Best Online Blackjack Casinos – How to Play Blackjack for Real Money

Comparing the Best Online Blackjack Casinos

Below is a comparison of our top ten online blackjack casino platforms. While some have more variety, each remains a world-class gaming entity and a top contender on this list.

What is Blackjack? How it Works

Blackjack remains a signature casino game and a favorite for players of all styles and skill levels. The goals are simple: you want to win the game by drawing cards that total 21 or come closer to 21 than the dealer.

You can choose to hit, i.e., take another card in the hopes of hitting 21, and stand, i.e., not take another card and play the existing hand. 

On the player side, there is also the option to double down – i.e., increase the initial bet by 100%. This is done when you’re confident in your hand and your ability to total 21.

Players can also choose to split – i.e., create two separate hands. This can only be done when issued with pairs and requires an additional bet on the second hand. 

Finally, if the cards are not in your favor, you can surrender – i.e., end the hand immediately and forfeit half of the initial bet. 

How to Play Blackjack Online

When playing blackjack online, there is a set of fixed rules. Firstly, Aces are worth 11 or 1 in most classic blackjack formats. Picture cards are worth 10 a piece, and all others retain face value. Here are some of the key blackjack rules to get you started. 

• At the start of the game, each player receives two face-up cards from the dealer.
• The dealer issues two cards to themself (one face up and one face down). 
• The goal is to draw cards that total or come as close as possible to 21. 
• If your hand exceeds 21, you lose the game (and go bust).
• If the dealer’s hand is greater than 21, all players win.
• The dealer must draw an additional card if their hand is 16 or less. 
• If their hand is 17 through to 21, the dealer will stand.
• Players can double down directly after their two initial cards are dealt. 
• Players can also split any pair to create a second hand.

How to Sign Up for a Blackjack Online Casino

Ready to start playing at the best online casino for blackjack? Rest assured, the process is as simple and as painless as it can be. Here are the steps needed to register your new player account, using Wild Casino as an example. 

Step 1: Create a New Account

Head over to Wild Casino and click the orange Join Now button in the top right-hand corner of the screen. From there, a form will appear, prompting you to enter some personal details. 

Step 2: Fill Out The Form

Here, you’ll need to fill out some key personal information, including your name, date of birth, phone number, email, and the location you’re logging in from. You’ll also need to create a unique password and agree to the site’s terms and conditions. 

Step 3: Deposit Funds

After you’ve verified your email address and confirmed your account, you’ll be ready to make your first deposit onsite.

Head over to the cashier’s page and select the currency you’d like to deposit in from the list of options available. Don’t forget to add relevant first-time deposit bonus codes, where applicable. 

Step 4: Find the Latest Blackjack Lineups

With your funds cleared and your account created, all you can do is find your favorite blackjack games. Scroll through the site’s dedicated blackjack category (either standard or live dealer), and choose the right game for you. 

How We Rank the Best Online Casinos for Blackjack

When rating and reviewing the best online blackjack casinos, we take certain criteria into account. Online platforms that meet and exceed the below criteria will appear higher on the list. Here’s how we rank the best online blackjack casinos. 

Bonuses & Promos

Housing the best onsite promotions for new and existing players makes a big difference when ranking the best online blackjack casinos.

Extra points are awarded for promos where rollover criteria can be redeemed on blackjack and the option to claim higher bonuses when making cryptocurrency deposits. Referral programs and loyalty incentives carry extra merit. 

Blackjack Variety

Having a varied blackjack offering is an important factor for all leading platforms. We’re looking for at least ten different titles (or more) across different formats, such as early payouts and a broad range of limits. Games like Perfect Pairs, Blackjack Switch, and Double Deck speak to variety and are an important value-add to track. 

Banking Options

The best online blackjack casinos must have top onsite banking options, including traditional methods, eWallet options, and fast-reflecting cryptocurrencies. Sites that take a lower commission on withdrawals are viewed favorably and ranked higher on the list. 

Mobile Compatibility

While it’s rare to find sites with dedicated mobile apps, we are always looking for strong mobile compatibility for Android and iOS devices. When playing via smartphone, all leading casino platforms should work hard to ensure a smooth integration, fast gameplay, zero lag, and ease of navigation. 

Customer Service

Finally, having the best player support team makes all the difference between a good and a great blackjack online casino. We’re seeking 24/7 assistance via phone, email, or live chat.

Support teams should be quick to respond and be up to date with all the latest onsite bonuses, incentives, and reward systems. Further points go to strong onsite FAQ pages.

