Blackjack is one of the oldest casino games in the world. It is known for its simplicity along with the strategy behind it. Also known as 21, this online casino game has been modified into a range of interactive games where it could be just you against the dealer or you against the dealer and other players.
This comprehensive article includes the different bets and actions you can make along with a preview of some of the variations of online blackjack. You’ll find demo and real money versions at our trusted BettingLadies.com partners.
What is Online Blackjack?
The aim of blackjack is to collect cards that amount to a value of 21, or get as close to 21 as possible. When playing online, you’ll come across variations that may give you special features such as side bets, multipliers, and insurance policies.
You can play blackjack for real money at any of our recommended online casinos but we always suggest playing the game in demo mode first so as to get a better idea of how the game works, especially if you’re a beginner.
You’ll find versions of online blackjack where you’ll play alone against the dealer and others where other players are included. The latter is especially true for live blackjack variations, in which case you’ll also be able to interact with the other players via the in-game chat feature.
How to Play Online Blackjack
Here’s a step-by-step guide to how to play online blackjack:
- Sign up to a reputable online casino in the United States.
- Make your first deposit and claim your welcome bonus, if any.
- Select your preferred blackjack table.
- Study the chips and make your first bet.
- Wait for the dealer to draw the cards.
- Analyze your and the dealer’s hand before deciding what to do next.
- Repeat until everyone has stood.
- Wait for the dealer to reveal his/her card for the final results.
Rules of Blackjack Online
The general rules of blackjack are typically the same, regardless of the variation you’re playing. The first thing you need to do is select your bet. Next, the dealer shuffles two or four standard decks of 52 cards and draws two for each player. The dealer then deals one face up card and one face down card for himself/herself.
This is when you have to look at your cards and at the dealer’s cards in order to choose your next move, which we’ll talk about next.
Online Blackjack Actions
Knowing what the different buttons are is the first step to playing blackjack online. Here’s a preview of what to expect:
| Action | Definition |
| Hit | This is when you request a new card from the dealer. There is no limit to how many times you can hit. |
| Stand | This is when you refuse new cards and keep the ones you have. You can do this at any point during the game. |
| Split | This is when you match your original bet to split your cards into two separate hands, each with 50% of the total stake. |
| Double Down | This doubles your bet to double your prize should you have the winning hand. |
| Surrender | This is when you fold, meaning you decide to sit the round out without drawing any new cards. You can only surrender when you are dealt your original two cards. |
Online Blackjack Outcomes
Now it’s time to discuss the three possible outcomes of your blackjack hand.
| Outcome | Definition |
| Win | The value of your hand is equivalent to 21 or is higher than anyone else’s. |
| Push | The value of your hand is equal to that of the dealer, in which case you neither lose nor add onto your original stake. |
| Lose (Bust) | The value of your hand is less than that of the dealer and other players. |
Side Bets
Some online blackjack tables offer the possibility to make side bets. These are bets you make outside your regular one for a chance to win something extra. You cannot make a side bet without making a bet on the normal hand first. You’ll find some of the most popular side bets in the following table.
| Side Bet | Definition |
| Royal Match | This bets that the first two cards you receive will be a king and queen of the same suit. Single deck games pay 10:1 whereas multi-deck games pay 25:1. |
| Super Sevens | This bets on how many sevens you’ll end up with. Depending on the number of sevens and the suits, the odds of this side bet vary between 3:1 and 5000:1. |
| Pair Square | This bets that the first two cards you receive will be a pair. Different suits pay 10:1 whereas same suits pay 15:1. |
| Over / Under 13 | This bets on your first two cards totalling their value to over or under 13. |
| Lucky Ladies | This bets that the first two cards of your hands will have a total value of 20. Depending on the card suit, this can have odds of between 4:1 and 100:1. |
Different Types of Blackjack Online
There are different variations of online blackjack. The selection depends on the online casino, but we’ve listed the most common ones. Remember that you’ll find these under the ‘Table Games’ section as they function with an RNG (Random Number Generator) which is what ensures the randomness and fairness of the game results.
Classic Blackjack
As the oldest version of blackjack, Classic Blackjack keeps the rules simple. Try to get 21 or as close to 21 as possible to win the game. You’ve got all your standard hit, stand, and double down features, all with up to eight decks of cards.
Spanish 21
This is a unique version of blackjack that uses Spanish decks, meaning there are no 10s included. The basic rules are the same as the classic version, but you also have unique features such as special payouts for certain hands. You’ll also be able to double down on any number of cards.
European Blackjack
European Blackjack is similar to Classic Blackjack with a few minor differences. The first of these is that the dealer only deals one card for the table instead of two. You must also stand when your cards have a total value of 17 or higher, and you are obliged to hit when the value is 16 or lower.
Double Exposure Blackjack
Double Exposure Blackjack gives you an advantage as both of the dealers’ cards are face up. Sounds great, but there are some elements that balance the scales. For instance, dealers win all ties except for Blackjack and you are only able to double down when your total hand value equals to 9, 10, or 11.
Pontoon
Pontoon is a British version of blackjack that comes with the same basic rules as Classic Blackjack but hides some unique twists. For example, you must hit if the total value of your hand equals to or is below 14, and if you collect five cards without reaching 21, you’ll be rewarded with a payout known as the ‘five-card trick’.
Blackjack Switch
This variation of blackjack starts off with two hands instead of one. You’ll be able to switch cards between hands to make a better hand. You’ll have the possibility to double down on both hands too. The final significant difference here is that a 22 in the dealer’s hand is recognized as a Push, not a Bust.
Progressive Blackjack
Progressive Blackjack is a blackjack game that works in the exact same way as Classic Blackjack, but comes with an added progressive jackpot. Just like with video slots, a percentage of every bet goes to the final pot. You’ll need to make side bets to be eligible for the jackpot prize.
Top Tips for Blackjack Online
Although there is no tip that can guarantee a win, there are a few things you can do to put the odds on your side. Here are a few of them:
Use a Blackjack Strategy Chart
Keep a Blackjack Strategy Chart handy, especially if you are new to online blackjack. This will allow you to make more informed decisions when it comes to your next move. To use it, match your hand with the dealer’s hand and check what the letter means in the key.
Read the Game Rules
Even if slightly, every game is different. It’s always a good idea to read through the rulebook of the game before starting, even if you’re not new to online blackjack, as if you don’t, you may miss out on crucial elements, side bets, or features.
Know When to Stop
Knowing when to throw the towel in and continue with your day is a crucial part of gambling online. We recommend setting a budget and sticking to it to help you keep your gameplay in check. If you feel like you may be developing a problem, reach out to a customer support agent.
FAQs
Can I play online blackjack for free?
Yes, you can. Most online casinos in the United States offer demo versions of their table games. This means you can experiment with the different features of each blackjack game without making any financial commitments.
What is the best strategy I can use when playing online blackjack?
Although there is no guaranteed strategy, we recommend using a Blackjack Strategy Chart. Match your hand to that of the dealer and match the letter to the key to see what the wisest move is.
Are online blackjack games fair?
Yes, they are. Online casinos in the United States are audited regularly to ensure that the RNG (Random Number Generator) is functioning properly. This is what makes sure the results of your gameplay are random and fair.
Where can I play online blackjack for real money?
You can play online blackjack for real money at any of our trusted online casino sites. The team at BettingLadies.com tests and reviews casinos thoroughly before recommending them as secure gambling sites.
How can I win online blackjack?
To win a round of online blackjack, you’ll need to collect cards that value to a total of 21. If no player or dealer reaches 21, the highest value wins the pot.
