<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>
<div>
    <img src="https://api.westcasino.com/media/article/314bc739-ad03-4e7a-a14c-d5a78f2d77f5.jpg">
  </div>  
<h2>Gambling Rears Its Ancient Head – 2300 BC</h2>
<p>Although it was undoubtedly invented long before, the earliest evidence of gambling comes from 2300 BC China in the form of unearthed tiles that were apparently used for a rudimentary game of chance. The ‘Book of Songs’, a collection of ancient Chinese poems, mentions ‘the drawing of wood’, a lottery type game that utilized the aforementioned tiles. Some historians say that about 2000 years later, the Great Wall of China was funded using a similar system. </p>
[getstarted][welcomepack]
<h2>Illegal Dice in the Roman Empire – 500 BC</h2>
<p>According to Sophocles, a famous Greek poet, a mythological hero invented dice during the siege of Troy. True or not, this was the first time in Greek history that dice were mentioned, around the year 500 BC, even though a pair of dice was discovered in an Egyptian tomb dating from 3000 B.C.. Regardless, there’s evidence that the ancient Greeks and Romans were hardened gamblers who enjoyed playing whenever they had the chance. Gambling was illegal in Rome and the penalty for perpetrating such a thing was a fine worth four times the bet. To counteract the law’s involvement, Roman citizens played for chips (they’re the ones who invented them, actually). If they were caught gambling, they’d just declare that they were playing for tokens not for real money. </p>
<h2>The Invention of Card Games – 800 AD</h2>
<p>The first playing cards first appeared in China. However, the rules of the game played back in the 9th century have been lost to history. Perhaps the cards were both the game and the stake, similar to modern day children’s trading card games. Or maybe the first cards were paper forms of Chinese domino. Without a doubt, they were very different from the standard 52 card decks used today. 
</p>
<h2>The Backstory of Baccarat – 1400s</h2>
<p>The two player card game of Baccarat was first played about 600 years ago and it’s still being played today in modern casinos. It migrated from Italy to France and it has evolved over the centuries to the standard version adopted by the whole world (with some variations depending on the country, of course). </p>
<h2>The Bewildering Tale of Blackjack – 1600s</h2>
<p>Even though I’ve previously written an article on Blackjack titled <a href="https://westcasino.com/blog/believe-it-or-not/blackjack-21-facts-about-21" target="_blank">Blackjack – 21 Facts About 21</a>, I couldn’t write a history of gambling without including one of the most famous casino games of all time. </p>
<p>Blackjack may have its roots in a Spanish game called ventiuna (21) that was first mentioned in one of Miguel de Cervantes’ books in 1601. Other influences include trente-un (31) and quinze (15), both dating back to the 16th century. Unfortunately, no one truly knows who the inventors of all these games are. Let’s just say it’s a collective effort shared by many generations of risk-takers. </p>
<p>In any case, the certain forefather of Blackjack is vingt-et-un (21), a seventeenth century French game. It was introduced to the US by French settlers and it was dubbed Blackjack by the Americans since 10 to 1 odds were paid out to the player who won with a Jack of Clubs and an Ace of Spades. This promotion was only available in 1930s Nevada Casinos as a way to attract customers. </p>
<h2>Gambling Houses: An Italian Innovation – 1638</h2>
<p>During the 17th century, the first casinos made their appearance to critical acclaim. In 1638, Venice, the marvelous city on water, became the home of the Ridotto, one of the first gambling houses in Italy. Subsequently, other similar establishments sprung up all over Europe and even in the US. In the 19th century, steamboats were used as venues for informal gambling. You’ve no doubt seen films portraying these ships sailing up and down the Mississippi while poker tournaments took place inside. </p>
<h2>The Roulette Revolution – 1796</h2>
<p>Roulette was born in Paris, the city of love, art, and frivolity. Although it was first played in France, we now refer to it as American Roulette. 50 years later, European Roulette was created. It reduced the double zero to just one and vastly increased players’ odds of winning. The Monte Carlo casino eventually adopted the single zero game version. Americans, however, still prefer the double zero wheels. </p>
<h2>The Power of Poker – 1829</h2>
<p>The precise origin of poker is hard to pin down. Just like the other games I wrote about in this article, it had to pass through many hands and minds to become what it is today. Maybe you should give yourself a little credit. You might carry the DNA of someone who created an extra rule or something similar. Who knows? </p>
<p>Regardless, some people think that poker has its roots in seventeenth century Persia. Others insist that it was born of a French game called Poque. What we know for sure is that English actor Joseph Crowell reported that the first time he saw the game being played was in 1829 New Orleans. That might actually be poker’s birthyear. Up until the Vegas tournaments of the 1970s, poker’s growth in popularity was stunted by obscurity. It truly became a world famous game when televised events allowed people to see the players’ hands. When Chris Moneymaker won the 2003 world poker championship after qualifying through online play, everyone started thinking that poker would be their get-rich-quick solution. </p>
<h2>One Armed Bandits: Slot Machine Mania - 1891</h2>
<p>After settling in San Francisco in 1895, a young Bavarian mechanic by the name of Charles Fey designed the first three-reel slot machine that featured the revolutionary automatic payout. Dubbed Liberty Bell, the mechanical marvel had 5 symbols: hearts, diamonds, spades, horseshoes, and, naturally, liberty bells. The highest payout of 50 cents was awarded for 3 bell symbols and it cost a nickel to play. The Liberty Bell’s popularity exploded, allowing Charles to expand his business by installing and managing his machines in saloons throughout San Francisco. After Californian authorities banned 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

