Top 3 online blackjack casino
New casino sites to play real money
Cafe may not be as much of an established name as some of the other internet casinos, yet in a short time, it has managed to develop a stellar reputation. This is one of the best websites to play blackjack online. Online blackjack games can be played at cafe by downloading apps for their android and ios devices. In addition to being a great spot for online blackjack games, the website also boasts a wide variety of live dealer games and progressive jackpot online slots. With ignition, you’re getting quality. They are one of the longest running and most trustworthy brands in the world of online gambling. If you’re looking for online gaming you need to look no further than ignition. There are thoroughly detailed bonuses that anyone that is interested in games here can apply for, fantastic customer service as well as a good design that ensures that players will always have quick and easy access to their money. Check out ignition if you want one of the leading experts in blackjack today.
Blackjack online | top casinos [2020] | play to win real money
#1 bovada
Bovada is one of the most established and long-running spots to play blackjack online. With a uniquely well put together combination of fantastic bonus promotions, 24 hours a day 7 days a week customer service and easy access to your money it is no wonder why bovada has become one of the most longstanding and reputable names in the world of internet gaming. With many choices online for options to play blackjack, it is perfectly understandable to want to choose a website that has a longstanding reputation. If you want the very best in the realm of internet gaming, look no further than bovada. Bovada also features many other diversions including poker and roulette.
#2 ignition casino
With ignition, you’re getting quality. They are one of the longest running and most trustworthy brands in the world of online gambling. If you’re looking for online gaming you need to look no further than ignition. There are thoroughly detailed bonuses that anyone that is interested in games here can apply for, fantastic customer service as well as a good design that ensures that players will always have quick and easy access to their money. Check out ignition if you want one of the leading experts in blackjack today.
#3 cafe casino
Cafe may not be as much of an established name as some of the other internet casinos, yet in a short time, it has managed to develop a stellar reputation. This is one of the best websites to play blackjack online. Online blackjack games can be played at cafe by downloading apps for their android and ios devices. In addition to being a great spot for online blackjack games, the website also boasts a wide variety of live dealer games and progressive jackpot online slots.
King billy
King billy casino is a newer name in the market for those wishing to play blackjack online. It was launched just a few years ago, in 2017. However, in this short time, it has managed to establish itself as a leading name in the internet gaming community. It contains one of the most professional layouts in all of internet gaming, some of the best promotions in the field of online casinos and a license from the curacao egaming company that proves it is one of the most reputable companies in this field. There are few better opportunities to get your blackjack game on than at king billy.
Jackpot city
Jackpot city has been around for many years now and is well established as one of the very best internet gaming websites. If you want to play blackjack online, or many other fine games, you can do it right at jackpot city. Due to its long-standing reputation, it’s managed to accrue some of the most rewarding bonuses, most dedicated support team and easiest access to funds on the entire internet. While you don’t have to limit yourself to just blackjack at a wonderful establishment like this, you’re more than welcome to play to your heart’s content and get an exceptional experience while doing so.
Online blackjack UK – rules, strategy & blackjack casino bonuses
Online blackjack – perhaps the most popular casino game out there for brits? UK blackjack players are drawn to casino blackjack like no other game. This has been a sentiment which has been long-lasting, given that blackjack has been around since the 1800s. Its popularity is certainly not declining, but rising year after year with three out of four UK residents aware of the basic rules. It’s a great game to play, is very easy when it comes to how it is played and the rules involved, and gives players a chance to win money with a low house edge.
This is the same, regardless of whether you are playing online or in a land-based casino. As mentioned, this game has a much lower house edge in comparison to other games found in a casino. This is a massive factor for players who seem to gravitate to the game time after time. Its popularity is felt around the world, given its reach and frequent coverage on TV and in movies.
When a novice player is looking for a game to play, they may be referred to blackjack by experienced gamers. Quite often, it is one of the first recommendations given by experienced players to novices. The appeal of this game makes it an absolute non-negotiable when players are looking to sign up somewhere new, and online casinos are aware of this. As such, there are an impressive number of different versions of blackjack out there.
So where did it all begin for blackjack? Well, that is not exactly certain. What we do know is that the version we play nowadays in online casinos originated in the 1600’s. We take a look at the game itself, the rules involved, how to play, and what to expect in our review, below.
Top 3 best blackjack UK casinos online
The best three UK blackjack casinos not only feature all the most popular versions of blackjack, as well as some interesting twists on the standard rules but also provide the biggest range of betting options, smooth reliable up to date software, secure hassle-free banking and of course the best blackjack bonuses for UK blackjack players.
Betfred casino
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High roller blackjack
These are the UK casinos currently offering the highest high limit blackjack stakes. Please note that some of these high stakes blackjack games require a minimum balance of £6,000 and only run after 5pm.
| High roller casino | maximum stake | blackjack version |
| 32 red | £20,000 | high limit european advanced blackjack |
| mr green | £10,000 | evolution’s salon privé blackjack |
| leo vegas | £10,000 | chambre séparée silent VIP blackjack |
| william hill live | £10,000 | blackjack diamond VIP |
| william hill | £5,000 | playtech’s soirée elite blackjack |
Blackjack casino guide
Get your cards ready, it’s time for blackjack!
You probably already know the game in some sense. It’s a favourite of not just casino players – on and offline – but also of a load of film directors, who like nothing better than the drama and confined man-on-man contest of this exciting green baize game.
The fact that it takes place – or can do, you could play in a field if you want – in a small frame is one of the keys for blackjack’s success as an online game. While the mathematics is potentially fiendishly complex, the game itself can be easily portrayed in a small frame with relatively simple graphics. In fact, versions of blackjack must be the oldest computer casino games.
