Blackjack is one of the popular and thrilling games that many people worldwide adore. As a cool and sophisticated game, this game can be played both socially at home and within the casino premises.
Undoubtedly, blackjack online is among the casino games that are the most played. Moreover, this game has been adapted for online gambling environments like blackjack. Online casino platforms have created new variants of blackjack where you can choose the one that suits you better.
The Origin of Blackjack
The origin of blackjack is still under debate. No clear story pinpoints exactly where it came from and how it came to be. However, some people believe that it came from the Romans, who loved gambling back in the day. This theory confirms that the Romans played with wooden blocks with different numbers painted instead of cards. This theory stands due to the Romans’ love for gambling, but it is still unconfirmed.
The majority opinion is that blackjack originated in France, first appearing in the 17th century. Back then, it was referred to as Vingt-et-un which means 21 in French. The games were played at the French Royal Court during King Louis XV’s tenure. Blackjack is derived from the French Ferme and Chemin der Fer, popular in the 1700s.
How Blackjack Became Popular
The popularity of blackjack was fuelled by the period of colonisation. As a result, it was carried from Europe to other continents like the Americas, Asia, and Africa. As the French colonisers and settlers settled in, they began to spread their culture and activities, including playing blackjack.
Once blackjack started becoming popular, casinos began providing excellent payouts to compete. This led to the games spreading widely, especially in America. The game’s rules back then were different from what we know now.
Card Games in the 18th Century
Other card games across Europe influenced the development of Vingt-et-un (blackjack). They include Trente-un (One and Thirty) of Spain, Sette e Mezzo (Seven and a Half) of Italy, and French Quinze (15).
The Spanish Trente-Un requires players to get close to 31 points to win, whereas Sette e Mezzo is played with 40 cards. These car games involved drawing cards until you reached a particular level. Thanks to the colonisers, these cards reach various destinations, including the Americas.
Card Games in the 19th Century
Blackjack spread and developed in America, especially in New Orleans, unlike in France, by 1820. It gained popularity gambling was legalised there. During this time, Eleanor Dumont, a skilled gambler, immigrated to America and established a gambling hall in Nevada City, California. This place flocked with many people from all over the country. They were coming to play against Eleanor, who was regarded as the gambler at the time.
The Great Era of the Casinos
The 20th century saw the card game 21 changing its name to Blackjack. The rules of the games evolved as gambling became legal. By 1950, the first blackjack card counter emerged.
In 1963, a computer scientist, Harvey Dubner, invented the high-low card counting method. Casinos adopted card counters, and this helped players to adapt their strategies. Advanced card counting systems have been developed, making it easier to master.
Online Blackjack
With the booming of the internet, online casinos arrived, and this was followed by online blackjack. The classic versions of blackjack were developed together with different varieties of games.
Online casinos allow gamblers to play blackjack at any time. They could also stream the game and interact with the live dealers. Online blackjack has at least two card dealers; one interacts with the players, while the other deals with the cards.