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<p>
  <b><i>Here at WestCasino, we’ve recently concluded our two weeks long
      Valentine’s Day promotion ingeniously dubbed Wheel of Hearts. Besides
      giving an extremely endearing shout out to romantic love, the spectacular
      event whole-heartedly offered WestCasino players a magnificent myriad of
      amazing bonuses EVERY DAY plus a chance to win the massive Cupid’s Fortune
      prize pool. Continue reading to find out how the heart-warming promotion
      worked, what fabulous prizes we’ve given out, and how many lucky players
      won big at WestCasino!</i></b>
</p>
<div>
  <img src="https://api.westcasino.com/media/article/812b1120-c434-480a-8074-3a34e4b00436.jpg">
</div>
<h2>Giving the Wheel of Hearts a Spin to Win</h2>
<p>
  The main feature of the Wheel of Hearts promotion was the wheel itself. Every
  day, players could spin the wheel and receive a guaranteed prize such as Free
  Spins, generous deposit bonuses on a great selection of games, and the highly
  coveted Free Cash. Each prize came with its own topical Valentine’s Day
  symbol.
</p>
<p>
  After the electrifying click of a button, the Wheel began to spin. What an
  adrenaline rush! You never knew what you were going to get – it was entirely
  up to chance – but players knew that there were treasures to be found wherever
  the Wheel stopped. After the edge-of-your-seat spin, players collected their
  prizes and used whatever sensational bonuses they got towards a much more
  beneficial playtime. The first time I spun the Wheel, I got 25 Free Spins on
  NetEnt’s ghastly Ghost Pirates with NO DEPOSIT required. I had a good run that
  even ended with some winnings.
</p>
<p>
  Prizes aside, the promotion’s page was truly something to behold. Every aspect
  of its design, from Wheel to background, screamed Valentine’s Day but with a
  subtle, almost elegant touch. The combination of pink and purple was easy on
  the eyes and it engulfed the player in a romantic, yet profitable atmosphere.
</p>
[getstarted][welcomepack]
<h2>The Fruitful Path to Cupid’s Fortune</h2>
<p>
  All players who spun the Wheel of Hearts and deposited 50 were automatically
  eligible to win Cupid’s mind-blowing Fortune. Here’s how it worked – a small
  percentage of each deposit was added to the bewildering prize pool. The
  campaign started on January 29th and as it progressed, the prize pool only got
  bigger and bigger, up to a whopping €140.000! If that’s not a great incentive
  for players, I don’t know what is. Needless to say, all WestCasino players
  dreamt of celebrating 2020’s Valentine’s Day deeply in love and buried in
  cash. However, there would only be ten lucky winners who would share the
  staggering amount between themselves.
</p>
<p>The winner of 1st place received 40% of Cupid’s Fortune - €56,000.</p>
<p>The winner of 2nd place received 30% of Cupid’s Fortune - €42,000.</p>
<p>The winner of 3rd place received 20% of Cupid’s Fortune - €28,000.</p>
<p>
  The winners of 4th to 10th place received an equal share out of the remaining
  10% of Cupid’s Fortune - €14,000, €2,000 each.
</p>
<p>
  The competition was extremely tight since over 11.500 players participated in
  the contest. The lucky winners were selected on February 14th, on Valentine’s
  Day, which is, sadly, also the day that our mega-promotion ended.
</p>
<p>
  Congratulations to all winners! I’d sure like to be in their shoes right now!
</p>
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
<p>
  Wheel of Hearts was an extremely exciting contest that celebrated love as well
  as big winnings. Even though Valentine’s Day is a special enough day already,
  WestCasino sweetened the deal with our massive €140.000 prize pool and our
  delightful daily prizes.
</p>
<p>
  It was an absolute blast to give players the opportunity to spin the Wheel
  every day and to get something out of it as well! I’m sure that every one of
  WestCasino’s players enjoyed it as much as we did and that they will keep
  their eyes peeled for the next profit-packed promotion!
</p>