The basics of the game are very simple, but like most casino games, which have stood the test of time, in a really big way, there’s a good deal of sophistication in blackjack, not just in the game, but also in techniques for playing, side betting and more.
This type of game is called a “comparing game”, for fairly obvious reasons. Players compare their hand against a dealer, who they try to beat. They can win by out-scoring the dealer without going over the magic number, which in the case of blackjack is 21.
Blackjack – like almost all of these games – is part of a family of games. Its closest relatives are 21, spanish 21 and pontoon, though these games are much less common, and almost invisible in online casino sites.
Twenty-one was being played by the time miguel de cervantes (don quixote’s creator) was writing in the 16 th and 17 th centuries. That game was played using a spanish deck of cards called the “baraja” (which has only 48 cards) and was brought to america by immigrants before it really took off.
American players turned it from a one-on-one game into a game against a house and with some extras. One of those extras was the addition of extra-valuable hands that paid out. One of these was a match of the ace of spades (worth 11 points) and one of the blackjacks (worth 10) to hit 21. From this black-jack combination, the game’s name was coined.
The name lasted, but sadly the 10 to 1 odds it paid out didn’t! Today, you can claim a blackjack with any ace and court card combo. It’s the best hand in the book!
Blackjack basics: how to play blackjack
To play blackjack you don’t need much beyond a lot of cards, a dealer, and you.
The mechanics of the game are very simple.
Aces are worth either one or 11 points, whichever is to the advantage of the player.
The numbered cards from two to 10 are worth their face value.
The court cards – jack, queen, king, ace – are all worth 10 points.
The dealer – usually using a big wooden box called a shoe that contains several (often five) packs of cards – deals two cards to the player. These can be face up or face down – check at the table you’re playing at (not that it really matters when you’re playing against a machine).
The dealer then gives themselves two cards. Usually, one of these cards is on display and the other stays face down.
Then the game gets interesting. The player can ask for extra cards – sometimes called hitting or twisting – to try to win the game by getting a higher total in his hand than the dealer without going past 21 and going bust.
Aces are most often going to be valued as one because the aim is to get as many cards as you can without scoring too highly. Eleven points are only really useful when you’ve got a blackjack or another total of 21. Cards with the ace currently valued at 11 are called “soft” because you can’t go bust in that position. Cards with an ace valued at one are called hard.
When the players have taken all the cards they want and don’t think they can do any better, it’s up to the dealer to try to beat them.
Make sure you check the rules at the table for all of these details, but the usual routine is that a dealer must keep dealing to himself while the total for the cards in his hands remains less than 17. He must also keep dealing if he has a “soft” 17 – so one with an ace in – and sometimes if the hand contains a pair of cards from ace and two to ace and four.
The side – player or dealer – with the highest total under 21 wins. If the dealer goes bust and the player doesn’t the player wins. If the player gets a blackjack then the only way the dealer can match it is with a blackjack (or “natural”) of their own.
Tied hands usually result in bets being returned.
Every gambling game has rule variations. Make sure you know what the deal is with the dealer you’re playing with.
The blackjack hit
Game terms in blackjack have generally defaulted to their american version. Sadly there are none of the stylish bits of french slang that survive in roulette and baccarat for example.
So one of the first questions for a blackjack player is whether to accept another card or not. That would be communicated as “hit” or “stand” (though “twist” and “stick” might also appear).
When you “hit” you’ll be given another card. You can keep hitting until you go bust.
Hitting is the big decision. There are acres of print expended on how you should make this decision. The thinking is generally that the dealer’s decision – made for them, remember – to hit up to 17 is probably too risky when you’re playing with your own money. However, you might want to give that a go, particularly if you’re playing with free money.
Blackjack stand
Your other option is to stand. And that’s it. If you stand your ground you’re done, and you have to sit back and watch the dealer do his stuff.
(incidentally, what any other players in the game do or do not do should have no effect on you. This game is played between the dealer and a player independently in turn. The only reason you should be looking at the hands of other players is if you’re attempting to card count.)
Again, the decision to stand has been discussed at great length by some very clever people – blackjack is one of the few games where statistical analysis might play a useful role for players – and we’ll go into that a little later on.
What you should know is that a stand is the end of the game for you.
Blackjack double down
There’s more to blackjack than that though.
Another nice option for players is a phrase you might have heard in relation to american politics of late. That’s doubling down!
Doubling down – “reaching deep” if you’re very deep into the casino world – is a risky proposition in a lot of ways, but it’s risky for a reason because it might mean big wins.
It works very simply. You’re dealt your first two cards. Then you say you’re going to double down and double your initial wager. The catch is that you can only then receive one more card.
There are plenty of theories about when you should double down. Really. Probably 21! One of the best we’ve seen is the suggestion that one should double down if the total value of your first two cards is either 10 or 11.
That means you’re unable to go bust, but you also have a decent chance of getting a high score that might beat the dealer, who has to stick at 17 remember.
What is in the dealer’s hand should also play into your thinking too.
Blackjack split
Another option for players is to “split”.
This is a rule that doesn’t apply in all games, so check what the routine is at the table where you’re sitting.
If you can split, it means you can split any pairs you are dealt into two separate hands. These cards are played in exactly the same way as you would a normal hand, with your single-hand bet doubled to ride the same amount on each hand.
There’s a lot of strategy around this decision too. Most players agree that if you’re dealt a pair of aces you should split them because you then get four chances of scoring a 21.
