Blackjack online

Here you will find the best online blackjack games in Canada 2024.

Here we focus on the intricacies of blackjack, from basic rules to advanced tactics, ensuring you have the tools to play confidently. Our selection of the finest online casinos in Canada guarantees a high-quality gaming experience, complete with lucrative bonuses and diverse game variations. Dive into the world of online blackjack and master the art of hitting the perfect 21.

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Is online blackjack legal in Canada?

Yes, it is. You can sit back, relax and play blackjack online at a licensed online casino in Canada. There are numerous casinos geared toward Canadian players that offer blackjack games.

A few casinos only focus on slots and specialize in them, but most have at least roulette and blackjack in their table games section. If you’re a big fan of blackjack, you should check out the sites that offer many different versions of blackjack and you’ll really be spoiled for choice.

Are online blackjack games rigged?

No, you can be absolutely sure that you are getting fair blackjack play online. Just choose a casino that has a European license allowing it to operate in Canada and also make sure that it has good reviews from our experts.

Why play blackjack online?

Blackjack has become so popular in recent years mainly because of its simplicity and fast-paced action. Anyone can start playing right away and enjoy the famous classic card game.

In fact, most people understand the rules right from the start and can place bets right away. If you have enjoyed playing blackjack live with friends and family in the past, you can play exactly the same game online whenever it suits you.

Blackjack in online casinos vs blackjack in land-based casinos
Feature Online Blackjack Blackjack in land-based casinos
Security
Availability
Bonus
Promotions
Multi-hand

Play Blackjack from home

The best blackjack online games offer both comfort and convenience. No matter what time it is and how much free time you have, it’s easy to start playing as long or as short as you want. The arrival of mobile casinos for Canadian players means you can now play on the go.

How to Get Online Blackjack Bonuses

Getting started at a reputable blackjack casino is easy, and it’s even more rewarding when you claim a welcome bonus right from the start. Keep an eye out for the top casino bonus offers that will have you aiming for 21 with a nice amount of bonus funds after signing up.

Live casino promotions

The added atmosphere and excitement of live dealer blackjack are particularly rewarding for players. You should definitely try the Live Dealer. You should also look out for live casino bonuses that will help you get started in the best possible position.

Play multi hands

If you like the constant thrill of blackjack, then playing multiple hands makes the game even more action-packed. When playing blackjack online, simply look for the casino’s multi-hand games. There you simply try to beat the dealer with several hands at the same time.

Did you know? Blackjack has the best odds of winning among other online casino games. The house edge can be anywhere from 0.05% to 1% in a single-deck game.

Experience the classic online with live blackjack

The game remains the same, but the atmosphere is positively changed and made more interesting by the presence of a human dealer or the use of a virtual setup. Discover below the different ways to play live blackjack online and decide for yourself what your personal best live blackjack online will be.

What is the difference between Live Dealer Blackjack & RNG Blackjack?

Live dealer and RNG games are both exciting ways to try this game. The most noticeable difference between online blackjack games is whether or not a human dealer is present. When this is the case, the live dealer game is streamed to your screen from a sleek casino environment, giving you the opportunity to interact with the dealer as you play.

RNG blackjack games are presented as virtual affairs, with a computer-generated table and cards dealt at random. In this case, it is the casino software that ensures total fairness and random outcomes with every hand.

Which of these different approaches is the best way to play blackjack online? It really just comes down to personal taste which one you prefer, to be honest.

Virtual online blackjack

Many of the top game providers produce virtual blackjack games where the action is fast-paced and exciting. These include Blackjack by NetEnt and Blackjack Lucky Ladies by Felt. These versions usually allow you to bet on different hands by moving your chips onto the betting spaces.

Each game provider has its own style, but many of the games take a similar approach, with a clean layout and simple controls.

Studio live dealer blackjack

The live dealer blackjack games are all conducted by an actual live dealer in person who deals with the cards and announces the results. Evolution, Microgaming and Playtech produce some of the best live blackjack games for Canadian players. A look at the online casino section of Vulkan Vegas Casino shows us examples such as Sonya Blackjack and 21 Burn Blackjack.

The live dealer blackjack selection at Canadian casinos has grown in recent years, so it is likely that more new titles will be added in the future. So you too will surely find a way to play online casino blackjack live if you want to.

How to play live Blackjack?

Blackjack is played between a dealer and the players. All players play against the dealer and not against each other. The goal is to get a card value that does not go over 21 but is still higher than the dealer’s value.

Each card has its own value, except for the Ace, which can count as either “1” or “11”. The Queens, Jacks and Kings are all worth 10 each.

The game is played in these steps:

  1. Each player places a bet.
  2. Then the cards are dealt.
  3. The dealer gives each player one face-up card and one face-up card to himself.
  4. After that, each player receives another face-up card, but the dealer’s second card remains face-down. Thus, every player except the dealer receives two open cards. The dealer receives one card face up and the other card face down.
  5. If a player’s first two cards are an ace and another 10, then they are lucky for the first time – this makes exactly 21 and the player wins. If both the dealer and the player have 21 then it is called a tie and the player gets back the amount wagered.

