Today there are a variety of Blackjack variants that can be played both in casinos and online. A look into history shows where it all began: The first known Blackjack video game was called Videocart-3: Video Blackjack and was released in 1976 for the Fairchild Channel F console.
Shortly thereafter, Blackjack for the Atari 2600 followed, released in 1977. This early video adaptation of the game received mostly positive reviews, although the rules were considered particularly unfavorable from the players’ point of view.
An iconic symbol of the 1980s, the Commodore 64, received its own Blackjack game in 1987: Blackjack Academy. This simulation was developed by Westwood Studios Inc. for the popular 8-bit console.
The biggest competitor of the Commodore 64, the Spectrum ZX, had already released its own Blackjack game in 1983. Nintendo not only had its own Blackjack game but even went one step further: in 1985, the Nintendo BJ-60 Blackjack Game & Watch Series was released, a handheld version that allowed players to enjoy Blackjack on the go.
In the 1990s, the PlayStation released Card Shark in 1998. In addition to classic Blackjack, it also offered other card games and additional variations. Special cards even allowed players to earn bonus winnings – an innovative feature for the time.
Although Blackjack has changed little in its rules over the years, the ways players access the game have evolved significantly. The internet and the easy availability of online casinos have played a key role in making the game accessible anytime, anywhere.
The first fully functional online casino, the Gaming Club, was founded in 1995. This allowed players, for the first time, to enjoy Blackjack for real money directly on their computers – a huge leap compared to the versions of the 1970s and 1980s.
2012 marked another milestone: the launch of mobile casinos. They gave players even more possibilities, making Blackjack available everywhere and at any time. Today, many platforms offer Live Blackjack, where players play in real time with a live dealer – delivering an authentic casino atmosphere that was previously missing.
For example, Europa Casino offers Live Blackjack with a variety of game variants, custom rules, and additional betting features for a more diverse playing experience.
Blackjack is far from extinct on today’s consoles. With Super Blackjack’s Battle II Turbo Edition on the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo pays homage to the game. The Playstation 4 also lets you bring the casino experience back into your living room with The Four Kings Casino and Slots.