Online Blackjack History

Well, as the majority of blackjack experts around the world will probably tell you, there is no one answer to that question. What we do know, however, is that the game of blackjack came into existence in French casinos sometime in the 17th Century and was called "Vingt-et-Un" or 21". 

Not long thereafter, the game of 21 found great popularity across the Atlantic where, in true American style, it was renamed blackjack" after the two cards players most wanted to be dealt ? a Jack and Ace of Spades (which together add up to 21 and ensure a win).

Of course, it wasn't only the yanks who were getting caught up in the blackjack frenzy, other casino friendly countries around the world also adopted this exciting game of chance and skill.

As is the nature of man, it didn't take long for people to begin applying their minds to figuring out the "secrets" of the game, blackjack being no exception. Since the middle of the 20th Century many mathematicians and even a few "crackpots" have done their best to explain the ins and outs of blackjack, with the objective to give players a better chance of "beating the house".

In fact, the sixties saw a Professor by the name of Edward O. Thorp published a book called "Beat the Dealer" where he explored the concept of "counting cards". Not only did the book become a bestseller but it actually frightened many American casinos into changing the rules of blackjack to make it harder for players to win. Needless to say, the players didn't take too kindly to these new rules and decided to hang on to their hard-earned money. The casinos relented and changed the rules back. They wanted their loyal blackjack players back and, more importantly, their money.

Probably the most infamous blackjack player of all time was a chap called Ken Uston, who in the seventies managed to win in excess of a hundred thousand dollars from casinos through the use of mini-computers hidden in his and his co-collaborators shoes. He was eventually caught but was vindicated when it was proved that the computers fed him and the others nothing more than factual information and rules about blackjack.

This brings us to the 21st Century where blackjack still holds the fascination of those around the globe determined to break the casinos through sheer skill, luck and even by crook.