Table of Contents
- How We Rate Top Online Blackjack Casinos for UK Players
- What is Blackjack?
- Online Blackjack Casinos Vs Other Choices
- How do you Play Blackjack at Online Casinos UK
- Key Terms for Playing Online Blackjack Casinos
- Play Safe at Online Blackjack Casinos UK
- Best Bonuses at Online Blackjack Casinos
- Types of Bonuses
- Depositing and Withdrawing at Online Blackjack Casinos
- Monthly or Weekly Withdrawal Limits
- Blackjack Rule Variations at Online Casinos UK
- Different Types of Blackjack Games
- Blackjack Odds and Winning Real Money
- Top Tips for Online Blackjack
- Range of Blackjack Software Providers
- Live Blackjack Vs Table Games
- A Brief History of Blackjack
- Basic Blackjack Strategy
- Different types of Live Blackjack Software
- More Fun Ways to Play Blackjack at UK Online Casinos
- How does playing blackjack in a land casino differ from playing online?
- Key Facts
- A Final Word about Online Blackjack Casinos
- FAQ for Online Blackjack Casinos UK 2022
How We Rate Top Online Blackjack Casinos for UK Players
Picking a casino based on it having a good selection of blackjack games is a great way to choose a casino.
But there are other considerations, including:
- Bonuses
- Promotions
- Offers
- Licensing
- Security
- Safety
- Responsible Playing
- Banking Methods
That means all the quality casinos on our list have been fully road tested before they made it on our website. New casinos come on the market all the time, so please keep checking back in on our reviews for all the latest casinos.
What is Blackjack?
Blackjack, also known as 21, is one of the most popular games for UK players and the most widely played casino game in the world.
Not surprising given it’s been around for centuries, is easy to play and has the highest payout of all casino games.
In most cases the game is played with between one and eight decks of shuffled cards. It’s a battle of wits between you and the dealer with whoever gets 21 or closest, winning.
An online game of blackjack (table game not Live) uses Random Number Generators (RNGs) to determine the cards for all players. This ‘virtual deck’ is then reshuffled before the next hand is dealt.
Obviously, there are a few more nuanced points than that, which we’ll come on to in a bit, but that’s pretty much blackjack in a nutshell.
If you’re new to blackjack, read our handy tips below. If you’re an old hand, get stuck into the offers on our list of the best online blackjack casinos for UK players in 2022.
Online Blackjack Casinos Vs Other Choices
You’d have to be pretty hardcore if you join a casino and play nothing else but blackjack.
Temptation is everywhere once you’re inside an online casino with games, including everything from Baccarat to Blackjack, Roulette to Live Dealer, Poker to Slots galore.
With all those choices, it’s difficult to know which casino to go for.
Fear not! That’s why we’re here.
Every person who joins a particular casino does so for many reasons. Not just one reason!
However, for most people, it’s about the offers on show; UK players can benefit from some fantastic show-stoppers, including No Deposit Casinos, Slots No Deposit Casinos and Free Spins No Deposit Casinos.
Lovers of a matched bet can revel in low deposit casinos, including £1 Deposit Casinos, £5 Deposit Casinos and £10 Deposit Casinos.
How do you Play Blackjack at Online Casinos UK
Get out your chips; here we go!
This is playing blackjack 101 time!
When you start a round, the first thing to do is place a bet. Stakes depend on how much you’re willing to bet and the stakes set at the table.
Once those virtual chips hit the table, you will receive two face-up cards.
The dealer will have two cards, one face-up and the other face-down.
Ultimately, you want to get 21 total points, or closer to it than the dealer, without going over and busting.
The value of the cards matches the number on the card except for picture cards, they are worth ten points. Whilst an Ace can be either one point or eleven points.
Hit or Stand
This is the best bit! The bit that conjures up icon images – to me at least – of gunslinging cowboys rolling down the Mississippi River, whiskey in hand.
After you receive your hand, you’ll have the option to hit (get additional cards) or keep the cards you have.
This is where the strategy within the game lies. Does the dealer have 21 or close? Will he hit and go bust? Do you play it safe or go for it?
