Online gaming has been transformed in the digital age. From the early video consoles replicating classic casino games to today’s online live dealer experiences, iGaming has sought to bring the unique atmosphere of real-life casinos into the homes of gamers. Today, fans of the casino classic blackjack have plenty of gaming options, but it hasn’t always been that way. We look at how one of the oldest casino games has evolved in the digital age.
Blackjack makes its first appearance
The first online slot game (Fruit Machine) appeared on the Amstrad CPC464 personal home computer in 1984, but blackjack did not feature on a video game until Codemasters released the compelling Monte Carlo Casino in 1989. Players were also treated to video versions of roulette, poker and craps as well as more slots. At this stage, the internet was still in development, so multi-player online gaming was still a long way off.
The dawn of the internet age
By the early 1990’s, full-suite casino games featuring blackjack had arrived on PC’s. But no matter how realistic the gameplay and how sophisticated the graphics, the lack of real money play always held them back. That was all about to change in 1994 when the Caribbean country of Antigua and Barbuda put the first internet casino licenses up for grabs, and the first online bet was placed.
Over the next two years, improved online gambling software was developed, along with encrypted communication protocols, and within four years, there were around 700 websites offering blackjack and other casino games.
The online casino boom
By 2000, online blackjack players had a great choice of gaming options, but the best was yet to come. Over the next five years, the industry grew from being a $2 billion niche business to a $20 billion global phenomenon. During that time, UK territories such as the Isle of Man and Gibraltar started issuing licenses, and hundreds of gambling sites were established, raising the quality of the gaming experience to new levels.
Between 2006 and 2011, the US government began cracking down on online casinos, which often fell into grey areas of legislation. But while US players suffered, online casinos continued to grow in the rest of the world.
The mobile blackjack revolution
By 2010, playing blackjack online was a fully immersive experience, with 24/7 games available on desktop PCs and laptops. But the rise of the smartphone meant on-the-go gaming was now a reality. By 2013, $10 billion had been wagered on online casinos via mobile devices worldwide.
Today, players can play blackjack from wherever they are as long as they have an internet-connected device, and there’s a wealth of information available to those looking for blackjack tips to win. For an even more authentic experience, there are live options that allow players to interact with real dealers.
What next for online blackjack players?
For around 300 years, blackjack had been played exclusively in brick-and-mortar casinos all over the world. The internet enabled players to enjoy their favorite game from the comfort for their own homes. But could it be that new technology could actually take players back into the casinos, albeit in a virtual world?
Virtual reality is tipped as the next big thing in gaming and could enable online blackjack players to take their seats at virtual casino tables. There, they could face other online players or players sat in physical casinos where crossover games could be hosted. As equipment improves and becomes more affordable, the possibilities are enormous, and developers have only just begun to scratch the surface.
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