Blackjack is a game that has been around in the gambling industry for a long time, and the establishment of online casinos just added to its popularity. Experts consider blackjack one of the most player-friendly games in terms of its RTP and house edge.
Best Blackjack Casinos
An additional benefit is blackjack’s simplistic nature and minimal number of massive swings that would unpleasantly surprise some players.
Therefore, as an in-demand game, we thought we put blackjack under the microscope here and discuss its gameplay, rules, bets, strategies and much more. Let’s take a look at what you can expect from this game that you can find at any online casino in the world.
Blackjack Rules – A Simple Game For Everyone
As mentioned above, one of the trademark traits of online blackjack is its simplicity. All you have to remember at the start is that your goal should be to reach 21 or be closer to that number than the dealer.
If you exceed 21, then you automatically lose the round and go bust. Cards’ values are also rather straightforward – any card from 2-10 has a face value, while Jacks, Queens and Kings worth ten points. When it comes to Aces, you as a player decide whether it is one or eleven.
How Does a Blackjack Round Work?
To fully understand how online blackjack works, we have to walk you through a typical blackjack round. It would roughly unfold as follows:
- You place a wager before the cards are dealt. That bet stays final until the end of the hand.
- After everyone has placed their respective bets, the dealer will start dealing cards – one at a time, until everyone has two. Note that one of the dealer’s cards is always face-down.
Now that you have your cards, you need to decide how you will proceed with playing your hand. At this point, you have the following moves at your disposal:
- Stand – if you like the cards, you can request to move and not get a third card.
- Hit – if you don’t have a hand value close to 21, you can request another card from the dealer.
- Double Down – if you like your hand, you can request to double down your original wager and get another card.
- Split – if you get a pair, you can decide to split your hand into two separate hands.
- Surrender – not all blackjack variants support this move, but it represents a scenario where you have a lacklustre hand. Here, you can surrender and receive half of your original wager back.
The Outcomes
You have several possible outcomes in blackjack where you can win and lose. The most forthright one is to get 21 or blackjack. If you or the dealer has such a hand, it is an automatic win, regardless of what the other side has.
However, be aware that the dealer always has a slight advantage, as one of their hands is face down. As a result, they have to stand if they have 17 in hand, but only if it is a hard 17. A soft 17 (Ace and a Six), they can proceed with whichever action they prefer.
Dealers are also unable to double split or change their movies, so a blackjack hand can end in one of the following ways:
- You win by getting a blackjack.
- The dealer wins with a blackjack.
- You win with a higher hand than the dealer.
- The dealer wins with a higher hand.
- You exceed 21 and bust.
- The dealer busts and the game pays even money – 1x your bet.
Online Blackjack Variants – A Game For Every Player’s Preferences
Regardless of which online casino you choose for your next gambling adventure, we guarantee that you will encounter a considerable amount of blackjack variants. Depending on which one you choose, you will need to alter and adjust your strategy accordingly.
Most variations have slight differences with the main rules, so you need the appropriate preparation and knowledge in advance.
Therefore, our experts at Videoslotsgames have done the research and found the most enjoyable blackjack variants in the online gambling scene. Let’s walk you through each of them.
American Blackjack
We begin our list with American Blackjack, commonly referred to as Classic Blackjack as well. There are several reasons why punters love this variant, but one seems to dominate – the exceptionally low 0.5% house edge. You can achieve this house edge when you play the optimal blackjack strategy.
Classic Blackjack has a single 52-card deck, so when you eventually gain a bit of experience, you can implement probability into your blackjack bets.
European Blackjack
Coming up in close second place, European Blackjack is one of the very first blackjack variants to hit the gambling industry. European Blackjack comprises of two 52-card decks, so expect an increase in the house edge.
Nonetheless, as briefly mentioned above, dealers in European Blackjack have to stand on soft 17, which is often a favourable action for punters. The odds in European Blackjack are 3:2, but be aware that you can only double down when your initial hand value is 9, 10 or 11.
Additionally, if you and the dealer achieve a blackjack at the same time, then the round ends as a tie or push. In this situation, you get your initial stake refunded.
