Playing blackjack in land-based casinos can be intimidating for many fans of the game. There is a table etiquette to follow, and not all patrons are sympathetic to newcomers. Then again, not everyone has land-based casinos conveniently located nearby. Some players have to drive for hours to reach the blackjack tables.
On the bright side, countless online casinos allow you to play the game for real money and potentially secure a nice payout. Blackjack fans face an immense variety of online variations.
Some follow conventional rules and are more suitable for blackjack rookies. Others offer interesting twists to pique the interest of long-time blackjack players. However, finding the best online blackjack variations is no picnic.
Not only is there a huge choice of options, but there are many other factors to consider, including theoretical return percentages, rules, and fairness. It is impossible to win at blackjack if the games are rigged, right?
Choosing where to play can be an equally cumbersome task, since there are thousands upon thousands of websites that offer online blackjack for real money. This is where SuperCasinoSites’ article on picking the best online blackjack variations can prove handy.
We tackle the main criteria for choosing a trusted online casino for blackjack and introduce you to some of the most favorable rules on which your choice of online blackjack games should be based. Also featured are tips on money management along with brief overviews of the most enticing blackjack variations you can play online.
How to Pick a Good Online Casino for Blackjack
As of 2020, there are more than 14,000 websites that offer the game of 21 for real money. Unfortunately, many of them have shady reputations and view their customers as cash cows. Such operators care only about players’ deposits, with no regard for fair play or the safety of your personal information and money.
That is why it is crucial to choose a trusted online blackjack site from the start rather than learning your lesson the hard way after being cheated out of your winnings. Below are several factors to consider when picking an online casino for blackjack.
Licensing
Bonuses and Promotions
Banking
Table Limits
Mobile Compatibility
Blackjack Variations
Licensing
The online casino’s license is one of the first things a blackjack player should verify before sharing sensitive personal information. Playing at a properly licensed and regulated website ensures the blackjack games are not rigged. The blackjack suites of licensed casinos undergo regular audits for fairness.
Holding a license from Malta, Gibraltar, Alderney, or the UK also guarantees you will be able to cash out your winnings promptly. Make sure the casino accepts players from your country, otherwise you will not be able to play blackjack for real money.
Bonuses and Promotions
Almost every online casino offers welcome bonuses and other promotional incentives that can help you extend your gaming sessions. When choosing an online blackjack casino, review its bonus terms to familiarize yourself with the wagering requirements, maximum bet limits, each game’s contribution toward the playthrough, and any country restrictions, among other important conditions. Some online casinos even provide special bonuses reserved specifically for free blackjack play.
Banking
Fast payouts are also crucial if you want to enjoy your online blackjack experience to the fullest. Nobody likes waiting around for their money after hitting a big win at the virtual tables. Compare the banking pages of several online casinos to see their average payout processing times. A good blackjack casino should deliver withdrawals within two to three working days.
Table Limits
The next factor to review is the table limits, especially if you are just starting online blackjack with a small bankroll. At some casinos, you can play the popular card game for as little as $0.10 per hand. High rollers with larger bankrolls are accommodated with variations that accept bets of $500, $1,000, or even more.
Mobile Compatibility
Mobile compatibility is vital for players who want greater flexibility. Most modern online casinos rely on HTML5 for their mobile games, sparing you the hassle of installing additional apps to play blackjack on the go. Look for iOS and Android compatibility, fast loading times, and full touchscreen functionality.
Blackjack Variations
A wide selection of blackjack variations is equally important, especially for long-time fans who are tired of the standard version of the game. The game of 21 has inspired a plethora of original twists that can keep you on the edge of your seat for hours.
Some variants even offer life-changing progressive jackpots. Be sure to check whether your chosen casinos provide live-dealer blackjack, which is ideal for players seeking a more realistic and social experience.