Live dealer Blackjack rules & betting

The goal is to get closer to 21 than the dealer without going over that magic number. You are initially given two cards and must decide whether to charge more or stick with those two cards. During your turn, you make decisions such as B. doubling your bet, splitting your cards into two separate hands, or insuring yourself against a dealer’s blackjack hand of 21.

Once you’re done, it’s the dealer’s turn to reveal their cards. They must follow certain rules that determine whether or not they will ask for another card. The best hand in this deck is when your first two cards total 21, which usually gives you a higher payout and cannot be beaten. Otherwise, any hand that beats the dealer’s total without going over 21 will give you a win.

Number of decks & the house edge

The number of decks used in online blackjack games plays a large role in your chances of winning. This is because the chance of getting a blackjack hand of 21 on the first two cards is greater when fewer decks are used. The reason for this is that more blackjack hands should be dealt, giving you a better chance of getting a higher payout.

Most of the best online blackjack versions use eight decks, but some use fewer than that. It can even happen that a single deck is used but is reshuffled after each hand. In the table below you can see how the number of decks affects the house edge, which is the edge the casino has. A low house edge means you have a better chance of hitting a win.

Blackjack number of decks and the house edge
Number of decks House edge
Single deck 0.17%
Double deck 0.46%
Four decks 0.60%
Six decks 0.64%
Eight decks 0.66%

Blackjack Rules

We provide tips and tricks to help you get started at blackjack as a beginner or brush up on your blackjack skills. It takes consistency and patience to become a master at playing one of the most popular and widely played card games in the world. We’ll make sure you’re armed with just the right knowledge to become a pro at blackjack.

Master Blackjack Rules and Odds

In a blackjack game, your focus should always be on the dealer, regardless of how many participants are in the game.

The goal

The aim of a blackjack game is for the value of your blackjack cards to be 21 or as close as possible to 21 before the dealer and you don’t bust.

Blackjack card values

Each card in a blackjack game has the same value as the number on the card. However, if it is a face card, it has a value of 10, and an ace has a value of 10 or 1 depending on the game.

The following blackjack table explains this:

Blackjack card values
Map Value
2 2
3 3
4 4
5 5
6 6
7 7
8 8
9 9
10 10
Jack 10
Queen 10
King 10
Ace 10 or 1

The odds of winning in blackjack

Blackjack is considered the game with the best odds among live casino games and has a lower house edge, generally ranging from 0.5% to 1%. The more decks of cards used in a blackjack game, the more likely you are to win big. Depending on the blackjack game you are playing, more or fewer decks of cards may be used, as there is no one-size-fits-all rule for how many decks a blackjack game should contain.

The house edge in blackjack

It’s useful to know that the number of decks used in a blackjack game affects the house edge and, as mentioned earlier, your chance of winning.

Possible moves in blackjack

  • Hit
  • Standing
  • Split pairs
  • Double down
  • Bust

Blackjack payout rules

Blackjack wins are dependent on how you placed your bets or before. The table below provides an overview of how blackjack payouts can be structured:

Hand Profit
Blackjack straight away 1.5x
Normal hand win 1:1
After doubling the bet 2x
Profit after split 1:1
Double after split with profit 2x

Understand all blackjack side bets

If you’re unfamiliar with the term blackjack side bet, don’t worry. We explain everything to you here. Side bets are essentially additional bets that predict which blackjack cards the player or dealer will be dealt. These bets are placed during a regular blackjack game and are based purely on chance and not on how skilled a player is at the game. Below is a breakdown of the blackjack side bets you may encounter in online blackjack games.

  • 1. Blackjack Insurance
    The blackjack insurance bet is the most common side bet and gives you a chance to protect yourself against the dealer potentially getting an ace up card. With this type of side bet, you wager half your original bet.
  • 2. Perfect Pairs
    This side bet only counts the player’s blackjack cards and pays out if you get the following pairs:

    • Mixed pair (pays 5:1) – the cards are of the same rank but have different suits
    • Colored Pair (Pays 12:1) – the cards are of the same rank and suit
    • Perfect Pair (Pays 25:1) – the cards are identical
  • 3. Blackjack 21+3
    This side bet involves the player’s two blackjack cards and the dealers up card. Here you get a payout when you bet on any of the following combinations:

