Blackjack has a history going back to at least the 16th century. The idea of getting as close as possible to 21 without going over that number has proved to be massively popular over the following centuries, but what new ideas have been introduced in the 21st century to renovate this card game?
Betting with bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies
One of the most fascinating changes has seen players able to fund their gambling accounts using a variety of methods, rather than simply relying on fiat methods. Cryptocurrencies are particularly suitable, as they provide the speed, safety, and privacy that many people look for when playing casino games.
If you want to play blackjack with Bitcoin at mBitcasino, you get access to the full range of games in the lobby. This includes computer-generated card tables and live-streamed games, where a human dealer is located in a studio setting and deals the cards. As well as BTC, tokens like Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), and Bitcoin Cash (BCH) can be used to start playing quickly.
You can buy cryptos on centralized exchanges like Kraken or Coinbase, and then use a wallet like MetaMask, which lets you swap any token. Winnings are then withdrawn directly to your wallet when you’re ready.
Among the major differences, live games tend to take slightly longer, since the human dealer will wait for players to place their chips during the betting round. With games played on a computer-generated table, the cards are dealt as soon as you place your wager, with a random number generator working out which hand wins. Speed Blackjack variants introduce a faster type of gameplay to live games.
Themed settings introduce immersive themes
The wide range of blackjack versions available online means that it’s about the setting and theme as much as the game itself. These range from luxury casinos with smartly dressed dealers to more relaxed environments where the same game is played with a different type of rhythm.
The likes of American Blackjack, 21 Burn Blackjack, and Premium European Blackjack all include unique twists on the rules. However, they also provide the opportunity for themed settings where the players get immersed in the gameplay.
For example, you’ll find VIP or Salon Prive versions. These are the equivalent of private card rooms in physical casinos, meaning that you can expect a particularly classy setting. These games also typically have a higher minimum wager, meaning that they’re aimed mainly at high rollers.
Random multipliers get added
The way we play blackjack has changed little over the centuries. In most versions, it’s all about trying to get closer to 21 than the dealer without going over this amount. If you do this, the standard payout is 1:1. A natural blackjack hand where you have 21 in just two cards generally pays at 3:2.
With the introduction of online games, new rules have given you the opportunity to play blackjack with different payouts. The most striking of these is the random multiplier that is added in some cases, although there are a variety of ways of doing this that you might come across.
Some games have a multiplier that is randomly added to one or more cards after the betting round has been completed. Others add a multiplier following a player win, ensuring that the next win is boosted.
While this means that the winning hands with multipliers are paid at a higher rate than standard, it also means that new rules need to be added to ensure that the casino still has a house edge. With blackjack already having one of the lowest house edges, multiplier games sometimes add a rule that a hand ends in a push or tie if the dealer has 22.
Lucky Ladies and other side bets with bigger payouts
Side bets offer a way of playing that increases the potential win amount, although they are typically wagers that are more difficult to achieve than a straightforward winning hand. Lucky Ladies is an example of how this works, with large payouts if the player’s initial two cards reach a total of 20, with the top prize being granted for a pair of the Queen of Hearts, a card sometimes said to be inspired by Elizabeth of York, although other sources say not.
The 21+3 side bet is another popular option. In this case, the result is based on the player’s first two cards combined with the dealer’s face-up card. This gives a three-card poker hand that is then ranked. The top hand has three identical cards that have the same rank and suit. With Perfect Pairs, the player’s first couple of cards are assessed to look for a match. The top prize in this case is when there are two cards with a matching rank and suit.
These changes aren’t just random additions to blackjack. They take a tried and tested card game format, adding new elements that are possible thanks to improving technology. This means that we can now play the game in new ways, while the classic gameplay remains at the heart of each hand that is dealt.
This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. AFP editorial staff were not involved in the creation of this content.
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