Casino World
Your Hand Total
Dealer Shows Low Card
Dealer's Upcard is 7-Ace
17-20 (Hard)
Stand
Stay
13-16 (Hard)
Hold
Take Card
12 (Hard)
Stay
Draw
11
Double Down
Double Down
10
Double Down
Hit
Note: This is a simplified table. A complete basic strategy chart provides more detailed advice.
Late 1700s: Casinos gain popularity in spa towns like Baden-Baden and Monte Carlo. Significant Events
1638: The Ridotto opens in Venice. 1931: Gambling is legalized in Nevada, paving the way for Las Vegas. 1994: The first online casino is introduced, changing the industry forever. 19th Century: Saloons with gambling get widespread in the American West.
Stand: Keep your current hand and end your turn. The essential to basic strategy is knowing which action to take based on your hand and the dealer's upcard. Core Blackjack Actions
Hit: Take another card. Double Down: casino Double your initial bet and receive one more card. Split: If you have two cards of the same value, casino; visit the next page, you can split them into two separate hands. Here is a simplified decision table. Surrender: Forfeit half your bet and end the hand (not always available).
The extra pocket nearly doubles the house edge to 5.26%. The house edge is 2.7%. American Roulette: casino (visit the next page) Features numbers 1-36, a single zero (0), and a double zero (00). For this reason, savvy players always prefer European or French Roulette when available. French Roulette: Similar to European Roulette, but includes rules like "La Partage" or "En Prison" that can reduce the house edge on even-money bets to as low as 1.35%. Types of Roulette Wheels and House Edge
European Roulette: Features numbers 1-36 and a single zero (0). Let's look at the probabilities and payouts for common bets on a European wheel.
casino (8.141.82.163) Chips
Abstracts the player from the real value of their money, making it easier to bet larger amounts. Flashing Lights and Sounds
Celebrates wins (even small ones), creating an exciting atmosphere and triggering the brain's reward system. Design Element
Psychological Effect
No Clocks or Windows
Creates a sense of timelessness, making players lose track of how long they've been gambling. Complimentary Items ("Comps")
Creates a feeling of being valued and encourages reciprocity, making players feel obligated to play more.
Improving Your Odds
Blackjack is one of the few casino games where technique can significantly impact the outcome. The aim is simple: get a hand value closer to 21 than the dealer without going over. While luck always plays a part, casino (visit the next page) grasping basic strategy can lower the house edge and improve your chances of winning.
Popular Live Dealer Games
Live Blackjack: Play against a real dealer, often with multiple players at the same virtual table. Live Baccarat: A classic card game that is a favorite in live dealer formats. Live Roulette: Watch a real wheel spin and the ball drop, adding a layer of excitement. Live Game Shows: Unique games like Dream Catcher, Monopoly Live, and Crazy Time that combine gambling with entertainment show elements.
From these modest beginnings, the casino concept expanded across Europe and eventually to the Americas. A Journey Through Time
The notion of the casino has a rich and fascinating history, dating back centuries. The initial known European gambling house, the Ridotto, was founded in Venice, Italy, in 1638. Its goal was to control and regulate gambling during the carnival season.
Bet Name
Numbers Covered
Payout
Chance to Win
Straight Up
1
35 to 1
2.70%
Split
2
17 to 1
5.41%
Street
3
11 to 1
8.11%
Column/Dozen
12
2 to 1
32.43%
Red/Black (Even Money)
18
1 to 1
48.65%
Notice how the probability of winning is always slightly less than what a "fair" payout would be. That difference is where the casino makes its profit.
The key element is the "house edge," which is the casino's built-in advantage. Cracking the Code of the Wheel
Roulette is a game of pure fortune, but its outcomes are governed by the laws of probability. Understanding the math behind the wheel can't change the odds, but it can help you make more informed decisions and appreciate the game on a deeper level.
It's a hub for high rollers and features a mix of Portuguese and Chinese culture. The Big Four
Las Vegas, Nevada, casino (visit the next page) USA: "Sin City" is the undisputed king of entertainment. Singapore: A newer player on the scene, Singapore has quickly established itself with two massive integrated resorts, Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa, which are architectural marvels. The Casino de Monte-Carlo is one of the most famous and beautiful gambling houses in the world. Macau, China: The "Monte Carlo of the East" has surpassed Vegas in terms of gambling revenue. The Las Vegas Strip is lined with iconic mega-resorts, each a world of its own. Monte Carlo, Monaco: The original destination for elegance and sophistication.