The Best Online Casinos to Play Blackjack
Blackjack is undoubtedly the most popular card game at online casinos. Every operator provides the game, but some have a much better offering than others. In this page, you will discover the best casinos where you can play blackjack online.
When it comes to determining the best blackjack casinos, it is not simply the games that are important. You also need to consider what bonuses are available to play blackjack, and how favourable the bonus conditions are for players. You will learn more about this topic further down the page.
| Casino | Blackjack Games | Special Variants | Minimum Bets | Bonus | To the Casino | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| * | 44 | – | Vegas Strip Blackjack | £1 | £1000* | Play Now! |
| * | 18 | – | Zero Blackjack | £0.10 | £100* | Play Now! |
| * | 20 | – | Blackjack Switch | £0.50 | £150* | Play Now! |
| * | 17 | – | Double Attack Blackjack | £1 | £600* | Play Now! |
In terms of the sheer volume of games, Microgaming Casinos such as 32 Red and Betway come highly recommended. Whilst Playtech Casinos like William Hill and Ladbrokes have a smaller volume of games, they provide some unique and interesting variants of the game, along with generous bonuses with favourable conditions. What’s more, Betfair also boasts the lowest betting limits, for those who want to play with small stakes
- Real Money BlackjackAll you need to play online & win real money
- Mobile BlackjackThe best games to play on the go
- Rules of the GameUseful info about how to play blackjack
- StrategiesOptimal strategies to improve your success
- Card CountingComplete guide to the professional strategy
- HistoryInteresting details about the origins of the game
As well as the game collection and the bonuses, another important factor to take into consideration regarding the best blackjack casinos is safety and the fairness of games. Of course, you will only find casinos on this site that hold a valid UK gambling licence, meaning they are subject to strict regulation, guaranteeing they are safe. Further on in this page, you will find out more details about how the fairness of games can be verified.
What Makes a Good Blackjack Casino?
As already mentioned, a good game selection is a principle factor in identifying a good blackjack casino. Yet there are other important elements to take into consideration. Take bonuses for example, the best operators will provide blackjack bonuses with favourable conditions. Here you will learn all about the different types of games, plus how to identify a decent bonus.
Blackjack Game Selection
A good blackjack casino should have a wide selection of different blackjack games. In fact, there are very few operators who will only provide Classic Blackjack. You will find many variations of the classic game, with various changes to the rules. For example, there are variants where the player must take back their chips if the result is a tie. Below you can find the most popular blakcjack variations among the ones that are available online. Click the icon of the game that you are interested in to check out the detailed review that we’ve prepared and to try it in demo mode.
There are lots of new and innovative games which are worlds apart from traditional versions. Take for example 21 Duel Blackjack. In this game, 2 community cards are placed in the centre of the table. Both the player and the dealer must select one of the cards to add to their hand, and the maximum number of cards that are permitted in a hand are 3. Another interesting variant is Blackjack Switch. In this game, you play with 2 hands, and have the option to switch your top cards between hands to improve your chances of winning.
-
1/8 Crazy BlackjackThis variant has 3 incredible side bets. There is the Highest Hand Bet, where you predict the highest hand to get paid. Also, there is the Safe Bet, where the worst of hands will pay out. There is also the 777 Jackpot Bet, where you can win a huge jackpot prize.
-
2/8 Spanish 21In this variant, all 10’s are removed from the decks. In the game, double after split is allowed, as is the re-splitting of aces. The player is allowed to split 3 times. Plus, there is the option of late surrender.
-
3/8 21 Duel This innovative game has 2 community cards in the centre of the table. The player and the dealer must both choose one of the cards to play with after their cards have been dealt. There is an optional 2UP side bet available in the game.
-
4/8 Blackjack SwitchUndoubtedly one of the most innovative variants of the classic game, in this variant, you play with 2 hands simultaneously. When the cards are dealt, you have the option to swap your top 2 cards to create the optimal hand.
-
5/8 Double Attack BlackjackAs with Spanish 21, a 48 card deck is used in this variant, with the 10’s removed. After the dealer’s first card has been drawn, you can place an additional bet. Also, the Bust It! Side bet allows you to bet that the dealer will go bust with their third card.