    • Flush (pays 5:1) – three cards of the same suit
    • Straight (Pays 10:1) – a combination of three cards in a specific order, e.g. B. 5, 6 and 7 (regardless of the color).
    • Three of a Kind (pays 30:1) – the cards are of the same rank but not the same suit
    • Straight Flush (pays 40:1)- the cards follow a numerical order and are of the same suit
    • Suited Triple/Suited Three of a Kind (100:1) – three cards of the same suit and rank, e.g. B. Queen of Hearts.
  • 4. Bet behind
    This side bet is where you are betting on another player’s hand instead of your own. A bet-behind-side bet can be considered quite risky as you have no control over the player’s decision or hand.
  • 5. Royal Match
    If a player is dealt face cards of the same suit, a Royal Match is won. The payout is usually 5:2, but the player can get a payout of 25:1 for a suited King and Queen combination.
  • 6. Over/Under 13
    The blackjack rules of this particular side bet may vary from casino to casino, but the emphasis is on predicting the number of blackjack cards that will be dealt to the player; You bet on whether the total will be greater than or less than 13. It is important to know that rolling a 13 does not automatically win. However, there are some casinos that count this as a win.
  • 7. Lucky Seven – the super sevens
    If you’re dealt one or more 7’s during a blackjack game, you’re a lucky winner! Here are the different ways such a side bet is paid out:

    • A 7 is 3:1
    • Two unsuited 7s are worth 50:1
    • Two 7s of the same color pay 100:1
    • Three unsuited 7s are worth 500:1
    • Three 7s of the same color bring 5000:1
  • 8. Lucky queens
    If your blackjack cards total 20, you get a payout!

    • An unsuited card is paid 4:1.
    • A suited card pays out 10:1.
    • A 20 of the same rank and suit pays 25:1.
    • Two Queens of Hearts are paid 200:1.
    • Two Queens of Hearts against a dealer’s Blackjack pays an impressive 1000:1
  • 9. Honey Bonus
    This side bet is considered similar to the 21+3 side bet. Winning this side bet depends on the two cards you are dealt and the dealer’s up card.
  • 10. Lucky Lucky
    The Lucky Lucky side bet involves your first two blackjack cards plus the dealer’s up card. You are awarded if your first three blackjack cards are a blackjack or come as close to a blackjack as possible. In this case, 19, 20 or 21 is considered a winner and you get additional bonuses for suited hands, 6, 7 and 8 and three 7s. Any other hand is a losing hand.

    • 19 pays 1:1
    • 20 pays 2:1
    • 21 pays 4:1
    • Suited 21 pays 20:1
    • Three 7s bring 100:1
  • 11. Top 3
    This side bet deals with the blackjack cards dealt to you and the dealer’s up card. The winning hands in this case are three of a kind, three of a kind, and a straight flush. This bet is usually followed by a large payout, as shown below. However, winning can be tricky as it involves two additional side bets.

    • Three of a kind is 90:1
    • A straight flush pays 180:1
    • A three of a kind of the same suit pays 270:1
  • 12. Hot 3
    This side bet can be found in the Infinity Blackjack game from popular live casino provider Evolution Gaming. It is similar to the Lucky Lucky side bet in that it rewards players for hands totaling 19, 20 and 21.
  • 13. Busters
    This side bet is about the dealer busting out of the game. Your payout depends on the number of blackjack blackjack cards the dealer has in his hand when he busts. In this case, you can win if you hit a blackjack and bet that the dealer would bust.

How to Play Blackjack – Outline of a Round

Below is a list of things to think about before jumping into a fun game of blackjack. Even if some points are obvious, we ask you to read through all points.

Step 1: Keep an eye on your balance

This is perhaps the most obvious point of all, but before placing a bet on any blackjack game you need to make sure you have enough bankroll. Choose your preferred payment method at the casino you are playing at and you are good to go!

Step 2: Place your bet

Most blackjack games have a minimum and maximum bet, but these vary from casino to casino and table to table. One thing to keep in mind is that you should always gamble responsibly. If you’d like to find out how to do that, you’ll find all the guidance you need on our responsible gaming page.

Step 3: The dealer will now deal the cards

Once everyone at the table has placed their bets, the dealer can begin dealing with the blackjack cards. Each player receives 2 cards, and the dealer only deals himself one card, at least for the moment.

The dealer gave me a blackjack!

Great! You now have the strongest hand possible. You can relax and wait for the dealer to draw his last card to see what you’ve won. You can jump straight to step #6 here.

The dealer gives me cards that trigger my side bet(s).

Nice! You have already recovered some of your money. But the game goes on anyway. So let’s look at the next step.

Step 4: Time to Make a Decision!

Now that you are familiar with blackjack rules, the value of each blackjack card, and the odds of winning, take some time and try to estimate your odds of winning when standing, hitting, doubling down, or splitting. Check out our blackjack strategy page for when and what makes the most sense!

As mentioned above, the outcome of the game also depends on these decisions and the game may be over or continue depending on these decisions.

Damn, I failed!

Don’t be too sad if you lose at a blackjack game. It happens to the best of us too. Blackjack rules state that if the value of your blackjack cards exceeds 21, you lose and you are out until the next round of blackjack.