Key Terms for Playing Online Blackjack Casinos
To make life simpler, here’s a list of terms you’re inevitably going to come across when playing blackjack at online casinos in UK.
- Side Bets: There’s loads of bets you can play in a game that aren’t all about your hand. These include Player or Dealer Pairs and 21+3.
- Surrender: This is when you throw in your hand because you don’t like the look of it. If you do this you get half your stake back.
- Split – When you’re dealt two identical cards you can split them if you want. This means twice the wagering but double the opportunity to win.
- Double Down: When you’re dealt between 9-11 points, sometimes you can double your bet. However, you will only get one more card but who cares if it’s a 10!
- Insurance: This is what’s called a side bet and works independently from your hand. To take it, you must put up half your wager. You’re betting on the dealer having blackjack.
- Multi-Hand: This is when you play five hands at once.
Play Safe at Online Blackjack Casinos UK
When you join a £ Casino online casino, you’re not just handing over your money.
You’re handing over every specific of your identity including addresses, date of birth and banking information.
Choosing one of the safest casinos has to be a priority when choosing an online casino.
Here are our top tips for security to look out for:
Licences – Operators wishing to pursue a UK market must obtain a licence from the UK Gambling Commission. You’ll be able to find their seal of approval at the bottom of the website.
eCOGRA Certification -This certification means that the games in the casino have been tested and checked to within an inch of their life. It is a truly quality certificate.
SSL Certificates – Web security is really important at an online casino. SSL Certificate is the best way to check and it’s highly visible. If the casino has SSL there’s a little padlock icon next to the web address.
Secure Banking Methods – Pick a banking method you trust.
Best Bonuses at Online Blackjack Casinos
There’s always a nice juicy carrot when you join a casino. A lovely big bonus to entice players in.
It’s a tried and tested marketing tactic. But it shouldn’t stop there! Once inside, you should find all manner of ongoing rewards and incentives to keep you playing.
There are a number of different types of offers available when joining an online casino, including free spins, free play and cash bonuses.
Types of Bonuses
Welcome Offers
- Free Spins – Free spins are ten a penny. You can be awarded free spins when you register, as part of ongoing promotions, or as special one-offs. Casinos love to give free spins away. The amount you receive varies wildly from 200 free spins as part of a sign-up offer to a daily bonus of three free spins. A common Slot for free spins is Starburst.
- Free Credits/Free Play – This type of bonus allows you a set time or credits to play on specific games, which could be a casino game or a slot. Like everything, free credits may have terms and conditions attached, including upper limits on wins and wagering requirements.
- No Deposit Bonus – There’s nothing that beats a casino that pops free money into your account when you sign up. You can’t beat it. These offers are hard to come by. They’re certainly not commonplace.
Ongoing Rewards
As well as a lovely welcome bonus, you can expect lots of lovely ongoing bonuses and promotions once you join an online blackjack casino UK.
Always look for casinos that have a big pot of ongoing promotions and who regularly reward customers with free spins, free real cash bonuses, casino tokens and cashback on weekly losses.
Online casinos should have a good mix of weekly promotions, including free tournaments, matched bet offers, and deposit offers such as deposit £10 and get X number of free spins.
Wagering Requirements on Real Money Bonuses
Always, always, always read the terms and conditions.
The main requirement for a bonus will be the amount of times a bonus or deposit must be wagered before you can withdraw any winnings.
Average tends to be 40x, so be wary of anything higher and take advantage of anything lower
It’s also the case that not all games are created equally when it comes to wagering requirements. Some will contribute 100%, others as low as 1%; again, it is imperative that you read the terms and conditions.
Depositing and Withdrawing at Online Blackjack Casinos
When it comes to Fast Payout Casinos and Top Paying Casinos banking methods are key.
No one should have to wait for their money these days! We live in an instant world, after all.
Banking methods need to be lightning-fast and shouldn’t include any hidden fees.
UK players can choose from scores of options, including traditional methods such as Visa or newer eWallets which tend to be faster than traditional banking.
eWallets consistently available for UK players are Skrill and Neteller.
Many are also paysafe casinos. These are like a phone top-up card to deposit with, which is great if you don’t want your bank manager, or significant other, seeing money going out of your checking account and into a casino.
