California Blackjack: The Game
A version of blackjack created specifically to be played in California's card rooms.
California Blackjack History
In 1873, the California Legislature enacted Penal Code 330 which outlawed the game of "Blackjack" or "21", throughout the state. This California statute is still in effect.
Native American Indian casinos currently play "Blackjack" or "21" under authority from the Federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.
For decades, this law meant that card rooms in the state could not offer the game of blackjack.
As a way of circumventing the state statute, game inventors looked to devise varieties of blackjack to be played in legal card rooms throughout California owned by non-Native American Indians.
In 1989, a man named Roger Wisted changed everything. Wisted invented, patented and trademarked this version of blackjack developed specifically to be played in a card room setting, where players compete against each other instead of the casino. He called it California Blackjack.
One primary difference between traditional blackjack and Wisted's version, is the game is played to 22 instead of 21.
The game itself is played with a 53-card deck, adding one joker for each deck in the shoe. The Jokers act as wild cards and when added together with any other card the hand equals 21.
The best possible hands are called "naturals," and naturals are made up of either two jokers, or a joker and an ace. Technically speaking, these "natural" hands equal 22.
California Blackjack has been licensed to card clubs and casinos throughout California since 1990.
A more in-depth look at California Blackjack:
The Lucky Derby in Citrus Heights continued to spread a version of California Blackjack with an optional side bonus bet until 2013.
This game was a favorite of long-time card room players, but was not viewed as favorably by those who were new to playing in card rooms and were more accustomed to playing in tribal gaming casinos and Nevada casinos.
NOTE:
After inventing California Blackjack, Roger Wisted took the money he earned in licensing agreements and started Blackjack Ranch Vineyards and Winery in Solvang (Santa Barbara County). The outfit's wine club is known as the High
Rollers Club. For more information, visit
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