WestCasino’s Wheel of Hearts Promotion Retrospective

Wheel of Hearts Retrospective

<p>
  <b><i>What’s the most important part of all online casinos? It’s the players,
      of course! That’s why WestCasino wants to make every day special for each
      and every one of them. How? Well, by having phenomenal daily promotions,
      all of them fun, exciting, and profitable! Keep reading to learn how we
      entice our players and keep them on the fast track to big winnings!</i></b>
</p>
<div>
  <img src="https://api.westcasino.com/media/article/846bc88b-476b-4cf0-afa0-ffbe8ca71225.jpg">
</div>
<h2>On Mondays, we celebrate our Slot Star of the Week</h2>
<p>
  We know that Mondays suck, but at WestCasino, they don’t have to! At the start
  of each week, we choose an astounding online slot game and put it on the
  proverbial pedestal for everyone to see and play! Eligible players must have
  deposited at least €40 in the previous week and they get 10 Free Spins on our
  Slot Star of the Week. However, if players have deposited at least €100 in the
  previous week, they get an additional 90 Free Spins! Now, that’s enough to put
  a smile on every Monday-hater’s face! Claim your Free Spins and Reach for the
  Stars!
</p>
[getstarted][welcomepack]
<h2>On Tuesdays, get ready to get SpinSane in the membrane</h2>
<p>
  Alright, Tuesdays are a little easier, but you’re still a long way from that
  deeply desired weekend. Fortunately, our offer for the day will drive you
  SpinSane! You get a choice of not one, not two, but three absolutely amazing
  offers! Depending on whether you deposit €50, €100, or €150, you get
  progressively more Free Spins on an awesome game that we’ve chosen for you.
  And that’s not even the best part! Yes, there’s more. These Free Spins have
  absolutely NO WAGERING REQUIREMENTS! Feeling better yet? We hope so! The
  week’s not over yet, though. There’s five more days of promotions a-coming!
</p>
<h2>Wednesday is a day for WestCasino Royalty</h2>
<p>
  Since WestCasino treats its players like royalty, this mid-week majestic offer
  is understandably dubbed Wednesday Royale. There’s something refreshingly
  exciting available for WestCasino’s kings and queens every week and it’s
  always a surprise! Everyone likes surprises, right? It could be a delicious
  deposit bonus or a sensational set of Free Spins, but whatever it is, we
  promise that you’ll have an absolute blast every Wednesday! Your thrones are
  waiting, Majesties! Come and claim your crowns!
</p>
<h2>Thursday is VIP Cashback day</h2>
<p>
  We strongly believe that our most prestigious players deserve special
  treatment. WestCasino rewards its loyal players with amazing offers and
  awesome opportunities as often as it can. We respect true risk-takers more
  than anything. They’re people after our own hearts. On Thursdays, we like to
  show our high rollers some love by giving them the possibility of claiming an
  amazing 10% Cashback Bonus on all deposits up to €200! We enjoy laying down
  the red carpet for you, our VIP players!
</p>
<h2>The fun starts on Friday</h2>
<p>
  It’s been a long week, but it’s finally Friday! Are you ready to party?
  WestCasino is! Here’s to an amazing weekend packed with a bodacious bonus
  bonanza! On Fridays, we’re offering our players a sweet 40% Reload bonus up to
  €40. Yes! You read that right! Get loose and shake your caboose with
  WestCasino’s Friday FunStarter! It’s the perfect time to start the party and
  play the weekend away!
</p>
<h2>The real shindig starts on Saturday</h2>
<p>
  Put your party hats on, players! The Sloto-Mania party is here! Since Saturday
  is the hottest day of the week, we’ve prepared something seriously special for
  you. Are you ready? What would you say to 100 Free Spins on an amazing slot
  game for a minimum deposit of only €50? It’s only natural that your head
  should be spinning on a Saturday! Don’t be alarmed. Just go with this fiercely
  fantastic flow and have fun while you’re questing for that big win!
</p>
<h2>Sunday is a day to play with power</h2>
<p>
  Can you feel the POWER surging through you? The end of the week is again upon
  us. That’s right! It’s Sunday. And at WestCasino on Sundays, you play with
  power! Are you worthy? Of course, you are! If you’ve made at least five
  deposits of €50, one per day, in the previous six days you get the max bonus
  of 100% up to €100 for one deposit of €30! If you haven’t, don’t worry about
  it! You’ll get it next week! We still got your back with this 30% bonus up to
  €100 for the same amount! The weekend’s over, but it ends with a bang! Grab
  your bonus and go on a Sunday Power Play!
</p>

Funtastic Calendar | WestCasino

Funtastic Calendar

<p>
  <b><i>To a newbie, the online casino world might seem a little daunting. The
      flashing lights, the loud noises, the tremendous amounts of money that
      expert players both win and lose – these are just a few simple elements in
      an otherwise vast and complex digital environment. Most online casinos,
      however, try to give newcomers at least a basic understanding of how
      things work. After all, it’s beneficial to them for a player to become
      acquainted with their website since an informed player is liable to take
      more risks and, as a result, deposit more money. As opposed to a novice,
      an expert player sheds his or her timidity and tries to meet that big win
      head-on. To do that, they take advantage of the bonuses that online
      casinos give out.
    </i></b>
</p>
<div>
  <img src="https://api.westcasino.com/media/article/213bab87-990d-46ad-858b-0c667bc76d6a.jpg">
</div>
<h2>How bonuses work</h2>
<p>
  The most important thing that a beginner needs to understand is how bonuses
  work. Online casinos give out bonuses both to attract and keep players. These
  bonuses may include free spins, deposit bonuses, and no-deposit bonuses. But
  there’s a catch! Every bonus comes with wagering requirements. What are
  wagering requirements? Well, they’re casino-designed safeguards against
  gamblers who would just withdraw everything and run away with the funds.
  Needless to say, that would be a tremendous inconvenience for a deposit-based
  business. Think about it. They have to account for paying their staff,
  licensing games, covering office rent, and more.
</p>
<p>
  Most worthwhile casinos start their new players off with a Welcome Bonus.
  That’s usually the best bonus that you’ll be receiving during your playtime.
  As previously stated, it’s an incentive to attract new players. Unlike
  land-based casinos, they can’t offer players free dinners or live
  entertainment. For example, WestCasino’s Welcome Bonus comes in five steps:
</p>
<ol>
  <li>
    100% bonus up to €250 plus 100 free spins on Book of Dead on your first
    deposit
  </li>
  <li>50% bonus up to €200 plus on your second deposit</li>
  <li>200 free spins on Sahara Nights on your third deposit</li>
  <li>
    70% bonus up to €200 plus 70 free spins on Reactoonz on your fourth deposit
  </li>
  <li>
    Access to WestCasino’s Funtastic Calendar starting with your fifth deposit
  </li>
</ol>
<p>
  Let’s take the first step and explain it. If you get a 100% bonus up to €250,
  that means that your first deposit can range from the minimum deposit to a
  maximum €250. So, if you deposit, let’s say, €100, you get a 100% match bonus
  which equals another €100. You’d be playing with €200 from the start. Couple
  this bonus with a ton of free spins and newbies are going to have a profitable
  first gambling session.
</p>
<p>
  For players new to the online gambling world, risking their own money is often
  stressful. That’s why some casinos offer new clients no-deposit bonuses so
  that they can play with zero risks. These bonuses are far smaller but they’re
  a great way to learn how it all works without the risk of losing cash. The
  wagering requirements on these no-deposit bonuses are very high, though. Keep
  that in mind.
</p>
<p>
  A little piece of advice? Before depositing money at any online casino, always
  check out their Terms and Conditions. It’s a tedious job, we know, but you’ll
  be richer for the experience. Remember! An informed player is an efficient
  player. Plus, you lower the risk of being blind-sided with a bonus abuse
  allegation and, as a result, confiscation of funds.
</p>
[getstarted][welcomepack]
<h2>What is online gaming bonus abuse?</h2>
<p>
  Basically, this term amounts to using one or more schemes to earn a bonus much
  easier. These scammers are a problem for the online gambling industry in
  general. Most players, however, don’t think that they’re doing anything wrong.
  Instead, they might just feel that they’ve found a creative way to win faster.
  That’s the problem with bonus abuse. Many gamblers don’t know that they’re
  being abusers. They simply realize that they can satisfy the wagering
  requirements faster by placing bigger bets. Most casinos have stipulations in
  their Terms and Conditions that prohibits wagers higher than €100 per round
  with an active bonus. Even if that’s not the case, casinos may revoke a bonus
  if they feel that a player bets big just to clear wagering requirements.
</p>
<h2>What you can do to avoid being a bonus abuser</h2>
<p>
  When bonus abusers are caught they have to deal with the consequences. They
  might lose their bonus, get banned, or, even worse, have their entire deposit
  confiscated. You should do whatever is necessary to avoid being labeled a
  bonus abuser. How?
</p>

