Blackjack is a classic casino table game that has made a successful transition from land-based casinos to the online casino platform. The game is played by players using a deck of 52 cards to try and get a total score closest to the number 21 without going over that total.
In this guide, you can expect to find a comprehensive overview of the best online casinos for blackjack available to join right now. You will also learn more about the game of blackjack itself including how to play, different types of blackjack, and strategies for the casino card game.
How To Play Blackjack At A Casino
The objective of blackjack is simple: beat the dealer’s hand without going over 21. It may sound too simple to be true – but that really is all there is to it – and below, we’re going to show you what to expect when playing blackjack at the best casino sites.
- Place your bets. Before the cards are dealt, you begin by choosing how much you’d like to bet. When playing online, you don’t need to worry about where to physically place your chips; simply select your bet size and confirm it. Thankfully, most of the best casinos for blackjack online sites offer a wide range of stakes to choose from.
- Get dealt your cards. Once all bets are placed, the dealer will deal out the cards. In a standard game of blackjack (the one you’re most likely to play online), each player is dealt two cards face-up. The dealer receives one card face-up and one face-down – the latter of which is known as the “hole card.”
- Decide how to play your hand. After receiving your cards – and comparing your hand total against the dealer’s up-card – you have a few options. If your hand is strong (close to 21) you can choose to stand. If you have a low hand, you can hit, which sees the dealer drawing you an additional card. If you hold a 9, 10, or 11, you can double down – a risky bet, that potentially doubles your payouts for just one extra card – and if you hold a pair, you can choose to split them into two separate hands, doubling your bet.
- The dealer plays their hand. After all players have finished making their decisions, the dealer reveals their hole card and completes their hand based on fixed rules (usually drawing on 16 and standing on 17+).
- Settle bets and payouts. If your final hand is closer to 21 than the dealer’s – without it going over 21 – you win, and your bet is paid out at 1:1. However, if you hold a “Blackjack” (an Ace + 10/picture) you get a bonus and are paid out at 3:2. If the dealer has a better hand than you, you lose your bet.
Now, the beauty of blackjack is that, unlike other casino games like Craps, for example, game rounds are fast – often taking just a couple of minutes. This allows far more hands to be dealt per hour – which can, if luck’s on your side, equate to more winning.
Types Of Blackjack To Play
When you find the best online casino for blackjack, you’ll usually find more than one blackjack variation available. Below, we’ll walk you through some of the most common variations that you’re likely to find when playing online:
Classic blackjack is the most common version of the game, and it’s played with between one and eight decks of cards.
Usually found in land-based casinos in Vegas, this variant offers better odds and more favourable rules; always try to play Vegas Strip Blackjack if you can find it.
Atlantic City Blackjack is pretty similar to the Classic version – although it offers additional features like late surrender.
Double Exposure Blackjack is less common than other variations, but it can be pretty fun to play. In this version of the game, both of the dealer’s cards are dealt face-up – giving you a lot more information to work with.
An innovative variation of the game where players are dealt two hands. Once you receive your two cards, you’re then free to switch the top cards between both hands, if you so choose.
What Is Mobile Blackjack?
Mobile blackjack refers to playing blackjack on your smartphone or tablet device. With more of us gambling from our mobile devices than ever, it should come as no surprise that most game providers offer fully optimised mobile versions of their games – and blackjack is no exception. This allows you to enjoy the world’s most popular card game anywhere – provided you have a phone signal.
To play mobile blackjack, you simply need a compatible device (iOS or Android) and an internet connection. You can either play directly through your mobile web browser or by downloading a dedicated casino app. When you play mobile blackjack games, you’ll notice that usually, the game layout is smaller, and buttons are optimised for mobile use.
Of course, one of the biggest advantages of mobile blackjack is the fact that you’re able to play any time – and where – you want. You can play on the way to work…. while having a coffee… or even relaxing at home in bed. Plus, the best online casino in the UK for blackjack offers mobile-specific bonuses and promotions, too.
Live Dealer Blackjack
Live dealer blackjack is one of the most innovative creations in the iGaming world we’ve seen for a while – and it combines the convenience of online gambling with the authentic nature of playing inside a physical land-based casino.
When you play live dealer blackjack games, you don’t play against a virtual screen; instead, a human dealer deals the cards from a physical studio, all of which is streamed in real-time to your computer or mobile device.
In most cases, the gameplay in live casino blackjack is the same as in non-live games. You simply need to place your bets and make your decisions. However, as an added bonus – you can also interact with the dealer and other players, through a live chat feed. Plus, whatever action you select (such as hitting or splitting), the dealer will do – in real time.
Live dealer games are available on both desktop and mobile devices, and today, due to their popularity, you’ll find them offered at virtually every online casino licensed by the United Kingdom Gambling Commission.
Top Blackjack Strategies And Tips
Blackjack, as you know, is a casino game; this means that in the long run, there’s no foolproof way to be a consistent winner. However, you may be surprised to learn that by following a few tips and strategies, there are ways to improve your odds – and sometimes, significantly.