Still in the running

If your blackjack card total is close to 21 and you haven’t been asked to fold, you’re still in the game, so let’s move on! While it’s fun to play a blackjack game on your own, the stakes are usually high, both in terms of stakes and side bets. Therefore, it’s not a bad idea to educate yourself about blackjack, which can give you an edge in the game.

Our online blackjack page and our aforementioned blackjack strategy page have more information for you.

Step 5: The dealer plays his hand

This is the moment of truth as the dealer draws his final card once you and everyone else at the blackjack table have made their decision.

In this case, there are several possible outcomes

  • The dealer goes bust: everyone still in the game wins.
  • The value of your cards is lower than that of the dealer: you lose.
  • The value of your cards is equal to the dealer’s value: it’s a tie.
  • The value of your cards is higher than that of the dealer: you win.

Step 6: Collect your winnings and repeat the process

We’re sure you’ve been waiting for this step, and now it’s finally here. The payout is the favorite part of most blackjack players and when you win you can look forward to the following payout values:

  • If you win with an instant blackjack, you win 1.5 times your stake.
  • If you win with a normal hand, you win 1:1 of your bet.
  • If you win after doubling your bet, you win double your total bet.
  • If you win after a split, you win 1:1 for each hand.
  • After a split, if you double down on a hand and win, you receive double your stake.

In general, you can use so-called blackjack tables to understand the odds, probabilities and blackjack wins. See our Blackjack Strategy section for examples and a blackjack table explanation.

Blackjack strategies

Aside from being a casino game that, like all, relies heavily on luck, blackjack is also a game that relies remarkably on your skill level. With this in mind, understanding and learning the basic strategies can be very beneficial. That’s why we’ve created this guide for you.

The most basic blackjack strategy is knowing when to stand (play your existing hand) and when to hit (ask for another card). What you do best depends on the cards you have and also the up card the dealer has. However, there are plenty of blackjack strategies. You can read about which and when to use them best below. You can get more help by looking at blackjack strategy charts, which include all the different possible combinations you can find there.

One thing is for sure, you will at least understand why they didn’t win. In the best case, you turn the house edge and often have excellent chances of going out of the game with 1.5 times your stake.

Several important tips before you start playing blackjack

Before you start playing blackjack, there are a few things you should keep in mind:

  1. Familiarize yourself with everything about the rules, probabilities, bets and payouts.
  2. Find a blackjack variant that suits you.
  3. Set your budget, good bankroll management is worth its weight in gold
  4. Likewise, plan your time without sacrificing the fun. Gamble responsibly.

The basic blackjack strategy

We always hear a lot of bad game advice. Perhaps the most common is, “The object of blackjack is to get as close to 21 as possible without going over it.” No! The aim of blackjack is to beat the dealer. Here are the basic options for moves:

Hit or Stand

Hit or stand? Once you’ve dealt your first two cards, you can choose to hit another card or stand. If you’re happy with your cards, leave it at that and don’t draw again.

Some examples are:

  • Take a card if you have 12 and the dealer has a 2 or 3.
  • Take a card on a soft 13 and when the dealer has a 2, 3, or 4.
  • On the hard hand – 17 to 21 – choose Stand.
  • Take a card on a hard hand of 5 through 8.

Double down

With the Double Down strategy, you double your bet. But then you can only draw one card. This move is advantageous when you are dealt good cards from the start, but also when the dealer has a bad hand. Some examples of when it might be wise to double down:

  • Always double at 11.
  • If the dealer has 3, 4, 5 or 6 a 9 double down.

Split pair

Before asking for a new card or a double, you can choose to split. If you decide to split, you must place a new bet equal to your original bet so that each hand gets a separate bet. Sharing a couple is usually a disadvantage for the house. Some examples of when split pair is appropriate:

  • Always choose to split aces and eights.
  • Never split fours, fives, or tens.

The soft 17 rule

A soft 17 is a blackjack hand worth 17 that includes an ace, which can be counted as either 1 or 11. Any hand containing an ace is considered “soft” until the ace can only be counted as 1 to keep the hand in play. So if you had a 9, a 10, and an ace, your hand would be considered “hard” because your ace can only be counted as a 1 without busting it.

The dealer must either be on soft 17 (or higher) or hit, meaning he can only stand on hard 17 or higher. If the dealer has a soft 17, you are playing a soft 17 game. If not, play a Hard 17 game. You can look up what rule a game works by as it is always written on the table near the odds.

Surrender

Some blackjack variants offer to surrender, which is the ability to surrender as soon as you’re dealt your two cards. You cannot take a third card and then decide to fold. After surrendering, the player can get half of their bet back.

You should only choose to give up if your cards are bad and the chances of winning are therefore very low. If you have a very bad hand but the dealer has very good cards, it may be worth giving up.

Advanced Blackjack Strategies

There are blackjack strategies of varying complexity that can be used by players of different levels of knowledge and skill.

What exactly is blackjack card counting and does it work?