Eights are also a popular must-split pair. The thinking here isn’t so much based around the opportunities of the hands you might get with the new deal, it’s more about the fact that you might never see a worse score in blackjack than 16!
You’re one below the 17 where the dealer has to stop, and any card over five busts you. It’s a tough hand and you’ll have more chance with a pair of eights.
You can usually continue to split as long as you are dealt pairs, and it’s perfectly logical and sensible, as long as you have the cash, to follow the same routine with those pairs.
Blackjack surrender
The name says it all – surrender! There’s nothing dishonourable about making this decision though. If you’re playing a free game then we would recommend you play through most hands to familiarise yourself with the game. However, if you’re playing for real money then surrendering might well be a good thing to do.
The first thing to note is that there are two types of surrender: early surrender and late surrender. Both types are not offered at all tables, so please make sure you check the rules at the table you’re playing at.
An early surrender takes place after the first two cards have been dealt to both the players and to the dealer. If you have a poor hand, and the dealer has a good one – 10 is usually considered the best – then you can surrender, deciding not to play the hand and handing over half of your bet.
The late surrender takes place at the same time, but after the dealer has checked his hand. If the dealer has a blackjack or a natural (21, so a 10-scorecard and an ace) then you cannot surrender. If he doesn’t, then you can.
There is a lot of decent statistical analysis on which hands you should surrender, and it is worth studying. However, always remember that even the advice based on fantastic mathematical and statistical analysis is basically powerless against a random event – it’s good to know, but it’s no guarantee of outcomes.
Experts recommend playing different strategies for the early and late surrender.
The 16 is generally rated as the worst possible hand to get in blackjack, and if you have that against a 10 in the dealer’s hand then perhaps you should surrender it.
The most important thing to know about surrender is whether you have the right to do it and when you have the right to do it. Make sure you’re aware of the rules.
Blackjack side bets
If playing the game itself isn’t enough then you can also bet on the play of other players. If you fancy this rather voyeuristic experience – arguably – then it’s something you might want to consider. It’s also a way to try to win bigger prizes when the core card game itself has relatively limited betting and staking options – there’s no raising in blackjack.
Check the bets that are available on your favourite casino site rather than following a secondary source. Most importantly, check the odds they are paying.
Here are some of the most popular side bets on blackjack.
- The 21+3 puts poker hands into a blackjack setting. It uses the player’s initial deal and the dealer’s showing card to make a poker hand, paying out on straights, flushes, straight flushes, and three-of-a-kinds. These can pay as high as 9/1, but the odds tend to be lower.
- The royal match looks for the first two cards dealt to the player to be in the same suit – this is called the easy match. If they are, you will get a payout of 5/2 odds. If the pair is a king and queen then it jumps to a 25/1 payout. The pay-offs will likely alter depending on the table where you’re playing, and the type of game – you may see 3/1 and 10/1 for example if the game uses (or simulates using) a single pack of cards.
- The over/under 13 bet is just what it sounds like. A bet on the total of the first two cards. Of course, the ace plays a big role here as it can be worth 11 or one points. In this bet, it is always rated as 1 point. Hitting exactly 13 is almost always counted as a loss. Normally, pay-outs are around 10/1.
- Super sevens simply pays out on the number of sevens in a hand. The more sevens the better! There is usually the added extra of betting for sevens also matching the suit. These payouts can get to very high numbers – around 5000/1 for a trio of suited sevens, which is also 21, so almost guaranteed to win the pot too! Because of the potentially high pay-outs, this bet often has a low limit on stakes.
- The lucky ladies are queens. And they’re lucky when there are two of them. This is a great bet for losing hands, paying out 1,000/1 for a pair of queens of hearts when the dealer has a blackjack. The odds and payouts are quite complex, so check the pay-table at your casino and your table.
- A pair square simply pays on a pair dealt to the player. Pairs in the same suit usually pay higher – say 15/1 to 10/1.
- It tells us something about this exciting game that the best-known bet of all is called insurance. This is betting so that you win something if the dealer gets a blackjack. Half of your original bet is staked as a bet on blackjack, with a payout of 2/1.
Blackjack insurance
So when should you play insurance?
Everything we say here is presented in good faith and is decently researched. However, it is quite truncated. There are millions and millions of words written on the theory of blackjack betting, card counting, and blackjack strategy. We’re providing an introductory blackjack guide, and you should – if you love this game – go out and read more and more on this subject.
So the blackjack insurance bet is made after the first deal, and usually only in the case of an ace being dealt to the dealer. Then you have the option of putting half of your bet on the dealer getting a blackjack and you’ll win 2/1 – so your bet – back if they do.
Should you do it? If you fancy it. It’s a random event, after all. If you’re counting cards you may actually know that the odds are slightly more in favour of a 10 showing up next. But, you should also have confidence in your own hand.
You should also bear in mind that blackjack is the winning hand because it’s relatively unlikely to happen. In the long run, if you keep taking insurance bets at every opportunity then you are statistically likely to lose money.
Blackjack card values
If you’re going to hit 21, then you need to know what card is worth what!
Fortunately, it’s very easy.
The ace is worth either 1 or 11 – and that’s the choice of the player, going low when he wants to get more cards in, and high when he wants to hit 21.
The numbered cards, 2 to 10, are worth what is printed on them. Lovely and simple.
All court (or face) cards, so jack, queen, and king are all worth 10 points.
Blackjack odds
While the total of 21 is easily enough understood, the odds of hitting it are much more complicated.
