Table of Contents
- Introduction to the Blackjack Game
- Steps to Playing Online Blackjack
- How We Rate the Best UK Online Blackjack Casinos
- Understanding Blackjack House Edge and Odds of Winning
- Blackjack Casino Payouts
- Top Tips for Playing at Blackjack Casinos
- Some Popular Blackjack Variants
- Start Playing at the Best Blackjack Casinos!
- Blackjack Casinos FAQ
Introduction to the Blackjack Game
Blackjack is a card game where the goal is to get a hand total closer to 21 than the dealer without going bust (over 21). According to researchers, the history of blackjack dates back to 1760s France, where it was called Vingt-et-Un (meaning 21). It was derived from Chemin de Fer, a French Royal Court during King Louis XV’s reign, and which still exists as a variant of modern online baccarat.
The first mention of the term blackjack was in 20th century Nevada, where gambling halls began offering bonus payouts for winnings that included an Ace and a black jack (a jack of spades or clubs). The standard game uses a 52-card deck, but many casinos will use multiple decks of cards shuffled together, usually six to eight decks. Regardless, the fundamental rules of how to play blackjack stay the same.
Steps to Playing Online Blackjack
Land-based blackjack has a few more specificities regarding which player goes first, how to indicate bets and other table etiquette. On the other hand, online blackjack is a lot simpler since there’s more of a one-on-one approach. Simply:
- Launch the game at a recommended blackjack casino.
- Set your bet by selecting any of the betting options on the screen. Blackjack has some of the largest betting ranges. You can often bet as little as 50p and as much as £5,000.
- Hit ‘Play’ to deal the cards.
- Play your hand after assessing the cards dealt to you and the dealer’s up card.
- Wait for the dealer to play their hand.
- See who scores closer to 21.
How We Rate the Best UK Online Blackjack Casinos
We have an expert rating system for how we choose top casinos. When it comes to finding the best online blackjack casinos in the UK, here are some key factors we consider:
Generous Bonuses and Promotions
We prioritise online casinos offering generous bonuses and promotions tailored to blackjack players. These can include welcome bonuses, deposit matches, free spins, or exclusive blackjack casino promotions. Generous bonuses provide an excellent opportunity to boost your bankroll and enhance your gaming experience.
Blackjack Variety
The best online casinos provide an extensive selection of game variations. There should be a variety of blackjack games too, including classic blackjack, European blackjack, Atlantic City blackjack, and more. A diverse selection ensures that UK players can enjoy different rules and gameplay styles.
Blackjack for Real Money
Blackjack is a fun game but it’s even more exciting when there’s real winning potential. We make sure to check for real-money blackjack games. Top-rated blackjack casinos offer a wide range of tables with varying betting limits, ensuring there’s something for every player, whether you’re a casual player or a high roller seeking thrilling stakes.
Blackjack for Free
The best blackjack casinos should provide options for playing blackjack for free. Free play modes are a valuable feature for beginners and experienced players alike. They allow you to practise your skills, test strategies, and familiarise yourself with the game before wagering real money. Free online blackjack is also great for those who simply want to enjoy the game without risking real money.
Licence and Security
A licensed casino demonstrates compliance with stringent standards of fairness and security. As such we prioritise blackjack online casinos that hold valid licences from reputable regulatory bodies like the MGA and the UKGC. We also evaluate the implementation of encryption technology to safeguard your personal and financial information.
Mobile Gaming
In today’s mobile-centric world, we assess the mobile compatibility of online casinos. Top-rated platforms offer mobile-responsive websites or dedicated apps, enabling you to play blackjack on your smartphone or tablet. A seamless mobile gaming experience ensures convenience and flexibility.
Understanding Blackjack House Edge and Odds of Winning
The house edge in blackjack is the mathematical advantage the casino has over players in the long run. It is a percentage that represents the average amount of each bet that the casino expects to retain as profit over time. One of the reasons for the popularity of this game is that it has one of the lowest house edges, going as low as 0.5% when you apply basic strategy.
The primary contributor to the house edge is the fact that the dealer plays their hand after all the players have acted. This gives the dealer a positional advantage, as players can bust before the dealer even plays.
Additionally, the house edge can be influenced by the player’s skill level and the strategy employed during gameplay. It can also vary based on the game’s specific rules. For example, the payout for a blackjack can affect the house edge. In standard games where a blackjack pays 3:2, the house edge is generally lower compared to games where the payout is reduced to 6:5. You’ll have better odds of winning on a 3:2 blackjack table.
Here’s an overview of some common variants at blackjack casinos along with their approximate house edges:
| Variant | House Edge |
|---|---|
| Classic Blackjack | 0.5% |
| European Blackjack | 0.39% |
| Atlantic City Blackjack | 0.35% |
| Vegas Strip Blackjack | 0.36% |
| Spanish 21 | 0.38% |
| Pontoon | 0.39% |
| Double Exposure | 0.69% |
| Blackjack Switch | 0.17% |
| Super Fun 21 | 1.30% |
Note that these house edge values represent the lower end of the spectrum. Blackjack odds fluctuate based on game rules, skill, and strategy. So you must apply some strategy to your gameplay for the best chances of winning.
