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Blackjack History and Specific Features of the Game

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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:

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  • 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.

 

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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.

Industry News

InventHelp Inventor Develops New Accessory for Roulette Players

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“I wanted to create an accessory that would make it easy to remember numbers that are hitting on a roulette wheel as well as your bets, so I invented the MY ROULETTE WHEEL. My design would take the guesswork out of selecting numbers for betting, and it could help improve your odds,” said an inventor, from Las Vegas, Nev.

The invention provides a new accessory for individuals who enjoy playing roulette. In doing so, it helps a gambler select a limited number of numbers. It also would allow the user to keep track of the numbers he had bet on. As a result, it increases entertainment, and it could improve an individual’s odds of winning. The invention features a compact and novel design that is easy to use so it is ideal for casino patrons and individuals who enjoy roulette. Additionally, a prototype is available.

The original design was submitted to the Las Vegas sales office of InventHelp. It is currently available for licensing or sale to manufacturers or marketers.

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The post InventHelp Inventor Develops New Accessory for Roulette Players appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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PTSB Launches ln-app Voluntary Gambling Block to Support Customer Financial Wellbeing

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PTSB has launched a digital voluntary block for customers who wish to stop card transactions involving gambling merchants. This is an important initiative in promoting financial wellbeing and supporting customers in managing gambling-related harm.

The new feature allows PTSB customers to block debit and credit card transactions that are classified as gambling instantly through their PTSB App.

If customers choose to remove the block, a 48-hour impulse delay period will apply before gambling transactions can resume.

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Along with betting sites, the block also covers online casinos, poker sites and lottery websites.

An analysis of PTSB banking data from January to June 2025 shows:

• 91% of gambling spend was completed online.

• 80% of gambling spend was completed by men, versus 20% completed by women.

• The age group with the highest spend on gambling sites for both men and women is 40-49.

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• 2% of those who gambled in June 2025 spent over €1000, which falls into the threshold of problem gambling, according to ESRI Research.

ESRI research found that there are 130,000 adults with problem gambling in Ireland. There is also growing evidence that gambling offers lure people to bet more, particularly those at risk of problem gambling.

As part of the Bank’s 2025-2027 Sustainability launched earlier this year, PTSB is committed to playing its part in supporting customers with their financial wellbeing and has a continued focus on improving the financial literacy of its customers through education, inclusion supports and the delivery of digital tools. This includes raising awareness of the risks associated with problem gambling and providing support for those affected.

PTSB also has a dedicated Enhanced Customer Support team within their Contact Centre should customers need to access this support via phone.

Patrick Farrell, PTSB’s Retail Banking Officer, said: “At PTSB, the safety and welfare of our customers is of the utmost importance, and we’re committed to ensuring our customers have the knowledge and confidence to make informed financial decisions and plan for their future.

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“Problem gambling is increasingly becoming a societal issue that warrants the closest attention, as it can have hugely damaging implications for individuals, their families and loved ones. We know from ESRI research that one in 30 adults in Ireland suffers from problem gambling, but worryingly a further 279,000 adults show moderate evidence of it. That’s why we have introduced this voluntary gambling block in-app so that it is accessible when our customers need it most.”

Oisín McConville of GamblingCare.ie said: “I am delighted that PTSB has introduced a Gambling Block feature to their app. Having this service available to customers digitally will make a huge difference as it is accessible to them on the go, which is particularly important given the prevalence and availability of online gambling.

“Initiatives like this from PTSB are crucial in supporting those who experience problem gambling and really complement the support services GamblingCare offers in managing gambling-related harm.”

The post PTSB Launches ln-app Voluntary Gambling Block to Support Customer Financial Wellbeing appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Apple iSports

Apple iSports Signs Definitive Agreement to Acquire LBC Enterprises Pty Ltd

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Apple iSports, a gaming, entertainment, and technology services company, announced that it has signed a Definitive Agreement with LBC Enterprises Pty Ltd (LBC or Lucky Bet), an online gaming, wagering, and payment systems company.

The proposed acquisition underscores Apple iSports’ ability to execute strategic transactions pursuant to its stated business strategy. This transaction will underpin the Company’s ambitions and excellent relationships in the gaming and entertainment communities by securing highly accretive gaming and wagering revenue streams from business-to-business (B2B) and consumers (B2C). In doing so, this will position the Company to become a highly competitive player in the U.S. online gambling services ecosystem.

Ian Parke, CEO of LBC, said: “The proposed acquisition of our company by Apple iSports validates the global opportunity we see in regulated, tech-driven gaming. By combining LBC’s platform and operational expertise with AiS’s capital markets presence and distribution network, we are primed to accelerate our expansion into new markets and scale our white label program. This partnership represents a major step forward for Lucky Bet and the broader LBC ecosystem.”

Joe Martinez, CEO and Chairman of Apple iSports, said: “The Board of Directors is excited to continue rolling out our stated objectives with our proposed acquisition of LBC. Our service offerings to B2B and B2C will now be significantly enhanced in a rapidly growing sector. Combined with our exceptional team, this transaction catapults us into the US and international gaming markets.”

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Board member and director Lyndon Hsu, who is based in Singapore, said: “This defining transaction will expand our reach into gaming, wagering, and payment services markets via B2B and B2C opportunities. AiS will also be able to accelerate its stated capital raising objectives and further anticipated business acquisitions. Apple iSports remains on track to become a NASDAQ mainboard-listed company.”

The post Apple iSports Signs Definitive Agreement to Acquire LBC Enterprises Pty Ltd appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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