About

History of Casino

Legitimate 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 just part of our nature. Unsurprisingly, gambling has always been seen as a form of entertainment and after all, you can bet on just about anything you want to!

The term "Casino" is of Italian origin, the root word being "Casa" meaning a small country house, summer villa or recreational place. The word changed to refer to a building created for entertainment, usually found as part of a large Italian country house or palazzo. 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, from Napoleon to Caesar and Queen Elizabeth of England, all of their social practices involved gambling.

In America gambling was legalised 1931 throughout the state of Nevada, which included Las Vegas and Reno, where America's first legal casinos were set up. In 1978, New Jersey allowed gambling in Atlantic City, now America's second largest gambling city.

THE GAMES
Blackjack
Blackjack, also known as Twenty-one, is the most popular casino banking game in the world. Imagine the adrenaline pumping, fast bets, high payouts and glamour! It's no wonder Blackjack remains a top choice for casinos around the world. Blackjack is all about comparing cards between the player and dealer, so the players only really compete against the dealer and not each other.

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 choose odd or even numbers.

The first form of Roulette is believed to have been conceived in France, in the 18th century. It was a fusion of different English, Italian and French card and board games.

In the 19th century, Roulette as we know it today, spread across Europe and the USA, becoming the second most popular casino game behind Blackjack. When the German government banned gambling in the 1860s, the Blanc family moved the last legal remaining casino operation in Europe to Monte Carlo. Monte Carlo soon turned into a gambling Mecca for the privileged and has kept that reputation to this day.

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 the one including the hunky Brad Pitt. 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.