In blackjack, some players count the cards, which means they keep track of which cards have already been taken from the deck and played. For example, if several aces have already been dealt with, the probability of drawing another ace does not become particularly high.

Card counting is a thing for professional blackjack players who have a good grasp of the game. Card counting – if you don’t really know how to do it – can be more confusing than helpful.

How to count cards?

They count the cards already played and list the remaining ones. The most common card counting strategy is looking for high (Hi) and low (Lo) cards. the more Hi Cards left in play, the better your chances of winning.

Which blackjack strategy to choose?

Which strategy makes sense and is helpful for you depends primarily on your level of blackjack knowledge. As a beginner, you should therefore play with simpler blackjack strategies, while advanced players can also use more complex strategies.

Blackjack strategies for beginners

  • Hit or stand is the decision you make most often in the game. You draw another card or you don’t. This is an easier strategy. When you’re happy with the cards, choose Stand.
  • Stick to basic blackjack strategy: First, familiarize yourself with the easy plays (see graphic above) that don’t require advanced knowledge. It’s good for learning the basics of strategy, which you can then build upon.

Blackjack strategies for professionals

  • Split: In general, this should be a disadvantage to the house, but when done wrong it can have the opposite effect.
  • Card counting: must be done correctly, requires knowledge and experience.
  • Martingale System: If you win, you get back everything you lost by doubling your bet with what you lose. This strategy requires a large budget.
  • Oscar’s Grind Strategy: Play small stakes with the goal of winning. Every time there is a win after a loss, the stake is increased.

Blackjack strategies that led to big wins

We weren’t able to find out what specific blackjack strategies were used here, but the following list of some quite impressive wins recorded so far in blackjack is worth considering:

  • In 2017 a Glasgow player won a total of £74,000 playing the blackjack game Ace King Suited. In this blackjack variant, a player wins if he is dealt a blackjack with a suited king.
  • A player who took part in the $1 million blackjack tournament in Maryland in 2018 ended up taking home a whopping $500,000.
  • In Las Vegas and Atlantic City, a team of 6 MIT students won their biggest-ever blackjack cumulative win from the 1970s to the 1990s. It is said that they used card counting to their advantage. A book titled Bringing Down the House by author Ben Mezrich and made into a film starring Kevin Spacey is based on this true story.

Common beginner mistakes to avoid

There are some rookie mistakes that you can easily avoid as a new blackjack player:

  • Study the rules of the game: Many people fail to read the rules of the game properly. There are different variants of the blackjack game and the rules of the game can be different. The most important thing is that you know the rules of the game you are currently playing.
  • Start with simple strategies: Don’t overdo it and stay away from the advanced strategies for the time being. First, learn the basics of the game, read up and try it out at your leisure.
  • Surrender: If you have the opportunity to make this play, i.e. surrender, use it if you have bad cards and the dealer has good ones. If you dare to surrender, you have a chance of winning back at least half of your bet.
  • It’s not all about luck here: blackjack is not a game of chance, but a strategic game where knowledge and skill actually play a role. Your decisions can affect the outcome of the game.

Tips on playing online blackjack

When playing live blackjack for real money it is important that you are as informed and prepared as possible before you start playing. Our guides are here to help and teach you the most important aspects of the game.

  1. Know the basic rules, side bets and payouts
    The basic rules are quite simple, but learning about side bets and payouts can present some challenges. Use our Blackjack Rules page, guides and videos to learn all about it.
  2. Learn blackjack betting strategies
    The right strategy is crucial to your success at blackjack as it increases your chances of winning in different situations. Stick to a basic strategy or try something more complex once you get the hang of the basics. Here you will find information about it!
  3. Plan your budget & time
    The trick to success is planning and playing responsibly. It’s important to be prepared to win or lose. Plan your budget in advance so you know when to stop and give yourself plenty of time to get used to the game.
Did you know? Quantum Blackjack by Playtech has the highest RTP of any live blackjack game at 99.54%!

Online blackjack variants

Whether in Asia, South Africa, Europe or America, anywhere in the world where gambling is popular you will find a table for blackjack. It is one of the most beloved casino games and is usually mentioned in the same breath as games like roulette, craps, baccarat and poker. But is online blackjack really always blackjack? In fact, there are dozens of blackjack variations, all of which are slightly different from each other. We took the time today to present the most renowned and attractive types of blackjack. So you can choose the variant that suits you best.

You may know that blackjack has numerous different variants that are popular around the world. You won’t find all of them when you play blackjack online, but it’s still good to know what they are. Most Canadian casinos have a decent selection of the classic game on their sites, but you might also see a game or two based on other variants.

Which variants of online blackjack are the most popular?

In the basic version, Blackjack is all about reaching a total value of 21 with the hand cards. Each card has a different value. Cards with a number count as much as the number is shown. The cards with a picture, on the other hand, count all 10 points. The ace is worth 11 or 1 point, whichever is more favorable in each case. You always play against the bank, represented by the dealer. However, multiple players can participate in the game.

