Industry News
Blackjack History and Specific Features of the Game
Blackjack commands the most massive following of all table games in both online and offline gambling platforms. The game’s fame is rooted in having been around for a long time and also its depiction in pop culture creations such as films, TV shows, and even literature pieces. Blackjack is a card comparing game that pits one or several gamers against a croupier, and each one gets their turn to try and beat the house. Blackjack has a rich history that has helped build it up to the well-respected game. Also, numerous blackjack strategy approaches have come up over the years to draw the attention of a bigger fan base.
The Beginning
Blackjack roots can be traced back to the early eighteenth century. Like most games that have been around long, the origins of blackjack are muddled and are still the subject of argument to date. Even so, it is agreed that the indulgent didn’t come to be from the actions of a single person or a particular point in time. Instead, it is the result of gambling evolution that continues to this date, especially with the entry of online casinos. The revolution of blackjack to what it is today took different roots in history, and some of the most popular theories include:
- French casinos: The most common belief of blackjack origins is that the game has its roots in French casinos. The game popped up in the country’s gambling establishments in the early 1700s as Vingt-et-Un, which translates to 21. This game is believed to have been a variation of other popular card games at the time that dominated the gambling scene such as Chemin de Fer.
- Spanish roots: Spaniards have also been linked to the game of blackjack. During the eighteenth century, Spanish casinos offered a similar version of what is played today dubbed Trente-Un, which translates to 31. In the game, players had to gain a card value of thirty-one using only three cards before the dealer did. This is ten cards more than what is used today.
- Rome casinos: It is no secret that ancient Rome was home to thriving gambling habits among its citizens, especially soldiers. It is believed that the Romans played the game with wooden planks in the place of cards with each block holding a different numerical value. However, there is no evidence of the link between this game and modern blackjack, but the Romans love for gambling makes it a popular theory nonetheless.
The American Twist
Out of the three games believed to have inspired the game, the French version is the one that gained the most popularity and spread around the world. The set was well-accepted in North America where it was introduced during the French revolution by colonists. The game still held on to some traditional rules, including the limitation that only the croupier was allowed to double. Also, a betting round was played before the next playing card was dealt. The game still went by the name twenty-one when it reached Nevada in the early twentieth century, which was around the time that casinos were made legal.
With the gambling sector scrambling to get as much attention with its newfound legality, some rule changes were made. On top of the usual stakes, players were allowed to gamble on a special bet. In the hand, players would win if it contained once of the two black jacks used in the deck – the jack of clubs or that of spades. On top of that, the Ace of Spades had an odds upgrade where it would pay ten to one. As the game gained more popularity, gambling destinations soon dropped these special stakes, but the name blackjack stuck from the peculiar bet that made it famous. Today, the value of the Ace of Spades is juggled depending on the dealt hand.
Blackjack Gameplay and Features
Over the years, numerous variations of blackjack have cropped up in a bid to keep the popularity of the game alive. Even so, all versions of the game are similar to the classic version with only a few twists in the rules that act as building blocks for slightly different gameplay experience. In blackjack and all its variations, the gameplay procedure remains constant. Players need to have a card value of 21 or one close to it before the dealer. If the number goes over 21, whoever holds it busts and automatically loses the round. Also, if the card value is lower than that of the dealer’s, then the player loses. Each card contributes a different value to the hand as follows:
- The numbered cards award face value. For instance, a 3 card counts as three and a 10 card counts as ten.
- The face cards, which are the kings, queens, and jacks, all award ten.
- The Ace counts as one or eleven. The considered value varies depending on which card would be most valuable to the hand. For instance, the eleven-card used in a hand valued at ten or less is handy but would bust if it is higher.
Now with the most basic rule down, here is a look at how a round of blackjack goes down:
The Purchase of Chips
This is necessary for brick and mortar casinos since real money is not used at the tables. In online and live gambling dens, however, the player’s balance is automatically changed to virtual chips once the game is launched.
Wager Placement
Blackjack round only begin once the player has placed their stake in the betting circle. Depending on the gaming club, the ring could be the casino logo or that of the game. The stakes are determined the chips used with each one being matched to a credit or cash value. The minimum stake also varies from one set to another. Online blackjack variations accommodate bets as little as a couple of pennies while land-based versions rarely go below five dollars.
Dealing of Cards
Blackjack is either conducted by a croupier in location-based and live casinos while an RNG serves the purpose in online versions. One card is handed out to the player face up while the dealer takes one face down. Another card is handed to the gambler face up, and the dealer receives one face-up as well. The dealing of cards marks the real beginning of the game.
Playing the Hand
From the two cards handed out, players have to add the values, which adds up to a value between 4 and 21. If the cards are an Ace of Spades and a ten-card, the round automatically ends with the player as the winner unless the dealer also has 21. In that case, no win is granted, but the original stake is not lost. If the value is not a blackjack, there are several ways that the gambler can proceed, and they include:
| Stand | If the first two cards are of an acceptable value, this move will end the round and require the dealer to reveal their cards. |
| Hit | If there is adequate room to improve the card total, the croupier will deal more cards until one chooses to stand or busts by going over 21. |
| Double down | If the card value is advantageous, one can choose to double their wager and receive an additional card. The added bet allows one to take or turn down the card after seeing its value. |
| Split | If the first two cards are of the same value, one can choose to separate them and have different stakes for each. Therefore, the gambler will be playing two hands that begin with an equal card value. |
| Surrender | If the first two cards are not of suitable value, players can choose to return the cards but at the loss of half their bet. |
In Brief
Blackjack is a continually evolving game with variations popping up now and then to challenge the norm. Players can access the game and its various versions online and offline in a wide variety.
