The history of Blackjack, commonly known as Twenty-one, can be traced back to Italian, Spanish, or French card games or similar nature. History books from the eleventh century make references to such card games where players attempted to reach certain totals.

By its French name, Vingt-et-un (21 in English), it was the parlor game of fashion in the eighteenth century. Its popularity spread throughout the world, and the French name became corrupted into various forms: in England, Van John, and in England and Australia, Pontoon.

The game only became popular in the United States after thousands of servicemen stationed in Europe during World War II brought it back with them. Along with poker, this was the American soldier's favorite card game. In just the last few decades, the rise in popularity has changed it into a big money game, where betting limits have increased from $25 to $1,000-and higher in many casinos. Blackjack is second only to Bank Craps in amounts of money won and lost.