Players have been obsessing over the classic card game of blackjack for centuries yet its popularity continues unabated to this day, a fact which can be ascribed to the simplicity of the rules and the low house edge that comes with it.
In recent years, blackjack has truly taken off thanks to the explosion of interactive gambling we have witnessed as of late. The game of Twenty-One is now more popular than ever and can be played across hundreds upon hundreds of licensed online casinos. Players are enabled to choose from an impressive number of online blackjack variations, including various options which are exclusively available online and cannot be found at brick-and-mortar gambling venues.
Many fans of the game struggle to make a pick from the long list of online casinos offering blackjack. And indeed, choosing one out of thousands of operators is a mean feat but we believe the following article may prove to be of some assistance as it will introduce you to the merits of playing real-money blackjack online. We finish off with some useful tips on what to looks for when choosing an online blackjack casino and offer brief overviews of the top 10 websites to play real-money blackjack at.
Benefits of Playing Blackjack Online
Many blackjack aficionados who try playing the game online never return to a brick-and-mortar venue afterward. This is anything but surprising considering how many benefits online blackjack casinos can offer. Convenience is one of the greatest advantages – imagine how many expenses you can possibly avoid if you transition from landbased to online play!
You will not have to squander money on gas, meals, accommodation or plane tickets. Online blackjack games will also save you lots of time and efforts since there will be no need to drive for miles to reach a landbased gambling establishment. Oh, and did we mention you will not have to tip sulky dealers whose service you did not like in the first place?
Another major advantage of enjoying blackjack online has to do with the rules. We have heard players complain on multiple occasions that they are forced to settle for tables with extremely unfavorable conditions simply because there are no other options in their local landbased casino. Why waste your money at a table that offers you meager 6-to-5 payouts on naturals and prohibits you from re-splitting Aces when you can choose from numerous online blackjack variants with far more favorable rules?
Online Blackjack Additional BenefitsMoreover, you certainly will fail to even make a difference between online and landbased play since the games offered by renowned casino operators are well equipped with realistic graphics, great audio effects, and superior animations which ensure a gaming experience of great authenticity. So much so, that you will probably even forget you are sitting at home, in front of your computer screen.
It should also be noted that online casinos offering the game of Twenty-One typically allow for mobile play as well, which is yet another positive players will benefit from. You will be granted access to a range of fantastic blackjack games from all locations and will be able to play whenever you like. Little does it matter what hand-held device you own as mobile blackjack casinos are normally compatible with all operating systems, including iOS, Windows Phone OS, and Android.
Another benefit of playing blackjack online results from the great versatility of titles you are faced with. There are standard variations of blackjack aplenty but players also get to try some more interesting and less common options like Blackjack Switch, Perfect Pairs, Duel Blackjack, and Blackjack Attack to add an extra level of excitement and action to their game.
While it is true landbased venues treat their players to comps, joining an online casino will prove to be even more rewarding. Some of the most reputable online gambling operators out there would provide both new and existing members will a long list of promotional incentives to pick from. There is, of course, a welcome package newcomers can claim while existing players are treated to various reload bonuses, payment method bonuses, rebates, and loyalty points. Moreover, some of these are offered exclusively for blackjack games and will further add value to your game.
Software Variations
Blackjack is so immensely popular that there is hardly a respected software developer in this industry to have skipped on creating at least several enticing variants of the game. That being said, each software company approaches the game in a unique way which translates into bespoke features, feel, and look of its blackjack offerings.
The visual and aural presentation of the blackjack games developed by reputed software companies like Microgaming, Playtech, RealTime Gaming, and NetEnt stand on par with the authentic ambiance of brick-and-mortar tables. The virtual dealers in charge of the games announce the totals of all hands just as they normally would at standard blackjack tables. The graphics are detailed and realistic enough so as to ensure optimal playing experience for all fans of the game. Blackjack variations may differ in terms of interface between software developers but generally, everything is well arranged so that even novices can easily find their way around.
Various differences can be noticed in terms of features as well. Players can often customize their gaming experience by selecting the style of the cards or the color of the table’s felt. Many of the online blackjack variations support multi-hand play, making it possible for more aggressive players to bet on up to five hands at the same time. Choosing between different chip denominations is always an option, with flexible betting ranges to fit all budgets, big or small.
More Software VariationsThe Auto Rebet is another useful feature which allows for more dynamic gameplay. Adjusting the speed of the games is often possible but more importantly, some software developers have also incorporated hit/stand warnings into their blackjack variations to assist rookie players in acting on their hands. With some multi-hand games, like those developed by Microgaming, information regarding the optimal strategy of play is displayed in expert mode.
Some casino software companies offer blackjack games that are available across multiple platforms. Thus, players are granted the option to choose from loading the games in flash mode, downloading the developer’s software client or even betting as they go since many variants are available for mobile play. Some of the most reputed online casinos may use the services of several software companies in order to offer their players a broader range of blackjack variations.
One of the questions online blackjack novices are usually concerned about has to do with the fairness of the software. When it comes to online blackjack games, randomness is equal to fairness which is why the software would automatically reshuffle the virtual deck or decks following each round. Blackjack variants, along with the rest of the games on offer, are routinely audited by the specialists at independent testing agencies to prevent foul play. The results are normally published on the casinos’ websites and are kept up to date after each audit.
Choosing a Blackjack Online Casino
Once players have mastered the game itself, they are faced with the task of choosing which online casino to play blackjack at. We assure you this is no easy task as there are hundreds upon hundred casino websites where the game of Twenty-One can be played for real money. Not all online casino operators are created equal, though.
Pick carefully before you invest your hard-earned money – this will spare you the hassles later on when you attempt a cash out. Once your attention has been attracted by a given online casino, the first thing to check is which authority is responsible for its licensing and regulation. The license of a well-known regulator goes to show your gambling operator of choice is credible and deserves your trust.
Gaming versatility is also an important aspect of selecting an online blackjack casino. The greater the variety of options, the better for the players. Versatility will not only prevent you from getting bored but may potentially help you maximize your winnings as some of the games feature various side bet options offering attractive payouts. A live casino offering where blackjack is hosted by knowledgeable and skilled dealers in real time will add further excitement to playing the game online.
Choosing a Blackjack Online Casino Additional TipsBefore you sign up with an account, you need to ensure you are satisfied with the payment methods the casino accepts. This information is normally to be found at the casino’s cashier or banking page. A wider selection of payment solutions is always preferable because it will help you choose the method that best corresponds to your preferences.
When selecting a deposit method, check whether it is supported for withdrawals as well since this will spare you the inconvenience at a later stage. Consider the currencies the casino supports as well – processing payments in your local currency will save you the additional expenses on currency conversion. Another trait of a trustworthy online casino is the friendly customer support, allowing players to remain in touch with the support operators at all times. If you struggle with choosing a payment solution or something is unclear to you, you can contact the support team via the live chat feature to request assistance and more detailed information.
Last but not least, assess the promotional incentives hosted by the casino you have chosen. It is advisable to opt for a blackjack casino which offers appealing sign-up bonuses with low wagering requirements that you can cover quickly. Claiming a welcome bonus will provide you with more value and would help you last longer at the virtual blackjack tables since you will have more casino credits to play with. Using casino bonuses is a great way to build up your blackjack bankroll if you are on a tight budget. Some online casino operators have even tailored bespoke bonuses for blackjack fans in particular.
Top 16 Blackjack Online Casinos
The online blackjack casinos we have reviewed in this section meet all criteria for respectability listed above. We recommend that you carefully read our brief overviews as this will help you make a smart decision when choosing which gambling operator to join with a real-money account.