First played well over a century ago, Blackjack has stood the test of time to become one of the most iconic games in the world. With players flocking to play a game of Blackjack online or within their local casino establishment, this card game has come a long way since being played in the French royal court back in the 1700s.
But how has a card game become so successful, with players all over the world playing a hand or two whenever they get the chance? Theres only one way to find out by looking back through the games history.
Scroll to begin your journey
Blackjacks Birth
There is a debate as to where Blackjack originates, with many historians and researchers saying it dates back to ancient Roman times, when they would use painted wooden blocks in place of the playing cards we use today, and with talks of Romans being avid gamblers, this could well be true.
However, there is no clear evidence to back up this speculation, therefore, both historians and researchers alike have agreed that the game actually originated in 1700s France. Back then, Blackjack was known as Vingt-et-Un, which translates to Twenty-One. The game was said to be so popular that it was played within the French Royal Court during the reign of King Louis XV.
Dealing hands around the world
With the popularity of the game spreading throughout France, it wasnt long before people all over the world started hearing all about it. With the help of some French colonists, word of Vingt-et-Un quickly spread, and was soon known as Twenty-One in America.
In the 19th century, after immigrating to the States, a French woman called Eleanor Dumont, made a name for herself as she was a very skilled dealer, known to be a rarity amongst others in the industry. When she first arrived in America, she toured the country, showcasing her skills, whilst boosting the popularity of the card game. After some time, she put down roots and opened her own establishment, which she ironically called Vingt et Un. From touring the states and through word of mouth, Eleanor Dumont soon saw people from all over the country visit her venue, in the hopes they would share a game of Twenty-One with her.
21 to Blackjack
As we entered the 20th century, this iconic card game was still known as Twenty-One. However, this was all about to change, thanks to some casino venues introducing offers and promotions to help boost the popularity of some of the games available on their lobby floors. One offer, in particular, proved to be a favourite amongst players, called Blackjack. To win an additional payout with the Blackjack offer, you needed to win a hand against the dealer that contained both the Ace of Spades and one of the two black Jacks within the deck; Ace or Clubs.
When the promotions were faded out of the lobbies, the name Blackjack stuck with players. And this is how Twenty-One, in some parts of the world, is now known as Blackjack.
Since then, Blackjack itself has only increased in popularity, making a name for itself as one of the most popular casino classics of all time.
Disclaimer:
- As per the Public Gambling Act of 1867, all Indian states, except Goa, Daman and Sikkim, prohibit gambling
- Land-based casinos are legalized, with certain guidelines, in Goa and Daman, as per the Goa, Daman and Diu Public Gambling Act 1976
- Land-based casinos, Online gambling and E-gaming (games of chance) are legalized in Sikkim under the Sikkim Online Gaming (Regulation) Rules 2009
- Only some Indian states have legalized online/regular lotteries as per and subject to the conditions laid down by state laws. Kindly refer to the same here
- Horse racing and betting on horse racing, including online betting, is permitted only in a licensed premise in select states. Kindly refer to the 1996 Judgement by the Supreme Court Of India here and for more information
- This article does not endorse or express the views of Qrius and/or any of its staff.