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Dating back to the 18th century, blackjack is one of the oldest games. Since its inception, the card game has enjoyed varying popularity. At some point, it was the hottest attraction in Vegas. However, when casino owners attempted to alter the rules in their favour, patronage for the game declined.

They had to reinstate the old regulations to get players interested again. This back-and-forth with the rules is one of many evolutions for blackjack. Over the years, the card game also called 21, experienced various changes. Although the original element remains in modern blackjack, the options available to players today are dramatically different.

Gambling is a dynamic market, and the internet reinforced this trait even more. Online casinos revolutionised the industry, including how people play. Blackjack is one of the games that assumed new forms when it went online.

Game developers invested in research to come up with creative blackjack versions. The current gambling sector offers dozens of blackjack variants resulting from all the alterations the game has experienced. Some features in modern 21 versions are small, but some are significant enough to cause tectonic shifts on the gambling scene. This article explores some of those elements.

Basic Strategy

Blackjack attracts serious gamblers because it's the game where you can lower the house advantage. It's an ideal option for anyone trying to beat the house. According to Blackjack.Guide, a basic strategy can reduce the casino's take to less than 1%. However, this mathematical advantage was only sometimes known to players.

It was not until 1956 that the four horsemen, as they are fondly called, shifted the gameplay. Wilbert Cantey, Roger Baldwin, James McDermott and Herbert Maisel, military mathematicians, published the first optimal blackjack strategy. Their strategy sets the stage for all future efforts to gain an advantage for the player. Years later, Ed Thorp published what was considered the perfect blackjack strategy in his book Beat the Dealer.

The basic strategy to play blackjack changed the game entirely. It gave players hope that they could make profits from gambling by getting the better of casinos. Of course, gambling houses were not too keen on allowing winning players. So, they tried to introduce new rules to counter basic strategy. The move saw patrons avoid blackjack.

Therefore, casinos had to revert to previous regulations. Surprisingly, the introduction of basic strategy made blackjack a big earner. Players flocked to casinos to try their luck on the game. Even though only some people used the betting guidelines, knowing they could beat the house was enough to encourage players to spend money.

Basic strategy contributed to the modern blackjack by giving players some control. You don't have to rely solely on the chance when you can employ an actionable plan.

Side Bets

Operators and game manufacturers continually search for new features to include in products to appeal to a broader audience. Side bets are one element that distinguishes some blackjack variants.

Typically, the game requires you to beat the dealer by getting a hand closer to 21. Side bets are extra wagers included to make the game fascinating. The biggest reason to consider such a bet is if it has a better payout than the standard selections.

Casinos created side bets to grow their profits after the basic strategy became part of regular play. For this reason, these wagers can have a higher house edge. It's why some experts refer to them as sucker bets and recommend beginners to avoid them.

These additional wagers allow providers to develop various blackjack titles regardless of their profitability. Two games with identical features could offer varying winning probabilities based on their side bets. With these wagering options, you can experiment with various blackjack titles.

Streaming

Live betting is one of the most recent developments in casino gaming. Streaming technology allowed developers to add a social aspect to online gambling. Providers set up studios in various locations with human dealers managing tables. Using high-definition cameras, among other technologies, they broadcast dealers as they run games.

Live gaming put a whole new spin on online blackjack. It enabled players to enjoy the card game from anywhere with the added advantage of chatting with dealers and each other. Live blackjack is as diverse as its online counterpart. iGaming manufacturers focus on more than graphics and soundtracks. They strive to innovate features that set their products apart, from side bets to multiple hands.

Thematic

When you hear themes in casino games, slots most likely come to mind. Blackjack games feature different themes, too. A thematic approach to game design allows suppliers to inject individuality into their products. Themes spruce up blackjack games.

Zombie blackjack, for example, features the undead with interesting side wagers. Quantum Blackjack Plus is one title you can try if you are passionate about quantum physics.

Blackjack is a captivating card game. It's one gambling product that engages the mind and doesn't rely on luck alone. Over time, blackjack has seen various changes that led to the creation of numerous versions. The wide variety of online and offline games is courtesy of developments such as streaming, basic strategy and side bets. Understanding how far the game has come gives you a better appreciation.