<p>- Don’t place big bets just to earn bonuses.</p>
<p>- Know a casino’s rules on bonuses. Read the Terms and Conditions.</p>
<p>- Avoid irregular play. This varies from casino to casino.</p>

<h2>Conclusion</h2>
<p>
  Bonuses are a great way to have an edge when gambling online. However, you
  should always be informed when trying out a new casino. Read the Terms and
  Conditions, check out wagering requirements and avoid abusing bonuses as much
  as possible. If you’re ever falsely accused of bonus abuse, there are third
  parties out there like AskGamblers.com that you can take your complaint to.
  They will listen to both sides of the story and resolve the dispute
  efficiently and elegantly. Lastly, gambling is about winning big and having
  fun. Make sure to do both!
</p>

Learn everything there is to know about casino bonuses and experience the safe and effective way to gamble!

A Beginner's Guide to Understanding Online Casino Bonuses

<p>
  <b><i>Known as the “Gambling capital of the world” or “The Monte Carlo of the
      East”, the former Portuguese colony of Macau is China’s only location
      where gambling is legal. Gambling tourism is Macau’s biggest source of
      revenue, making about 50% of its economy. On February 5th, however,
      following the recent coronavirus outbreak, the majestic city has become a
      near-ghost town during what is typically its busiest time of the year.
      Because the local government has drastically limited visits from mainland
      China, arrivals have suffered a significant 69% drop. Coupled with the
      impact of a slowing Chinese economy and anti-government protests in
      neighboring Hong Kong, the virus is worrying Macau officials deeply.
    </i></b>
</p>
<div>
  <img src="https://api.westcasino.com/media/article/9d9acbd3-23ee-4050-b5be-6c6fdf80d4c1.jpg">
</div>
<p>
  The outbreak also coincides with the Lunar New Year holiday during which Macau
  enjoys record visitation. Analysts forecast a decline in gaming revenue of at
  least 30% for as long as health restrictions and strict entry regulations on
  tourists are in place. Casinos say they are losing between US$1.5 million –
  US$2.6 million daily to keep their staff on payroll and maintain contractual
  obligations. Their operators’ share prices have also plunged by as much as 6%
  for MGM China Holdings Ltd., 5.7% for Sands China Ltd, 4.8% for Wynn Macau Ltd
  and 4.7% for Galaxy Entertainment Group Ltd.
</p>
[getstarted][welcomepack]
<p>
  Starting with February 20th, the government allowed casinos to reopen after a
  two-week suspension aimed at controlling the virus outbreak. Nonetheless, the
  gaming regulator has imposed strict rules: temperature checks, mask protection
  and health declarations for staff and guests. To ensure adequate distance
  between people, only half the tables on a casino floor are permitted to
  operate. Clients are not permitted to congregate, according to a government
  notice. Baccarat tables, which normally seat seven people and dozens of
  observers, will only allow four players.
</p>
<p>
  All operators have 30 days to start functioning normally as mandated by the
  government. Analysts and executives predict that despite casinos reopening,
  gaming revenue will drop at least 80% in February and 50% in March. It will
  take weeks to get back to normal even though Macau has only reported 10 cases
  of coronavirus infection and no new cases since February 4th.
</p>
<p>
  Besides casinos, nearly 30 hotels have been shut down. That includes shows,
  non-gaming attractions, and most restaurants. Authorities have stated that
  until further notice entertainment venues including bars will remain closed.
  According to official figures, hotel occupancy has dropped from 90% last year
  ago to 12%.
</p>
<p>
  Even though Macau’s government has pledged US$3.4 billion to support domestic
  consumption, many businesses dependent on tourists and casinos have been
  seriously affected.
</p>
<p>
  The coronavirus has infected more than 70.000 people across China, with close
  to 1.700 deaths reported in the Hubei province alone.
</p>