Monthly or Weekly Withdrawal Limits
Banking costs money! Administration fees aren’t just directed at Joe Public!
That means, in the main, a casino will have a minimum withdrawal limit.
The average for the industry is £10. Equally, it is also true that most casinos will have a withdrawal limit.
Take Paddy Power as an example, their maximum daily deposit is £2,500 a day, whilst their daily withdrawal limit is £2,000.
Why do they do this? Because setting limits and controlling cash flow supports the business and it helps prevent fraud because it gives the casinos time to look into the payments.
Blackjack Rule Variations at Online Casinos UK
There are two main variants for blackjack when it comes to the rules. These are:
European Blackjack
In this type of blackjack game you play your hand before the dealer receives their second card.
Also, doubling down is only allowed when you have between 9-11 points.
Finally, splitting is permitted in European Blackjack. However, in this instance it is only once per hand and only with cards that have a 10-point value.
American Blackjack
In the land of the free, the dealer gets both cards straight away – one face up and one face down.
The card that isn’t facing the heavens is known as the ‘hole card’. In this variation of blackjack the dealer can look at this card to see if they have blackjack.
If they do have blackjack the hand ends instantly and all players’ bets are collected by the dealer.
Different Types of Blackjack Games
There are a lot of blackjack game variations, but here are a few of the familiar ones UK players will come across.
Pontoon
This game is straight out of the British Isles, and because it’s English, there are a few alterations in terms of language. For instance, “twist and buy” instead of hit, and “stick” instead of “stand”.
Linguistics aside, the principle of the game remains the same with a few nuances. For instance, you can’t stand on less than 15, and you have to hit.
Also, instead of getting a single card after you buy (double), you can hit as much as you like.
Blackjack Surrender
Blackjack Surrender is exactly the same as normal blackjack, with the only difference being that you can surrender your hand after the first two cards and recover half your stake.
Blackjack Switch
Similar but different is the best way to describe Blackjack Swift. Two hands, rather than one, are dealt to each playing position.
The player can then exchange (“switch”) the top two cards between hands.
That means you can create the two best possible hands with the four cards you’re dealt.
But there’s a catch! Blackjack won’t pay out 3:2 in this game.
Blackjack Odds and Winning Real Money
Blackjack has one of the highest Return to Player (RTP) of any casino game averaging between 95% and 99%.
This means the house edge is SLIM! Most bets pay on a 1:1 ratio, so if you bet £10, you will win your stake plus £10.
There are a couple of variations on hits. If you win via blackjack, the payout is 3:2, meaning your £10 stake is now worth £25. Insurance bets are 2:1, which means if the dealer wins and you have insurance you pick up £30. If it’s a dead heat with the dealer, you get your bet money back.
Top Tips for Online Blackjack
- Try playing for free before spending your money.
- Always split aces and 8s.
- Only split if you have a bad hand. For instance, splitting two 10s would reduce your odds of winning.
- Don’t be afraid of standing.
- Only double down when you think the dealer has a weak hand.
- Take advantage of surrender if you have a bad hand.
- Don’t make huge wagers on one bet. Play responsible.
Range of Blackjack Software Providers
Evolution Gaming is one of many excellent blackjack software providers. It is, without doubt, the leading provider of Live Casino games; a five-star juggernaut of a provider.
But they’re not the only company set up to thrill. Although, not all offer Blackjack.
Microgaming is also one of the giants of online casinos, as well as NetEnt,Red Tiger, Pragmatic Play, Quickspin, Merkur, Yggdrasil and Play N’Go.
Live Blackjack Vs Table Games
We are lucky to live in a world where our computers and phones can bring the feel of a real casino to our homes.
Live Casino changed the gambling market for the better, but it doesn’t mean table games are lost to the history books.
Functionality-wise, blackjack games work the same in a Live Casino and in Table Game mode. The big difference is that Live Casino uses card decks and not random number-generated outcomes like table games.
If you want a real casino’s vibe, feel, and interaction, then choose live.
But if the banal chitter chatter of the hosts gets your goat, then choose the table.
It’s your choice!
A Brief History of Blackjack
This is one of those classic “historians still argue about the origins of” stories.