Favorable Rules to Consider
Like all casino games, online blackjack favors the house and carries a built-in casino advantage that varies from one variant to another. This house edge stems from the fact that players must act on their hands before the virtual dealer.
Certain rules, however, favor the player and shrink the house edge, while others benefit the house and increase it. If you want the highest theoretical return in online blackjack, look for the rules outlined below.
Paytable
Double Down Rules
Splitting Rules
Standing Rules
Peek Rules
Late Surrender
Paytable
Look for tables that pay 3-to-2 on blackjacks. Some variations pay only 6-to-5 for this valuable hand, increasing the house edge by 1.39%. A $10 bet at a 3-to-2 table returns $15 in profit, whereas a 6-to-5 table pays just $12 for the same hand.
Double Down Rules
You should be able to double down on any two-card total instead of playing games where the move is allowed only on starting totals of 10 or 11. Limiting doubles in this way increases the house edge by 0.18%.
Splitting Rules
The splitting rules in your chosen online blackjack variation should be as liberal as possible. A good game allows you to split up to three times, creating four hands. Equally important is the option to double down after a split, as this decreases the casino advantage by 0.14%.
Standing Rules
The dealer’s standing rules also affect the house edge. As a rule of thumb, seek tables where the dealer must stand on all 17s (S17) instead of hitting soft 17 (H17). Because 17 is a weak total, allowing the dealer to hit soft 17 gives them a chance to improve and outdraw you. The H17 rule adds 0.22% in favor of the house.
Peek Rules
A dealer who peeks under both tens and aces is preferable to one who checks for blackjack only under an ace. This rule benefits players, reducing the house edge by 0.10%.
If the dealer does not peek when showing a ten, the player loses all wagers made during the round, including those from splits and double downs. When the dealer shows an ace, they will peek and immediately reveal a blackjack if they have one. In that case, you lose only your initial bet unless you also have a blackjack, in which case the two naturals push.
Late Surrender
Late surrender (LS) is another favorable rule to watch for. With LS, the player can fold a weak hand and recoup half of the original bet immediately after the dealer checks for blackjack when showing an ace.
This option cuts the house edge by 0.07%. There is also an early surrender (ES) rule, which lets you forfeit your hand before the dealer peeks, but we know of no online blackjack variations that offer it.
Managing Your Online Blackjack Bankroll
Blackjack is the most popular card game you can play at online casinos, but it can be extremely detrimental to your bankroll if you lack adequate money management skills. To play online blackjack, you have to have a bankroll (i.e., an amount of money reserved exclusively for betting on 21).
You definitely do not want to play blackjack with money you need to pay your rent, mortgage, or your children’s college tuition fees. You need to set aside a discretionary amount that will not lead to a financial crisis in your life should you lose it. Also recommended is dividing your overall bankroll into smaller session bankrolls. It would be unwise to risk your entire blackjack budget during a single session.
Another important thing is to bet sensibly. How much you need per session depends on the table limits of the game you intend to play. The last thing you should do is overbet your bankroll. If you play a variation with a high minimum limit in relation to your session bankroll, the chances of you going broke are extremely high.
It is essential to play in proportion to your bankroll. The golden rule is to have a session bankroll equal to fifty times the minimum bet at the table. So if you choose an online variation where the minimum is $1, you should start the session with at least $50 in your real-money balance.
Improving Your Odds of Winning in Online Blackjack
Blackjack is one of the most interesting card games you can play online, but it could be very dangerous to your bankroll if you do not make the right playing decisions. The good news is there is a mathematically correct way to play every single hand in blackjack against any dealer upcard.
It is called basic strategy, and it is not all that difficult to learn. As a matter of fact, you do not even have to learn all the playing decisions by heart. Basic strategy comes in the form of a chart you can conveniently print out and use to your advantage while playing online.
This is a set of rules that has been developed by mathematicians through millions of computer trials and simulations over the past sixty years. You have to follow this set of rules on every single hand of online blackjack you ever play, and that is that. This is the cornerstone for every winning blackjack player. Play without basic strategy, and you are doomed to lose.