Macau Casinos closed on account of coronavirus outbreak | WestCasino

Macau casinos hit hard by China’s coronavirus outbreak

<p>
  <b><i>
      Bright lights, loud noises, fluttering images, and a self-made promise
      that the next spin is going to be a big win. This is the appeal of slot
      machines, a global phenomenon that’s taken the world by storm ever since
      its creation back in the late 19th century.
    </i></b>
</p>
<div>
  <img src="https://api.westcasino.com/media/article/f48eee72-c641-464c-857f-e8d3cbdd2c9e.jpg">
</div>
<h2>The Birth of the Slot Machine</h2>
<p>
  San Francisco, California, 1895. A young Bavarian mechanic by the name of
  Charles August Fey finally settled after emigrating from Europe and traveling
  across the United States for the better part of 10 years. Although slot
  machines had been invented beforehand, Fey designed the first three-reel unit
  with a revolutionary feature – the automatic payout. It had 5 symbols –
  hearts, diamonds, spades, horseshoes, and a liberty bell. It cost a nickel to
  play and the highest payout was awarded for 3 bell symbols, hence the name
  Liberty Bell. It paid 50 cents which was quite the big win for the time. The
  machine became wildly popular and Fey installed and managed his machines in
  saloons throughout San Francisco.
</p>
[getstarted][welcomepack]
<p>
  Even though California officially banned slot machines in 1902, the
  manufacturing of the Liberty Bell continued. Since awarding cash prizes had
  become illegal, the initial symbols were replaced with fruit symbols and the
  payout would consist of chewing gum and sweets of the corresponding flavor.
  Five years later in Chicago, Herbert Mills produced a slot machine called the
  Operator Bell. This is the time when the BAR symbol was introduced. It was
  based on the logo of the Bell-Fruit company and replaced the chewing gum
  symbol that had been used up to that point.
</p>
<h2>Mid Century Advancements</h2>
<p>
  For half a century slot machines had remained mechanical. By pulling down a
  lever, you’d set the reels in motion. This gave players the feeling that they
  could somehow control the outcome. It’s the reason why the machines were so
  popular and it’s how the term “one-armed bandit” came into existence.
</p>
<p>
  In the ‘60s, Money Honey was invented. It was the first fully
  electromechanical slot machine. Even though the lever was no longer necessary,
  its absence would’ve been entirely too unfamiliar for players at the time. So,
  the lever remained. Money Honey was an instant hit and because of it,
  electromechanical slots came to dominate the market.
</p>
<p>
  The first-ever video slot was developed in 1976 by a Vegas-based company
  called Fortune Coin. Initially, it was only made available in the Las Vegas
  Hilton Hotel. It soon got approval from the Nevada State Gaming Commission and
  it became wildly popular in the Las Vegas Strip.
</p>
<h2>The Online Revolution</h2>
<p>
  Following the invention of the World Wide Web in the ‘90s, slot machines made
  the ultimate transition and became available online. It allowed players to get
  their luck tested in the comfort of their own homes. Often, slot games
  couldn’t be fully enjoyed because of all the commotion of the everyday casino.
  However, online gaming changed that. Now, players can become fully immersed in
  their game without the hustle and bustle of a crowded land-based
  establishment. Furthermore, slot games have become more complex and,
  subsequently, more appealing. The Bonus Rounds that the most successful games
  feature are the main contributors to the rise in popularity of online video
  slots. Not to mention the diversity of the games’ themes. Think of any topic
  and there’s a slot game about it. As opposed to common table games such as
  craps, roulette, or blackjack, slots can get creative. Some even follow
  compelling narratives that motivate the player to keep spinning the reels.
</p>
<p>
  Nowadays hundreds of online casinos offer a large variety of video slots.
  Check out www.westcasino.com, for example. Besides having all the table games
  you could want, we’ve also got over 600 highly creative, insanely entertaining
  slot games, and our Welcome Bonus is absolutely amazing:
</p>
<p>
  - 100% bonus up to €250 plus 100 free spins on Book of Dead on your first
  deposit
</p>
<p>- 50% bonus up to €200 on your second deposit</p>
<p>- 200 free spins on Sahara Nights on your third deposit</p>
<p>
  - 70% bonus up to €200 plus 70 free spins on Reactoonz on your fourth deposit
</p>
<p>
  - Access to WestCasino’s Funtastic Calendar starting with your fifth deposit
</p>
<p>
  Not only that, but we’ve got a special promotion every month in which we give
  out a ton of bonuses and free spins. Plus, we treat our loyal players like
  royalty, offering them special VIP treatment.
</p>
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
<p>
  Slots have really come a long way and their popularity never seems to dwindle.
  Whether they give out chewing gum or money, they push a special button in
  players’ brains that fill them up with pleasure, excitement, and hope. Keep
  playing, keep going for that big win, and remember – fortune always favors the
  bold!
</p>