Perfect Pairs Blackjack
Perfect Pairs Blackjack is a very in-demand variant as it was one of the first blackjack games to contain side bets. It implements almost all the rules of American Blackjack, but there is one smart side bet – you can place a bet if you believe you will have your first two cards of the same value.
The payout increases if you have matching cards in terms of colours, suits and values, but we will take a look at all the bets in more detail below in the article.
Free Bet Blackjack
Everyone associated with blackjack has probably heard of Geoff Hall – the table game inventor and a legendary blackjack figure. He is the man who gets all the plaudits for devising the Free Bet Blackjack Variant as well.
On the surface, this may seem like your standard blackjack game, but there is a big twist – players don’t have to risk more money when they split or double down on their hands.
If you think there is a catch here, you are right! If the dealer goes bust, the result is marked as a push, rather than a win for you. Moreover, the dealer here can hit on soft 17, and here, blackjack hands pay 3:2.
You can utilise the free double-down option if you have initial hands worth 9, 10, and 11, while free splits are possible for paired hands – except the ten-value cards.
Blackjack Switch
Blackjack Switch is another game that was designed by Geoff Hall – even before Free Bet Blackjack. This variant sees players make two initial bets of the same amount. Then, they can switch their second card to each hand and create the best possible hand.
Of course, there is a catch here as well – if the dealer goes bust, then the hand ends with a push, and blackjacks here pay out even money – 1:1.
Multi-Hand Blackjack
Up next, we have Multi-Hand Blackjack – one of the freshest blackjack variants to hit the online gambling scene. Most of the rules are pretty much the same as the classic blackjack game, bar one key exception – you can play several hands at once, hence the name of the game.
Multi-Hand Blackjack is played with six 52-card decks, and it is a game that has a relatively low house edge – 0.47%. As for the payouts, blackjacks pay put 3:2, with the dealer also obliged to stand on soft 17, which can come in handy for players.
Due to its multi-hand structure, you can spread your risk by betting a smaller amount on several hands, rather than relying on just one hand in the round.
Spanish 21
Lastly, we have Spanish 21, a game that offers an intriguing twist on the original blackjack variant. In Spanish 21, all 10s are removed from the dealer’s shoe, and you can resplit your hands and double down on anything you want, regardless of how many cards are already dealt.
Players that hit 21 always win, so your blackjack will always be superior to the dealer’s. You have probably seen the small catch already – due to the absence of 10s, it is much more difficult to make blackjack in Spanish 21. When it comes to the payouts, you can expect some hefty prizes coming your way, if you get lucky:
- Five-card 21 will pay out 3:2.
- Six-card 21 pay out 2:1.
- Seven-card 21 will pay 3:1
Live Dealer Blackjack
Technology has undoubtedly changed the way we see online gambling. For that reason, as blackjack is a prevalent game in the international gambling community, we shouldn’t be surprised to see that software providers constantly compete over who releases a better and more realistic blackjack variant.
That competition introduced us to live dealer blackjack games. Although regular online variants are exciting, we cannot help but notice that players tend to gear more towards live dealer tables in recent years.
Live blackjack variants have several advantages. The first and the most obvious one is that you get a real dealer in front of you who is leading the game – all via an HD stream. You can communicate with the dealer through the live chat function, so you can imagine the user experience you get!
Furthermore, you can see your chips and your cards from several different angles, thanks to the various cameras in the studio – all while enjoying all the possible bets that you would at a land-based casino!
Everything happens in real-time, so you are not up against a computer, how much closer can you get to a brick-and-mortar casino? Live blackjack variants also come with various casino promotions, bonuses and even tournaments – all the more reasons to try out live dealer games from any device you prefer!
Depending on the online casino in question, some live blackjack variants have a significantly lower house edge that can vary between 0.49% to 0.72%.
As one would expect, you will encounter several live blackjack variants with unique mechanics and innovative add-ons – all of which will spice up your gameplay. The choice is inexhaustible, to say the least, so you will be forgiven for feeling a bit overwhelmed!