  • American Blackjack
    This variant is particularly common in the United States. The special feature can be found in the way the cards are dealt. Each player and the dealer receive one card face-down and one card face-up. If the dealer’s face-up card is an ace, 10, or face card, he looks at the face-down card. In the event that it is an ace, 10, or face card, the dealer immediately has blackjack and the game is over. The advantage for the players is that they do not make unnecessary bets, which they would immediately lose in the event of a blackjack.
  • European Blackjack
    Things are handled a little differently on the European continent. All participants, including the dealer, receive one face-up card and one face-down card as usual. However, the dealer does not look at the face-down card until all players have played their hands. Of course, if the dealer has blackjack, that’s bad luck for the players who doubled or split.
  • Vegas Strip Blackjack
    This variant is particularly popular among online blackjack variations. It is very similar to the American variant. The game is generally played with four decks. The dealer looks at his face-down card to check for a blackjack, but only if the face-up card is an ace. Also, the dealer will not ask for another card on a soft 17.
  • Progressive Blackjack
    This game is one of the modern Blackjack variants. It is common at many online casinos and is popular with many players thanks to some unusual winning opportunities. In principle, this is a normal blackjack game. The difference is that the game is linked to a jackpot system. Usually, players can participate in the jackpot competition through side bets. This fills up continuously and is fed by the side bets. These are small bets on specific card combinations that are independent of the core game.
  • Atlantic City Blackjack
    This version is one of the types of blackjack that were originally local. She comes from the casino town of Atlantic City in New Jersey. The basic principle is the same, except that dealers check for blackjack when the up card is a 10 or an ace. If you are dealt two cards of the same rank, you can split your hand up to three times. However, aces can only be split once. After that, the player gets one card for each ace.
  • Multi-hand Blackjack
    The principle of multi-hand blackjack is quite similar to the other variants in terms of rules. The main difference is: Each player can play several hands at the same time. Depending on the provider, the number can vary, three to five hands are usual. Generally, the hands are to be treated as separate players. The stakes for the different hands do not have to be identical either.
  • Double Exposure Blackjack
    Double Exposure Blackjack is a very exciting version of the classic that particularly appeals to experienced players. The dealer receives both cards face up at the beginning of the game. Experienced blackjack players can learn a lot from this for the further course of the game. The casino must of course maintain the house edge. As a result, players only get double their bet on a straight blackjack, rather than the usual odds of 3:2. If there is a tie, the player also loses. Since both of the dealer’s cards are known from the start, participants cannot purchase insurance or fold their hands.
  • Single Deck Blackjack
    As the name suggests, this variant is played with just a single deck. Of course, this makes the course of the game a little more predictable, both positively and negatively. Hands can be split up to three times. Aces can be split once and players receive one additional card each. Dealers don’t ask for another card on a soft 17.
  • Blackjack switch
    The ingenuity of professional blackjack player Geoff Hall was at work on this version. He invented it in 2008 after being dealt two weak but complementary hands. In Blackjack Switch, each participant receives two hands and can exchange the top two cards between the hands. The odds for a straight blackjack are 1:1 instead of 3:2. In addition, the dealer still ties the 22 if the player does not have an outright blackjack.
  • Great fun 21
    This variant is a bit complicated, but on the other hand, it is quite favorable for the players. Namely, if a player has 6 cards with a value of at least 20 in their hand, they automatically win. This also applies if the dealer has blackjack. Also, a player can double down at any time and will automatically double if he has 5 cards of 21 value. In addition, you can split your hand up to four times and a player’s blackjack wins against the dealer’s blackjack. The only downside is that the odds for a straight blackjack are only 6:5.
  • Pontoon
    This variant is technically slightly different but similar in principle. A key difference is that the dealer gets his two cards face-down. This is of course a major disadvantage for the player. Also, the player loses if there is a tie. On the other hand, there is the so-called 5 card trick. If you have five cards in your hand and the total falls below 21, you automatically win. This rule, unlike the rest of the game, favors the player.
  • Perfect Pairs Blackjack
    This is just regular blackjack with one key difference. You can place a potentially lucrative side bet on the appearance of a pair in your hand. This can either be a mixed pair with the same rank but different symbols or suits, or a suited pair with the same rank and suit but a different symbol, or a perfect pair, i.e. two exactly identical cards. This side bet is settled prior to actual gameplay.
  • Spanish 21
    This variant is played with a 48-card Spanish deck. 6-8 decks are used at a time. One of the things that make the game so special is that you can split a hand up to four times, even if you have two aces in your hand. With a straight blackjack, you automatically win even if the dealer also has an online blackjack. The win rate is 3:2. Even if you get a blackjack during the game, you win. Even if the dealer draws evenly, there is no tie.

Which Online Blackjack Variants Are Best For You?