Slots and How They Were Invented – A Brief History of Slots

A Brief History of Slots

<p>
  <b><i>Slot games have been around for more than a hundred years. The concept
      has always been fairly simple – put in your money, spin the reels, line up
      the symbols and win. It’s been that way for a big chunk of slot life and
      players seemed to be content. Why wouldn’t they be? Life was simpler and
      so were slots. In the 90s, however, legalized gambling swept the United
      States and attracted millions upon millions of new players. Of course,
      this newly acquired demographic needed to be entertained to be kept
      playing. What’s the best way to entertain people? By having entertainers
      endorse your games, of course. Thus, celebrity-themed slot games were
      born.
    </i></b>
</p>
<p>
  <b><i>Initially, these games were available in land-based casinos only.
      Celebrities like Marilyn Monroe, James Dean, and Frank Sinatra all had
      slot machines with their likenesses on screen. Not only that, but the
      machines also featured audio of their voices, and, in the case of singers
      or bands, their music. Elvis Presley’s slot game featured four of the King
      of Rock and Roll’s hit songs: “They’re All Shook Up”, “Hound Dog”,
      “Jailhouse Rock”, and “Viva Las Vegas”. Obviously, the Elvis slot machine
      was a big hit in Las Vegas, since the man did play 636 consecutive
      sold-out shows at the Landmark and Las Vegas Hilton. The people loved
      their king, what can I say?
    </i></b>
</p>
<p>
  <b><i>Many more slot games have musicians as their themes. Let’s take a look at
      some of the best ones that WestCasino has to offer.
    </i></b>
</p>
<div>
  <img src="https://api.westcasino.com/media/article/3918f916-86f3-498a-a39d-fd2ee2a7d7d5.jpg">
</div>
<h2>Jimi Hendrix Online Slot</h2>
<p>
  For those of you who don’t know who Jimi Hendrix is, he’s the most celebrated
  guitar player of the twentieth century. Although his mainstream career only
  lasted for four years until his tragic death in 1970, Hendrix has forever
  changed the international music scene with his innovative technique and his
  amazing voice. He first hit big in the United Kingdom with three UK top ten
  hits: “Hey Joe”, “Purple Haze”, and “The Wind Cries Mary”. In the 1960s, Jimi
  was the highest-paid artist in the world, and he headlined the Woodstock
  festival in 1969 and the Isle of Wight Festival in 1970. He was inducted in
  the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992.
</p>
<p>
  When you’re as famous as Jimi Hendrix, you’re bound to get your own slot game.
  NetEnt’s <a href="https://westcasino.com/game/jimi-hendrix-pc/fun" target="_blank">Jimi Hendrix Online Slot</a> is a five-reel, 20 payline
  psychedelic-themed game with cash prizes and 3 Free Spins bonus games.
  Graphically, it echoes the flower-power era of the 1960s and reminds the
  player of the peace and love powered vibes of the hugely famous Woodstock
  festival. The other-worldly wasteland that serves as the game’s backdrop is
  populated by alien flowers and cyclopean rock spires that reach all the way up
  to the oneiric skies. Instruments half-buried in the sand are waiting for you
  to play them and unlock the musical miracles of this extraterrestrial planet.
</p>
<p>
  The game’s layout is fairly simple. At the bottom of the screen, from left to
  right, you’ll find an Info button, the Level of your bet (one to ten), the
  Autoplay button, the Spin button, the Max Bet button, and your Coin Value
  (0.01 – 1.00).
</p>
<p>
  The psychedelic theme is present in the slot game’s symbols as well. Besides
  the classic Aces, Kings, Queens, Jacks, and Tens, you’ll see Golden Peace
  Signs, Hearts, Planet Records (they look like vinyl records top-down, but
  double as ringed planets when shown from the side), Flowers, and Eyes.
  There’re special symbols as well. Jimi’s portrait is this game’s wild symbol
  and can substitute for all other symbols except Scatters. Each symbol has its
  own quirky animation that adds to the charm of this amazing game.
</p>
<p>Let’s talk about the bonus games.</p>
<p><b>Purple Haze</b></p>
<p>
  The Purple Haze feature is activated when the purple haze symbol lands on reel
  1. The 10, J, Q, K and A transform into wild symbols for that spin only.
</p>
<p><b>Red Guitar Re-spin</b></p>
<p>
  The Red Guitar Re-spin is activated when you hit four or more Red Guitar
  symbols. The reels re-spin once and if any new Red Guitar symbols land on the
  reels during the re-spin, another re-spin is activated. The bonus game ends
  when no new Red Guitar symbols appear on the reels.
</p>
<p><b>Pick and Click</b></p>
<p>
  This feature is activated when three Scatter symbols appear on the reels.
  After the feature is activated, a Pick and Click game begins. Players could
  stand to win four different prizes: a coin win, Crosstown Traffic Free Spins,
  Purple Haze Free Spins, and Little Wing Free Spins. Just click on loudspeakers
  and they will reveal a variety of four symbols. Collect three of the same
  symbols and you’ll get the prize. Only one prize is awarded per Pick and Click
  game.
</p>
<p>
  This feature is activated when three Scatter symbols appear on the reels.
  After the feature is activated, a Pick and Click game begins. Players could
  stand to win four different prizes: a coin win, Crosstown Traffic Free Spins,
  Purple Haze Free Spins, and Little Wing Free Spins. Just click on loudspeakers
  and they will reveal a variety of four symbols. Collect three of the same
  symbols and you’ll get the prize. Only one prize is awarded per Pick and Click
  game. This psychedelic NetEnt game also has a lot of Free Spins features where
