1989: The opening of The Mirage, the first mega-resort, signals a shift towards family-friendly entertainment, with attractions beyond just gambling. The pioneering online casinos emerged in the mid-1990s, offering unprecedented convenience. 1946: The Flamingo Hotel & Casino, with its ties to mobster Bugsy Siegel, brings a new era of glamorous, mob-funded casinos. Gamblers could now access their favorite games from the comfort of their own homes. This ignited an explosion in the industry's growth. 1960s-1970s: Legitimate investment, led by figures like Howard Hughes, begins to supplant mob influence, transforming Vegas into a more mainstream entertainment destination. The Digital Revolution and the Future
The late 20th century brought the most transformative change to the industry since the legalization in Nevada: the internet. Crucial Turning Points in Las Vegas

1941: The El Rancho Vegas opens, becoming the first resort on what would become the Las Vegas Strip.

These were often raw and dangerous places, a far cry from their European counterparts. It wasn't until 1931 that the state of Nevada took a revolutionary step by legalizing casino gambling to counter the economic devastation of the Great Depression. The New World and the Nevada Phenomenon
Across the Atlantic, America's relationship with gambling was developing on a different trajectory. This decision paved the way for the creation of Las Vegas as the world's gambling hub. In the 19th century, saloons in the Wild West were the epicenters of card games.

Used when your hand total is high (e.g., 17 or more) and hitting is too risky. Stand
Take no more cards. Player Move
Description
General Advice


Hit
Take another card. Split
If you have two cards of the same value (e.g., casino two 8s), you can split them into two separate 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. Used when your hand total is low (e.g., 11 or less) and casino you are unlikely to bust. Always split Aces and 8s. 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). Making the Mathematically Correct Play
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. Surrender
(Not always offered) Give up your hand and lose half your bet. You must place a second bet equal to your first. Never split 10s or 5s. 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: Double Down
Double your initial bet, but you only receive one more card.



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