It is largely agreed that blackjack probably began life in France in 1700. The game was called “Vingt-et-Un”. If you’re not a French linguist, that means “Twenty-one.”
But there’s a counterargument that the Romans played a similar game with wooden blocks. Is there anything the Romans didn’t invent!
The game’s popularity, along with roulette, spread throughout Europe and, by the 18th Century, made it to the USA via French colonists.
Along the way, many variations have been introduced and then consigned to history, including only the dealer being able to double.
By the 20th Century, it had rebranded from 21 to Blackjack. But why Blackjack?
Back then, gambling houses offered bonus payouts to stimulate players’ interest – the early marketers doing a great job!
One type of bonus offered a ten-to-one payout if the player’s hand was an ace of spades and a blackjack.
Hereto a “blackjack”. Obviously, the name stuck even after the ten-to-one bonus was consigned to history.
I do hope some marketing person from a casino is reading this and re-introduces this bonus! Wouldn’t that be fantastic!
Basic Blackjack Strategy
Over time new players will develop their strategy. In the meantime, here are a few points to consider.
Casino & Game Variations
(a) Decks – the more decks, the less likely you’ll win. It also increases the house’s chance of winning.
(b) Doubling – Rules vary when it comes to doubling. In some casinos, you need a certain hand to double in others. You have to have between nine and 11.
c) Side Bets – Pick a side bet you enjoy is our advice. You can quickly lose money if you always bet the dealer has blackjack.
d) Surrendering – You can throw in your hand if you don’t like it and get half your wager back at some casinos. Some casinos don’t do this!
Table Game Blackjack
Back in 1997, chess master Garry Kasparov played the Deep Blue computer in a game of chess. It was a game the human won. I’m guessing 25 years of technological advancement later, he would get thrashed.
The point I’m trying to make here is that table games are computers that use random number generators to determine the cards.
You can’t outsmart them!
But that doesn’t mean you’re at their mercy. You can lower the house edge by playing to a staking plan.
The 1x-3x-2x-6x approach, where you increase your stake by x times after a win, might give you an edge!
Blackjack Card Counting
This strategy does what it says in the tin! You count up how many high-value cards have been drawn in a game.
Think about a single deck of cards. If you know the tens, jacks, queens, kings and aces that have been drawn, you can vary your wagering accordingly.
Because you know the rest of the cards are likely to be low value, which isn’t great because there’s no chance of you getting blackjack or close to it with only low cards left.
The opposite is also true. If you know that the cards left in the shoe are high value, then you’re probably thinking of maxing the bet.
Good card counters can take away the house edge and aren’t looked on favourably by casinos.
Card counting in the table game blackjack isn’t effective because the computer uses random number generation.
Different types of Live Blackjack Software
How does the different live blackjack software differ?
There are a lot of studios out there producing games, card games and interactive gambling offers. Here are some who excel in blackjack games.
Evolution Gaming
This company is the “daddy” of live online games. The king and pioneer of live casino. Evolution offers consistently high standards for blackjack, roulette, poker and game-show style games. Rules are also standardised and elegantly delivered to your screen.
Playtech
This truly respected games provider delivers quality live table games for its partner casinos.
They offer many variations of popular casino games to a very high standard.
More Fun Ways to Play Blackjack at UK Online Casinos
Evolution offers some top-notch games, including Blackjack Party, VIP rooms and standard blackjack.
Here are some of our favourite variations.
Infinite Blackjack
No prizes for guessing where this variation gets its name from. Yep, an infinite number of players can play.
There’s also a nice choice of four side bets.
Speed Blackjack
Speed Blackjack – You better be quick-witted for this blackjack game because speed is of the essence.
Quick players are dealt first, reducing dwell time for others, and giving additional convenience.
Power Blackjack
In this variation, the 9s and 10s have been removed. You can double, triple and quadruple once the first two cards have been dealt. The dealer can also check if they’ve got blackjack if they’re showing a face or ace card.
Free Bet Blackjack
This variation allows players to earn a free bet as a double or split on various hands.
Simple!
Las Vegas Blackjack
If you fancy a bit of Vegas action, head for Playtech’s Las Vegas Blackjack.
