Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games in the world due to its easy-to-learn rules and social gameplay. Although there are many strategies that govern the game, it also relies on a bit of luck, adding to its draw.
Online blackjack offers all of the fun and excitement of a live casino in the comfort of your own home. With so many options, however, it can be difficult to know where the best place to play might be. That is why we have compiled a list of the best online casino sites specifically for playing blackjack.
Choosing the Right Online Blackjack Table
Blackjack has a ton of variations that don’t reinvent the game, but rather create unique twists. These include versions where the dealer’s hand is completely exposed from the start, where the dealer checks for a 21 is he shows an ace or a ten, and even where the game is played with fewer than 52 cards. If you have a preferred variation, there is probably somewhere to play it online.
Not all casinos are created equal, however. Sometimes variations exist in order for the house to have better odds. Here are some things you may want to watch out for.
- The Soft 17 Rule
This rule applies to a hand made up of an ace (valued at 11) and other cards that total 17. Some online blackjack sites require that dealers stand on 17, while others have to hit. By hitting on a soft 17, the house increases its edge by 0.2%, even though it may appear that you have the advantage.
- Losses and Ties
Some casino sites allow the house to win on 17-21, 17-20, and 17-19 ties. The sites should be avoided, as they increase the house edge and make it harder for you to win.
- Video Blackjack vs. Live Blackjack
While video blackjack is still the gold standard online, it does create better odds for the house. It is for this reason that live blackjack, which uses a real dealer and webcams that allow you to see the game in real time, is surging in popularity. It is exactly like casino blackjack and reduces the house odds slightly.
The Best Blackjack Bonuses
Online casinos offer new and existing players a range of blackjack promotions to encourage participation. There are two kinds of blackjack bonuses you may encounter.
- Cashable Blackjack Bonuses
This kind of bonus can only be withdrawn after meeting specific wager requirements. This can be as demanding as betting the entire sum several times or even making a specific number of wagers.
- Non-Cashable Blackjack Bonuses
This kind of bonus cannot be withdrawn. Instead, only the winnings you make from using this bonus can be kept.
Be sure to compare the different bonuses to ensure you get the best value for your money. Read the terms and conditions and see our online blackjack reviews for details.
Find a Trustworthy Online Blackjack Website
When you play blackjack online, you want to know that the casino plays fairly and that your information is always protected. Sign up with a well-known brand that is independently verified and enjoy playing the game with complete peace of mind.
Keep in mind that our list includes only sites that have been vetted and built a reputation for excellent business practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below is a list of some of the most frequent questions we are asked about playing blackjack on online casinos. If we left any important ones out, comment below and we will add it. We are always looking to improve and add to our knowledge base.
Does Playing Blackjack Online Affect Your Odds?
The odds change marginally in video blackjack because it does not use a physical card deck, but are the same in a live game, where you have an equal chance of winning as you would at a traditional land-based casino.
There is an advantage to playing Blackjack from home, however. Many online casinos offer a welcome bonus for new players and loyalty programs for regular players. In turn, these bonuses can help make up for the house edge and give players good value for money.
What are the Different Online Variations of Blackjack?
Most online casinos offer several variations on classic blackjack. Some of these include popular games such as Blackjack Switch, Caribbean 21 Blackjack, Blackjack Surrender and Pontoon. The different rules add an exciting dimension to the classic game and may offer players a slight advantage.
For example, in Blackjack Switch, each player is dealt two hands instead of one. You then have the option of exchanging or ‘switching’ the top two cards between your hands. While this gives players more options, it does affect the payout rate for a natural blackjack which is set at 1:1, instead of the traditional 3:2. Before you try one of these variations, make sure you understand the rules and payouts.
Is There a Strategy for Playing Blackjack Online?
Absolutely! Although no strategy will guarantee you a winning hand every time, there are many tips and tricks that will reduce the house edge. Experienced blackjack players will be familiar with many of these, which include standing on hands of 17 or higher, or splitting two aces.
If you have never played blackjack before, you will be pleased to learn that most online casinos offer free games. These games don’t use real money, so you can spend some time learning how to play and testing out different strategies. When you’re ready, you can start playing with real money which means you get to keep your winnings.
Do I Need Special Software to Play Blackjack Online?
Often times you will have to download software offered by a particular online casino if you want to play blackjack online. Keep in mind that software that works with one site will not necessarily work with other sites. If you want to play Blackjack on different sites, you’ll have to download the software each provider makes available to players.
If you would prefer not to download any software, you can find a number of no-download sites where you can start playing from within your browser as soon as you create an account.
More About These Gaming Sites:
- Betway
Betway spreads its welcome bonus out over the first three deposits. Your first deposit earns a 100% bonus match up to £250. The second deposit earns 25% up to £250 and the third earns a 50% deposit up to £500. Play all of the 42 online blackjack variations including European Blackjack and Classic Blackjack.
- Casumo
Casumo starts you off with a welcome bonus of 200% for your first deposit and 200 free spins. Put some of that towards the wide range of online blackjack variations such as: Single Deck Blackjack, Double Exposure Blackjack or Blackjack Professional. Or if you want some real casino action, join a live blackjack game.
- Ladbrokes
Ladbroke is a UK-based casino where new players can look forward to a welcome bonus of 100% or up to £500 on their first deposit. Aside from Classic Blackjack, you can test your skills on Multi-Hand Blackjack, Blackjack Surrender, and Progressive Blackjack.
- 888
Sign up with 888 and you’ll receive a generous 100% match bonus up to £500. Live blackjack is included in their impressive offering of live casino games, so you can start there before exploring all the blackjack variations they offer.
- Royal Panda
Get your 100% or up to £100 bonus with Royal Panda and head for the blackjack section where you will find seven online blackjack games ranging from Blackjack Classic to Blackjack Professional Series to Live Blackjack.
- Betfair Casino
Betfair offers a very generous welcome bonus of 200% or up to £500. There is also an exclusive bonus for live blackjack. You can play classic blackjack or progressive jackpot for hours of fun. If you get bored with those, move on to unique online blackjack games such as Pontoon, Pick’em Blackjack or Blackjack Switch.
- NetBet
New TOP10 players on NetBet can look forward to an exclusive bonus of 100% up to £250 and a VIP upgrade on their second deposit. You can play Classic Blackjack on NetBet but they also offer 3D Blackjack and Multi-Hand Blackjack for the more adventurous.
- 777
This online blackjack UK provider is part of the 888 Casino Club. New players will be thrilled with the 100% or up to £200 welcome bonus. 777 offer just two types of blackjack: Multi-Hand Blackjack, and American Blackjack, but they make up for it with their live blackjack tables.
- Paddy Power
You won’t need the luck of the Irish when you start off with Paddy Power’s incredible 400% First Deposit Bonus of up to £500. The online blackjack UK site gives you eleven blackjack variations. Experienced players will be tempted to try Progressive Blackjack for a chance to win big prize money.
- EuroGrand Casino
EuroGrand is an online blackjack provider that gives new players a three-tiered bonus starting with 25% on the first deposit, 60% on the second deposit and a massive 300% on the third deposit provided the minimum deposit amount is £10. There are eight different blackjack games, including variations such as Pontoon and Progressive Blackjack.
