Since the 1940s, Las Vegas has been home to ‘the Strip’ – one of the world’s most famous gambling locations. Huge super casinos and an array of casino games have now found their home on the Strip, amongst entertainment, Hollywood glamour and bright neon lights.
However, Blackjack could actually be found in Nevada just over a century before the highway became so iconic…
Read on to find out more.
The origins of Blackjack
It’s believed that Blackjack originated in 1700s France, where it was known as Vingt-et-Un, which is a translation of Twenty-One.
Twenty-One made it to North American shores in the 18th century with the help of French colonists, who had already seen the game’s popularity grow throughout Europe.
Twenty-One in America
As the game gained even more popularity in America, it could be found in the legalised gambling halls of New Orleans. It was around this time that a skilled dealer named Eleanor Dumont rose to fame. She was best known for her rare dealing skills and a more civilised approach to gaming.
Dumont travelled around America, working in different casinos until finally settling in Nevada City, where she opened her own gambling hall – aptly named Vingt-et-Un.
Players would travel from all around just to try their hand at the game against Dumont, who is now one of the most famous names in Blackjack history.
What’s in a name?
Speaking of names, Twenty-One didn’t become known as Blackjack until it was already a firm favourite on the Las Vegas Strip.
In the 20th century, casinos found themselves needing a way to promote the game. They did this by offering bonus payouts, including one that paid extra to anyone who reached the value of 21 with a black Jack (Jack of Spades or Clubs) and an Ace of Spades. This promotion was known as Blackjack.
As the game regained popularity, the promotion wore off, but as you can guess… the name stuck.
The most popular casino game
In the modern-day, you won’t find a casino – whether it be land-based or online – that doesn’t host at least one game of Blackjack.
Online, there are plenty of variations that make standard gameplay even more interesting, with multipliers and different themes to explore. At a land-based venue, you can soak up the fast-paced social atmosphere as you try your chances at the iconic game.
Either way, it’s clear Blackjack has stood the test of time, becoming known as the most popular casino game. This might be because of its fairly low house edge, or perhaps even because gameplay is quite simple to understand.
It’s clear that however you choose to play, Blackjack will always be a firm favourite amongst seasoned players and beginners alike.
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Do you think you’ll be trying your hand at beating the dealer on the race to 21? Or will you fold and try a different casino classic online, or perhaps even in Las Vegas?
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Gambling can be addictive, please play responsibly.
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