Over the years, we’ve seen games come and go, with only a handful really standing the test of time, none more so than two casino classics – Blackjack and Roulette. But what is it about these two games that have enticed players to take a seat at the gaming tables for centuries, with new players joining both virtually and in-person for the first time?
So, follow us as we explore a little deeper into these games, discovering the game’s secret to success within casino lobbies.
Blackjack
Whether you join the table by playing real money Blackjack at Paddy Power, or by visiting your local brick-and-mortar casino, a game of Blackjack only has one goal – to get your hand to the value of 21 and beat the dealer!
Known firstly as Vingt-et-Un, which translates to Twenty-One, the game originated in France in the 1700s. Popular amongst many in France, especially those within the French Royal Court during the reign of King Louis XV, the game soon reached the shores of America in the 1800s with the help of French colonists, and spread like wildfire to casino venues and players alike.
It is said that one such French woman, Eleanor Dumont, played a huge part in helping Blackjack rise to fame in America. Dumont was a skilled dealer and travelled around the country introducing the game to players, until she decided to open her own casino venue in Nevada City, California, which she ironically called ‘Vingt-et-Un’. People would travel from far and wide to play their hand against Dumont, who was considered a rarity at the time.
Later in the history of the game, thanks to a casino promotion, where players were offered a bonus payout if their hand contained a black Jack and the Ace of Spades, did it become known as Blackjack. After the bonus fizzled, the name stuck, and that’s how and why we call Vingt-et-Un Blackjack, today.
Roulette
When a French scientist and inventor, Blaise Pascal, failed as he tried to invent a perpetual motion machine in 1655, he actually ended up creating the blueprints to a game that has been loved ever since – Roulette.
When Roulette was first bought to the casino scene, it was comprised of a pocket wheel containing 38 pockets, with numbers one through 36, as well as a single zero pocket and a double zero. Although popular amongst players, Roulette didn’t become as popular as it is today until 1842 when two French brothers, Francois and Louis Blanc, decided to lower the house edge by removing the double zero pocket. This created quite the stir in casinos, with the single zero becoming a favourite amongst some if not all players within Europe. It is here that this version got the name ‘European Roulette’.
With the popularity in Europe growing, it wasn’t long until the game made it across the seas and found itself in many other places around the world, including America. However, unlike players in Europe, the Americans preferred a higher house edge, so the double zeroed wheel was favoured more. This quickly became known as ‘American Roulette’.
As the years went by and with technology ever advancing, it wasn’t long until both Blackjack and Roulette could be found with a click of a button from the comfort of your own home, allowing players to be introduced to both classics without having to visit a land-based casino. With easy access to both games, it is no wonder why these games have succeeded to become staples within the casino floors, taking the crown as iconic casino classics.