Blackjack is the game in which card counting became famous. The idea of card counting is very simple – and it’s not the magic formula that people think it is. It is simply the act of trying to keep track of which cards have already been dealt – usually from six decks of cards – and so which cannot be dealt again. If you can do it, it is a good way to slightly alter the odds in your favour. It is certainly useful to know that, for example, all the aces in a shoe have been gone, so you have no chance of picking one to go with your total of 10. However, it will not tell you which cards are actually going to appear.
You should also remember that all gambling games are titled in favour of the house – the casino. Without this house edge, there would be no profit. No casino. And no games.
The house edge in blackjack is largely down to the order of play. After being dealt two cards, the player must then choose what to do. If the player chooses to take another card then there is a nearly 30% chance that you will go bust. And that’s it, that’s the end of the game for you, and the casino picks up your cash. This edge is usually said to be around 8% in favour of the casino. Check the theoretical return to player figure at the casino you’re using to get some idea of what the deal is with the game you’re playing.
The player does have things working in their favour though. The higher payouts on natural blackjacks (usually 3/2) plays in your favour. As does the set of rules that the dealer has to follow. The rules are there for a reason, and that reason is that they statistically guarantee the house wins more often, but the fact that the dealer must play that way no matter what the other players have is in your favour.
Here are the probabilities of going bust from the first two cards:
- With a total under 11, the probability of going bust is 0%.
- With a hand of 12, the probability is 31% – see, it goes up very quickly!
- When 13 it is 39%.
- From 14 you have a 56% chance of going bust.
- From 15 then it’s 58%.
- At 16 – generally considered the worst starting hand, and the pair you should split – then it’s 62%.
- At 17 – where the dealer has to check out – you have a 69% chance of going bust.
- From 18 it’s a 77% chance.
- With a score of 19, you have an 85% chance of going bust.
- At 20, there is a 92% chance.
- And, as you know, from 21 there’s a 100% chance of going bust!
Looking at the odds for the dealer you’ll see that because they have to stand on 17 – and this varies on high-and-low value aces, hard and soft 17s – their odds of going bust can be calculated from the first card they are dealt. And these probabilities are lower than the player’s odds.
But it is the interaction of the player and the dealer that the complexity comes in. So, from a 12, you have a relatively low chance of going bust. But if the dealer has a six, he has a very high chance (42 – 44%) of going bust himself, so you should probably actually stick on a 12 against a six.
Blackjack table
Blackjack tables are beautiful! That’s our opinion anyway. There’s something very stylish about the green baize, the wooden shoe and the lines.
In real life, you can play standing or when sitting at a table. Online of course you can play hanging upside down and naked if you so, please!
The table itself will be pretty similar, though.
Normally, the players sit in a semi-circle facing the dealer. You might well see the odds for the game printed on the table – take good note of these. You’ll also see the rules on what the dealer has to do with 17s.
Each player has their own betting circle, in which they can put their chips. You’ll also see an insurance bet line. You may see the side bets marked up too.
Blackjack payouts
Blackjack is a very simple game when it comes to betting.
You put up an amount of your choice and within the maximums allowed in the game you’re playing. If you win then you’ll usually get the amount of your bet back and your stake – so an evens or 1/1 pay-out.
The exception is with blackjack. If you tie with the dealer on a blackjack then you will usually still get the 1/1, evens pay-out. If you beat the dealer with a blackjack then you will usually get a 3/2 payout.
However, there are some casinos that pay out at 6/5 for blackjack. To be clear, this is a lower amount. Don’t play at houses offering that pay-out unless you need to.
Blackjack strategy
The strategies for blackjack are too many and various to go into here. However, there are loads of options out there and we heartily recommend that you dig into this as deeply as you want. You shouldn’t have to pay for this advice, it’s all available for free, and people who want to charge you are probably scamming you – not necessarily, they might have something new, and they might be presenting their information in a nicer way than someone else or offering some other extras.
Be warned though, it is complicated.
Be warned, too, that no strategy in blackjack will guarantee that you win, or will even guarantee that you will lose less often.
It is likely that statistical analysis will allow you to enjoy playing blackjack for longer because you’ll hang on to your money longer. In the long run, almost all gambling games will lose you money.
Remember, there are a lot of options in blackjack, despite it being a simple game: it may allow surrender at different stages, it may be played with different numbers of cards, it may pay different odds on blackjacks, it may demand different strategies of the dealer.
All of these have a marked influence on the odds of various outcomes that you’re gambling on. Any blackjack strategy that doesn’t take these into account is not really detailed enough.
Another thing to bear in mind when considering playing by strategies is that is very boring.
That is, a full blackjack strategy will tell you what to do in every situation. That is good advice and based on statistical likelihoods. However, it completely takes every other option out of the game. So you’ll essentially be playing the game as an agent of a strategy – you’ll become a bot!
So, if you’re happy consulting a piece of paper that will tell you what to do if you have a 13 and the dealer has a five showing rather than thinking, “I feel lucky!” and going for it then use a strategy.
Be careful of spammy sites and try to use good quality people. You can also try out online blackjack strategies in free games and see what sort of results you get, though remember that won’t stand true in every game.
An example of a blackjack strategy (unknown author)
This strategy is based on a four-to eight-pack game.
This blackjack strategy argues that you should never make insurance bets. If you are not allowed to split fives and 10s then you should consider your total as a hard total. The same is true if you cannot split because of a limit on re-splitting.
This strategy is also recommended for games in which the dealer stands on soft 17s.
The author of this blackjack strategy says you should:
- Surrender hard 16s unless they are a pair of eights and if the dealer has a visible ace, 9, or 10.