Worry not, as our experts at Videoslotsgames have done their homework, so we can list a few stunning live blackjack variants that offer innovation, improved gameplay and fun!
| Blackjack Variant | RTP | Provider |
| Free Bet Blackjack | 98.55% RTP | Evolution Gaming |
| Live Cashback Blackjack | 99.55% | Playtech |
| Power Blackjack | 98.80% | Evolution Gaming |
| Quantum Live Blackjack | 99.47% | Playtech |
| Live Blitz Blackjack | 99.50% | NetEnt |
| Speed Blackjack | 99.26% | Evolution Gaming |
Blackjack Side Bets – A Thrilling Twist in Your Gameplay
Side bets are another exciting feature some blackjack variants have in store. They represent additional bets you can make during a classic game of blackjack, and they often involve predicting which cards you or the dealer will receive.
You need to place side bets before the dealer hands out the cards, and as you can imagine, the outcomes are purely based on luck.
Side bets are appealing to most players as they offer higher odds if successful, but as a result, the house edge rises significantly. Some side bets carry a house edge of 10% or more.
So, which are the most prevalent side bets you can make when playing blackjack online? In total, there are three main side bets in online blackjack:
- Insurance Bet
- Perfect Pairs
- 21+3
Insurance Side Bet
The insurance side bet is the most common one in blackjack, and as the name implies, it allows you to cover yourself against blackjack if the dealer has a face-up card of an Ace.
If you want to place an insurance bet, it will require you to step away half your original stake. It pays out 2:1 if the dealer has blackjack, and the insurance bet reduces the house edge.
Perfect Pairs Side Bet
Moving on, we have the Perfect Pairs side bet that uses your cards only your cards and is a winning one if you have two of a kind:
- Mixed pair – if you have two cards of the same value but different suits and colours, you will get a payout of 5:1.
- Coloured pair – if you have two cards with the same colour and value, you get a 12:1 payout.
- Perfect pair – if you have such a hand, you get a 25:1 payout.
You need to know that the house edge can vary on the number of decks used, so you can expect anything from 2%-11% or more.
21+3 Blackjack Side Bet
The third most common side bet in blackjack is called 21+3. It is a bet for your two cards and the upturned dealer’s card. It has a payout structure for a different set of combinations:
- Flush – if all the cards are of the same suit, you get a 5:1 payout.
- Straight – in the case of consecutive cards, you get a payout of 10:1.
- Three of a kind – it has a 30:1 payout.
- Straight flush – in the event of consecutive cards of the same suit, you get a 40:1 payout.
- Suited triple – three identical cards will pay out a whopping 100:1.
As is the case with the Perfect Pairs side bet, the house edge here will vary, depending on the number of decks in play:
- Four decks – 8.78%
- Five decks – 7.81%
- Six decks – 7.14%
- Seven decks – 6.29%
Honourable Mentions
As the online casino industry is highly competitive, we constantly see new side bets being introduced, all with one aim – attract new and retain already existing blackjack players.
Some of the side bets flourish and become universally available – like the ones mentioned above, but they are not the end of the road! More experienced players are happy to explore a bit and try out niche side bets that can give them a boost in their gameplay and possibly their profit. Let’s check them out.
Royal Match Side Bet
This is one of the most straightforward side bets you can make when playing blackjack – if you have any suited cards, you get a 5:2 payout, while suited king and queen get you a 25:1 payout.
Over/Under 13 Side Bet
An over/under side bet pays out even money if you guess whether the sum of your cards will be less or more than 13. In some cases, bets on exactly 13 are allowed, but some variants and casinos consider bets on 13 to be losing ones.
Super Sevens Side Bet
If you get one or more sevens in your cards, you get an even money payout:
- One seven: 3:1
- Two unsuited sevens – 50:1
- Two suited sevens – 100:1
- If the third card is a seven: 500:1 (unsuited)
- If the third card is a seven: 5,000:1 (suited)
In spite of this, it is worth mentioning that in some cases, the casino will deal a third card if the dealer has a blackjack, while other sites may opt against this.
Lucky Ladies Side Bet
A lucky ladies side bet also has different payouts, depending on how your cards add up to 20:
- Unsuited 20 – 4:1 payout
- Suited 20 – 10:1 payout
- Matched 20 – 25:1 payout
- Two Queens of Hearts – 200:1 payout
- Two queens of hearts when the dealer has blackjack – 1,000:1
Increasing Your Winning Odds – Three Main Strategies To Implement
The beauty of online blackjack is that you can use some strategies to increase your odds of winning your round.