With this variant, the dealer and player receive their cards simultaneously. That means the dealer can check if they have blackjack. Which can save you money if you think about it.
How does playing blackjack in a land casino differ from playing online?
What’s better a land casino or an online casino?
That all depends on what you want to get out of it.
Land-based casinos are a destination; a place to dress up, socialize, have fun, have a few drinks and, of course, play blackjack.
Online casinos offer the convenience and thrill of a land-based casino from the comfort of your own home.
You don’t have to wait patiently to get on a table at an online casino, nor do you pay extortionate prices for a pint of beer.
Key Facts
| General Information: | Online Blackjack Casinos |
|---|---|
| ❤️ Blackjack | 18 + |
| 🕹️ Our Favourite Game | American Blackjack |
| 🏅 Highest RTP | 99% |
| 💵 Best Tip To Win Real Money | Always split aces and 8s |
| ⚖️ Quality Licences | UK Gambling Commission |
| 🇬🇧 Country | UK |
A Final Word about Online Blackjack Casinos
Hit me, twist me, stick me – whatever way you like to play blackjack online, there is plenty of choice for players in UK.
We’ve picked out the best casinos with the hottest tables for you to choose from.
We know you love blackjack; otherwise, you wouldn’t be reading this page, but don’t forget to choose a casino based on security, bonuses, real money, demo mode availability and speed of banking.
We hope you’ve found some sound advice in this review and some useful tips and hints.
FAQ for Online Blackjack Casinos UK 2022
How can I win at Blackjack?
Simple, you just have to beat the dealer. This means that you need to be closer to 21 points, but without going over. If the dealer goes over 21, it doesn’t matter how many points you have, as long as it’s less than 21.
What Are Perfect Pairs In Blackjack?
This is a side bet where you win if a certain pair is dealt in the first two cards. Perfect pairs with the same number and suit pay more.
Can I Count Cards in Online Blackjack Casinos?
Unfortunately not. Before each hand, the decks are shuffled.
When Do You Double Down In Blackjack?
We recommend doubling down when the first two cards total 11 because there’s a 30% chance the next card will be a face card. You can also double down when you have a 16,17, or 18 made up with an ace. This is because holding an ace plus a five, six or seven is a strong hand. If you draw a ten, no problem, but you could get a low card and get even closer to 21. Lastly, double down when you have a 9 or 10. Again, this is because there’s a 30% chance of the next card being high.
When Should You Surrender In Blackjack?
Dump your card if you have a 15 or 16 that isn’t made up with an ace.
How Does A Casino Make Money From Blackjack?
The house edge in this game is just 1%, but it is still an edge. It means a casino will profit by 1% of all stakes played over time.
Can I play against a Live Dealer?
Yes, you can. Most casinos these days have live casinos as part of their offer. Do your research first before joining, or read our reviews.
How Do You Make Money Playing Blackjack?
Define your strategy and refine it.
What Is Hard And Soft Blackjack?
Hard is a hand with no Ace. A soft hand does have an ace.
What Is Bet Behind Blackjack?
Bet Behind blackjack allows players that are not seated at a table to bet on the success of those who are. This can be a useful tool when seated players are on a winning run.
What is a Push In Blackjack?
It means a dead heat between you and the dealer. Nobody wins, so the original stake is ‘pushed’ back.
How Much is a King in Blackjack?
All picture cards carry a value of 10.
How Can I Find a Reputable Online Blackjack Casino?
You can find one in our list of online casinos. We’ve reviewed and tested all of them, including licences, payout speeds and banking options.
Can I Play Online Blackjack for Free?
Yes, most casinos have an option to play for free so that you can learn the game before wagering.
What does “Bust” Mean?
It means your cards have exceeded 21, and you’ve lost.
What Does “Hit” mean?
It’s like saying, “Can I have another card, please, Sir”.
Are the Odds of Winning at Online Blackjack the Same as at a Land-Based Casino?
Yes, they are. Same game, just online. However, the online version comes with loads of goodies, including Welcome Bonuses and Ongoing Promotions and Rewards.
Are Blackjack Games Rigged?
No, these providers are heavily regulated and tested often.