Below, we’ll look at a few core strategies to remember before heading to the tables.
Learn Basic Strategy
The most important thing you can do to improve your blackjack game is to learn and memorise basic strategy. Basic strategy is a mathematically optimal way of playing each blackjack hand, depending on the up-card the dealer shows. Following a basic strategy can lower the house edge in some blackjack games to as little as 1% – and you can find plenty of free charts online to print out, or purchase them from sites like Amazon, too.
Understand the Rules and Variations
Before you start playing, make sure you fully understand the specific rules and payouts of the game you’ve chosen. Different blackjack variants can have significantly different house edges, and some can have different rules, too.
As a result, you should always be aware of the games that you’re playing – so you know how to play, and so you know what odds you’re getting. To find games that offer more favourable odds to players, look for games with rules like late surrender, doubling after splitting – and make sure the dealer always stands on a soft 17.
Avoid Insurance Bets
One thing you’ll find in many online blackjack games is an “Insurance” bet. This is offered when the dealer’s up-card is an Ace. This bet allows you to place a separate wager worth 50% of your main bet – and, if the dealer has blackjack – it then pays 2:1.
However, the Insurance bet is seen as a sucker bet; it has a very high house edge, and unless you’re playing specific versions of the game – and following basic strategy to the tee – it’s generally not recommended. This is actually true of many casino table games; in baccarat, for example, it’s also not recommended to bet on optional wagers like the “tie” as these are simply money makers for the casinos.
Know When to Double Down and Split
Whether you’re playing at well-known online casinos, or smaller, independent sites, knowing when to double down and split is really important. It actually makes up a significant part of a general blackjack strategy – and it’s worth understanding when to double/split and when to avoid doing so before playing.
Generally, you should always double down on 11 (especially against a dealer’s low card), and consider doubling on 10 against weak dealer cards. Always split Aces and 8s – and for any other decisions, check the basic strategy chart we mentioned earlier, as this will – literally – walk you by the hand and show you the most optimal play.
How To Find The Best Casinos With Blackjack
When searching for the best online casinos for blackjack, we’d always recommend choosing a reputable and safe casino approved here at Punters Lounge. However, if you prefer to do your own research, or simply want to learn more about what to look for in a casino – here are some tips to remember when choosing the best casinos with blackjack:
The best online casinos should offer not just a wide variety of blackjack games – but also plenty of other titles, too. If, for example, you like to have a punt on the slots – make sure a casino you’re thinking of joining offers plenty of slot machines. If you want to play live dealer games, make sure your preferred software providers are available. It’s worth spending a few minutes browsing a casino’s game range before joining to avoid disappointment once you’ve already signed up.
Always choose a casino that is properly licensed and regulated by a reputable authority. If you’re looking to play at the best online casino for blackjack in the UK, for example, you’ll need to make sure the site you’re considering is licensed by the UKGC. Other reputable online gaming regulators include the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) and the Swedish Gambling Commission.
You should always check out what actual players have to say about casinos before joining them – and this can be a lot easier than you may think. Read reviews from dedicated casino review websites, and check sites like TrustPilot. Look at what players are saying about payout speeds, fair play, and customer support.
The whole point of playing at an online casino is to win money – but if you can’t make deposits and withdrawals, then what’s the point? That’s why it’s essential to choose a casino that offers the payment methods you want. Common options include debit cards, e-wallets like PayPal and Skrill, and instant banking solutions like Trustly.
Most online casinos offer welcome bonuses, ongoing promotions, and loyalty programs to attract – and retain – players. However, don’t just take a bonus by its face value. Look at the terms, check the wagering requirements, and make sure there are no maximum cashout limits that may come as a surprise to you.
If you’re the type of gambler who enjoys a flutter ‘on the go’, you’ll want to make sure a casino is fully mobile optimised. While it doesn’t have to offer a dedicated mobile casino app, the website itself should be mobile-friendly and, thankfully, this takes just a couple of seconds to check.
One of the benefits of playing at a Punters Lounge recommended casino is that things are very unlikely to go wrong. However, it’s always better to be safe than sorry – and that’s why we always recommend choosing a casino that offers robust customer support. In our eyes, that means live chat and email support – both of which ideally run 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The Best Blackjack Software Providers
When you sit down to play blackjack online, you might not think much about the work that goes on behind the scenes to actually bring these games to your screen. In reality, however, developing high-quality online casino games is no easy feat – and there’s actually a surprisingly large number of companies doing this, known as software providers, or game developers.
There are more than 500 software providers currently producing games for the online gambling market – but, as with most things in life, not all studios are created equal – and some are much better than the rest.
In our opinion, for example, NetEnt is probably the best blackjack software provider. They’re known for their immersive gameplay, high-quality graphics and superb mobile optimisation – and they offer a great selection of titles, too, including everything from Classic Blackjack to Single Deck Blackjack.
Realistic Games is another top casino game provider operating in the UK – and they offer one of the most varied selections of blackjack titles. They offer everything from Classic Blackjack, Perfect Pairs, and 21+3, to more unique variants like Rainbow Blackjack and Hi-Lo.
