Here at NetBet Casino, we have casino games for every kind of fan. While slots are the most popular for most players, there’s no question that classics such as blackjack online get the love they deserve. As one of the oldest card games, blackjack never goes out of style. In this article, we’ll explore the true origins of the game of 21.
The Origins of Blackjack
Similar to the origins of roulette, the origins of blackjack are highly disputed. There’s one undeniable fact – it was already a thing in the early XVII century. That was the first time it was mentioned in a historical document – a book by the great Miguel Cervantes.
In one of his twelve short stories in Novelas Ejemplares, the writer tells the story of Rinconete and Cortadillo, two card cheats from Seville. They play a game spelled as veintiuna which is 21 in Spanish. Considering the fact that the modern game of blackjack comes from an English predecessor known as vingt-un, it’s very likely that it’s the same game. Plus, the goal of the game was to reach a count of 21 without going over it, which is the same as in blackjack. Due to that, Blackjack is most likely of Spanish provenance.
Blackjack – or some form of it – was played in Spain since the early XVII century. A bit later, it was found in France, England, and other countries too. Despite the uncertain origins, the game grew into a popular gambling choice for both the elite and later casual players. Throughout the years, the rules changed a bit, although the core concept remained the same.
Newfound Life in Vegas
When Nevada turned into the US gambling capital after World War II, blackjack’s dwindling popularity was quickly relinquished. It took a while, but in the 1970s and forward it became the biggest card game in Las Vegas casinos. That was the same time when famous card counting crews ripped casinos off, prompting everyone to learn more about the game of blackjack.
Of course, not everyone could count cards, and casinos acted quickly to stop the strategy in its tracks. Still, the popularity of blackjack soared and soared, and it eventually found its way online in the early 2000s.
It was a real turning point for the game of 21. iGaming developers immediately started developing all kinds of new blackjack variants, with side bets, faster gameplay, and more hands per round. Live blackjack took the game a step further, emulating a true casino experience without leaving your home. Plus, standard RNG blackjack variants are free for practice, and that makes online blackjack so popular among players. Thanks to free blackjack games, you can practice without paying a cent and get the most out of your real money sessions.
When you choose NetBet Casino, you can enjoy a whole range of top-quality slots. Whatever you choose, always remember to bet responsibly. Here at NetBet Casino, player well-being is our number one priority – check out our Responsible Gambling tips and tools page for more information.