- You should surrender hard 15s if the dealer has a 10.
- You should split all aces and all eights.
- Do never split pairs of fives or pairs of 10s.
- If you have pairs of twos or threes and the dealer has a four to a seven, then you should split them. If the dealer has a two or three then you should split if doubling after a split (DAS) is allowed.
- Split pairs of fours if the dealer has a five or six showing and DAS is allowed.
- Sixes should be split if the dealer has a three to six. If DAS is allowed then you should also split sixes against a dealer two.
- Sevens should be split if the dealer has a two to seven.
- Nines should be split if the dealer has a two to six, an eight or a nine.
- You should double, hard nines if the dealer has a three to six.
- You should double hard 10s if the dealer has a 10 or an ace.
- Double hard 11s unless the dealer has an ace.
- Soft 13s and 14s should be doubled if the dealer has a five or six.
- Double soft 15s or 16s when the dealer has a four to six.
- Soft 17s and 18s should be doubled down if the dealer has a three to six.
- When should you hit or stand (twist or stick)?
- Under a hard 11 – always hit.
- Hard 12 should hit unless the dealer has a four to six showing.
- Hard 13s to 16s should stand if the dealer has a two to six.
- Ultimately, hard 17s and above you should always stand on.
- Hit soft 17 or below.
- Soft 18s should be a stand unless the dealer has a nine, 10 or ace showing.
- With a soft 19 or above, you should always stand.
The author of this strategy recommends this strategy as OK but also suggests making these modifications for dealers who have to stand on a soft 17.
- Surrender 15s, 17s, and pairs of eights if the dealer has an ace.
- Double 11s if the dealer has an ace. Double soft 18s if the dealer has a two. And double soft 19s if dealers have sixes.
As you can see, blackjack strategies can be complex and prescriptive, so one of the big choices is whether to use one or not! We suggest you give it a try, ideally on a free blackjack game.
Free blackjack game demo
Try out your favourite blackjack strategies in this free blackjack demo.
[ctl_arcade_game game=”ctl-blackjack” mode=”iframe” max-height=”1000″] [ctl_arcade_game game=”ctl-blackjack” mode=”leaderboard” limit=”10″ period=”all-time” order=”DESC”]
Blackjack variations
There are a number of blackjack rule variations that can apply in all blackjack games. We’ve covered those – doubling, hard and soft 17s for the dealers, and so on – above.
There are three standard versions of the blackjack game that you are most likely to see, though:
Vegas strip blackjack
Vegas strip blackjack is played with four decks. The dealer stands on soft 17s. You can double down on any cards. You can double after splitting pairs and you can resplit and you cannot surrender. The dealer looks at their cards when their first card is a 10 or ace. (this is called “dealer’s peek” and it’s good news for players because dealers must reveal if they have a blackjack.)
Atlantic city blackjack
Atlantic city blackjack is played with eight decks of cards. The dealer stands on soft 17s. You can double down on any cards or you can double after splitting pairs. You can resplit pairs. And you can surrender. Dealer looks on 10s and aces.
European blackjack
European blackjack is usually played with six packs. The dealer stands on soft 17s. You can only double down on totals of nine, 10, and 11. You can double down after splits and you cannot resplit pairs. Or you can surrender. And dealers never look at their cards.
These are shorthand though, and you should always check the actual rules of the actual table at the actual casino site where you’re playing actually!
Spanish 21
Spanish 21 is a proprietary name for a version of the blackjack.
It uses six to eight decks of card. It uses a spanish deck, which is a standard pack with the 10s taken out.
This is the main difference in the game, and it can be varied in the way that blackjack itself can be with surrendering and splitting variants.
There is usually an extra side bet to match the dealer’s card.
Spanish 21 online
Because this game is a trademark, it is relatively rare. There is a microgaming version of the game that you’re most likely to see.
Double exposure blackjack
This exciting sounding game is actually a fairly tame variant of blackjack. The exposure in question is of the dealer’s cards, which are both dealt face up.
The house edge on this game is slightly higher than standard blackjack, though the rules are very similar.
Usually, the only differences are the showing of those cards. The dealer is granted the win in all ties except for when both have a natural blackjack. Blackjack for the player usually only pays evens. And the player can only split a pair once.
As usual, we very strongly advise that you check the rules on the actual game you’re playing.
Double attack blackjack
Double attack blackjack is different enough to be almost a completely different game.
All of these rules are what should apply “usually” so check that they apply where you’re playing.
The game is played with spanish decks, usually eight of them. Dealers have to stand on a soft 17. Dealers have to check cards for blackjacks. You can double down after a split. Resplitting is not allowed for all cards.
The double attack is the opportunity for the player to bet again after the dealer has been dealt their first card, which is the first card dealt in this game.
Blackjack switch
This is another trademarked variant that was invented in 2009 by a guy called geoff hall.
The very obvious difference between the game and the standard blackjack is that you get two hands! Sadly, you can’t play both, but you do have the choice of swapping the top two cards in each of these hands.
The switch decision is made after the first two cards have been dealt, face up, to each player. The game is otherwise largely similar to standard blackjack, though it normally allows dealers to tie with 22s.
Blackjack switch online
You can play blackjack switch online, but it is much less common than the standard game.
There are versions from a lot of big developers, including playtech. As ever, the prime duty of the player is to check out the rules of the game they are playing and to know where they stand.
Play for free first if you can.
Super fun 21
Another variation of blackjack is super fun 21, played with a standard pack of cards.
The added extra here is a six-card trick. This – six cards that add up to 20 – becomes the winning hand (beating even blackjack) in all circumstances.
