The app store Google Play recently updated its strict policy around casino and betting apps to be inclusive of more locations. Previously these types of games could only be downloaded in the United Kingdom, Brazil, France and Ireland. Google Play is now allowing these games to be downloaded in 15 more countries, including the United States, Australia, Canada and Japan. App developers will be able to specify which betting or casino games can be downloaded in each location, therefore complying with local laws and the app store’s eligibility requirements.
Blackjack: A game with multiple versions
Blackjack is one of the most popular card games in the world and accounts for almost 50% of all casino activity. Not only is it played in bricks and mortar casinos, many players also play games of online blackjack from their smartphone or laptop. There are a number of different variants of the game but the main two versions that players need to know about are American blackjack and European blackjack. The two games are actually very similar, the aim of both is to get closer to 21 with your cars than either the dealer or the other players at the table.American vs Europe: What are the key differences between the two games?
The most obvious difference between the two is the hole card. In the American version of blackjack, the dealer kicks off the game by dealing themself two cards, one faced up and one down, with the face down card being known as the hole card. In European blackjack, the dealer has only one face up card and no hole card. They will only receive a second card if the players’ hands are complete and bets made.This makes the European version of the game a little higher risk than its US counterpart. In the American game, players know at the beginning if the dealer has hit 21 because of the hole card and will know not to make any more bets. Another difference between the European and American varieties is the number of card decks used. The US game used between six and eight standard decks, whereas the European version uses only two.
In the European game, players make their money once the dealer has played. This differs to the American version as the American game allows you to strike a deal once the dealer has a Ace card. Using this deal, a player can opt to win with a 1:1 ratio or they can take a chance and wait for the dealer to play their hand, at which point the prize becomes a 3:2 ratio if the player does not have blackjack. Lastly, in the European version there is no opportunity to surrender. In the US, players can surrender at any time and take back 50% of their bet if they feel they don’t have a winning hand.
Where can you play both versions of blackjack?
Unsurprisingly, you are most likely to find the European version of the game if you are on the European continent or in the United Kingdom. The American version is the most well-known around the world and is the most popular type in the United States. Blackjack is often the game of choice for visitors of luxury casino versions, this sophisticated yet thrilling game is played at dedicated card game tables. Many of the world’s most glamorous casinos, including The Monte Carlo Casino, The Venetian Macao and the Bellagio in Las Vegas heavily promote the game and have dealers on hand to host blackjack games.
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