Depending on what you are looking for in the game, there are different variations of online blackjack that may suit you. However, it is important that you are familiar with the rules from the outset. The first step is to understand the gameplay. First, all participants make their bet. Then the dealer deals two face-up cards to all players and one face-up card and one face-down card to himself. If these two cards total 9, 10 or 11, the player can double his bet.

The odds are affected by some rules that differ between providers and variations. This is how the payout ratio changes with the win ratio. Regardless of the variant and odds, it’s important that you familiarize yourself with basic online blackjack strategy. There aren’t multiple variations here, but one strategy can be applied to all blackjack games. There is also a table that reflects the optimal next move for each combination of cards in hand.

Online blackjack variations with the lowest house edge

Online blackjack variations with a house edge
Variant House Edge
Blackjack Switch 0.17%
Atlantic City Blackjack 0.35%
Spanish 21 0.38%
European Blackjack 0.39%
Pontoon 0.39%
Perfect Pairs Blackjack 0.42%
Single Deck Blackjack 0.58%
Multi-Hand Blackjack 0.63%
Double Exposure Blackjack 0.69%
Great Fun 21 1.30%

If you’re looking for a blackjack variant that’s relatively safe to play, you should look at the house edge. From this, you can see how high your statistical loss is. The higher the house edge, the more you lose over time. As a general rule, you can assume that most online blackjack variants have a house edge of 1 to 2%, depending on the rules. However, even with a low house edge, it’s still important that you stick to a rock-solid basic strategy. This is the only way you can take advantage of favorable odds.

  • Blackjack switch
    Of all types of blackjack, Blackjack Switch has the lowest house edge. A whopping 0.17% means that statistically speaking, if you bet 100 euros, you will win back 99.83 euros. This house edge is created by the two hands that you are dealt and the two top cards that you can switch. Of course, this offers experienced players a particularly good starting position. However, this favorable situation is offset somewhat by the fact that a straight blackjack is only rewarded at odds of 1:1.
  • Atlantic City Blackjack
    The reason why this variant has not stayed in Atlantic City but is actually starting a triumphal march around the world can be found in the extremely favorable house edge of 0.35%. This is because the dealer checks for an online blackjack on an open 10 or an ace, so the player is spared any rounds of betting that would later turn out to be unsuccessful.
  • Spanish 21
    This version is not well known to many players, so it comes as a bit of a surprise that the house edge is only 0.38%. There are various reasons for this. This is how you win at a straight blackjack, even if the dealer also has a blackjack. So there is no draw here. It is also possible to split a hand up to four times. This not only allows you higher chances of winning but of course also more information about which cards are still in play and which are not.

Online blackjack variants with the highest payout percentage

The RTP is ultimately the mirror side of the house edge. There are, however, a few differences. For example, the odds for a direct online blackjack are not the same for all variants, which can affect the payout ratio. We have collected the three best variants for you.

  • Blackjack switch
    With an RTP of 99.27%, Blackjack Switch tops this list as well. The statistical RTP that is so appealing to many new and experienced players would be even higher if a straight blackjack paid the usual 3:2 instead of the modest 1:1. You can get over that in the long run, though, since the rest of the game is so customer-friendly.
  • Multi-hand Blackjack
    With this variant, the payout rate is a whopping 99.6%. Of course, being able to play multiple hands simultaneously gives you quite a bit of control over the flow of the game. On the other hand, you should keep in mind that you are making a separate bet for each hand. They don’t all have to be the same height. But in the end only one hand wins, which you should definitely take into account. The other hands lose their bet.
  • Single Deck Blackjack
    With an RTP of 99.75%, Single Deck Blackjack is definitely at the forefront when it comes to player-friendly types of online blackjack. This variant is particularly suitable for players who are able to count the cards. This is of course not possible with online play.

Online blackjack variations for beginners

As a beginner, you should rather stick to the variants that are a bit more forgiving towards the player. These include, for example, Blackjack Switch, Spanish 21 and, last but not least, the very classic European and American variants. The main thing is to get to know the rules and the flow of the game.

Which blackjack variants do the professionals play?

When it comes to online blackjack, professionals often use statistical values ​​as a guide. Therefore, they prefer variants with a low house edge. All versions that offer a lot of insight into the cards in the game are also popular. These include, most notably, Blackjack Switch and Double Exposure Blackjack.

Which online blackjack variations should you avoid?

Ultimately, it’s a matter of personal taste. As a general rule, however, you should stay away from games whose principles or rules you do not understand. The best odds are useless if you are already struggling with the basics. So take the time to fully understand the rules and specifics. Then you will also find the best online blackjack variant.

How to improve your blackjack game?

Since this is a game that involves both luck and skill, there are several ways to improve your chances of winning at blackjack aside from sticking to basic blackjack strategy. The casinos and tables you play at can add value, while following pro players can give you more insider tips and help you get smarter at your game.

