History of Casino
Officially casinos were first seen in the 1600’s, however throughout history gambling has been known in one form or another. People have always liked to gamble, it is in our blood. Unsurprisingly gambling has always been seen as a form of entertainment and after all, you can bet on just about anything if you want to!
The term "Casino" is of Italian origin, the root word being "Casa" and from the beginning meant a small country house, summervilla or recreational place. The word changed though so it appeared more relaxed and was usually placed in a nice Italian village on a piazza. Casinos were used to host civic town parties – including dancing, music and gambling..
Gambling Houses
The exact origin of gambling is unknown. People have been gambling around the globe for centuries, in each and every culture. From the early Chinese to ancient Greeks, Napoleon, Caesar to Queen Elizabeth of England, all of their social practices involved gambling.
In American gambling was legalized 1931 throughout the state of Nevada, along with Las Vegas and Reno. America's first legalized casinos were set up in those places. In 1978 New Jersey allowed gambling in Atlantic City, now America's second largest gambling city.
THE GAMES
Black Jack
Blackjack, also known as Twenty-one, is the most popular casino game in the world. Imagine the adrenaline pumpinng, fast bets, high payouts and glamour! No wonder Blackjack remains a top choice for casino. The name Blackjack is from a version of 21 in which casinos used to up the ante and offer increased payouts for anybody you got twentyone using the ace of spades and either black jack.
Basic game strategy
The game strategy is the most important thing to know to become a winning blackjack player. The dealer must play using the house rules meaning he must always hit (place a card) with a hand of 16 or less (like....14) and stand (not place more cards) with a hand of 17 or more. One of the dealer’s cards is face-up for all players to see. This is the best way to play every possible situation. In this way you use statistical analysis to win various hands. You then play your cards the way that is statistically the most likely to result in a win and bam, you're rich.
Roulette
Oh lovely roulette. Roulette is French for "little wheel". Players may choose to place bets on either a single number or several numbers, play on red or black and /or odd/even numbers.
Roulette is believed to come from France though it is hard to determine where the game truly came from. They were the ones to add the zero to give the house edge. The game was not allowed in France during the 19th century.
In the 19th century, roulette spread all over the world, second to blackjack the most popular casino game. The German government disallowed gambling in the 1800s, so the Blanca family moved to the last legal remaining casino operation in Europe, MC soon turned into gambling Mecca for gamblers, as you are well aware of.
Casino Movies
The Cincinnati Kid - 1965
A modern classic! Steve McQueen is the Cincinnati Kid.
The Sting - 1973
For sure the best of all gambling related movies. We just love Paul Newman and Robert Redford, and casino of course.....
Rounders - 1998
The top poker movie from the 90s, John Malkovich plays a Russian gangster named "Teddy KGB" and Edward Norton well, plays someone else. Starring Matt Damon, Edward Norton, John Malkovich.
Ocean's Eleven (The original) - 1960
The original casino heist movie from 1960, not like the new one including Brad Pitt and the others. Starring Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr.
Casino - 1995
Martin Scorsese's film about Vegas and the mafia during the 70s. Loosely based on a true story. Starring Robert DeNiro and Joe Pesci.