History of Blackjack | Discover more about BlackJack

Blackjack’s history is a mystery, filled with hazy prototypes that might have eventually led to the creation of this casino stable but no real set starting point. Most historians agree that the basis for the game can be traced back to France, where a number of card games required players to carefully manage their cards, with winners hitting a certain number. The Itallians, it is believed, were the progenitors of the concept of “going bust”, the rule applied in blackjack that requires players to not go over 21.

The closest forbearer to blackjack, however, can be found in 18th century Spain. The game is played in almost the exact same fashion as Blackjack, however the game’s goal was to come as close to 31 as possible without going over.

Blackjack as we know it came t o be as a mutation of some or all of these games after Europeans sailed to the new world. By the early 1900s, games of 21 were being played in gambling halls across the nation. To encourage new customers, some casinos ran a promotion that would give bonus winnings to anyone who made 21 using the jack and ace of spades, thus the black jack. This bonus became very popular and versions of it ran in many casinos throughout the US, with some variations. For instance, some would accept any black cards as part of the bonus.

Over time, this game evolved into the game we know formally as blackjack with dealer versus player and all of the rules that we know use in common play. The game eventually returned home to Europe in its new form, where it became just as popular as it was across the ocean. With large casinos such as those found in Las Vegas however, blackjack has in many ways remained one of America’s greatest contributions to the world of casinos.

Today, blackjack has continued to evolve.  No longer just a game to be played in casinos, gamblers can play this iconic game from their own home by visiting an online casino.  Companies such as Ladbrokes and Golden Palace offer regular blackjack games and tournaments, providing players with the opportunity to participate in the thrill of blackjack without having to drive to the casino.

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