You can also split your hand as many as four times. Doubling down can come into play at any time. And a five card hand totalling 21 is worth a 2/1 payout.
This all seems very generous. And it is! And very fun! But the changing of the payout on blackjacks to less generous odds puts the advantage back in the house’s hands.
European blackjack and american blackjack
As we’ve seen already, there are variations within these two versions of the game (las vegas vs atlantic city for example), so check that you’re fully up on the rules where you’re playing.
American blackjack allows the dealer to look at their first card if the second card, dealt face up, offers up the chance of a blackjack, which they must declare and end the hand.
European blackjack has no face-down “hole” card. The dealer deals his own second card face-up only when the players have completed their hands. Both dealer cards are already face up. This allows players to make some decisions before they’ve seen that the dealer may have a blackjack, potentially increases their losses.
Doubling down by doubling your stake is allowed in european blackjack only on 9s, 10s, and 11s. American blackjack allows doubling down on any total.
European blackjack is more restrictive on splitting or playing pairs as independent new hands. In the european blackjack game you can only split once, and only with cards that are worth 10 points. American blackjack allows three splits and allows any value to be split, with the exception of aces, which can only be split once, and after splitting only one card may be dealt to each hand.
Online blackjack tournaments
Tournament play is available in most online casino games now. Playing alone will get boring after a while, so it’s nice to jump in with other card fans for a while.
You’ll need to be a casino site member to play in a tournament. It’s sort of free play because you pay once to enter, then you can play as many hands as you can for a top prize that will be set – usually in the shape of a prize pool to be shared between the winners – in advance.
Most big casino sites host these online blackjack tournaments quite regularly, so if you’re able to find them you can keep coming back to them.
Free blackjack: online blackjack for fun
The lure of free games is obvious. You get to play for free!
You also get to find your way around a game before you play it. It’s also a good reminder that blackjack – and all gambling games – should be played for fun.
If you’re going to use free blackjack games for research then make sure you match the type of game and rule variants exactly to the game you want to play for real money.
Real money blackjack
Playing for real is a different thing entirely. So, make sure you’ve done your homework before you start.
Real money play can be high pressure, so be sure that you’re in a good place mentally, and follow all those safe gambling rules that we like to dismiss – BUT SHOULDN’T!
There are plenty of online blackjack strategies you can find to bet more successfully on real money blackjack. We say you should only use free blackjack guides, and remember that no strategy can guarantee anything, least of all winning!
Online blackjack bonuses
Bonuses are great news. It’s another way to play for free. If you find a blackjack game that you like it’s probably worth looking around to see if you can find a casino with a good welcome bonus where you can play it.
Once you’ve been a member of a blackjack casino site for a while you’ll start to be offered all sorts of bonuses and promotions that might include blackjack.
Blackjack, though, is a popular game, and casinos typically restrict the use of the most popular games with bonus funds or to pay off the play-through on a bonus game.
How to choose the best blackjack sites
A good blackjack site is likely to be a good slots site, a good roulette site, and a good sports betting site.
There are the speciality, one-game sites, of course, but they are few and far between.
So in most cases, you’ll be looking for a good casino site.
You might want to pick by blackjack casino game though. Check out reviews and try free blackjack versions of all the main developers and find the one you enjoy the most, then find out where it’s hosted.
One bad reason for picking a blackjack casino site is because you find the live dealers there attractive. Just so you know.
Otherwise, you should use all the usual safeguards and checks on licensing, safe gambling rules, banking, and personal data security at an online blackjack site that you would at any other site.
Find out more about playing real money blackjack online!
Blackjack is a casino favourite that has been around for centuries, evolving over time to its present forms and variations. In this game it’s you against the dealer as you try to reach a hand value closest to – but never over – 21 (which is why some countries refer to this game as ‘21’). Thanks to its simple rules, quick game progression, and the mix of luck and decision-making, this card game giant has been attracting huge numbers of players, making blackjack tables perhaps the most visited of all.
Curious to see which online casino hosts the best blackjack games? Then check out our top pick in the link below or stick around and take a look at our comprehensive guide!
Looking for the best real money blackjack casino ? VISIT OUR TOP PICK!
With the quick ascent of internet casinos, more and more people have been trying their hands at playing this game for money online, without the hassle of making a trip to a land-based casino.
Pick smart and play at the best blackjack casinos
Unsure of how to find the right casino? There are certainly many (or perhaps even too many) options out there, with a few bad apples here and there, unfortunately. To make it easier for you, we’ve not only rounded up a set of factors to look out for when you’re trying to find your next real money gambling paradise, but we can go ahead and give you a couple of our carefully-selected real money online casino recommendations in the table below.
| Casino | variants | specials | table limits | bonus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| betway | 30+ | super fun 21, vegas single deck | £1 – £1000 | up to £1000 * |
| 32red | 10+ | blackjack bonanza, hilo 13 | £10 – £25,000 | up to £160 * |
| william hill | 10+ | progressive blackjack, switch | 50p – £10,000 | up to £250 * |
In order to find the optimal gaming spot, it’s important to, first and foremost, pick an online casino that has all the appropriate licensing in place – you don’t want to give shady websites your hard-earned cash, do you? When it comes to the games, check whether the site has different variations of blackjack as well as flexible table limits to rest assured that you will find the right one(s) for you – reputable operators ought to offer limits suitable for both low-stakes players and high rollers. Does the operator offer a wide overall selection of online casino games? Do they partner with reliable and recognized game developers? If you’ve answered these two questions with a yes, you might be looking at a keeper.