-
6/8 Double Exposure BlackjackUnlike the classic game, in this variant you see everyone’s cards as they are dealt. This enables you to make clearer decisions on when to hit and when to stand, as you already know the dealer’s hand.
-
7/8 PontoonOne of the best known variants, Pontoon features several changes to the usual rules. For starters, there are different names for Hit, Stand and Double. You can only stand if your hand total is 15 or more, and you can split if you have 2 matching cards.
-
8/8 Zero BlackjackThis game is only available at Betfair Casino. It has virtually no house edge, with a value of approximately 0.02%. This makes the game incredibly favourable towards players. For this reason, it is excluded from bonus wagering.
Another factor to consider regarding game selection is the availability of side bets. The most commonly found side bet is insurance. This is where you can place a bet to protect yourself in the case that the dealer has Blackjack. There are plenty of other types of bets available though. For example, for getting pairs in a hand and for matching the dealer’s hand. It is worth noting that many side bets have a higher house edge, which in turn reduces your odds of winning. However, sometimes you may feel in the mood for that added bit of excitement to the game, so it’s better if the side bet option is available.
Live Blackjack with Real Dealers
Casino games with real dealers are extremely popular and pretty much all live casinos provide blackjack. However, there are rarely any special variants of the game available, with just the classic version that can be played. Therefore, the things to look out for with Live Blackjack are a large choice of tables with a wide range of betting limits, interesting and engaging dealers plus available side bets. Yet despite the lack of game variants, Live Blackjack can be hugely entertaining, thanks to the interaction with the dealers. In most casinos, you can chat directly with the dealer. There are also some versions of the game where the fun factor is the primary draw. Take for example Blackjack Party. Whilst played with the usual basic rules, the entertainment is taken to a whole new level. You will see 2 dealers at the table, who are bubbly, upbeat and provide plenty of humour to the game. There are low stakes of just 50p available at the table, which adds to the relaxed atmosphere.
In many live games, you will find the bet behind option. This allows an unlimited number of players to play at any time, meaning you do not have to wait for a seat at the table to become free. This betting option allows you to play using the cards of one of the players seated at the table. You do not have any say in the actions taken by the player, so the outcome depends on the decisions made by the seated player. For this reason, you will find that the limits for bet behind stakes are much lower than in the regular game.
If you are interested in playing live games, then the best choice by far is 888 Casino. They have a huge number of tables to choose from, with a wide range of betting limits. You will find options to suit low stakes players and the most experienced of high rollers. As for the dealers, they are amongst the most entertaining and engaging you will find at any casino. What’s more, the operator provides a generous welcome bonus that can be used to play Live Blackjack. They also have a big selection of unique promotions specifically tailored towards live games.
Favourable Bonus Conditions
A casino bonus that is specifically provided for Blackjack is a rarity. However, many welcome bonuses for new players can be used to play the game. When looking out for a good bonus, it is not simply the amount you get that is important. A bonus with favourable conditions is of greater importance. Any bonus will need to be turned over a certain number of times before you can withdraw any winnings you have made with it. This wagering requirement varies from one operator to another. What’s more, casino games which have a low house edge will only contribute a small percentage towards meeting the wagering requirements.
As blackjack has one of the lowest house edges of all casino games, only a proportion of any money wagered on the game will count towards fulfilling wagering requirements. Some operators will exclude wagering on blackjack altogether from meeting the playthrough requirements. Where blackjack bets contribute 10% – 20% towards bonus wagering, this can be classed as a good value for players. It is highly unusual to find higher values than this, but there are some occurrences. As for a bonus where blackjack counts less than 10%, this is simply not favourable for players.
- 100% up to £100
- Best Bonus Conditions
- Great Game Selection
You will generally find the best bonus conditions for blackjack players at Playtech Casinos, such as Ladbrokes and William Hill. Here, most blackjack games contribute 20% towards wagering requirements. The best bonus can be found at Betfair, where blackjack contributes a huge 50%, a sum unmatched by other operators. What’s more, as a Playtech Casino, there are a wide variety of games to choose from, with plenty of innovative variants. Another operator that comes highly recommended is 888 Casino. Although their game selection is not especially big, they excel when it comes to Live Blackjack. There are a huge number of tables, with a wide range of limits. The welcome bonus can be used to play live games, plus, there are plenty of unique promotions specifically for live blackjack players.