Blackjack Casino Payouts
Wondering what you receive when you win in this game? For non-blackjack winning hands, such as a regular win, the payout is 1:1 or even money. This means you win an amount equal to your original bet. Suppose you bet £10. You’d receive your stake back plus an additional £10 profit.
The most notable payout in this game is for achieving a blackjack. Typically, blackjack pays out at odds of 3:2, meaning you receive 1.5 times your original bet as winnings. Using the previous illustration, you’d receive £15 in profits.
Payouts depend on the specific rules of the game being played, so they can vary between different blackjack casinos and game variations. Some casinos may offer a lower payout of 6:5 for blackjack. This is less advantageous for players, so you should ensure you are playing at a 3:2 in order to maximise your winnings.
Top Tips for Playing at Blackjack Casinos
- Learn and Use Basic Strategy – Basic strategy is indispensable for learning how to play blackjack. Also, following basic strategy significantly improves your chances of winning, while minimising the house edge. You can use basic strategy charts while you play so it’s easy to quickly refer to them.
- Manage Your Bankroll – Always set a budget for your blackjack session and stick to it. Make sure to avoid chasing losses or betting more than you can afford.
- Avoid Insurance Bets – Statistically, insurance bets are not favourable in the long run. If you’re a beginner, it’s generally recommended to avoid taking insurance bets.
- Stay Calm and Stick to Your Strategy – Emotions can impact decision-making in blackjack, and with such a thrilling game as this one, it’s easy to get carried away. You should have a strategy before you begin playing, but most importantly, you should stick to it regardless of the outcomes.
Bonus Tip: Avoid relying on hunches, superstitions, or gut feelings when playing blackjack. This game is based on mathematical probabilities, and strategic decision-making is key to long-term success. Trust in the math and make decisions based on sound strategy rather than intuition.
Some Popular Blackjack Variants
Here are brief explanations of some of the earlier mentioned blackjack variants:
Classic Blackjack
Classic Blackjack, also known as Traditional Blackjack, is the most widely recognised and played variation. It follows the basic rules of the game, where players aim to achieve a hand value as close to 21 as possible without exceeding it. Here, the dealer typically receives one face-up and one face-down card.
Double Exposure Blackjack
In Double Exposure Blackjack, both of the dealer’s cards are dealt face-up, providing players with valuable information. However, to compensate for this player advantage, the game introduces specific rules, such as the dealer winning on ties and blackjack payouts at even money.
Spanish 21
This variant of blackjack is played with a Spanish deck of cards, which removes the four 10-value cards. Despite the absence of these cards, the game compensates by offering favourable rules such as player-friendly bonuses for achieving 21 with specific combinations and allowing late surrender.
Blackjack Switch
Blackjack Switch introduces a unique twist by allowing players to switch the second cards of two separate hands. This variant provides an opportunity to create stronger hands. However, a dealer’s total of 22 results in a push against a player’s blackjack hand.
Live Blackjack
Live Blackjack is a variant of the game played online with a live dealer via video streaming. It aims to replicate the feel of playing in a land-based blackjack casino by offering an interactive and immersive environment. You can interact with the dealer and other participants in real time, enhancing the social aspect of the game.
Start Playing at the Best Blackjack Casinos!
Blackjack is a fantastic game that remains a top casino favourite, even though it’s been around for so long. It comes in several variants with adjusted rules, but the fundamentals stay the same. Online blackjack is a lot more player-friendly than the land-based version just because it’s faster, and you’ve got many more versions to try out at your convenience. It’s no wonder that UK players love this game almost as much as real money slots.
This game has some of the best odds and good payout potential too. Before you play though, you should make sure you have mastered the basic strategy. Or at least ensure you have quick access to a basic strategy chart that you can glance over at. That’s your best chance of winning in blackjack.
Blackjack Casinos FAQ
What is the objective of blackjack?
Blackjack aims to beat the dealer’s hand without exceeding a total card value of 21. You win if you get a hand value higher than that of the dealer.
Are online blackjack games fair?
Online blackjack is fair when you play at the best blackjack casinos. Reputable online casinos employ random number generators (RNGs) to ensure fair gameplay.
What is the best blackjack strategy?
The best blackjack strategy is basic strategy, which is a mathematically derived set of rules that guides players in making optimal decisions based on their hand and the dealer’s upcard. Following basic strategy will enable you to minimise the blackjack casino edge and maximise your winning chances in the long run.
Should I always hit until I reach 21?
No, hitting until you reach 21 is not always the best strategy. The decision to hit stand or split depends on your hand value and the dealer’s upcard. Following basic strategy provides guidelines on when to stand, hit, double, split, etc., based on the specific situation.
Can I count cards in online blackjack?
While card counting can be effective in land-based casinos, online blackjack casino games use random number generators that shuffle the cards after each hand. Therefore, it is not possible to count cards effectively in online blackjack.
What is the house edge in blackjack?
The house edge in classic blackjack is typically around 0.5% when you apply basic strategy. However, the house edge can vary based on specific rules and variations of blackjack.