So how does this strategy aid you? First, it reduces the house edge to as low as 0.50%, whereas you are facing a casino advantage of 2%, sometimes even more, without it. Second, it helps you maximize your profits from favorable spots. Third, it helps minimize the damage from certain disadvantageous situations. Fourth, it can improve your circumstances when you are dealt bad hands like 16 or 8/8 against a 10, for example.
Now, it is important to point out that certain basic strategy moves vary from one online blackjack variation to the next due to different playing conditions. Because of this, you should find a strategy chart that corresponds to the exact rules of play of the online blackjack variation you have chosen.
Some of the rules worth consideration include the number of decks used in the game, whether the dealer hits or stands on soft 17s, and the doubling and splitting rules. The good news is, many blackjack variations you can find online provide prompts about the correct playing decisions. If you make the wrong move, the software will display a reminder about the proper way to play your hand.
Here are some of the most basic moves basic strategy always recommends regardless of varying playing conditions:
- Always split aces and 8s
- Never split 10s and 5s
- Never hit hard totals above 17
- Double down on 10 and 11 against dealer upcards 2 through 9
Classic Blackjack Variations You Can Play Online
Online blackjack players can choose from a wide range of classic variations that largely follow the conventional rules of 21. These versions are especially suitable for newcomers. They are usually available in free mode, giving you the chance to brush up on the rules and refine your basic strategy.
Vegas Strip Blackjack
Atlantic City Blackjack
European Blackjack
Vegas Strip Blackjack
Vegas Strip Blackjack is available at most Microgaming-powered casinos. The game follows the same rules used by casinos on the Las Vegas Strip. Four standard decks are in play, the virtual dealer must stand on all 17s, and the dealer checks for blackjack when showing an ace or a ten.
The remaining rules are equally liberal. Players can double down on any two cards, including after a split. Splits can be performed up to three times to create four hands, except for a pair of aces, which can be split only once, with one additional card dealt to each ace. Vegas Strip Blackjack has a theoretical return of 99.35% with basic strategy, giving it a modest house edge of 0.35%.
Atlantic City Blackjack
The online version of Atlantic City Blackjack follows rules similar to those of Vegas Strip Blackjack but with two key differences. It uses eight rather than four decks and includes the favorable Late Surrender rule. The classic Microgaming release is available in single-hand mode only.
All other rules mirror the Vegas Strip variation. Another advantage is the standard 3-to-2 payout for blackjacks. The user-friendly interface makes the game suitable for online blackjack rookies.
Jazzy piano music plays in the background while ambient chatter from “patrons” adds realism. You can, of course, mute the sounds if they distract you. The game shares the same house edge as Vegas Strip Blackjack.
European Blackjack
European Blackjack by Microgaming differs slightly because the dealer does not receive a hole card. Instead, the dealer is dealt a single face-up card at the start of each round.
Two decks are in play, and the dealer stands on both hard and soft 17. Because the dealer shows only one card, the peek rule does not apply. The doubling rules are restrictive, allowing the move only on hard two-card totals of 9, 10, or 11.
Splitting is limited as well. You can split only once to create two hands, and unlike-ten-value cards such as Q/K cannot be split. On the positive side, you may draw additional cards to split aces, which slightly offsets the other restrictions.
This is not the most advantageous rule set in online blackjack, but it is worth trying with demo credits or bonus money. The theoretical return stands at 99.60% with basic strategy, which is respectable.
Unconventional Online Blackjack Variants
Seasoned players often crave something different and more engaging. Fortunately, online casinos cater to them with plenty of unique and innovative blackjack variations that have transformed the way 21 is played. If you are looking for fresh challenges, consider the original blackjack variants below.
