Why is Blackjack So Popular?

With iGaming companies and land-based casinos on a never-ending mission to attract new players, the volume of gambling options available these days is monumental. While not all of them remain on the top pile, and the hype dies out relatively quickly, one game that will forever retain its popularity and appeal is the centuries-old table game classic, blackjack. 

There are many arguments about blackjack’s origins and history. Some believe it originated in 17th-century France, while others think it dates as far back as ancient Rome. Nevertheless, we do know that it reached peak popularity around the First World War when British soldiers would play Pontoon to pass the time in the trenches. From this point onwards, the game spread from Europe and gained huge traction among casinos in America.

This is also where different rules were incorporated, and alternate variations of blackjack were created. However, the objective remained the same in every new game that was born, which was to get as close to the number 21 as possible without the player busting the hand. That’s why, to most of the world to this day, blackjack is best known as the game of “twenty-one.” 

It’s undoubtedly one of the most popular card games you’ll find at casinos online and offline these days. Here are some reasons why: 

Available to Play Online

The internet has shaken up the traditional ways of gambling and made it easier than ever to access both classic and modern casino games at any time of the night or day. Online casinos offer hundreds of versions of real money online blackjack, which don’t require players to leave the comfort of their homes to win. 

Thanks to almost everyone having a smartphone these days, you can access blackjack wherever you are at your own convenience, which is one of the key reasons why online casinos are now the go-to solution for many blackjack players.

Loyalty Perks and Bonuses

Every gambler encounters the struggle and disappointment of not having enough money to play at some point. After all, the more you have, the better your chances of winning big, right? Online casinos cottoned onto this commonality and saw it as a business-boosting opportunity. As a result, many started offering bonuses and unique promotions to encourage players to bet more, play more, and stay longer. 

Bonuses for blackjack are available everywhere these days and they normally come in the form of a free chip. These deals are a great way to extend your budget and play a few hands for free, so it always pays to utilize them wherever possible. 

Simple Rules and Easy Winnings

blackjack table with cards

While blackjack is deemed a game of skill, it also stands out as one of the easiest casino games to learn, making it great for beginners. The sole objective is to beat the dealer. They call it 21 because this card total is classed officially as the ‘blackjack.’ However, beating the dealer’s hand is all you need to win money. 

Watching other players is a great way to pick up the game’s ins and outs. If you’re playing online, using a blackjack simulator or a blackjack cheat sheet can help you get to grips with the possible hand combinations and teach you what moves you need to make when certain cards appear. Knowing this information, such as when to split, double down, and when to surrender in blackjack can drastically improve your odds of winning. 

Low House Edge and Favorable Players Odds

In the realm of casino games, lower house edges are advantageous for players, whereas higher house edges benefit the casino. The house edge can be as low as 1% in certain variations of blackjack, based on an optimal strategy being applied. Naturally, this low edge enhances players’ prospects of winning massively.

Scoring a few wins here and there is what keeps players interested and encourages them to keep betting in the future. But to really make the most of the game, players need to know that the low house edge only kicks in if they play well. When it comes to defying the odds, it’s all about practice and playing smart.

Universal Rules 

Normally, blackjack rules are slightly different depending on where in the world you’re playing. This is especially true when it comes to blackjack side bets, but the basic rules and winning objectives are always the same no matter where you play.

While it wouldn’t hurt to freshen up your knowledge if you’re planning to head to a different country to play the game, you’ll have no trouble picking it up and can are guaranteed to have lots of fun.

Casino Cash Cow

Casinos only host games they know are going to make them a profit in the long term. However, that also means factoring in the game’s ability to bring in players. If the house edge is too high, it’s not going to attract a lot of attention, but if the odds are reasonably favorable for the player and the casino can capitalize with quick wins over time, it’s a win-win for everyone.

As blackjack is a fast-paced game with a seemingly low house edge (even without a strategy), it immediately appeals to most gamblers – beginners and experienced table veterans alike. 

Skilled Players Find it Rewarding

While all gambling games are largely based on luck, blackjack stands out as one of the few where both skill and chance play a role in deciding if you win or not. Although the rules are generally pretty easy to grasp, with a bit of extra dedication to learning, studying, and honing your skills, the game can be even more fun and extremely rewarding. 

Understanding the different card combinations and the odds associated with each move can significantly enhance a player’s chance of winning blackjack. While you can’t get away with it at online casinos, many players can even become proficient at card counting with commitment and practice. However, depending on the venue, it’s worth noting that some land-based casinos may kick you out if they suspect you’re counting cards, even if it’s just in your head!

Conclusion

Blackjack’s long-standing popularity can be attributed to several factors. Its availability in both online and offline casinos, the simplicity of its rules, and the potential for easy winnings make it a favorite among players worldwide. Its low house edge and universal rules also contribute to its widespread appeal. 

As a game of both skill and luck, blackjack offers a rewarding experience for those willing to invest time in mastering it. If you want to broaden your knowledge and skills of the world’s most popular table game, you can do so right here at Planet 7. Check out our blackjack guides for everything you need to know about becoming a successful blackjack player and mastering this exciting game! 

Frank West is a bit of an itinerant gambler. An avid traveler and freelance writer with a penchant for games of chance, Frank has hit the tables in casinos the world over and picked up a copious volume of knowledge along the way. Frank enjoys passing on what he’s learned in blog and magazine articles about gambling and teaching people how to beat the house. He also covets his privacy, authoring his articles only under the pen name Frank West.