Technology influences our everyday lives, be it the smartphones we use to communicate, the computers we work on, or the streaming services we access for entertainment. Technology in blackjack is similarly impactful; it has completely transformed the game and taken it to a whole new level.
Just how has technology in blackjack changed the game? It’s done so in numerous ways and shows no signs of stopping any time soon. In this article, we look at how technology has changed blackjack and where it could take the game in the future. Read on to learn more.
The Shift to Digital
Blackjack is an old game, perhaps one of the oldest casino games still played today. Most historians believe the game was first conceived at some point during the 1600s.
Until relatively recently, blackjack has remained essentially unchanged. While there have been slight rule tweaks here and there, the basic premise of the game has been constant: it’s a game for two or more people played with a deck of cards.
When it comes to the single most significant change we’ve seen as a result of technology in blackjack, the shift into the digital sphere has undoubtedly been the most revolutionary.
In the 1990s, the first digital blackjack games appeared online. At first, they were regarded as gimmicky, but they were set to usher in a new era for the gambling industry and soon exploded in popularity across the world.
Access and Convenience
In the past, if you wanted to play blackjack then you would have had to visit a casino or a retail gambling location. For those who lived in small towns or in remote areas, this often meant playing blackjack required long trips and overnight stays. As a result, huge demographic groups were isolated and unable to access the game.
With the shift to digital, blackjack suddenly became available and accessible to huge numbers of new players. Blackjack can now be enjoyed by players at any time and from almost anywhere in the world at the click of a button.
Technology in blackjack has also made the game more convenient. Rather than having to visit a casino, players can now play blackjack from the comfort of their homes. Being in familiar surroundings will make them feel more relaxed and engaged, which can see them play for longer.
More Choices for Players
As we mentioned earlier, there are different variations of blackjack that can introduce new rules and moves for players. Some casinos will run games with these extra features, while others will stick to the classic form of the game.
In the past, blackjack players will have been limited to the games on offer in their local casino. Not so with today’s digital blackjack games. Now, players can choose between countless variations, and can even change settings and preferences within games, creating a unique experience that matches their needs and requirements.
For example, live blackjack players can choose between multiple languages and switch between various camera angles, giving them a close-up view of the action as it unfolds.
Blackjack is a game of both skill and luck. Experienced players use tactics and systems to help maximize their chances and beat the dealer. With digital blackjack, players can more effectively track game history and stats to help them implement their plans successfully. Online blackjack has rapidly become the go-to version of the game for both new and experienced players, and it’s quickly leaving traditional blackjack behind.
Responsible Gambling
Responsible gambling is a huge concern in the industry today. Operators are committed to protecting their customers and ensuring that vulnerable players are safeguarded and offered support.
In traditional gambling games, spotting the signs of problem gambling was difficult, even impossible. However, technology in blackjack means that player activity can be monitored and any behaviour that could indicate problem gambling can be immediately flagged for review.
Players can also take action themselves, and use digital tools to set limits on deposits, wagers, and time spent playing. Technology in blackjack and in other games means that responsible gambling issues can now be addressed by both operator and player simultaneously, a far more effective approach.
The Future of Blackjack
Data from the Gambling Commission revealed that the total gross gambling yield (GGY) for the online gambling sector in March of last year amounted to £6.4 billion, almost double the GGY of the land-based sector, which totalled £3.5 billion.
What this clearly demonstrates is how significant technological developments have been for the industry, and how technology in blackjack and across digital casinos has propelled them to new heights.
As technology continues to improve, where could blackjack be heading in the future? We can expect to see digital blackjack games become more realistic and immersive, and with the integration of virtual reality (VR) the lines between physical and digital blackjack experiences will continue to blur.
Furthermore, artificial intelligence (AI) technology will enhance responsible gambling processes and make it easier than ever for operators to track and identify problem behaviour, making the game safer and more enjoyable for everyone.
Conclusion
The impact of technology in blackjack cannot be overstated. The game’s shift to digital has made it more accessible and more convenient to play, it’s given players more choices and improved responsible gambling protocols. We can expect to see blackjack continue to evolve and develop as the technology behind it improves.
