Double down on 11 versus any dealer upcard except an Ace. When your hand casino (image source) total is 17 or higher (without an Ace), always stand. By learning and casino applying basic strategy, you are not just gambling; you are playing a game of skill. Always split Aces and casino 8s. It won't guarantee you win every hand, but it will significantly enhance your performance over time and turn Blackjack into a much more engaging and potentially profitable experience. Never split 5s and 10s. A pair of 5s is a strong starting hand of 10 (perfect for doubling down). Splitting 8s turns a terrible hand casino (image source) of 16 into two much better starting hands.
The word "casino" itself has Italian roots, meaning "little house." This establishment was government-controlled to provide a controlled environment for gambling during carnival season. Games like Basetta and Biribi, an early form of lottery, were popular. Where It All Began
The earliest recognized state-sanctioned casino (go to this website) was the Ridotto, casino established in Venice, Italy, in 1638.