Sure, luck will always play the pivotal part, but it doesn’t mean you should trust it blindfolded – like you would when playing slots, for example.
The internet is swamped with various betting tips and strategies, so it is easy to overwhelm novices in the gambling industry. For that reason, we will focus on the three main strategies you can implement if you are at the start of your blackjack adventure.
On the other hand, we cannot forget the experienced blackjack players among our readers, so we can provide you with a Strategy Chart Table to make better-informed decisions when betting.
| Your Hand | Dealer’s Upcard | Strategy |
| 4-8 | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, A | Hit |
| 9 | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 | Double Down/Hit |
| 9 | 7, 8, 9, 10, A | Hit |
| 10 | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 | Double Down/Hit |
| 10 | 10, A | Hit |
| 11 | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, A | Double Down |
| 12 | 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 10, A | Hit |
| 12 | 4, 5, 6 | Stand |
| 13 | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 | Stand |
| 13 | 7, 8, 9, 10, A | Hit |
| 14 | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 | Stand |
| 14 | 7, 8, 9, 10, A | Hit |
| 15 | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 | Stand |
| 15 | 7, 8, 9, A | Hit |
| 15 | 10 | Surrender/Hit |
| 16 | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 | Stand |
| 16 | 7, 8, 9 | Hit |
| 16 | 10, A | Surrender/Hit |
| 17-21 | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, A | Stand |
| A, 2 | 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, A | Hit |
| A, 2 | 5, 6 | Double Down/Hit |
| A, 3 | 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, A | Hit |
| A, 3 | 5, 6 | Double Down/Hit |
| A, 4 | 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 10, A | Hit |
| A, 4 | 4, 5, 6 | Double Down/Hit |
| A, 5 | 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 10, A | Hit |
| A, 5 | 4, 5, 6 | Double Down/Hit |
| A, 6 | 2, 7, 8, 9, 10, A | Hit |
| A, 6 | 3, 4, 5, 6 | Double Down/Hit |
| A, 7 | 2, 7, 8 | Stand |
| A, 7 | 3, 4, 5, 6 | Double Down/Stand |
| A, 7 | 7, 8 | Stand |
| A, 8-10 | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, A | Stand |
| 2, 2 | 2, 3 | Split/Hit |
| 2, 2 | 4, 5, 6, 7 | Split |
| 2, 2 | 8, 9, 10, A | Hit |
| 3, 3 | 2, 3 | Split/Hit |
| 3, 3 | 4, 5, 6, 7 | Split |
| 3, 3 | 8, 9, 10, A | Hit |
| 4, 4 | 2, 3, 4 | Hit |
| 4, 4 | 5, 6 | Split/Hit |
| 4, 4 | 7, 8, 9, 10, A | Hit |
| 6, 6 | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 | Split |
| 6, 6 | 7 | Split/Hit |
| 6, 6 | 8, 9, 10, A | Hit |
| 7, 7 | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 | Split |
| 7, 7 | 8 | Split/Hit |
| 7, 7 | 9, 10, A | Hit |
| 8, 8 | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, A | Split |
| 9, 9 | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 | Split |
| 9, 9 | 7, 10, A | Stand |
| A, A | 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, A | Split |
Don’t Split Tens
You will have a much greater chance to win big in blackjack if you put more money on the table if you think the dealer is vulnerable at the moment. So, splitting would seem like a nice idea, and generally, it is, but there are some exceptions.
You might feel eager to split tens because you can end up with at least 2 high hands, but this is something we advise you to avoid.
The reason for that is quite simple – you already boast a good hand, so why risk further cash to lose if the dealer gets lucky? It is already very likely you have the winning hand, so don’t get greedy!
Double Down on 11
If you double down at the right time, you will drastically increase your profits, so you might consider doing just that if you have 11.
Unless the dealer shows an Ace, doubling down on 11 is the most optimal strategy, as you are odds-on to get a ten-priced card next and wrap up with a blackjack. Even if you strike an 8 or a 9, you still have a very strong hand, hence our recommendation.
