Bettors, often masked to preserve their anonymity, casino would congregate to play games like Biribi, a lottery-style game, and Basetta, casino a card game. The initial government-sanctioned public gaming establishment was the Ridotto, founded in Venice, Italy, in 1638. The Origins of Casino Entertainment
The notion of wagering is as old as civilization itself, but the formalized institution we know as the casino has a more defined origin. Its primary purpose was to manage gambling during the carnival season. This represented a crucial shift from private, casino often illicit, gambling dens to state-controlled venues.
Roulette (American)
High
The presence of two zeros (0 and 00) on the wheel significantly increases the house advantage compared to European Roulette. Craps
Varies
The edge varies wildly depending on the bet. Poor play increases it dramatically. Following basic strategy can lower the edge to ~0.5%. Simple bets like the Pass/Don't Pass line have a low edge. A 95% RTP means a 5% house edge. "Proposition" bets can have an edge of over 16%. Baccarat (Banker Bet)
Very Low
The Banker bet has one of the lowest house edges in the casino, even after accounting for the 5% commission on wins. Game
Average House Advantage
Key Factors Affecting the Edge
Blackjack
0.5% - 2%
Player skill and strategy are paramount. Roulette (European)
Moderate
The single zero (0) on the wheel cuts the house edge in half compared to its American counterpart, making it a much better choice for players. This is not disclosed on the machine itself in most land-based casinos. Slots
Highly Variable
Each machine is programmed with a specific Return to Player (RTP).
A bonus should be a tool for more entertainment, not a trap. By carefully reading the terms and choosing bonuses with reasonable requirements, players can genuinely enhance their casino experience. A well-informed player is a powerful player.
Used when your hand total is low (e.g., 11 or less) and you are unlikely to bust. Used when your hand total is high (e.g., 17 or more) and hitting is too risky. Double Down
Double your initial bet, but you only receive one more card. Player Move
Description
General Advice
Hit
Request one more card. Always split Aces and 8s. Split
If you have two cards of the same value (e.g., two 8s), you can create two new hands. A powerful move used when you have a strong starting hand (e.g., a total of 10 or 11) and the dealer's upcard is weak. Surrender
(Not always offered) Give up your hand and lose half your bet. Stand
Take no more cards. Never split 10s or 5s. You must place a second bet equal to your first. A good option when you have a very weak hand (like 16) and the dealer has a very strong upcard (like a 10 or Ace). Introduction to Basic Strategy
For every possible combination of your hand and the dealer's upcard, there is one mathematically optimal decision (hit, stand, double, or split) that will result in the highest expected return over the long run. This set of decisions is called "Basic Strategy." It was developed through computer simulations and is typically displayed in a color-coded chart. While memorizing the entire chart can seem daunting, learning a few key rules can dramatically improve your game:
Term to Watch For
What It Means for the Player
Game Weighting/Contribution
Not all games contribute equally to wagering requirements. Slots usually contribute 100%, while table games like blackjack might only contribute 10% or even 0%. Maximum Cashout
Especially common with no-deposit bonuses and free spins, this rule limits the maximum amount you can win and withdraw from a bonus. Time Limits/Expiration
Bonuses are not valid forever. You will have a set amount of time (e.g., 7 days or 30 days) to claim the bonus and meet the wagering requirements. Exceeding this can void your bonus and winnings. Maximum Bet Size
When playing with an active bonus, there is often a limit on how much you can bet per spin or hand (e.g., casino $5). For example, a $100 max cashout means even if you win $500, you can only keep $100.
When the Dealer is Weak (Upcard 2 through 6): The dealer is more likely to bust. In these situations, you should be more conservative. Avoid hitting on risky hands like 12-16. Soft Hands: A "hard hand" is one without an Ace, or where the Ace must count as 1. A "soft hand" contains an Ace that can count as 11 without busting. When the Dealer is Strong (Upcard 7 through Ace): The dealer is likely to make a strong hand. You can play soft hands more aggressively because you cannot bust by taking one more card. You need to be more aggressive to win. For example, you should always hit on a Soft 17 (Ace-6). This is also the prime time to double down and split to get more money on the table when the dealer is vulnerable. It won't make you win every time—luck is still a major factor in the short term—but it will give you the best possible chance to win and will ensure that the casino's edge over you is as small as possible. You should hit your hard totals of 12-16 until you reach at least 17. By playing smart, you can turn a simple card game into a compelling strategic challenge. Learning and applying basic strategy is the single most important thing a Blackjack player can do.