  you’re awarded between six and twelve Free Spins. It’s an absolutely dazzling
  game with many chances to win big while listening to some of Jimi’s best
  tunes: Foxy Lady, Voodoo Child, Crosstown Traffic, Purple Haze, and Little
  Wing. Put your rocking shoes on and try this game out now! Click here to start
  now!
</p>
[getstarted][welcomepack]
<h2>Ozzy Osbourne Video Slot</h2>
<p>
  Last year in 2019, NetEnt released an amazing slot game based on the career of
  one of the most critically acclaimed heavy metal singers in the world, Ozzy
  Osbourne. Although Ozzy started his musical career as a vocalist for the super
  famous Black Sabbath, most of his activity in the music world has been done as
  a solo artist. He’s worked with some exceptional guitar players such as Randy
  Rhoads, Jake E. Lee, and Zakk Wylde. In the late 2000s, Ozzy starred as
  himself in a hit MTV reality television show called The Osbournes. The show
  focused on Ozzy’s family and featured his wife Sharon and two of their
  children, Jack and Kelly.
</p>
<p>
  The Prince of Darkness has enough lore about him to inspire dozens of games,
  but this video slot completely nails the dark and mystical atmosphere that
  surrounds the Godfather of Metal’s persona. As you start the game, you’re
  greeted Ozzy sitting on a throne in a dark gothic castle clad in a
  black-feather cloak. Hit Continue and he morphs into a colony of bats that fly
  towards the screen. The Ozzman always knew how to make an impressing entrance,
  that’s for sure. The video slot is played on a tenebrous stone background. The
  five reels are bordered by two demon statues with eerily glowing eyes. As you
  play, you’ll be entertained by famous Ozzy songs like “Bark at the Moon”,
  “Crazy Train”, “Mr. Crowley”, and “Diary of a Madman”.
</p>
<p>
  At the bottom of the screen, you’ll find your Bet value, Bet Level (one to
  five), the Autoplay, Spin, and Max Bet buttons, your Coin Value (0.01 – 0.50),
  and the number of Coins that you have. By clicking the Bonus Bet button
  located in the bottom right corner of the screen, you activate the Bonus Bet
  feature. When this feature is activated the game is played with 40 coins per
  bet, but you can activate more Free Spins and Multiplier values increase from
  x2 to x5 and x7.
</p>
<p>
  Symbols used in this game include the four basic suits: hearts, diamonds,
  clubs, and spades, but each has an over-laying symbol that adds to the
  Tartarean atmosphere: roses, crucifixes, crowned skulls, and ravens. There’re
  also four different colored Ozzy symbols that give a much higher payout. The
  Wild symbol is a demon bat and substitutes for all other symbols except for
  the Scatter.
</p>
<p><b>Re-Spin</b></p>
<p>
  Two Scatter symbols will activate a Re-spin. Three Scatter symbols appearing
  on reels 1, 3, and 5 or a Scatter symbol appearing on the Feature Spinner in
  the Re-spin activates Free Spins.
</p>
<p><b>Symbol Charge-Up</b></p>
<p>
  This feature activates during Re-Spin or Free Spins. First, the Symbol Spinner
  (top left corner) defines the symbol, and then the Feature Spinner (top right
  corner) defines the feature that is applied to the symbol. Any symbol except
  for the Wild symbol can appear on the Symbol Spinner.
</p>
<p>
  <a href="https://westcasino.com/game/ozzy-osbourne-video-slot-ne/fun" target="_blank">Ozzy Osbourne Video Slot</a> is a hell of a game. The Symbol Charge-Up feature is
  unique to this video slot and, thanks to it, the gameplay is original and
  fresh. Take a trip to NetEnt’s petrifying pastime and try it out now!
</p>
<h2>Motorhead Slot</h2>
<p>
  Any self-respecting gambler must have heard of Motorhead. Lemmy Kilmister, the
  founder of the heavy metal supergroup, was a devoted risk-taker himself. In
  fact, “Ace of Spades”, one of their most famous hits, is about playing poker.
</p>
<p>“If you like to gamble, I tell you I’m your man</p>
<p>You win some, you lose some, all the same to me!”</p>
<p>
  Together with Phil “Philthy Animal” Taylor and “Fast” Eddie Clarke, Motorhead
  achieved world fame in the late 1970s and early 1980s with albums Overkill,
  Bomber, Ace of Spades, and Iron Fist. Motorhead started out in 1975 and
  continued rocking it until Lemmy’s death in 2015. That same year, NetEnt
  released the Motorhead Slot which became a tribute to the late singer/bass
  player.
</p>
<p>
  This Rock and Roll themed slot game has five reels and 76 fixed paylines. It
  features amazing graphics and the sound is absolutely phenomenal. We wouldn’t
  have expected any less from a Motorhead game. It’s set against a concert stage
  background stacked with amps, drums, lights, and Lemmy’s infamous bass guitar.
  At the bottom of the screen, starting from left to right, you’ll find an Info
  button that explains the rules of the games, your Bet value and Level, an
  Autoplay button, the Spin button, a Max Bet button, your Coin Value, the
  number of Coins that you own, and the Rock Mode button that activates the
  game’s soundtrack. The soundtrack is compiled of Motorhead classics such as
  “Ace of Spades”, “Iron Fist”, “Killed by Death”, and “Overkill”. Activate the
  Rock Mode button and you’re bound to have a blast!
</p>
<p>
  The symbols you’ll encounter in this game are Four-Leaf Clovers, Cherries,
  Horseshoes, Lucky Number Sevens, Bells, Stars, the Ace of Spades symbol, which
  is this game’s Wild symbol, and Motorhead’s long-standing mascot Snaggletooth
  which is this game’s Scatter symbol.
</p>
<p><b>Mystery Reel Feature</b></p>
<p>
  Unless the Bomber Feature is activated, every spin in the main game and during
  Free Spins will yield one or more Mystery Reels. After the reels have stopped,