Blackjack Switch
Double Attack Blackjack
Blackjack with 6 in 1 Side Bets
Blackjack Switch
Blackjack Switch is an innovative take on the classic card game, created and patented by Geoff Hall in 2009. Thanks to Playtech, you can now enjoy it from the comfort of your home at many online casinos.
The twist in Blackjack Switch is that you must play two hands per round, each with its own bet. The exciting part is that you may switch the top cards between the hands to improve your chances of winning.
This privilege comes at the cost of less favorable rules. The dealer hits soft 17, and blackjacks pay only even money, which is worse than the 6-to-5 odds mentioned earlier.
The dealer checks for blackjack under both aces and tens but pushes with you on a total of 22 instead of busting. Other than that, all doubling and splitting moves are available. Despite these drawbacks, the game’s theoretical return is still a respectable 99.87%. Blackjack Switch also features Match Play side bets that can award additional payouts.
Double Attack Blackjack
Double Attack Blackjack is another bespoke offering from Playtech. The base game follows Las Vegas Strip rules: the dealer stands on all 17s, players may double on any two-card total, and they can split up to four hands. The twist is an optional side bet called Bust It!.
This wager is placed independently of your main bet and lets you stake on the dealer busting with exactly three cards. The value of the card the dealer busts with determines the payout for a winning Bust It! bet. The payoff table is as follows:
- 200 to 1 when the dealer has suited 888
- 50 to 1 when the dealer has 888 of the same color
- 15 to 1 when the dealer busts with a 6
- 10 to 1 when the dealer bust card is a 7
- 8 to 1 when the dealer busts with an 8
- 6 to 1 when the dealer busts with a 9
- 3 to 1 when the dealer busts with a 10, Jack, Queen, or King
Blackjack with 6 in 1 Side Bets
At first glance, 6 in 1 Blackjack by Felt Gaming looks like a standard six-deck game: the virtual dealer stands on soft 17, you can double after a split, and blackjacks pay 3 to 2. To spice things up, Felt’s designers have added six optional side bets.
You may recognize some of them from earlier Felt releases. They are ideal for players who want a more engaging session, but be aware that these side bets carry a significantly lower theoretical return than the main game.
The exact figures, along with the payouts for each winning side bet, are shown in the table below. The base game itself has an RTP of 99.63%.
RTP and Payouts of 6 in 1 Blackjack Side Bets
| Side Bet Name | Return to Player Percentage | Payout |
| Perfect Pairs | 93.89% | Perfect Pairs – 25 to 1 Colored Pairs – 12 to 1 Mixed Pairs – 6 to 1 |
| 21+3 Side Bet | 92.86% | Suited Trips – 100 to 1 Straight Flush – 40 to 1 3 of a Kind – 25 to 1 Straight – 10 to 1 Flush – 5 to 1 |
| Lucky Ladies | 93.78% | Paired Q of Hearts – 100 to 1 Matched 20 – 30 to 1 Suited Twenty – 10 to 1 Any Twenty – 3 to 1 One Queen – 1 to 1 |
| Lucky Lucky | 96.05% | Suited 7/7/7 – 200 to 1 Suited 6/7/8 – 100 to 1 Any 7/7/7 – 50 to 1 Any 6/7/8 – 25 to 1 Suited 21 – 15 to 1 Any 21 – 3 to 1 Any 20 – 2 to 1 Any 19 – 2 to 1 |
| Suit ‘Em Up | 95.35% | Suited Aces – 50 to 1 Suited BJ – 10 to 1 Suited Pairs – 5 to 1 Suited 11 – 3 to 1 Suited Other – 2 to 1 |
| Buster Side Bet | 93.80% | 8+ Cards Dealer Bust when Player has BJ – 2,000 to 1 7-Card Dealer Bust with Player BJ – 800 to 1 8+ Cards Dealer Bust – 250 to 1 6-Card Dealer Bust – 18 to 1 5-Card Dealer Bust – 4 to 1 3 or 4-Card Dealer Bust – 2 to 1 |
