Industry News

Blackjack History and Specific Features of the Game

Published

4 years ago

March 19, 2020

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.

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Industry News

IGT Reports First Quarter 2024 Results

Published

20 hours ago

May 16, 2024

Niji Narayan

Reading Time: < 1 minute

International Game Technology PLC has reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024.

“Innovative game, hardware, and systems solutions drove better-than-expected Global Lottery and Gaming & Digital performance in the first quarter. As a result, we are upgrading our full-year 2024 revenue and profit goals, which reflect broad-based momentum across key performance indicators in the balance of the year. We continue to make progress on separating Global Lottery from Gaming & Digital and preparing for the proposed transaction with Everi,” Vince Sadusky, CEO of IGT, said.

Key Highlights:

Announced Gaming & Digital business to be spun off and combined with Everi Holdings Inc.; transaction expected to close in late 2024/early 2025
Recognised with top honours at ICE London 2024 awards programmes including “Lottery Product of the Year” and “Best Diversity and Inclusion Employer”
Received a supply contract extension from the UK National Lottery
Executed licensing agreement with the Maryland Lottery for IGT’s patented Cash Pop draw-based game
Mystery of the Lamp named “Top Performing New Premium Game” at 2024 EKG Slot Awards Show
Awarded contract to provide PeakDual 27 video lottery terminals across Quebec
Launched iGaming content in Rhode Island
Achieved AAA MSCI ESG rating, the highest rating possible, and earned a gold medal sustainability rating from EcoVadis.

“We delivered a record organic profit performance in the first quarter, if we exclude Separation & divestiture costs. The Company is operating from a position of strength with historically low net debt leverage, ample liquidity, and manageable near-term debt maturities,” Max Chiara, CFO of IGT, said.

The post IGT Reports First Quarter 2024 Results appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Industry News

eCOGRA Announces Leadership Transition

Published

2 days ago

May 15, 2024

Niji Narayan

Reading Time: 2 minutes

eCOGRA, the leading Testing, Inspection, and Certification company serving the iGaming industry, announced two changes to its leadership structure.

Following a period of outstanding international growth, which has seen eCOGRA expand to 39 jurisdictional approvals, including most recently Peru and Brazil, as well as establish new offices in Europe and the US, the business announced Will Shuckburgh has been appointed to the newly created role of Group CEO from 1 July 2024. As part of the transition to a fully global business, the Company also announced Shaun McCallaghan, who has been with the Company for 16 years, the last 6 of which have been as CEO, will take on the new board role of Senior Director, Operations and Regulatory Affairs.

Will Shuckburgh brings a proven track record leading customer focused businesses through periods of high growth and international expansion. Will, who joined eCOGRA in January 2024, is set to assume the role of Group CEO, following a 6-month hand over period. He has previously held positions as Managing Director at Nectar, Executive Vice President & Chief Membership Officer at Rakuten, as well as Chief Executive Officer of Invincible Brands, amongst others. In these roles, he successfully designed and executed strategies, to achieve profitable growth across multiple markets where client experience was essential.

Shaun McCallaghan has been a driving force behind eCOGRA’s success in recent years. Shaun’s approach is underscored by hard work, unwavering client loyalty and service, and the building of robust regulatory business relationships. Shaun has played a key role in securing dual accreditations, expanding jurisdictional coverage, diversifying the service offering, and enlarging eCOGRA’s client and staff base, while also successfully extending Testing, Inspection, and Certification services into North and South America. These, amongst many other achievements, have helped eCOGRA continue to grow and support clients in the ever-changing regulatory environment in which they operate.

Shaun now looks forward to taking up his newly formed role of Senior Director, Operations and Regulatory Affairs. This role will focus on ensuring clients will continue to receive the same high quality and reliable services that they have been accustomed to from eCOGRA. Shaun will continue to be a member of the board.

Mark Brooker, the Group Chairman, said: “Will’s appointment brings fresh energy, insight and strategic vision, aligning perfectly with eCOGRA’s commitment to excellence across each of its markets. The changes also reflect eCOGRA’s commitment to stability and innovation, with Shaun continuing to play a key role in the Company’s future success through his new role of Senior Director, Operations and Regulatory Affairs.”