  the mystery symbols – good old Snaggletooth again – transfer into one random
  symbol except for Scatter.
</p>
<p><b>Bomber Feature</b></p>
<p>
  The Bomber Feature can be activated randomly before a spin in the main game.
  Each bomb consists of a cluster of mystery symbols. Several bombs occur on the
  reels and then create at least ten overlay mystery symbols. Once each bomb has
  generated the mystery overlay symbols, the reels spin with a symbol being
  chosen in the same way as the Mystery Reel Feature.
</p>
<p><b>Free Spins</b></p>
<p>
  Three Scatter symbols appearing anywhere on reels 3, 4, and 5, activate 10
  Free Spins. During Free Spins, the Mystery Reels consist of both Mystery
  Symbols and Wild Symbols.
</p>
<p>
  <b><a href="https://westcasino.com/game/motorhead-desktop/fun" target="_blank">Motorhead Video Slot</a> is a blood boiling rock and roll blast that will have
    you experience several adrenaline rushes thanks to its exciting gameplay and
    killer tracks. NetEnt’s really outdone themselves with this one. Give it a
    try!</b>
</p>
<h2>Guns N’Roses Video Slots</h2>
<p>
  Guns N’Roses is pretty much one of the biggest bands in the world. They
  achieved world fame in the late 1980s and they’ve become a hard rock icon
  whose logo can still be seen on posters on teenagers’ walls and T-shirts.
  Their music is gritty, loud, and amazing thanks to Axl Rose’s killer vocals
  and Slash’s face-melting guitar playing. The initial line-up consisted of Axl,
  Slash, rhythm guitarist Izzy Stradlin, bassist Duff McKagan, and drummer
  Steven Adler. Their debut album created a worldwide frenzy that still burns
  fiercely to this day. As of 2016, thanks to NetEnt, Guns N’Roses have their
  own slot game. If you enjoy hard-rocking music and big winnings, you’re going
  to like this game. A lot!
</p>
<p>
  <a href="https://westcasino.com/game/guns-n--roses/fun" target="_blank">Guns N’Roses Video Slots</a> is a five-reel, three-row, 20 payline slot game. You
  play against the backdrop of a Rock and Roll concert set on a dream-like
  summer’s eve. The place is absolutely packed – there’re people everywhere and
  they cheer you on whenever you get a win. Thankfully, they’ll cheer pretty
  often since this game features a great payout.
</p>
<p>
  The layout is fairly simple. In the bottom left corner, you’ll find a Set List
  button. You’ve got a great selection of GNR hits to choose from: “Welcome to
  the Jungle”, “Sweet Child O’ Mine”, “Paradise City”, “November Rain”, and
  “Chinese Democracy”. There’s also the option to play without sound – not that
  you’d want to do that – and to put a song on Repeat. The rest of the buttons
  present are what you’d expect. It’s pretty standard stuff: Bet Value and Level
  (up to ten), an Autoplay button, a Spin button, a Max Bet button, Coin Value
  (0.01 – 1.00), and the Number of Coins that you own.
</p>
<p>
  The symbols you’ll encounter in this game are Tens, Jacks, Queen, Kings, Aces,
  Guitar Picks, portraits of Duff McKagan, Slash, and Axl Rose, and the GNR logo
  which is this game’s Wild Symbol. There’s also a Bonus Symbol in the form of a
  Vinyl Record.
</p>
<p><b>Bonus Wheel</b></p>
<p>
  Three Bonus symbols appearing anywhere on reels 1, 3, and 5 in the main game
  randomly award one of three features: Encore Free Spins, the Crowd-Pleaser
  Bonus Game, and coin wins. Just click the stop button to stop the wheel from
  spinning and see which bonus feature is activated.
</p>
<p><b>The Crowd-Pleaser Bonus Game</b></p>
<p>
  The Crowd-Pleaser Bonus Game is a Pick &amp; Click game with three levels. Players
  have several picks that award coins. On all levels of the Bonus, besides the
  coin win, you can get Free Spins and a +1 symbol. Up to three Free Spin
  symbols can be awarded from all three levels combined. Three Free Spin symbols
  activate 10 Free Spins.
</p>
<p><b>Encore Free Spins</b></p>
<p>
  This feature activates 10 Free Spins. During Encore Free Spins, a band member
  symbol will appear as an overlay Stacked Wild symbol on reel 2, 3, or 4 in
  each spin. The corresponding band member symbol will act as a Wild on all
  other reels for that spin.
</p>
<p><b>Appetite for Destruction Wild</b></p>
<p>
  Named after GNR’s first album, the Appetite for Destruction Wild is an overlay
  Wild in the shape of a cross that can land randomly on one of 3 possible reel
  positions. It substitutes for all symbols except Bonus symbols and it pays the
  highest possible winning combination on a bet line. Unfortunately, when this
  feature is activated, no other feature can operate simultaneously.
</p>
<p>
  Guns N’Roses Video Slots is an absolutely exceptional online slot game with a
  great RTP and Low to Medium volatility. The gameplay, the graphics, and the
  sound are all prime examples of how a Rock Band-themed game should play, look,
  and sound like. Even if you’re not a fan of GNR, it’s still worth a play.
  There’s something about it that makes the world go dim for a while, and you’re
  left within this musical dreamscape to party and win big!
</p>
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
<p>
  There you have it! These are WestCasino’s best music-themed games. They all
  have something special and besides the fact that they use celebrities to make
  slots better, they’re actually great games that any game-of-chance enthusiast
  would enjoy. The rules for all games are simple and easy to understand, the
  graphics are outstanding, and the gameplay for all four games is simply
  sublime.
</p>

Check out WestCasino’s best Rock Band Online Video Slot
Games! These are some of the most entertaining and high paying online casino
games in the industry.

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