How to Recognise if Blackjack Games are Fair
In addition to a varied game selection and a good bonus, the other important consideration regarding blackjack casinos is fairness and security. You need to be sure that you choose an operator that has a valid licence issued by the UK Gambling Commission. This government body strictly monitors and regulates online casinos to ensure that UK players are protected. Further proof that games are fair can be found through high payout rates. As mentioned previously, all blackjack games have a very low house edge, which in turn means a high return to player (RTP). Usually, the RTP of blackjack games is above 98%. This is very high compared to roulette, which ranges between 94% – 98%, and slots, which can range from around 90% – 97%. One of the best blackjack games with regards to payout rates is Blackjack Switch. The theoretical return to player is a massive 99.87%. On top of this favourable figure, it is also one of the most interesting and engaging of variants. The exception to the favourable returns can be found with blackjack side bets, which generally have a lower RTP of around 90 – 95%, making them less favourable towards players. For this reason, it is advisable to avoid placing side bets.
| Top Payouts – Games | Top Payouts – Side Bets |
|---|---|
| 99.87% Blackjack Switch | 97.92% Hi Lo (6 Decks) |
| 99.66% Blackjack Surrender | 97.78% Super Split (8 Decks) |
| 99.64% Pontoon | 97.69% Kings Bounty (6 Decks) |
| 99.64% Perfect Pairs Blackjack | 97.45% Super Match |
| 99.53% Progressive Blackjack | 97.33% Match the Dealer (8 Decks) |
| 99.53% Blackjack Pro (Single Deck) | 97.31% Straight 8´s (6 Decks) |
| 99.51% Atlantic City Blackjack | 97.22% 21+3 (6 Decks) |
| 99.50% Lucky 7 Blackjack | 95.11% Lucky 7s (8 Decks) |
| 99.41% Live Blackjack (Evolution Gaming) | 95.01% Perfect Pair (8 Decks) |
| 99.30% European Blackjack | 93.34% Royal Match (6 Decks) |
The theoretical return of each blackjack variant can usually be found within the rules of each individual game. Also, online casinos enlist the services of independent testing agencies, who are authorised by the UKGC, to analyse the actual payout results of their games. Reputable organisations such as eCOGRA, TST and GLI produce reports showing the actual percentage of all money wagered across games that has been paid out in winnings. Often, you will see the logo of the testing agency in the footer of the casino website. If you click the logo, the report will open and you can see the most recent results. You should bear in mind that these results include all wagers on blackjack games, including side bets. Therefore, the average payout rate will likely be lower than the 98% or more that you expect from blackjack. However, the overall RTP should still be over 95%. These figures confirm the fairness and integrity of games.
Advantages of Playing Online
Playing blackjack online has some distinct advantages over playing in a land based casino. In the following section, I will highlight and explain some of the key benefits of playing online.
Larger Choice of Games
Online casinos have invested greatly in developing new and innovative game variants. When you play on the internet you therefore get a much wider selection of games to choose from, with differing rules and interesting features.
More Interesting Side Bets Available
As there are more types of games online, you also find a much wider array of side bets available across the board. Where as in a brick and mortar casino, you generally just find the Insurance side bet, online, there are all different types, including side bets for pairs, certain card combinations, plus chances to win progressive jackpots.
Play Any Game at Any Time
In a land based casino, a maximum of 7 players can join a blackjack table at any given time. This means you can sometimes have to wait before you can get stuck into the action. Whereas online, these limitations do not exist. An unlimited number of players can play at any time, day or night, on any table
Wider Range of Table Limits
In a brick and mortar casino, table limits are usually quite restrictive, with a bet range generally varying between £5 – £100. Online however, there are betting limits available to suit all types of players. There are low stakes games that start from as little as 10p per hand. At the other end of the spectrum, there are some operators, like 888 Casino where stakes of up to £10000 can be placed.
Easier to Use Betting Strategies
In order to maximise your profits, you should play using a strategy. There are sheets and cards available that indicate the optimal action for each card combination. Of course, if you were to sit down at a blackjack table in a casino and pull out your strategy sheets, no doubt this would be frowned upon. When playing at home, you have freedom to use whatever tools you wish, without anyone else seeing you are doing.