Blackjack History: When and where it began

Blackjack, one of the world’s most popular casino games, has centuries-old roots. Blackjack didn’t simply appear–it has evolved throughout cultures, countries and centuries.

In 17th-century France a widely-played game known as “Vingt-et-Un”, French for “twenty-one”, is believed to have been the precursor of modern blackjack. In many ways, this game is similar to blackjack today. One of the main goals was to reach 21 or close enough without going above. French colonists later brought the game over to North America. It began to develop into the modern version.

The game “twenty One” was popularized in America during the 1800s. To attract players, casinos introduced bonus payouts. The promotion paid 10-to-1 to a player who held an ace of clubs and a black-jack (the jack of clubs or spades). This particular payout was not sustained, but the name “blackjack”, which we call today’s game of blackjack, persisted.

In time, Blackjack evolved further due to the innovations made in terms of casino rules, gambling strategies, and mathematic analysis. Mid-20th Century, the reputation of blackjack took another big leap with the publication and use of statistical and probability-based strategy guides. Edward Thorp, the author of the well-known book Beat the Dealer introduced the card countering system and proved blackjack was a game hengongbet that could be won with skills.

In casinos from Monte Carlo all the way to Macau and beyond, blackjack continues to be a popular game. This popularity has grown with online gambling and the introduction of live dealer games. Even though blackjack has changed, its core is the same: a game of strategy based on chance and decisions that excite all generations.

The history of blackjack tells a tale of change, of endurance and of timeless appeal. This rich history is not just a reason to enjoy the game but also makes it an important chapter of entertainment in casinos.