You may have played Blackjack at home without knowing it as it goes by several more commonplace names: twenty-one, pontoon, or vingt-et-un are some that you may have heard.
Blackjack is the best game to play at a casino as you have one opponent and the best odds.
Many believe that the game originated in the 18th century French court, although some insist it goes back as far as the Romans; we may never know. What is important is that it remains one of the more popular casino games, so much so that a blackjack table is usually the first thing you see when you enter a casino.
Other than slots, blackjack is probably the easiest casino game to play. Still, it’s always worth spending a little time familiarising yourself with the rules of the variation you’ve chosen, as there can be subtle differences. If you have ever played at home, you can expect differences: you may have played against several players at home, but online blackjack is just you against the dealer.
The objective is to score 21 or close to 21 without exceeding it. If the dealer scores 21 or is closer, you lose.
The card values remain the same wherever you play. However, it’s essential to familiarise yourself with the terminology used in the blackjack casinos and games you choose. Different game variations can have slightly different rules.
Here are some of the terms you’re likely to come across and may need to use:
Each casino or software provider has its brand names for variations, so you will come across many.
The house advantage increases with the number of decks in play. Keep a lookout for this when you choose a game. The casino should disclose the RTP (Return to Player) which indicates how likely you are to win.
Find a legal, licensed and registered casino. The home page of the casino site should display where it’s licensed, who the regulator is, and where the casino is based.
Look for a license from UKGC or MGA.
Don’t be dazzled by what look like generous bonuses. Be sure to check the rules for cashing out your bonuses too.
Check the rules in your welcome email. Follow up and clarify any discrepancies between this and the site rules before you part with any money.
Check for advanced security (a padlock sign in the browser) and encryption, especially around deposits, withdrawals, and your details.
The more support channels, the better. Online chat, phone, email should be available.
Almost all online casinos offer blackjack, so you may want to base your decision on factors like user experience, bonuses, payment and withdrawal methods, brand recognition, and trustworthiness. Here are some of the best we’ve found:
We hope you’re now ready to choose the casino that’s right for you and enjoy many hours of entertainment. Remember to play for free for a while to ensure you understand the rules and practice your strategy. Even more importantly, budget your time and money when playing. This is an excellent habit to get into and will help prevent the development of problem gambling behavior.
This is highly unlikely as all online casinos must comply with industry and regulator’s fair play standards. For more peace of mind, look for certifications on the website.
You can work this out as the difference between 100 and the displayed RTP (Return to Player). Always look for a higher RTP to maximize your advantage.
Yes, most online casinos will offer the option to play for free. It’s a good idea to do this for a while before risking any money.