Most Popular Online Blackjack Games to Play for Real Money

Blackjack has always been a firm favorite- and over the years, the game has split into a few key variations and playing styles. Below are some of the most popular online blackjack formats.

Single Deck Blackjack

As the name will tell you, Single Deck Blackjack is played on one 52-card deck and is a popular variant for beginner and seasoned players. With fewer cards in play, the house edge is cut to 0.3% and offers the best chances of winning over a longer period of play. 

Multi Deck Blackjack

When playing Multi Deck Blackjack, there can be anywhere from 6 to 8 decks at a time. Blackjacks are less frequent on multi-deck formats, and the house edge tends to be substantially higher than what you would find on a single-deck table. 

American Blackjack

For the most part, American blackjack is the most common form of the game. With a house edge of around 0.5%, American or standard blackjack adheres to the game’s original rules, where the goal is to draw cards to a total of 21 or come closer to 21 than the dealer.

European Blackjack

A slight branch off from the classic blackjack format – European blackjack differs in that it carries a  higher house edge and stricter dealing sequences. Whereas players can split up to 3 times under American rules, they may only split once in a European blackjack game. They may also double down on the split. 

Double Deck Blackjack 

A fun take on traditional blackjack gameplay – Perfect Pairs follows the same standard blackjack format but differs in its betting structure, whereby players can make a side bet if the first two cards dealt will both come up as pairs. If your side bet is successful, you’ll win.

Perfect Pairs Blackjack 

With the same rules as classic blackjack, Perfect Pairs comes with a betting twist. At the beginning of each hand, players can make an extra side bet and gamble on whether or not the first two cards dealt will be the same number. If your pair is of the same rank and suit (i.e., a perfect pair), you’ll be paid out 30:1.

Blackjack Switch 

Patented in 2009, this blackjack variation is a fun and exciting way to change your gameplay and boost your odds. In Blackjack Switch, each player will receive two hands at the start of the game.

They’ll then have the option to play these hands separately and switch the second card dealt between hands. You will need to make identical wagers for each hand.

Playing Live Dealer Blackjack

Part of the thrill of playing blackjack comes from the live dealer format. Common in all major online casinos, live dealer blackjack continues to climb in popularity. While the games are often the same as in a standard blackjack category, the gameplay is far more immersive, action-packed, and graphically enhanced. 

Certain sites like BetOnline or Wild Casino allow you to interact with the croupier, adding to the atmosphere and ambiance of playing live blackjack online.

Ignition is the top title for the most live casino titles. With 32+ titles, you’ll find everything from single and multi-deck to VIP tables, early payout formats, and more. 

Play Free Blackjack Games

If you’re new to online blackjack, we recommend playing in demo mode. Platforms like BetOnline, Bovada, Las Atlantis, and similar will allow you to play online blackjack for free.

Simply find the game you like and select to play in demo mode first. You’ll be able to play for as long as you like without having to wager a cent, taking the time you need to learn the ropes and perfect your strategy.

Once you’re confident in your gameplay and fully understand the rules of the table, you can place a real money wager and go head-to-head with the dealer more confidently than ever before. 

Blackjack Odds & Payouts

In most blackjack formats, the payout odds are 3:2, i.e., if you bet $10 and win, your payout would be $15 in total with a house edge of around 0.5%. Stick to these odds wherever possible and avoid games with lower odds than those mentioned earlier. 

For example, playing a game with 6:5 odds will have a house edge of around 0.2%, where for every $5 you put down, you’ll only win a $6 maximum at any given time. Single-deck blackjack offers the best odds, with a house edge of 0.13%.

A few blackjack scenarios work to lower the existing house edge. Namely: 

Below is a table forecasting winning probability based on your existing blackjack hand

Blackjack Strategy & Tips

Looking to perfect your blackjack strategy in time for your next game? The below simple tips will set you on your way when playing online or in person. 

Learn the Basics

While blackjack is considered more luck than skill-based, knowing the rules is vital, and having the right knowledge on hand can make all the difference when playing live or online.

Familiarize yourself with card values and get to grips with expected hand combinations. Where possible, analyze the overarching odds and learn the game jargon. Sites like Slots. lv, or Ignition, offers built-in tutorials and 101 pages to help you hone your knowledge over a shorter time frame.

Moreover, understand the nuances between different blackjack game types, i.e., Classic vs. European, single vs. multi, etc.  

