Play Blackjack Online: The Best Sites Reviewed

The object of a game of online blackjack for real money is the same as it was in the time of Cervantes: build a hand whose card point values are as close to 21 as possible without going over. In modern blackjack, face cards (Jacks, Queens and Kings) are worth 10 points, Aces are worth 1 or 11, and all other cards are worth their number.

• There are three potential outcomes: the player wins, the House wins, or the player and the House tie, which is called a push.
• Any pair of cards made up of one Ace and one 10 is called a blackjack, and when it is dealt in the first two cards, the player automatically wins at 1.5 to 1 odds (3:2).
• The object of blackjack is to beat the dealer’s point total without going over 21.

Blackjack comes in multiple variations. Below is a list of links covering blackjack variations, basic strategy, and card counting. Each game provides easy-to-understand instructions on how to play, tips for playing a particular variation, and strategies to try to counter the house edge.

Most of the blackjack variations you see listed on this page are available at the best online blackjack casinos.

Those are just the most basic blackjack rules. Blackjack basic strategy charts derive from a mathematical analysis of the best play for each card combination. Basic strategy’s goal is to offer advice for optimal odds.

The most obvious advantage players have over the house is that they know exactly how the dealer is going to react to different point totals. If the house draws a total of 15, the house has to take another card. Players are the only ones at the blackjack table with true free will. This freedom is offset by the dealer going last, meaning the player is at risk of busting before the house is.

Basic Strategy

Blackjack, because of the rules of the game, offers some of the best odds in the casino. Since the middle of the 20th century, blackjack strategy has been perfected by mathematicians and professional gamblers. Blackjack strategy cards layout in plain English what moves are optimal for every possible blackjack hand.

If you follow those basic blackjack strategy tips every hand, the House edge on an average blackjack game is approximately 0.5% — though odds vary greatly based on house rules. Rules variants in some casinos can affect this house edge. For example, if a casino only pays out 6 to 5 on a blackjack instead of 3 to 2, the house edge goes up dramatically.

Card Counting

Further attempts to apply strategy to blackjack led directly to the idea of keeping a mental count of which cards have been played. This is now called “card counting” or “counting cards.” Because card counting isn’t cheating, requiring only a great memory and a head for numbers, it’s a legitimate and legal strategy. But casinos retain the right to refuse service to suspected card counters, which makes it a risky strategy.

Blackjack has long occupied a starring role in casinos. Online gambling has brought the portside gamble once known as ventiuna into our living rooms. Card counters and professional gamblers, not to mention gambling cheats, have used the game’s rules to their advantage, winning millions of dollars and securing blackjack’s place in people’s minds as the go-to game for big bucks. As long as blackjack tables offer the best odds of any table game, expect to see crowds gathered around blackjack tables.

Safety & Security

First, a blackjack casino isn’t worth using if it doesn’t protect your transactions. We rate the site’s security software and verification process. Make certain your blackjack winnings reach your bank account, credit card account, or front door.

Deposits & Withdrawals

Next, we make sure that your favorite payment method is supported. Most blackjack online players have a preferred banking option for online purchases. When it’s time for online gambling, they want to use the same option. We discuss whether an online blackjack site offers Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover.

When reviewing online blackjack casinos, our reviewers also note whether Bitcoin and other crypto-currencies are available. The same goes for web wallets like Neteller and Skrill. We discuss payout methods like bank wire transfers and bank cheques. Finally, we list how long payouts take and whether it costs a fee to process a payment.

Customer Support

World class blackjack sites shouldn’t have too many glitches. In a world with many desktop and mobile gaming devices, tech issues happen. Thus, we rate how a site’s customer support responds to your needs.

We ask a number of questions. Does the blackjack site handle complaints and issues in a timely manner via live chat, email, and phone? Does it offer 24/7 support and a toll-free number? Finally, are the customer reps friendly, helpful, knowledgeable, and fluent in your language?

Blackjack Bonuses

The best blackjack casinos offer blackjack bonuses, too. This usually comes in the form of a specific table game bonus offer or an all-exclusive welcome bonus. If you can clear your wagering requirement while playing online blackjack, that gives a blackjack casino a big boost in our ratings.

If the match rate on the rollover requirement is less than 100% (and it will be), we’ll note the percentage so you can calculate your odds.

Blackjack Tournaments

Many blackjack casinos offer online tournaments for people who play blackjack, slots, and baccarat. If a blackjack site offers tournament play, we rate the site higher. Blackjack tournaments draw in hundreds of players, which boost the prize pool and the 1st place jackpot for winning. Blackjack sites usually host one or more blackjack tournament every day.

Blackjack Variants

While some blackjack players seek the game variant with the best rules and lowest house edge, other players want to experience the full range of blackjack online variations. If you want new strategy challenges, then it’s important for a blackjack online site to  have many blackjack variants. Games like Pontoon, Australian Pontoon, Spanish 21, Super 21, Perfect Pairs, Switch, and Double Exposure become important additions to the site. When we review new USA online casinos, we’ll list all the twenty-one variants available to play.

Mobile Blackjack

A good blackjack casino needs to offer mobile blackjack using Android smartphones and tablet computers, iPhones, and iPads. It’s best that mobile casinos avoid the apps altogether and open in the web browser, because every mobile device works with the game. Also, the site must support at least one mobile blackjack variant, though multiple versions of Android blackjack and iPhone blackjack are better.

Live Blackjack

Blackjack casinos also should support live blackjack, too. Live blackjack has a real life dealer who deals cards in real time. This is streamed live to your computer so you can experience the fun of land-based casino blackjack. Also, card counters can use their skills while playing live blackjack, unlike when you play online blackjack. Live dealer blackjack should include HD blackjack versions of the game. It also should offer Bet-Behind rules so you never have to wait for a table.

Mobile blackjack is played using an Android smartphone or tablet computer, iPhone, or iPad. Being able to play blackjack online on the go lets players enjoy their favorite game in a doctor’s office, while waiting for a restaurant table, or waiting for an appointment. Some mobile casinos account for more than 50% of an online blackjack casino’s business.