Welcome to our weekly roundup of American gambling news again! Here, we are going through the weekly highlights of the American gambling industry which include the latest news and new partnerships. Read on and get updated.
Latest News
Merkur Gaming is going to participate in this year’s Peru Gaming Show, taking place from June 18 to 19 at the Centro de Convenciones Jockey Plaza in Lima. Representatives from the company’s German headquarters and its local subsidiary, Merkur Gaming Peru, will be on site to present the latest product innovations and engage with customers and visitors alike. The main attraction at the Merkur Gaming stand will be the linked progressive jackpot system Clash Link. This system stands out for its wealth of unique jackpot mechanics, which keep the excitement level consistently high.
PENN Entertainment has launched a new PGA TOUR-branded Blackjack game in New Jersey and Ontario. PGA TOUR Blackjack, now available via online Hollywood Casino in New Jersey and theScore Casino in Ontario, is the first iCasino game featuring PGA TOUR branding across any platform. PGA TOUR Blackjack, created by PENN’s in-house game development studio, PENN Game Studios, offers classic blackjack gameplay, plus poker and pairs side bets. The golf-themed table features official PGA TOUR logos, custom playing cards, chips and golf-themed celebrations. The new title is available on the standalone Hollywood Casino and theScore Casino platforms and is also accessible through ESPN BET in New Jersey and theScore BET in Ontario.
International Game Technology PLC announced the launch of IGT PlayDigital’s MEGA VAULT offering – a new innovation on its player engagement solution. Powered by the IGT PlayDigital Engagement Platform, a customisable suite of player engagement tools, MEGA VAULT brings together its industry-renowned engagement tools—Prize Drops, Leaderboards, Marketing Jackpots and more—into a single promotional experience. Designed to maximise excitement, engagement and rewards, MEGA VAULT aims to deliver seamless high-impact campaigns that captivate players and drive long-term retention.
Partnerships
Zitro has installed its revolutionary CONCEPT cabinets at the Casino La Cima in Mérida, Yucatán. The CONCEPT cabinets feature the Magic Lighting system, which syncs lights and sound with gameplay for a fully immersive experience, and the largest Screen Deck button panel on the market, offering unmatched comfort and ease of use for players and operators. This launch is backed by some of Zitro’s most successful titles — Fortune Legacy, Legendary Sword and King Fu Frog — all proven crowd favourites known for their engaging mechanics and strong performance.
Aristocrat Interactive, under NeoGames US, signed a six-year contract with the Michigan Lottery to provide its full solution of iLottery product offerings, reaffirming its leadership in the U.S. iLottery industry. Under the contract, from July 2026, Aristocrat Interactive will provide services to the Michigan Lottery for six years, with six additional one-year extension opportunities. The relationship with the Michigan Lottery began in 2014 with the launch of its iLottery programme using NeoGames’ iLottery platform and games. This new deal will provide the Michigan Lottery with eInstant games, draw-based games and add-on offerings produced by Aristocrat Interactive’s NeoGames Studio, along with continuing to leverage the company’s iLottery technology. Aristocrat Interactive will also provide the Michigan Lottery with a new website and mobile application services with Gambyt – a software company specialising in the lottery, casino and sports betting industries.
The post Gaming Americas Weekly Roundup – June 2-8 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) has announced that this year’s European Safer Gambling Week will take place from November 17 to 23.
European Safer Gambling Week is an annual collaborative initiative to raise awareness about safer gambling in Europe and foster a strong culture of player protection. Organised by EGBA, the initiative serves as a platform to inform citizens about safer gambling and promote information and best practice-sharing between stakeholders across Europe’s gambling sector, including operators, regulators, technology providers, support organisations and experts-by-experience.
This year will be the fifth edition of the initiative and follows the unprecedented success of 2024, which saw 195 partners participate in a social media campaign across 26 countries reaching 3.1 million social media users with important safer gambling messages. There were also 20 events held during the week that gathered 3000 attendees.
Building upon this momentum, the 2025 edition will be underpinned by a social media campaign and an array of insightful workshops. These will aim to raise awareness about safer gambling, share best practices and tips, signpost crucial resources and services, and facilitate meaningful discussions about the latest developments in regulation and research.
Maarten Haijer, Secretary General of EGBA, said: “We’re pleased to announce the dates for European Safer Gambling Week 2025 and are excited to build on the exceptional momentum of last year’s campaign. The initiative has become Europe’s leading platform for safer gambling awareness and last year brought together a record coalition of 195 partners across 26 countries to promote player protection. This is a shared commitment and we invite organisations across the industry to join us for this year’s edition and help us foster a strong culture of safe and sustainable gambling in Europe.”
The post EGBA Announces Dates for This Year’s European Safer Gambling Week appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Evoke, one of the world’s leading betting and gaming companies with internationally renowned brands including William Hill, 888 and Mr Green, announced the establishment of a new Technology Committee of the Board effective immediately.
The Committee will be chaired by Independent Non-Executive Director Susan Standiford. Non-executive Directors Limor Ganot and Ori Shaked will also be members of the Committee.
The Committee will provide Board-level oversight of evoke’s major technology investments and initiatives, ensuring alignment with business strategy, risk management and operational effectiveness.
Jon Mendelsohn, Chairman of evoke, said: “In a world where technology is evolving at break-neck speed and in an industry where technology leadership is a core driver of sustainable success, our Technology Committee will play an important role in strengthening the Board’s governance and long-term strategy development. The Committee will focus on providing transparency and insight across our product, technology, data and operational initiatives as well as informing the Board and executive leadership on technology trends with the potential to shape the Group’s long-term competitive advantages.”
The post Evoke Announces the Establishment of a New Technology Committee appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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