When table games like Roulette, Craps, Baccarat and Blackjack were first invented, the creators perhaps would never have anticipated their popularity to soar and withstand the test of time. However, here we are, hundreds of years on from their creation, witnessing their continual popularity.
It’s evident that table games today have come a long way. Their evolution has been influenced by individual country’s adaptation of the rules and by technological advancements that have completely changed the way that we play them.
Believe it or not, your favourite casino table games are continually developing, with new bets and side bets being added and new technology, like virtual reality, coming into play. The future looks bright for the gaming industry, so, if you’re interested in how casino table games became what they are today, read on, as we uncover their evolution.
Blackjack
The origin and birthdate of Blackjack is unclear, as is the case with most casino games. Its origin is difficult to place because, to become the game that we know today, it has been changed over time by multiple people across different continents. It is estimated that the game originated in France in the 18th century, where it was referred to as Vingt-et-Un, which translates to twenty-one.
Another version of the game existent in Spain and was known as One and Thirty. Rather than aiming to reach a total of 21, like its French counter-part, the goal was to reach 31, using three cards or more.
The popularity of Blackjack soared when it reached North America, brought over by French colonists. The game spread across the continent gradually, although the rules of the game that they played differ from those that we are familiar with today. One of the differences was that the dealer was the only individual in the game who could double the values.
The game was in fact still known as ‘21’ when it reached the infamous gambling state of Nevada in 1931, when gambling had been legalised. The name Blackjack derived from a special bet that was used to entice more people to play the game. This bet consisted of a hand that featured a black Jack and an Ace of Spades, which would provide its holder with 10:1 on their initial stake.
Roulette
It is estimated that Roulette was invented in France, by the scientist Blaise Pascal in 1655 and that the first game was played in Paris. The name Roulette translates literally to ‘small wheel’, but the initial layout of that small wheel is not the same as that which we are familiar with today.
The Roulette wheel itself has evolved dramatically, as initially the game had two zeroes - one being red and the other, a double zero, which was black. Should the ball land on either of these colours, then you would lose your bet. The wheel was redesigned in the 19th century, where the zeros were changed to green, reducing confusion. This is now known as American Roulette.
When the game reached Germany, specifically the Homburg Casino, the wheel was reimagined once more by two brothers, Francois and Louis Blanc, who removed the double zero. At this point, the European Roulette wheel took the form that we know and love today.
Casino table games today
Today, the gambling world is dominated by online casino gaming. Online table games are immersive and with the rise of live casino gaming, it is now possible to play your favourite casino game in the company of a professional, live dealer, from the comfort of your own home. You’ll also find a greater variety of games online, including variants of your classic table favourites, which are sure to spice up your gaming experience.
You can also benefit from all that online casinos have to offer by taking advantage of the latest casino sign-up bonus, making the most of your playing experience and sampling the variety of table games in the online lobby.
