Blackjack through the years

A card game that spans centuries throughout our history, Blackjack is a well-known and well-loved game that has only risen further in popularity as the years have ticked by. But how did this simple, card game rise to become classed as one of the original casino classics? Read on to learn more about this iconic card game and its rise to casino fame.

Origins

It’s believed by some that Blackjack’s blueprints were actually devised by the Romans. Known for their love of gambling games, the Romans are said to have played a similar game with wooden blocks with numbers painted on them in place of the paper cards we use today.

As the origins for Blackjack are under debate, there are some researchers that believe the game originated in French casinos in the 1700s. Back then, it was called Vingt-et-Un, which translates to Twenty-One. It’s believed that the cards derived from another popular card game in France at the time called Chemin de Fer. In fact, it’s known that the French Royal Court loved to play these games during the reign of King Louis XV.

Evolving through the years

In the 18th century, Vingt-et-Un sailed its way across to American shores, with the help of French colonists. By the 19th century, the game had grown in popularity and gameplay had evolved closer to what we know the game to be today. It was during this time that Eleanor Dumont, a French woman who had immigrated to America, opened up her very own gambling hall in the Nevada City in California.  Dumont was a very skilled dealer, and after making a name for herself whilst travelling around America, she ironically named her gambling establishment Vingt-et-Un.  People from all over the country flocked to her casino to play, as she was considered a rarity among card dealers and players alike.

Modern Day

Jump forward into the 20th century and Blackjack was still known as Twenty-One in Nevada City. But it was during this century that the game changed its name to what we know it as today, Blackjack. But why? Well, it’s said that gambling venues needed a way to promote the game, so decided to offer bonus payouts to those that found themselves with a hand comprised of an Ace of Spades and either a black Jack of Spades or a Black Jack of Clubs. As the game became more popular than ever with players during this bonus period, the bonus payouts faded out, but the name stuck.

Fast forward again to the modern-day and you’ll find that Blackjack has evolved further to be found not only in land-based casinos around the world but digitally within virtual casino websites too. With the advancement of technology, it has never been easier to grab a game of the casino classic, anywhere you are, at any time, as long as you have an internet connection.

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So, will you be trying your luck at this casino classic within a physical casino venue, or virtually through your favourite casino site? Either way, we know there’s a game waiting for you to be enjoyed!

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Gambling can be addictive, please play responsibly.
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