Tight online security measures and prudent protection of sensitive personal and financial data is also essential. A good blackjack site should also offer varied payment options – so do make sure you can make all the real money transactions comfortably and without worries.
It’s also beneficial to keep an eye out for attractive welcome bonuses that most online gambling providers offer upon registration as new client. However, reading the fine print is definitely recommended, since these types of bonuses usually come with strings attached. Our advice is to keep yourself informed about all details regarding wagering requirements and contributions.
Recommended pick: betway
With 30 online blackjack variants and a further multitude of wager levels to choose from, betway is a true heavyweight when it comes to giving you the best real money entertainment possible. In addition to mobile blackjack, you can join an excellent dealer at one of the many live tables and get into the swing of things with a real casino feeling! To top it all off, a welcome bonus of up to £1000 is our best yet! Check out this top casino pick and find out for yourself with just one click!
BETWAY – THE BEST CHOICE FOR REAL MONEY PLAYERS
- First 3 deposits – cashback bonus
- Earn up to £1000 in welcome bonuses
- Wide variety of games on offer
- Mobile blackjack and live dealers
Switch and 21 duel: exciting variations of the classic
Some exciting game variations definitely deserve to be mentioned – namely, blackjack switch and 21 duel. In switch, the player gets two hands at once and has the possibility to ‘switch’ their top cards with each other for a better combination. The player can hit, stand or double, and the dealer’s hand may still be considered a ‘push’ if his/her value amounts to 22.
21 duel gives the player one face-down and one face-up card, in addition to two community cards facing up. The player then chooses one of the community cards to combine with his or her face-up card for a better hand. If the player requests a hit, the face-down card will be revealed, creating the possibility of a three-card 21.
Real casino feel at your fingertips
As might be expected in the world of reputable online gambling sites, live casinos have become the norm for many successful operators in the effort to bring their visitors the most satisfying real-life experience. And it is no different in the case of real money online blackjack – casinos typically offer several live tables for real money play, catering to both low-stakes and high-stakes gamblers. To give the best in-casino feeling as well as a thorough overview of the table activities, many casinos operate with a state-of-the-art two-camera system to lock the players in visually as well cognitively.
VIP bonuses and promotions
You can enhance your real money blackjack experience by not only taking advantage of the numerous game variations and styles, but of course also by earning exciting bonuses and special offers. Betfair is an excellent choice, with a 100% deposit cashback of up to £100 on online blackjack and the opportunity to up your member status to premium, based on a variety of elements in your gambling habits. If you do indeed become a VIP member, benefits such as exclusive events, special bonuses and exciting gifts await you. There are three VIP membership levels available – gold, platinum and diamond – all with thrilling rewards, high-stake limits, gifts and personal account management service. You will know which of the three exclusive levels you qualify for when you log in to the casino.
Basic rules and principles at a glance
Blackjack’s simplicity is one of the main sources of its appeal – you don’t have to be a card expert to get into the game, but once you’re in, the thrill that comes with each deal will surely hold your attention. Facing off against the dealer, you get 2 cards, with which you can either stand or get ‘hit’ with another card from the stack. The goal is to beat the dealer in getting a hand value closest to 21 without going over – otherwise your hand is a ‘bust’ and you lose automatically. All number cards are worth their values, aces can either be a 1 or an 11, and the rest of the cards are all worth 10 each. An equal value on both the player and the dealer side result in a ‘push’, and you get to keep your bet. A 21 consisting of an ace and a 10-point card is called a ‘blackjack’ or a ‘natural 21’ and is considered an automatic win.
The best online blackjack casino sites in the UK
Blackjack is a timeless casino game that is popular with both beginners and experienced players alike. Yet to get the best experience, you need to choose the best websites to play at. So, we have created this guide to help you play blackjack online at the best sites the UK has to offer.
February 2020 update: mansion casino is currently the #1 casino in our listing.
Here are the best online blackjack sites in the UK:
| blackjack site | rating | highest blackjack RTP | best blackjack casino for | welcome bonus | trusted site | terms and conditions | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Mansion |
| popular blackjack game | software | RTP | decks | surrender | blackjack pays | soft 17 | double |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| blackjack switch | playtech | 99.87% | 6 | no | 1:1 | yes | yes |
| pontoon | playtech | 99.64% | 8 | no | 2:1 | yes | yes |
| 21 duel blackjack | playtech | 93.47% | 6 | no | 1:1 | yes | no |
| blackjack pro | playtech | 99.53% | 1 | no | 3:2 | yes | yes |
| progressive blackjack | playtech | 99.53% | 6 | no | 3:2 | yes | yes |
| crazy blackjack | section8 studio | 99.60% | 4 | no | 3:2 | yes | yes |
| spanish 21 | playtech | 99.62% | 8 | yes | 3:2 | yes | yes |
| pickem blackjack | playtech | 99.85% | 1 | no | 3:2 | yes | yes |
| double exposure blackjack | microgaming | 99.30% | 8 | no | 1:1 | yes | yes |
| blackjack surrender | playtech | 99.66% | 6 | yes | 2:1 | yes | yes |
| blackjack peek | playtech | 99.42% | 6 | no | 2:1 | yes | yes |
| blackjack UK | playtech | 99.47% | 6 | no | 2:1 | yes | yes |
| double attack blackjack | playtech | 99.53% | 8 | yes | 1:1 | yes | yes |
| perfect blackjack | playtech | 99.58% | 5 | yes | 3:2 | yes | yes |
| single deck blackjack | netent | 99.55% | 1 | yes | 2:1 | yes | yes |
| multiplayer blackjack | playtech | 99.53% | 8 | no | 3:2 | yes | yes |
| multi hand blackjack | playtech | 99.58% | 5/6/8 | no | 3:2 | yes | yes |
| fun 21 blackjack | microgaming | 99.10% | 1/2/6 | yes | 1:1 | yes | yes |
Of course, playing games with the highest RTP is recommended. Yet there are other factors to consider when choosing a blackjack variant. For instance, what payout is made for a natural? Do you have the option to double? Can you surrender? For your convenience, we have included all the key details of the popular blackjack variants in the table above.
