Blackjack is hardly a new game, having remained largely the same ever since its inception. Played at least as far back as World War 1, the classic also known as 21 and pontoon has remained in the public eye due to its ease of play, yet impossible to master foundation.
The age of the internet is perhaps the biggest game changer to ever affect blackjack, just as it has so many other casino games such as slots and roulette. Rather than having to visit physical casinos to play, the digital world has significantly lowered barriers of access and allowed opportunities where few existed before.
“Casino!” (CC BY-ND 2.0) by www.davidbaxendale.com
How Much Has The Internet Changed Blackjack?
Among the most significant changes brought by the internet is the enormous widening of the player demographic. While the original style of blackjack has always had appeal, the requirement of visiting a physical casino meant that it was untenable for many and impossible for some.
Online variants of blackjack avoid concerns of travel completely, making it a much better fit for modern, busy lifestyles. This is combined with the flexibility of access allowed by internet technology. Mobile devices able to access Wi-Fi or mobile data mean players can engage not just at home, but anywhere with a connection.
Aiding in drawing new demographics into the game has been the development and adoption of live casino games.
In effect, these combine the live dealer experience of traditional blackjack with the convenience of at-home play. New users wondering how and where to play live blackjack can jump in quickly by checking some of the many popular online ratings websites. These offer typical online casino advantages such as welcome bonuses and the easy discovery of lower and upper limits among other key features.
Further adding to the modern appeal are the possibilities made manifest through the host software systems. While playing a physical card game comes with certain limitations, the adoption of software elements means that the real limitations can be mitigated or avoided entirely. This means that new themes and styles of games can be developed in ways which were never before possible, giving players old and new ways to experience twists on familiar classics.
The final major change that the internet has made to blackjack comes from the spectator side of the equation. While watching physical blackjack has never really been possible on a mass scale, the development and proliferation of streaming has allowed the world to watch from like likes of Twitch and YouTube.
“Blackjack” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by greenoid
With the likes of VR and AR now reaching mass viability, it’s very likely that the next few years will continue this trend of digital and internet-based developments to games such as blackjack. Just how much has changed while the base remains the same is certainly a testament to the genius of blackjack. Watch closely and you might find another way to enjoy the experience, either today or in the future.
