keep on doubling your bet during your winning streak and win until you’re satisfied enough to stop. There’s always a chance to get a brutal losing streak but that only means that there’s also a chance for the exact opposite to happen!</p>
<p>Another method you could try out is the 3-Step Reverse Martingale. Limit the progression of the bet to three consecutive games, then start playing with the lowest bid possible. This approach works well with enough consecutive win sequences but may fail when there’s a lack of them. Ultimately, you have a higher chance of making a profit by using the 3-Step Reverse Martingale than by playing aggressively. </p>
<h2>The D’Alembert System</h2>
<p>This system works with bets that have a 50% chance of winning. Those would be the ‘even bets’ we mentioned earlier. Although similar to the Martingale system, D’Alembert’s method is one of the safest and easiest roulette strategies to execute. Gradually increase your bet when losing games and gradually decrease them when winning. Decide on the amount you want to bet, preferably 1% of your total funds, and increase or decrease your bet by the same amount depending on the outcome of the spin. </p>
<p>The nature of this system’s progression keeps you safe from hitting the table limits and all you need to do to use it is remember the size of your bet and adjust it to how well you are doing. Simple right? </p>
<p>There’s also a Contre D’Alembert, the reverse version that has you increasing your bet after you win and decreasing it after you lose. </p>
<p>The downside of the D’Alembert system is that you won’t win more than ever before using it. After all, you’re always decreasing your bet when you win. However, if you’re a casual player, this really is the system for you. </p>
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
<p>There are a couple more roulette strategies out there, but we’ll save those for another time. For now, we encourage you to try the strategies that we’ve discussed here at our <a href="https://westcasino.com/games/search?n=roulette&amp;c=Table+Games" target="_blank">online Roulette tables</a>. What are you waiting for? Start playing and start winning now! 
</p>

Learn the history, rules and winning strategies of online roulette! Play a wide variety of roulette games including Live Casino Roulette.

Online Roulette – History, Rules & Winning Strategies | WestCasino Blog

Online Roulette - History, Rules & Winning Strategies

<p><b><i>The original Starburst was released back in 2013, and for many avid players, it’s still a hugely popular go-to game. Although it seems a little dated due to the emergence of higher volatility slots with more engaging rewards, Starburst still holds its own against the big titles of today. However, the end of an era is upon us, ladies and gentlemen. Here’s why! </i></b></p>
<p><b><i>Swedish game developer NetEnt has recently released Starburst’s highly anticipated sequel under the name Starburst XXXtreme. The software providing juggernaut has waited 8 long years to release this title, but was it worth the wait? Let’s find out! </i></b></p>
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    <img src="https://assets.westcasino.com/media/article/854f8a1b-cd82-410d-ab12-435036457fc6.jpg">
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<p>Visually, the game reminds the player of its predecessor and it’s played on a 5x3 grid with 9 fixed paylines instead of 10. Fans looking for major innovation are in for a treat. The paylines are the least of the changes found in Starburst XXXtreme.</p>
<p>Your bets range from €0.10 to €50 per spin and although the first game had low volatility, Starburst XXXtreme’s is set to ‘high’. There’s no more pay-both-ways feature. In this one, winning combinations only appear when at least three identical symbols land from the leftmost reel. Activating the XXXtreme Spins feature will make you forget about that, though, since you’ll be winning a lot anyway. </p>
<p>As for the pay table, the sequel uses the same 7 pay symbols as the original. You’ll see 5 sparkling gems as the lower value symbol, plus the 7s and Bars. These two last ones are worth 20 to 50 times your stake if you get a combo of five. And of course, wilds are vital to collecting coins. </p>
[getstarted][welcomepack]
<h2>Starburst XXXtreme Features</h2>
<p>It’s true that NetEnt has removed a bet line and decided that the remaining others will only pay in one direction, but you’d better believe that they’ve added something awesome to justify the ‘XXX’ in the title. The software provider added multipliers. The simplistic approach might not seem like much, but Starburst has always been simple. So, trust us when we say that these multipliers pack quite the punch. </p>
<p>As you first access the game, you’ll notice 2 XXXtreme Spins betting options:</p>
<p>•	1 guaranteed Starburst Wild on each spin that increases the stake by x10.</p>
<p>•	2 guaranteed Starburst Wilds per spin, leveling up the cost to 95x the base bet. </p>
<p>Naturally, it’s possible to land as many wilds on regular spins but they won’t come up as often. The RTP is slightly affected by the betting strategy, currently hovering between 96.26% and 96.45%.</p>
<p>Starburst Wilds are still the game’s focus. They appear on reels 2, 3 or 4 and when they land, they expand to cover their reels awarding a respin. Wilds are locked for respins, and if a new one hits, it’s also locked to award another respin. </p>
<p>In XXXtreme, each Starburst Wild also awards a multiplier of x2, x3, x5, x10, x25, x50, x100, or x150. During a respin sequence, the multipliers are added together if more than one wild lands. Plus, the value is applied to any bet line wins from the current spin or following respins. </p>
<p>The Random Wilds feature is another extra. As the name implies, it’s activated randomly after a spin or respin and adds between 1 and 3 Starburst Wild symbols to reels 2, 3 and 4. </p>
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
<p>Although you can’t see it from the beginning, the two Starburst games really are very different. In Starburst XXXtreme, the graphics and soundtrack are pretty much the same as in the good ole Starburst. However, those that said that NetEnt’s gone soft are in for a big surprise! The XXXtreme Spins drastically heighten the tension on every spin, but they’re pricey, so be careful. </p>
<p>The addition of multipliers provides an incredible experience and the outsized betting options are perfect for high rollers. Starburst Wild respins were already fun but coupled with the total possible multiplier of up to 450x, they make the game absolutely amazing. The win cap set by NetEnt is a whopping 200.000x your bet. It’s possible to get the win with a combination of max multipliers, stacked Bars, and respins. </p>
<p>Starburst XXXtreme definitely deserves its name since the game is indeed extreme on many levels. We’re happy to see that the spirit of the original slot game remains unaltered and we’re certain that if you give this sequel a try, you’re going to love it! 
</p>

Starburst XXXtreme Slot Review

<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>
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    <img src="https://assets.westcasino.com/media/article/5f73e801-0076-430f-8c95-67c10000b6c3.jpg">
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<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://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
  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://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. 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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