Another name we can’t fail to mention is Play’n Go. Like NetEnt, Play’n Go’s blackjack games are – visually – stunning, and they offer some of the best graphics, smoothest animations, and most realistic sound effects in the industry, in our opinion.
And, for us old-timers, there’s Microgaming – the longest-running casino provider on the planet. While their games are pretty dated by today’s standards, they evoke a nostalgic charm for many – and there’s a good reason why they remain so popular at the casinos they’re available at.
Payment Methods At Blackjack Online Casinos
When choosing a blackjack casino, considering the available payment methods is almost as important as checking the game selection itself. Thankfully, the best online casino for blackjack will offer multiple payment methods, including debit cards, EWallets, voucher-based methods, and, some, even cryptocurrencies.
To make your life easy, most online casinos make it really easy to quickly see which payment methods they offer; simply scroll to their footer, and you’ll usually see logos for all supported banking options. If you don’t – check the FAQs or the “banking” pages, and you’ll almost always find what you need.
However, it’s not just the payment methods to take into account – you also want to consider payout speeds. Why? Because fast withdrawal times allow you to get your cash quicker. After all, no one wants to wait days to access a big win.
Another factor to consider under the “banking” umbrella is minimum deposit limits. Thankfully, today, many low-deposit casinos allow you to begin playing blackjack with deposits of as little as £5 or £10 – and this is great for those who want to enjoy a flutter – without risking too much cash.
Ultimately, choosing the right payment methods, withdrawal speeds, and min/max deposit limits is a personal choice – and it shouldn’t be an overall deciding factor – but it’s definitely one to consider, so don’t be afraid to compare a few different online casinos before settling on one.
How To Sign Up To Play Blackjack For Real Money
Signing up to play blackjack for real money is a straightforward process, whether you’re joining a new casino or playing at your favourite site. If you are new, this section of our guide is for you.
Firstly, you’ll want to choose a reputable online casino to join. Check out the best casinos online for blackjack here at Punters Lounge if you want to play at hand-picked, vetted, and trusted sites.
Once you’ve chosen your new casino, click on the “Sign Up” or “Register” button, which you’ll usually find in the top right-hand corner of the casino’s homepage. You’ll then be asked to provide some personal information, such as your name, date of birth, email address, and phone number.
Note: Make sure your information is 100% accurate as you will be required to verify your details before you can begin playing.
Once you verify your account (by completing a short Know Your Customer (KYC) check) simply make your first deposit – and begin playing.
Alternative Casino Games To Blackjack
Whether you came here looking for the best online casino for live blackjack or simply learning more about the game – we hope you’ve found your new favourite blackjack casino. However, you may also be wondering about the other games you can play online. Here are a few:
- Baccarat– One of the most enduring and popular casino table games of all time is a must for any keen casino player. Players both new and old can always enjoy some exciting action at the baccarat tables. If you haven’t played it before then it’s a must try at least once.
- Plinko – Inspired by the popular game from “The Price is Right,” players drop a ball down a pegboard, hoping it lands in a high-value slot. Plinko has recently started to become pretty popular in the online gambling world – and you’ll find it offered at most sites, with the most notable game being from Peter & Sons.
- Roulette – A classic casino game where players bet on where a ball will land on a spinning wheel, with options like red/black, odd/even, and specific numbers. Roulette is available at virtually every online casino, and comes in multiple variations, too.
- Keno – Keno is a lottery-style game where you choose numbers and hope to match as many as possible with the randomly drawn numbers. It’s similar to the lottery – but beware of the very high house edge.
- Sic Bo – An ancient Chinese dice game where players bet on the outcome of three rolled dice, Sic Bo is both laid-back and offers some of the best house edges in the industry.
- Crash Games – A unique type of game where players bet on a multiplier that increases until the game “crashes,” with the goal of cashing out before the crash occurs. Usually found at crypto sites, but slowly making their way to “conventional” casinos, too.
Blackjack FAQ
Can I play blackjack with bonuses?
Yes. Some online casinos even offer promos like £10 no-deposit bonuses so you can try their blackjack games for free.
Is 21 the same game as blackjack?
Yes, essentially, 21 and blackjack refer to the same game. The difference in language is primarily a geographic one.
Is blackjack luck or skill?
Blackjack is a casino game – so the house always wins in the long run. However, there is a small skill element – about making the right decisions – that can impact your chances of winning in the short term.
What is the best winning system in baccarat?
Generally speaking, you should avoid the “Tie” and “Player” bets, and wager on the “Banker” option, as this usually offers the lowest house edge.
Can you lose with 21 in blackjack?
If you have a hard 21 (meaning no blackjack) the only way you can lose is if the dealer pulls a natural blackjack. Otherwise, if the dealer ends up with 21, the hand will result in a tie.
Is online blackjack rigged?
Provided you play at licensed and regulated online casinos, you won’t ever run into “rigged” blackjack. Licensed casinos use audited random number generators to ensure each game round is independent and truly random.
