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?

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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.

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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.

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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.