Blackjack vs. Roulette: A Guide to Two Classic Casino Games

When visiting a casino, two old-school games often stand out amongst the flashing lights and rows of slot machines: blackjack and roulette. Both offer players distinct experiences at the table. Blackjack enables players to engage with strategy and decision-making, while roulette relies entirely on chance. Recently, many people have opted to play these notable games through online casinos, giving players an authentic feel of physical casino play but with increased accessibility, allowing players to play from their chosen devices at home.

This article aims to help you understand the differences between these iconic casino games, give a breakdown, and determine which game is the best selection. 

Blackjack

Blackjack is a card game that dates back to the 17th century. Its origins can be traced to a French card game called “Vingt-et-un,” which means “twenty-one.” As the game spread worldwide, it underwent various rule variations and acquired different names until it reached America, where it became known as Blackjack. The name “Blackjack” originated from American gambling establishments that offered a special 10/1 bonus if a player’s hand consisted of the ace of spades and a black jack of spades or clubs. Although the bonus was eventually removed, the name Blackjack remained.

Blackjack is a card game in which players aim to beat the dealer’s hand. The objective is to achieve a hand value as close to 21 without exceeding it. If the player or the dealer goes over 21, they “bust” and immediately lose the round.

In this game, face cards (J, Q, K) are worth 10 points each, while number cards from 2 to 10 hold their face value. The Ace (A) can be valued at 1 or 11, whichever is more advantageous for the player’s hand.

At the beginning of the game, the dealer deals two cards to each player, including themselves. Players’ cards are placed face up, while the dealer has one card face up and one face down. Players can choose to “hit,” which means taking another card, or “stand,” meaning they keep their current hand. Players can “double down,” which involves doubling their initial stake in exchange for one extra card. After taking this additional card, players must stand.

Players can split their cards if they have been dealt 2 matching cards; this action separates the two cards into individual hands. Players must make an additional bet when splitting the cards since an extra hand is being played. After a player has made their decision regarding their hand, the dealer will reveal their down card and must continue to hit until they reach a total of 17 or higher. The dealer must stand on anything between 17 and 21, even if their total is lower than the player’s hand.

Roulette 

The roulette game has a rich history that dates back to the 17th century, when a French mathematician accidentally created the foundation for the roulette wheel. Although this invention was unintentional, France embraced and further developed it, incorporating features we still recognise today, such as the Even-Odd mechanism. 

When roulette spread to the United States, new rules were introduced, which shaped the game as we know it today. For instance, the double zero was implemented to give the house a slight advantage over the players. As a result, roulette became a staple in brick-and-mortar casinos worldwide. It contributed to the emergence of online roulette, which began to be played in online casinos during the early 2000s.

Roulette is a classic casino game with a spinning wheel and a small ball. The ball can land in one of 38 individual pockets numbered from 1 to 36, as well as a 0 and a 00. The numbers from 1 to 36 are coloured either red or black, while the numbers 0 and 00 are coloured green.  The ball is spun in the opposite direction of the wheel, and as it loses momentum, it falls into one of the numbered pockets at random. 

Each pocket awards prizes based on the category of the ball’s number, such as colour, odd or even, dozens, columns, high or low.

Which Game is Right for You?

A player’s preferences play a significant role in choosing a casino game. Blackjack is often the game of choice for those who enjoy strategy and skill due to its engaging “stick or twist” options. This feature allows players to analyse their cards and decide whether to stick with their current hand or twist for an additional card.

In contrast, players who favour chance-based games might prefer roulette. In roulette, players spin the wheel and have an equal chance of the ball landing on any of the 38 numbers, making it a game of unpredictability. Blackjack appeals to players who enjoy decision-making and want a say in their outcomes, while roulette attracts those looking to leave gameplay entirely up to chance in a classic casino setting.