When it comes to the most popular casino table games of all time, there’s no denying that Blackjack is up there with the best of them. Giving the glitz and glamour of a night at the roulette wheel and the nail-biting appeal of a game of poker both a run for their money, it’s one of the simplest and easy to play games that exist, yet despite its lack of pretension and basic set of rules, it remains beloved amongst high-rollers and new casino players alike.
More commonly known as ‘21’ in UK games, it’s thought that Blackjack has been around since the early 1700s, having evolved from a French table game that was first played below the radar by French gamblers. These days, it is a regular feature at some of the world’s glitziest land-based casinos, and in more recent years, has also become a popular pastime for frequenters of online casino platforms. The latter have seen a sharp increase in popularity over the past year, with bricks-and-mortar casinos forced to close their doors due to widespread lockdowns, and regular players having no choice but to seek their gambling thrills elsewhere.
There’s no denying that Blackjack remains one of the most played casino games in the world, both online and off – but how exactly did it manage to cement its place as a favourite casino game that would stand the test of time? Here, we take a look at why it’s still the best casino table game of 2021 – and why we can expect to see it continue going strong long into the future.
The history of Blackjack
When Blackjack first arrived on US shores – most notably of which, Las Vegas – it was a little-known game that elicited little excitement – but that soon changed when dealers began to dish out bonus payouts to players. Soon, the game was attracting crowds of players who were eager to try their luck at some Blackjack strategies, and with many believing it was easy enough to win, everyone from high-rollers to complete beginners couldn’t wait to get a slice of the pie.
Named after the jacks of spades and clubs, the original rules stipulated that in order to qualify for a bonus, a player would need to have an ace of spades and one of these two black jacks in their hand – but this has since changed. Nowadays, players can win the game if they hold an ace card alongside any of the tens, jacks, queens and kings.
Since those early days, the craze for Blackjack has swept the world, so much so that it has regularly featured in a variety of glamorous casino-themed films and has become synonymous with lavish occasions and sophistication.
An unwavering appeal
There are many reasons that Blackjack remains the most widely played casino banking game in the world – not least its inclusive appeal. Blackjack strategies don’t require much specialist technique, and anyone can strike it lucky. Plus, the rules are quick to pick up and easy to understand, making it simple to get the hang of when to stick or twist.
With such good odds of winning, it is a great place for would-be high-rollers to begin their casino journeys. Blackjack, unlike most card games, offers an exceedingly low house edge and a fair chance at a win for everyone, so it’s little wonder they keep on coming back for more. Not only that, but with a three-to-one payout meaning that when a player gets a Blackjack, he automatically wins the round, there is added excitement that keeps all players guessing throughout.
Social and fast-paced, Blackjack is a game that offers plenty of drama, and because each round is over quickly, nobody is ever left out. When played at a party or social event, there is always an imminent opportunity for new guests to join in, which has cemented its place as an easy entertainment option. All you need is a set of Blackjack game cards and a voluntary dealer, and you’re good to go – although if you have a magnum or two of champagne to accompany your game, then all the better.
While some popular casino games are country specific, Blackjack is internationally recognised, so you’ll never have trouble tracking it down.
The bottom line
A fun and exciting game that continues to enjoy worldwide appeal, Blackjack might be an oldie but there is no denying that it’s a goodie. So, if you’re looking for an opportunity to scoop the jackpot this weekend – online or off – then there’s no better place to start.
Please gamble responsibly (18+ UK) – check age restrictions before participating
