Canada

Why blackjack is the most popular casino game in the world

Published

6 years ago

July 17, 2020

Casino players have more options than ever when it comes to the amount of games to choose from. However, even with a growing volume of games, there is one that remains the most widely popular.

Different studies have been conducted to determine which casino games are responsible for all online players, and they all conclude that blackjack is king, attracting around 31 percent of all online casino table traffic.

Blackjack is followed by roulette (24%) and poker (21%), with all other games combined (including craps and baccarat) making up the remaining 24 percent.

So, what is it about blackjack – a game that first emerged in the 18^th century – that has made it consistently the most popular game for so many players?

The rules are easy to understand

The rules for blackjack are simple enough for new players to quickly understand but layered enough to keep players engaged. After placing your stake for the upcoming hand, the dealer will deal you two cards and themselves two cards, with one facing down. Your aim is to reach as close to the value of 21 as possible.

After you have settled on your final hand, it is the dealer’s turn to reach 21. Whoever gets closer to 21, wins the hand. If one player goes bust by going over 21, the other player wins but if both go over 21 the round is void.

A player lands blackjack when their two original cards make up 21. This is only possible when dealt an Ace and a 10-value card (10, jack, queen, king). Usually blackjack earns the player an additional bonus on top of their original stake.

You can also make some mid-game bets that add extra dimensions to blackjack and make the game even more interesting. Splitting allows you to split your hand into two bets when you are dealt two identical cards. Doubling down means you can double your bet mid-game on the condition that you will only take one more card.

The basic rules and the mid-game betting are perfectly set up to make blackjack exciting and fun for players.

Mix of luck and decision-making

The biggest part of blackjack that contributes to its popularity is the fact that it allows players a level of control, even though the game is based primarily on luck. Of course, there is no control over which cards you get dealt, but players are able to decide when to hit (add more cards) and when to stick; when to double down and when to split.

Decision-making is almost as important as luck in blackjack. It allows players the opportunity to take advantage of hands that lean in their favor, while at the same time minimize risks and losses when the dealer is in a position of strength.

Compare that to the other most popular casino games. Roulette and slot games are based entirely on luck and give players no control, while poker is highly strategic to the point that players with terrible cards can still beat opponents with good cards.

Blackjack made a successful transition online

The evolution of online casino betting revolutionized the industry and saw casino games attract entirely new audiences and demographics.

As one of the most popular and established casino games, software developers knew of the importance of ensuring online versions of blackjack would prove just as popular.

The investment and effort to create dynamic and engaging digital versions of blackjack – particularly mobile versions in more recent years – has paid off and as revealed earlier, it is the most played online casino game in the world.

The beauty of blackjack is that the game is just as engaging whether played in a grand casino surrounded by people or on a mobile phone.

Blackjack is sociable and non-competitive

When playing at a live online casino or at a land-based casino, you will likely be joined at the blackjack table by other players. However, you all have the same goal and that is to beat the dealer. Despite sharing a table, blackjack players are not in competition with each other.

Whether playing with friends or strangers, blackjack’s setup makes it a sociable game as everyone wants to take down the house! And click here if you want to check online casino betting tips.

Alberta

Greentube goes live in Alberta as province opens regulated iGaming

Published

3 hours ago

July 20, 2026

Wladimir P.

greentube-goes-live-in-alberta-as-province-opens-regulated-igaming

Supplier secures AGLC registration and extends its Canadian footprint beyond Ontario, where it has been live since 2022.

Greentube has gone live in Alberta on the day the province opened as a newly regulated iGaming market, marking the supplier’s first launch in the jurisdiction.

The NOVOMATIC Digital Gaming and Entertainment division said it completed regulatory and technical due diligence and secured registration with the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) commission to operate in the province. Alberta becomes only the second Canadian province to regulate iGaming after Ontario, with the new framework replacing the monopoly previously held by Play Alberta.

The Alberta launch builds on Greentube’s existing Canadian footprint. The company has been live in Ontario since 2022 and described the Alberta debut as part of its wider North American expansion strategy.

Greentube said Alberta players will initially have access to a curated set of titles including Piggy Prizes Wand of Riches 2, Rumble Riches Haulin’ Gold and Firecracker Frenzy Money Toad, as well as Silver Lux Big Win Spinner, Starlight Jackpots Captain’s Catch and Charming Lady’s Boom.

David Bolas, Commercial Director at Greentube, said: “Going live in Alberta on the day the market opens is an important step for Greentube and reflects the strong momentum we are seeing in Canada.

