Play Blackjack Online for Real Money

How to Play Online Blackjack

One of the reasons this game is so popular is its simplicity. It’s easy to learn the rules and start playing, making it accessible to a large number of players. If you want to start playing online blackjack but don’t know where to start, follow along with our expert guide.

1. Pick one of your casino’s games and click the icon to get started.
2. Select your bet amount by clicking on the chip icons at the bottom of the game.
3. Place your bet by clicking on the rectangle on the interactive game board.
4. Click “Deal” to receive your hand.
5. You’ll receive two cards face up while the dealer has only one card showing.
6. Decide whether you want to hit, stand, double down, or split based on the strength of your hand and the dealer’s upcard.

Once you decide to stand or if you bust, the dealer will automatically play their hand. If you manage to beat the dealer, you’ll double your money.

Most Popular Blackjack Variations

Blackjack has had many variations of its basic rules for a long time, and these versions have become popular in different regions. However, since becoming an online casino game, the number of variations has increased, using the technology to offer options with unique gameplay features that can’t be achieved when playing live games. To help you discover the best online blackjack versions, we’ve explored the most popular variations available at casinos.

Classic Blackjack

You’ll likely be most familiar with this version of the game. It is played with anywhere between 4 and 8 decks, aiming to beat the dealer by getting as close to 21 as possible without going over. You have the option of standing, hitting, splitting, and doubling down. Blackjack is paid at 3 to 2, and the dealer must always stand on 17. This version of the game remains popular thanks to its simple ruleset and low house edge.

Blackjack Switch

A variant born from online casinos, Switch is an innovative game where you are dealt two hands at once. At the hand’s beginning, you can switch the top card between hands, creating the possibility for additional strategic decisions. Blackjack only pays 1 to 1, and the dealer always wins on 22 unless you have blackjack to counter the advantage you receive from this option. This game is popular thanks to its unique game mechanics.

Blackjack Surrender

This version is similar to the classic variant with one additional rule – you can surrender your hand before making an action and receive half your bet back. Depending on the game, you can choose to surrender before the dealer checks for blackjack, or you must wait for them to check before you do. This is called either early or late surrender. The additional rule is beneficial for players, lowering the house edge and making it a popular variant amongst experienced players.

European Blackjack

This variant is unique in the way it deals with the cards. Rather than the dealer receiving one card face up and one face down, the dealer is only dealt one card, with the additional cards coming after all players have made their action. This means that the dealer cannot check for blackjack before the start of the hand, increasing the house edge. While this game is popular in Europe, it’s not as widely played in the rest of the world.

Atlantic City Blackjack

The Atlantic City variant uses several player-friendly rules, making it a popular option at online casinos worldwide. These rules include the dealer standing on both hard and soft 17, the option to double after splitting, and late surrender. Players also have the option to split up to three times in one hand, lowering the house edge even further.

Double Exposure Blackjack

This variation requires the dealer to show both of their cards at the start of the hand, giving the player more information to make their decisions. However, to counter this advantage, blackjack is only paid at even money, and the dealer wins all tied hands. The ability to see the dealer’s hand makes this option popular, as it’s easier to make the correct strategic decision.

Real Money vs. Free Online Blackjack

When playing at our recommended casinos, you have the option of playing online blackjack for fun or real money. Before you start playing, consider which option is best for your situation. To help you make that decision, we’ve highlighted the key differences in the table below.

Most Common Blackjack Bonuses

One of the advantages of playing real money blackjack at online casinos is the opportunity to claim a generous casino bonus. While researching these casinos, our experts found that the majority of offers fell into one of three categories:

• Welcome bonus: Awarded to new players joining a casino for the first time, this promotion often takes the form of a matched deposit bonus. These offers match a percentage of your deposit in bonus funds.
• No deposit bonus: This offer gives you free casino rewards, such as free bets or bonus funds, without the need to make a deposit. These promotions are almost exclusive to new players but are often lower value than deposit bonuses.
• Reload bonus: Offered to existing players, these bonuses offer rewards to players when they add funds to their account. These promotions can take the form of a free bet bonus or a matched deposit bonus.

Expert Note:“As blackjack is a table game, you will not find any free spins eligible for use with this game.”

Advantages and Disadvantages of Online Blackjack

Before diving into the world of blackjack, it’s important to consider its advantages and disadvantages. We’re here to give you all the facts – both the good and the bad – so carefully read through our pros and cons list below.

Blackjack Strategies for Players

This is one of the few casino games that offers an element of strategy. Implementing the correct approach can reduce the house edge, potentially increasing your chances of winning in the short term.

Basic Strategy

The most accessible method for playing blackjack is called basic strategy. Despite its name, it’s actually the accurate way to play the game, reducing the house edge to just 0.5%.

The basic strategy comprises many rules that outline how to play each hand you’re dealt. The best way to learn the game is to find a basic strategy table, but we’ve provided some helpful tips that you can use while playing:

• Always double with a 10 or 11 against a dealer 10 or lower.
• Always stand with a hard hand of 17 or above.
• Always hit when your hand is between 12 and 16 when the dealer shows a 7 or higher.
• Always split 8s and Aces.

Expert Note:“Different rules will impact your decisions, so make sure that your table matches the rules of the game you’re playing.”

Advanced Strategy

The most widely known advanced strategy is card counting. This method involves tracking the cards dealt to estimate whether the remaining deck has more high or low cards. When done correctly, it can flip the house edge and actually give you an advantage.

However, card counting online is impossible, as the decks are automatically shuffled at the end of each hand. Even card counting with live blackjack games is extremely difficult, thanks to the frequency with which the cards are shuffled.

Important Blackjack Terms to Remember

If the talk of splitting and doubling down had you confused, don’t worry; we’re here to break down the jargon and clearly describe the most important terms of the game.

Online Blackjack on Mobile

The best casinos offer dedicated mobile gaming apps that allow you to play the best online blackjack games from anywhere. These apps are often available for both Android and iOS and can be easily installed onto your device.

Modern games are designed for mobile play. They come with touch-screen controls that make betting easy. Even if your casino doesn’t offer an app, they’ll likely offer a mobile-optimized website that allows you to enjoy playing online directly in your web browser.

Playing Internet Blackjack – Our Final Thoughts

To sum up, blackjack is a great option for casino players as it offers one of the lowest house edges. The gameplay is easy to learn and understand, and it offers a level of player interaction that’s rare among online casino games.

There are a variety of variants to play, including free online blackjack versions, each with unique rules and features, giving you plenty of options. We’ve also found that low deposit casinos offer games with small minimum bets, allowing players of all bankroll levels to join in the fun. Before you start playing, make sure you check out our expert casino reviews.