Play In Demo Mode 

Look for sites that allow you to play blackjack for free when using the built-in demo mode feature. Simply head over to sites like Bovada or Las Atlantis and hover over a particular game to see if you can try it out for free. This lets you learn the ropes, perfect your skills, and boost your confidence before wagering money. 

Know Your Starting Hands

A strong starting hand from the get-go is half the battle won, and knowing how to spot them will make the difference between hitting, standing, or splitting. For starters, having a traditional 21 (or natural) off the bat will win every time – i.e., An Ace and a 10-value card. 

Other strong contenders include a Hard 20 – i.e., any two 10-value cards and a Soft 18 – i.e., an Ace and 7 combos. In such cases, you want to avoid hitting or splitting and double down (raise your bet) for maximum returns. 

Know When To Split Pairs 

When you’re dealt two cards of the same value, you can split them. This creates two separate hands while bringing in a new card. The general idea is that splitting pairs allows you to hedge your bets and reduce losses if one hand wins and the other loses.

However, knowing when to split is important. One cardinal rule of a long-term blackjack strategy is never to split tens. A hand like this is already strong enough to hold its own, and splitting will often result in weaker hands and a higher house edge.

Furthermore, two 5-cards should not be split but rather played as a 10 in the hopes that you’ll get another 10. 

Manage Your Game

If you’re on a winning streak (i.e., three or more wins in a row), you may want to raise your bet slightly to maximize your potential returns. Similarly, if you’ve lost a few hands already, you may want to lower your bet and play more defensively. 

Be sure to manage your bankroll. Set an amount you’re willing to wager with and bow out of the game once you’ve reached your cap. Resist the urge to keep playing, monitor your potential losses, and when in doubt, walk away. 

Safe Payment Methods for Real Money Online Blackjack

The right online payment methods can make all the difference when playing blackjack online. Not only will you stand to clear your takings faster, but you’ll also deal with lower house fees and quicker turnaround times. 

Crypto Casino Options

Cryptocurrency has fast become the go-to banking method for playing blackjack online. These decentralized digital currencies ensure anonymous deposits and withdrawals with no third-party intervention from banking institutions or similar.

Furthermore, Bitcoin casino sites and crypto banking methods carry some of the fastest turnaround times with far lower processing fees than traditional banking methods.  

Head over to any of our sites as mentioned above, and you’ll find a range of leading cryptocurrency options on offer, including  Bitcoin (BTC), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), Ripple (XRP) and many more.

Lastly, online casino platforms will not pay a commission on crypto withdrawals, meaning you get to keep most of your onsite winnings. 

eWallet Casino Options

eWallet banking options are not a common banking method on leading online casino platforms due to ongoing regulations and restrictions imposed by the service provider and the operator.

However, you will, from time to time, find the option to deposit or even withdraw your funds using Skrill, Neteller or PayPal. These payment methods ensure safe and seamless transactions, although they have higher processing fees.

eWallet payouts range from $15 to $10,000, depending on the platform, and are backed by leading providers for added safety. 

Traditional Payment Methods

Of course, no leading online blackjack casino would be complete without its share of traditional banking methods such as Visa/Mastercard, person-to-person transfers, bank wires, etc. 

If you choose to deposit using a traditional method, we recommend using a debit or credit card. These methods tend to reflect faster and can be processed in half the time. Depending on the site, deposits can range from $25 up to $5,000 a day. Common withdrawal methods include Money Orders and Wire Transfers.

Offline vs. Online Blackjack

Real money blackjack has always been a surefire drawcard for land-based casinos, but it’s easier than ever to play blackjack online. So, which is the best option, and how do they differ? Here are some key pros and cons of playing blackjack in person vs. online.

Playing Blackjack Near Me

Looking for the best online casino for blackjack? Despite the rise of online casinos, playing blackjack in person at leading casinos continues to be a cherished and thrilling pastime for many Americans. But where are the best locations to play?

At this time, the states that legally permit commercial gambling, including blackjack, are:

Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Washington and West Virginia. 

Online Blackjack Glossary

Looking to brush up on your blackjack terminology? You can use the below list to ace your lingo when next to a game of real money blackjack. 

The Best Real Money Blackjack Online Casino

Having taken time to rate and review our pick for the top ten online blackjack casinos in 2023, it’s time to pick our overall winner. While each platform brings its unique offering, we stand firm behind Wild Casino as the best online blackjack platform. 

From its choice of games and onsite incentives to its leading live blackjack suite, intuitive interface, and software providers – Wild Casino is a force to be reckoned with in all major online casino circles and a leading offshore option to play the best blackjack online.