Don’t Bet Insurance
If the dealer in blackjack shows an Ace, then you might be tempted to make an insurance bet. The logic would be very simple – if the dealer gets a blackjack, this bet will make up your losses.
Sure, it seems like a nice idea, but we strongly advise against it. In the long run, you won’t make any profits from insurance bets, as the price you pay and the return you get don’t make up for the chance that the dealer gets blackjack.
Additional Tips To Enjoy Blackjack More
Blackjack is a simple game to understand and play, but it is equally as easy to burn through large sums of money if you don’t approach it responsibly. Therefore, besides the strategies above, here are some underrated tips that can serve as your guideline from the moment you start playing online or live blackjack:
- Don’t bet what you can’t lose – always set a budget and don’t go over it.
- Play it safe at first – there will be a time for side bets, but at the start, stick to the basics.
- Practice for free – online blackjack variations have demo versions that you can use for practice, without wagering your own money.
- Learn basic strategies – the three above-mentioned strategies are a nice starting point for all newbies in the gambling industry.
- Claim casino bonuses – bonuses can be a nice helping hand in your quest for bigger profits. Always keep one eye on the casino promotions, and should you encounter a worthy one, don’t hesitate to claim and use it on any blackjack variant!
How to Start Playing Online Blackjack
Now that we are nearing the end of this article, you must be keen to start playing, so the final piece of the jigsaw would be to explain how you can do that exactly. Thankfully, you only have to follow a simple, four-step process.
Register at a Licensed Online Casino
First things first – an online casino that holds a gaming license is a necessity for all players. To check the licenses a casino holds, just open its website and scroll to the footer – all license information should be explained in detail there. Then, it is just the case of clicking on the Register button and completing the registration form.
Deposit & Claim the Welcome Bonus
You now have to make at least the minimum deposit required on the site. Claiming the welcome bonus is an optional step, but assuming that there is a nice offer with user-friendly T&Cs, claim it and use it to your advantage!
Choose Your Blackjack Variant
The fun is now a step closer, as you have to browse through the game library and choose your preferred blackjack variant. As seen above, there is no shortage of options when it comes to variants, so make your pick accordingly!
Start Playing
You are now all set for a thrilling gaming experience! Place your bet before the cards are dealt, and enjoy the fun! The dealer will start dealing cards one at a time, and hopefully, luck will follow you from day one and you will secure some nice wins!
Ready to Beat the Dealer in A Race to 21?
Now that you know all there is about online blackjack, we cannot blame you if you are itching to give this game a try! Well, in that case, why not go over our guidelines again and use them to your advantage?
When we take everything under consideration, blackjack is one of the most simple, yet exciting and potentially rewarding games you can try out at any online casino.
The probability of winning is high compared to other games, and there are plenty of side bets you can use that can spice up your gameplay!
FAQ
What are the main blackjack rules?
One of blackjack’s main traits is that it is a simple game to play. You will be dealt two cards with their face value shown, and you have to get a score as close as possible to 21, without going over. You are up against the dealer, so whoever has the better hand, wins.
What is the best blackjack winning strategy?
There is no winning strategy that is 100% flawless as blackjack is a game of chance. However, the three main rules of the game are never to split tens, double down on 11, and don’t take insurance bets.
When is it best to hit or stand in online blackjack?
Depending on the game you play, an optimal strategy would be to hit when you have a hand of 10 or anything between 12-16. You can stand when you have anything over 17. Take a look at our table strategy chart above for more information.
Are there any blackjack casino bonuses I can use?
Of course! All trustworthy online casinos have hefty bonus offers you can use to improve your blackjack winnings. The nature of the offers varies, but more often than not, you can expect deposit match bonuses to come your way.
Is online blackjack better than live dealer blackjack?
This mainly depends on the type of player you are! If you prefer the thrills of a real casino establishment, then live dealer blackjack games that are streamed live should be your pick!
You must be at least 18 years of age to gamble in the United Kingdom. If you feel that gambling is becoming a problem for you or someone you know then we encourage you to visit begambleaware.org for help and advice.