David Cowan, representing the majority shareholder Hanover Investors, commented: “This transition signifies a natural evolution in eCOGRA’s leadership landscape in response to the strong growth of the business. Shaun’s transition enables a more hands-on approach to delivery, ensuring eCOGRA’s expansion maintains the highest standards of service to positively elevate the client journey. Meanwhile, Will Shuckburgh, is a seasoned high-growth CEO with an impressive track record, who brings visionary leadership and transformative abilities to the business. Known for identifying and capitalising on emerging opportunities, Will’s focus on fostering a culture of collaboration, and continuous improvement will elevate eCOGRA’s global presence. Together Will and Shaun will maintain our steadfast commitment to excellence and have the full support of the Board and the Shareholders.”

The post eCOGRA Announces Leadership Transition appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Industry News

GambleAware calls for health warnings on gambling ads, as major research highlights need for improved safer gambling messaging

Published

2 days ago

May 15, 2024

Niji Narayan

gambleaware-calls-for-health-warnings-on-gambling-ads,-as-major-research-highlights-need-for-improved-safer-gambling-messaging

Reading Time: 3 minutes

GambleAware, the leading commissioner of gambling harms prevention and treatment services in Great Britain, has called for enhanced evidence-based health warnings on gambling adverts. The call comes in response to findings published today from an independent research consortium, showing the need for clearer safer gambling messaging that highlights the risks associated with gambling.

The research, based on a survey of over 7,000 people, has called into question the effectiveness of the widely used industry-led slogan ‘Take Time To Think’ (TTTT). The report revealed that the current slogan fails to land the jeopardy of gambling harms or signpost where people can get help.

Alexia Clifford, Chief Communications Officer for GambleAware, said: “Gambling harms are a serious public health issue, and it is vital that people are aware of the risks associated. Today’s landmark study underscores the need to replace the industry-led slogan ‘Take Time To Think’ with more compelling health warnings.

“We’re also concerned about operators’ misuse of the GambleAware logo and the lack of clear signposting to support channels. We urge industry to take heed of the growing body of evidence highlighting the need for better safeguards and restrictions.”

Findings from the study indicate replacing current industry marketing messages with three new health warnings, which were shown to be clearer, more impactful, and more memorable to both the public and people who gamble.

Emphasising addictiveness was shown to prompt behaviour change, with the strapline ‘Gambling can be addictive’ having greater cut-through (46% of people who gamble vs. 35% for TTTT) and prompting the most people setting the lowest deposit limit. The warning ‘Gambling comes at a cost’ was seen by people who gamble as more impactful and memorable, especially compared to TTTT (22% of people who gamble say this vs. 12% for TTTT). It effectively conveyed implications beyond financial harms. ‘Gambling can grip anyone’ also performed well across metrics.

Dr Raffaello Rossi, a lecturer in marketing at Bristol University and co-author of the research, said: “In the absence of strict gambling marketing restrictions, it is absolutely vital that we see warnings on gambling advertising that highlight the addictive nature of gambling, paired with clear, unambiguous signposting for people to access support if needed. We need to see better regulation of gambling operators who are widely bombarding us with their ads.”

Additional findings showed that the inclusion of a clear and separate GambleAware health warning at the end of a 30-second gambling advert was more than twice as effective than Take Time To Think at showing people where to get support (72% vs. 30% agree). The analysis will form the basis of a new guidelines3 providing operators with clear guidance and recommendations on how to promote safer gambling and prevent harm.

The latest report findings align with the recent Government response, which clearly set out the need for public health messaging to be integrated and reinforced to effectively reduce harm and have impact. They also follow recent research from GambleAware highlighting the role advertising plays in normalising gambling for children and young people, who described feeling their online world was “saturated” with betting promotions and gambling-like content.

Sam Starsmore, who has lived experience of gambling harm, said: “I’ve experienced first-hand the profound impact of gambling harm on every aspect of life – mentally, physically, emotionally, and financially. Sadly, there are potentially millions more people out there at risk of harm, and if they or a loved one are concerned about their gambling, they need to know where they can get help.

“Gambling operators spend millions on advertising, but there isn’t nearly enough regulation and signposting to support services has to be improved. Reflecting on my personal experiences, the safer gambling messages never had an impact in providing me with a platform or direction to seek the support I crucially needed. Change is needed and could help prevent so many people from more serious consequences further down the line.”

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