Blackjack in Pop Culture

Never has blackjack been more available – and never has it been more popular. Not only can you find it in some of the most glamorous casinos in the world, but you have it right here at your fingertips – with blackjack games being available online so you can practise your blackjack basic strategy and try to hit 21 anytime, anywhere.

But it’s become more than just a game now and it has had a massive influence in pop culture. In fact, blackjack in pop culture can be witnessed in TV shows, movies, books and even pop videos. This may be one of the oldest casino games in the world, but it remains as popular as ever.

The Popularity of Blackjack

Alongside roulette, blackjack was one of the very first casino games in the world to create a global phenomenon. Not only is it fun to play – as you take on the dealer and try to get closer to 21 than him without going over, but with the blackjack basic strategy, the house edge drops down to 0.5% – making it one of the most potentially winnable games in the industry.

However, taking away the excitement and low house edge, playing blackjack at a table in the most prestigious casinos is truly a glamorous and thrilling experience, which is why it has been so widely adopted in the world of popular culture.

So, let’s look at some of the very best examples of blackjack in pop culture…

Blackjack Goes to the Movies

It may have escaped your attention, but there have been numerous films that have incorporated blackjack into their plotlines… or added some extra tension to the proceedings in an already complex and complicated situation.

21

This film is a 2008 American heist drama based on the true story of the MIT Blackjack Team, a group of talented students from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology who didn’t bother with learning the blackjack basic strategy – instead, they mastered the art of card counting and used their skills to win millions of dollars in Las Vegas casinos.

The film follows the story of Ben Campbell, a brilliant student who joins the team led by their charismatic yet morally dubious professor, Mickey Rosa. As they embark on their profitable blackjack adventures it gets ever riskier… and the consequences of their actions become increasingly dangerous. This is one of the ultimate examples of blackjack in pop culture and serves as a stark warning against not playing by the rules of fair play.

Rainman

This iconic movie directed by Barry Levinson was released in 1988 and centres around the relationship between two brothers, Charlie, and Raymond Babbitt, played by Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman. Raymond is autistic and possesses exceptional mathematical abilities, including the skill of blackjack counting cards. Charlie, always one for making a quick buck, sees his skill and takes him to Las Vegas to rinse the casinos dry.

This is a superb movie that explores the ethical and legal implications of card counting and the conflicts that arise as Charlie tries to exploit Raymond’s abilities for financial gain.

But that’s just a few examples – you will also find the game playing a role in all sorts of other casino-oriented movies – including Casino and numerous James Bond movies.

Blackjack in Books

Blackjack in pop culture is also evident if you hit the library as well…

Blackjack Autumn: A True Tale of Life, Death, and Splitting Tens in Winnemucca

This novel, by Barry Meadow, is a gripping memoir that takes you on a wild ride through his professional blackjack career. From the highs of their biggest wins to the lows of his worst losing streaks, he shares with us the realities of life as a professional gambler.

With vivid depth and imagery, he recounts his most memorable experiences in the casinos of Winnemucca and gives us a fascinating glimpse into the world of high-stakes blackjack… the thrills and the potential risks involved.

The Count of Monte Cristo

This timeless classic by Alexandre Dumas is a story of revenge, love, and redemption. Although it isn’t necessarily primarily focused on blackjack, it does feature a very memorable scene where the main character, Edmond Dantès, plays in a high-stakes game of blackjack in the Monte Cristo casino. This is an intense moment in the novel, and it perfectly captures the suspense and excitement of the game, adding an intriguing layer to the more prominent narrative of betrayal and justice.

Hitting the Sound Waves

In the world of music, there have been many songs referencing this casino classic, incorporating its themes of risk, chance, and fortune into their lyrics.

One obvious example is Blackjack by Ray Charles – which is all about the excitement and allure of the game. Another well-known song is Blackjack by Airbourne, which captures the adrenaline-filled atmosphere of the casino floor. Then we have Kenny Rogers’ hit song “The Gambler” which uses blackjack as a metaphor for life’s unpredictable nature. There is even a band called Blackjack – which has been sampled by artists such as Jay Z and Kanye West.

Blackjack: The Popularity Game

This is a massively popular game – not just in New Zealand but all over the world. So, why not check out some of the movies and books and dive into the world of 21 – and then maybe hit our live casino and test out your blackjack basic strategy and see if you have what it takes to beat that dealer?