  1. Read our Game & Casino Reviews
    First and foremost it is important to choose the right online casino where you can play Live Blackjack. Choosing a casino that offers special or regular promotions for this game will add value to you. For example, some casinos will give you cashback on blackjack losses, which will help you win more overall, while other casinos will reward you with reload bonuses, which you can use to play the game with extra bonus money. You should also have a range of blackjack tables and different variants to choose from so that you can choose one that suits your budget and playing style. In our casino reviews, we always let you know if a casino has special blackjack offers and also give you an idea of ​​the available blackjack tables.
  2. Train for free
    Many casinos offer virtual blackjack that can be played for free in demo mode. This is a great way to get acquainted with the rules and gameplay without having to wager your own money. Just play as usual, but with dummy money at stake instead of your own money. Live dealer blackjack games don’t usually offer a demo option, but if you pick up a nice live casino bonus you can play with some extra money.
  3. Discover new tips through blackjack streaming
    By watching the pros at play, you can learn the best strategy and tactics. Nowadays you can watch blackjack twitch streamers playing at various online casinos.
Among the most popular online blackjack streamers, you can follow CasinoSheriff, TheMillionDollarMan and Blackjacknjill.

Play blackjack on mobile

Like any other online casino game, blackjack can easily be played on mobile if you log in to a casino with an optimized mobile website or dedicated app.

When you play blackjack on a mobile app, you have access to special features such as B. push notifications, as well as an overall more intuitive user experience. Not to mention the fact that you can play the game from anywhere without having to log into your casino account via a mobile browser!

Some of the best mobile casino apps for blackjack include:

  • The Vulkan Vegas Casino App
  • The Mr. Green Casino App

Popular providers for live blackjack tables

There are still relatively few online casino game developers offering live casino games and the market has so far been dominated by a few leading live casino studios.

If you’re looking for a varied selection of live blackjack tables then it’s hard to beat Evolution. Evolution offers the widest range of live blackjack variants including its standard 7-seat live blackjack (various VIP tables are also available), infinite blackjack, speed blackjack, power blackjack and free bet blackjack. Playtech is another great alternative thanks to its Classic Live Blackjack, Quantum Blackjack and Ultimate Blackjack tables. Finally, Vivo Gaming also offers Seven Seat Blackjack and an Infinite Blackjack variant that are worth trying!

The earliest mention of blackjack is in Cervantes’ novel Don Quixote, which is dated to the late 16th and early 17th centuries.

Final Thoughts on Blackjack online

Blackjack, this time-honored casino game, is also very popular in online casinos! Not only because it is one of the classics of casino culture, but also because there are now many varied variants of it. Find out, immerse yourself in the world of online blackjack and enjoy the game!

Blackjack can be played at almost every online casino. Either against the computer (RNG) or against a real live dealer (Live). It's up to you where you want to play online blackjack for real money, but we recommend choosing a reputable operator with a regular gambling license. Feel free to browse our casino reviews to get an impression!

Read our Blackjack Guide for an introduction to basic blackjack strategy and increase your chances of winning at the tables.

You can play online blackjack for free on any platform that features a virtual (RNG-based) version of this game. Just choose the game mode "Demo" or "For Fun".

Blackjack is one of the simplest casino card games. The rules are simple and the goal is clear: score more than the banker, but no more than 21, which is the perfect score. All cards represent a specific value: the ace is worth 1 or 11, the face cards (K, Q, and J) are all worth 10, and the other cards are also worth their face value. Depending on the cards in your hand, you can choose from the following options to beat the dealer: Stand, Buy, Hit, Split or Double Down.

Online blackjack is nothing but the digital version of the famous card game that originated in Europe in the 17th century. Blackjack can be played online against software (RNG) or against a real dealer (live).

There is no guarantee of profit. But what does exist is a blackjack strategy. The basic strategy that you can apply to all blackjack games is something you should definitely master before hitting the casino floor. Check out our Blackjack Strategy page!

There are already countless versions and new ones are added every day. It's easy to lose track of things. It is definitely recommended to start with the classic versions.

That depends on your commitment. However, blackjack generally has a low house edge and high payout percentage, so players with a bit of skill can easily win a pretty penny.

Blackjack is offered in almost every casino. If not as a table game, then at least in an electronic version. There are also countless providers online.

There are several licensed online casinos in Canada that offer fun and rewarding blackjack versions. Which online casino you choose is entirely up to you. Take a look at our reviews if you're not sure.

The tips and tricks that we have given in this article are for reference, but they do not guarantee you a win in any way. We advise you to use the tips to improve your skills.

There is no reason not to win at blackjack as a beginner. If you have luck on your side and use your skills correctly, you can get a possibly win.

Herman Brooker
Herman Brooker
Senior editor at ca.onlinecasinopulse.com

Herman Brooker is a Senior editor at ca.onlinecasinopulse.com with a passion for online gambling. Present for many years in the world of casino games, he uses its expertise and experience to produce quality content to inform players abount news in gambling world.

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Herman Brooker Updated: July 7th, 2024