“We welcome the opportunity a new jurisdiction offers and look forward to working with locally licensed operators to introduce our established offering to players in Alberta. With a balanced line-up of new releases and proven performers, we are well placed to offer a compelling experience in the province and support our long-term ambitions in the region.”

The post Greentube goes live in Alberta as province opens regulated iGaming appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Alberta

Greentube strengthens Canadian presence with Alberta debut as market opens

Published

3 hours ago

July 20, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

greentube-strengthens-canadian-presence-with-alberta-debut-as-market-opens

Greentube, the NOVOMATIC Digital Gaming and Entertainment division, has gone live in Alberta as the Canadian province opens as a newly regulated iGaming market, providing a significant new opportunity for the supplier in North America.

The Alberta market opening marks a key moment for the Canadian iGaming industry, becoming only the second province to regulate after Ontario, and the open framework officially replacing the long-held monopoly previously held by Play Alberta.

Greentube’s go-live follows a rigorous regulatory and technical due diligence process, with the company securing registration with the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) commission to operate in the province.

The development builds on Greentube’s established presence in Canada, where the company has been live in Ontario since 2022, and represents a significant step forward in its continued North American expansion strategy.

As part of the Alberta launch, players gain access to a curated selection from Greentube’s portfolio. The initial rollout includes Piggy Prizes Wand of Riches 2, Rumble Riches Haulin’ Gold and Firecracker Frenzy Money Toad, alongside established player favourites Silver Lux Big Win Spinner, Starlight Jackpots Captain’s Catch and Charming Lady’s Boom.

The mix has been carefully selected to reflect Greentube’s newest releases and strongest-performing titles, ensuring broad appeal for Alberta audiences from day one.

David Bolas, Commercial Director at Greentube, said: “Going live in Alberta on the day the market opens is an important step for Greentube and reflects the strong momentum we are seeing in Canada.

The post Greentube strengthens Canadian presence with Alberta debut as market opens appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.

Canada

PENN Entertainment Launches theScore Bet Sportsbook & Casino and theScore Casino and Hollywood Casino Standalone Apps in Alberta

Published

3 days ago

July 17, 2026

GamingAmericas.com

penn-entertainment-launches-thescore-bet-sportsbook-&-casino-and-thescore-casino-and-hollywood-casino-standalone-apps-in-alberta

PENN Entertainment has announced the launch of theScore Bet Sportsbook & Casino in Alberta, as well as theScore Casino and Hollywood Casino standalone apps, further expanding the Company’s Canadian online gaming footprint and bringing its leading digital gaming brands to players across the province. These apps are now available across Alberta on iOS, Android, and are also available on the web.

The Alberta launch marks the next chapter in theScore Bet’s continued growth in Canada, building on its success in Ontario. Players in Alberta can now enjoy the uniquely integrated sports media and betting experience from two of Canada’s most trusted brands, theScore and theScore Bet, bringing live scores, news, stats, and betting together in one connected ecosystem.

In addition to sports betting, theScore Bet Sportsbook & Casino gives Alberta players access to a comprehensive online casino experience featuring hundreds of slots, table games, live dealer experiences, and exclusive games, including Blue Jays Blackjack.

Complementing theScore Bet Sportsbook & Casino experience, PENN is also launching standalone Hollywood Casino and theScore Casino apps in Alberta. Hollywood Casino, a popular online and retail casino brand, delivers a casino-first experience featuring an extensive portfolio of slots, table games, and live dealer content. For players who prefer a dedicated casino app, theScore Casino offers the same premium gaming experience, providing additional choice alongside the all-in-one theScore Bet Sportsbook & Casino app.

“Alberta has an incredible sports culture, and we’re excited to bring theScore Bet Sportsbook & Casino to players across the province. Fans already know and trust theScore, and with theScore Bet, we’re extending that connection into a seamless sportsbook and casino experience. Whether you’re following your favorite team, placing a bet, or enjoying casino games, we’ve built the experience around the way fans naturally engage with sports. We commend the Alberta government for introducing a regulated online gaming market for private operators and look forward to serving fans in one of Canada’s great sports markets,” said Aaron LaBerge, Chief Technology Officer and Head of Interactive at PENN Entertainment.

Alberta customers can now enjoy:

• Same Game Parlays, player props, and live in-game betting.

• Seamless betting integration with theScore’s trusted sports news, scores, and data.

• Hollywood Casino’s extensive portfolio of slots, table games, and live dealer experiences, including Blue Jays Blackjack, the Dancing Drums series, and Sweet Bonanza series.

The post PENN Entertainment Launches theScore Bet Sportsbook & Casino and theScore Casino and Hollywood Casino Standalone Apps in Alberta appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.