A more appropriate title would be “the history of blackjack.” That makes perfect sense. However, it would be incomplete without a discussion of the game’s origins. That aspect has long eluded expert historians and even avid gamblers. There is still very little information available about the origins of blackjack.
All we have is a lot of conjecture. The most notable distinction is that the game began in France. Its inspiration can be traced back even further. Another theory holds that blackjack was invented by the Romans. We can’t confirm any of that, so we’ll have to settle for the next best thing when it comes to the game’s journey. That is, investigating how it has changed or evolved.
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Blackjack in the 18th Century
While blackjack may have been invented much earlier, it was not until the 18th century that it made its way to America. The French colonists were responsible for everything. The version that eventually evolved into the blackjack we know and love were heavily influenced by the French game Vingt-et-un. Its name translates to “twenty-one,” and it was a popular game at the time. That was because it was a game of skill rather than chance.
Blackjack in the 19th Century
As the popularity of blackjack grew in the United States, it declined significantly in its birthplace of France. Any hopes for further development were dashed by the country’s prohibition of various gambling activities. As a result, America was able to direct the game’s expansion. During this century, we witnessed the first legalized and house-banked blackjack games. At the same time, many people in other parts of the continent were still enjoying illegal player-banked games. If you enjoy playing online blackjack and live in Canada, we have plenty of resources to assist you in finding the best website to play on.
Blackjack in the 20th Century
When the twentieth century arrived, blackjack was still known as “21” in Nevada, where it began its American journey. However, the twentieth century saw many significant changes in the game, as well as in the casino industry. During this century, the name of the game was officially changed to Blackjack. The rules of the game changed as well, and some of those changes still apply to modern-day blackjack.
In this century, advanced computer technology was also used for the first time in blackjack. Initially, it was all about helping people improve their game. Technology eventually became an integral part of the blackjack experience. That is what gave birth to the blackjack that we all know and love today.
Contemporary Blackjack
As the twenty-first century began, online gambling was already very popular. With the advent of the internet, the game exploded all over the world, not just in the United States. Initially, the only version of blackjack available to online gamblers was the standard or classic version. But not for long.
One of the most exciting aspects of the casino industry is how dynamic it is. New formats and methods of playing casino games are constantly being developed. This benefited Blackjack greatly. There are numerous blackjack games available today. These have distinct gameplay elements and unique features. The rules also differ from game to game. It is up to the player to choose the best one for them.
These massive shifts also gave birth to live casino games. It was the ideal way to provide players with the best of both worlds in terms of access to both brick-and-mortar and online gambling experiences. The best online blackjack sites now provide a variety of live dealer games that are streamed in high definition over high-speed networks.
Keep an Eye on These Blackjack Trends
If the changes mentioned above are any indication, the evolution of blackjack and the entire gambling ecosystem is far from over. We are already reaping the benefits of centuries of improvements and developments, leaving you to wonder what’s next. As it turns out, we can get a sense of where the industry is going by examining some of the trends that are gradually shaping our blackjack experiences.
Blockchain Technology and Digital Currencies
Blockchain and digital currencies are perhaps the most notable trends. These technologies have evolved over a decade and are now sweeping the globe. The casino industry wasted no time capitalising on what it had to offer. Thanks to blockchain, blackjack players can now enjoy playing games that are proven to be fair. They can also use various cryptocurrencies to make quick, low-cost, and dependable payments.
Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning
Live dealer blackjack games appear to be poised to take the next step. With the rise of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), players are about to have a new way of experiencing blackjack. When combined with the power of artificial intelligence and machine learning, online blackjack, and other casino games are undergoing the greatest transformation since the internet.
Are You Prepared for the Following Chapter?
All of this appears to be a lot. It’s understandable. Keeping up, on the other hand, should be no problem. As quickly as the sector is expanding, it is also becoming much easier to obtain information. All of these games, as well as new formats, can be learned without breaking a sweat. There are numerous online resources and guides available to assist you. There are ways for professionals or real money blackjack players to learn new strategies or strengthen existing ones. Simply keep playing.