Recommended live dealer blackjack
Playing blackjack with live dealers is one of the most engaging and enjoyable ways to play the card game online. And whilst all reputable casinos offer live blackjack games, some are much better than others. Are you curious about the most impeccable casinos for live blackjack? Then check the table below for our top recommendations.
| live casino | rating | blackjack tables | software | trusted link | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 888casino |
| blackjack casino | welcome offer | bonus terms | blackjack contribution | wagering requirement | validity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| mansion | £500 + up to 10% cashback | full T&cs apply . New customers only. Min deposit £20 max bonus amount £500. First deposit: 100% up to £200. Second deposit: 50% up to £300. Wagering 40x for each bonus. Game weighting applies. Cashback: 5% cashback on first and all other deposits during week 1, 10% cashback on all additional deposits taking place in week 2 only. Bonus betting limits: slots - £5 all other games - 10% of bonus amount. | 20% | 40x | 7 days |
| 888casino | 100% up to £100 + £88 | full T&cs apply . No deposit offer: new players only. £88 is granted in freeplay (FP). FP must be claimed within 48 hrs of receiving the email and expires after 14 days. FP wins are credited as bonus and capped at £15, exc. JP win. Deposit bonus offer: £20 min deposit. 100% up to £100 bonus. Bonus wins are capped at £500. To withdraw bonus & related wins, wager 30x (bonus amount) within 90 days. Restrictions apply to deposit until wagering requirement fulfilled. | 10% | 30x | 90 days |
| casino.Com | 100% up to £100 + 200 spins | full T&cs apply . New customers. Spins: 20 on registration, 180 after deposit. Winnings given as bonus funds. 20x wagering. Spins and bonus wagering on age of the gods games only. Welcome bonus; £20 min deposit. Max bonus £100, wagering 40x. Game weights apply. Betting limits - slots: £5. All other games: 10% of the bonus amount. | 20% | 40x | 40 days |
| 32red | 150% up to £150 + £10 free | full T&cs apply . New accounts only. Min. £10 deposit, debit/credit card and paypal only. 50x wagering, game contributions vary. Max. Stake applies. 7-day expiry. 18+. Begambleaware.Org. | 10% | 50x | 7 days |
Spotting the best blackjack bonuses involves more than just the size of the bonus.
Just as important is favourable wagering requirements. This is the number of times you need to play through the bonus to withdraw any winning made with it.
As blackjack has a low house edge, usually only a fraction of any wagers on the game will contribute towards fulfilling the playthrough requirements. The higher the weighting, the more convenient it will be to clear the requirement and convert your winnings into real cash. You can check our guide to the best blackjack bonus offers to find more details and other good deals.
Mobile blackjack apps
There is no more convenient way to play blackjack than on the small screen. You can grab your phone or tablet and play your favourite game anytime and anywhere the mood takes you. All casino sites offer the chance to play on the go. Yet some mobile casinos are far better than others for blackjack players. Here you can see the best mobile blackjack sites:
| casino app | rating | mobile blackjack | mobile bonus offer | trusted link | terms and conditions | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| genesis |
| blackjack casino | e-wallets | debit/credit cards | other |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. 888 casino | paypal, neteller, skrill | visa, mastercard, diners, maestro | paysafecard, bank transfer, wire, cheque |
| 2. Grosvenor | paypal | visa, mastercard, maestro | paysafecard, visa checkout, bank transfer |
| 3. Betvictor | paypal, skrill, neteller | visa, mastercard | paysafecard, fastbank transfer |
| 4. The grand ivy | skrill, neteller | mastercard, visa, maestro | paysafecard, bank transfer |
| 5. Dunder | skrill, neteller | visa, mastercard | paysafecard, trustly |
| 6. Casimba | skrill, neteller | visa, mastercard, maestro | paysafecard, trustly, SEPA bank transfer |
| 7. Ladbrokes | paypal, skrill, neteller | visa, mastercard | paysafecard, giropay, bank transfer |
| 8. Casumo | skrill, neteller, muchbetter | visa, mastercard | paysafecard, mobile billing, bank transfer |
| 9. Betway | neteller, paypal | mastercard, visa | |
| 10. William hill | paypal, skrill, neteller, ecopayz | visa, mastercard, diners, maestro | fast bank transfer, trustly, paysafecard, bank cheque |
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted and offer secure deposits. Whilst e-wallets add an extra layer of security and anonymity, as you do not need to divulge your bank card details to make a deposit. Prepaid cards, such as paysafecard offer a good option if you do not have a bank card, or simply do not want to use it to deposit online.
Playing online blackjack with paypal
Of the many methods you can use to deposit at a blackjack site, we recommend paypal.
The e-wallet boasts enhanced security features, making it one of the safest ways to deposit. It is also much quicker and simpler than using a credit card, as you use only your paypal password to make a payment. Here are the best casino sites that accept paypal:
| paypal casino | rating | blackjack games | deposit limits | trusted link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| grosvenor |
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