Because
of it’s simplicity and easy-going appeal,
it soon spread throughout the continents.
In England it was called twenty-one (21) and in
Austrailia they affectionaltely called it pontoons.
But despite its pronounciation the basic principles
were similar and that principle was simply a hand
that approached 21, but did not go past it.
In the 1800’s blackjack, or as it was known
back in those days, 21, was not very popular among
the Americans since they already had a fondness
for games such as Craps, poker & Roulette.
When gambling was made legal in Nevada 1931, casinos
started 21 tables, but since it was not a preferred
game, casinos opted for marketing strategies to
draw people to the game.
Various inducements were offered such as a bonus
and payout being paid to someone whi draws the
Ace of Spades.
Thus was born the name Black Jack and since 1931,
as can be expected its popularity grew to such
an extent that is became the #1 casino game. Even
today it is still the most popular game on offer
in most casinos both online and offline.
However with the advent of online poker this
position is being threatened. While
online blackjack is also
growing, online poker has exploded in recent
years. Games like Texas holdem and Omaha hi lo
are competing with blackjack for more player
time. |
