What is Online Blackjack?
Online blackjack is no different than the digital version of the popular card game that has been played in casinos around the world since the 17th century. Traditionally, the number 21 plays an important role, so the first version was known as ‘vingt-et-un’ – twenty-one in French. It is the highest score you can make with your cards, but if you score more points, you lose your bet. Hence, in the vernacular, blackjack is still known by many as ‘twenty-one’.
The rules of the game and the objective (outperforming the dealer) are the same in blackjack online, with the difference that now you bet digitally. In any online casino you’ll find a multitude of online blackjack games: from the standard version (‘Classic Blackjack’) to all kinds of spectacular variants with different rules and payouts, extra bets (‘side bets’) and more or less decks. These games can be played in both automated (‘RNG Blackjack’) and real-time (‘Live Blackjack’) mode on desktop, mobile or tablet.
In this article, we will guide you through everything about online blackjack to ensure you understand all the concepts and rules. However, if you still need more information, we recommend you to check this page.
Live Blackjack versus RNG Blackjack
The big difference between RNG Blackjack and Live Blackjack online is in the experience. While the former you play from a virtual table with computer animations, with the latter all the action takes place at a physical table with a live dealer. This provides more pace, experience and therefore more (social) interaction!
RNG Blackjack is an automated version of the card game, which runs entirely on a random number generator. This Random Number Generator (RNG) chooses from pre-programmed algorithms completely independently and randomly different outcomes (cards in this case). As a player, you are assigned these automatically. You play against the computer and not against a real dealer.
Live Blackjack is the opposite of RNG Blackjack. Live Blackjack or online blackjack is the real deal, but online. Through an HD stream, you play on a physical table against a live dealer for real money. Usually this table is located in a studio that has been converted into a casino. Everything is done to make you believe that you are actually in a land based casino. And these live blackjack games do that very well!
Live Blackjack Online Games
For a more authentic playing experience choose online blackjack games in the live casino. Experience the atmosphere of a real table with a live dealer, place your bets, choose your follow-up actions and chat with your table mates in between. And all that in real time, because all the action comes via a video link and different camera angles live on your screen.
Want some other flavors too? No problem! Live Blackjack online has very many interesting and innovative variations on the original, such as:
- Infinite Blackjack – online blackjack variant from Evolution Gaming that can be played live with an unlimited number of players at the table, as everyone is dealt the same cards and must anticipate them. In short, there is always room at this table!
- Live Common Draw Blackjack – the same concept as above, but from NetEnt Live and with a Return to Player (RTP) of 99.5%!
- Live Speed Blackjack – lets you play live Classic Blackjack online, but even faster than usual. Also, whoever asks for a follow-up action (hit, split, double down) first will be helped by the dealer first;
- Live Free Bet Blackjack – another variation on the standard version, but with the important difference that you may double for free (on a “hard” 9, 10 or 11) and split (except for two tens). The downside is that if the dealer hits 22 it’s a tie;
- Live Blackjack Party – Classic Blackjack online, but much more sociable. It is a cheerful combination of entertainment and gambling.
RNG Blackjack Online Games
Most online casinos have many online blackjack games that can be played against the computer. They can be played for free in the demo version (‘play for fun’), but also for real money with good odds. Classic Blackjack remains the standard version, but there are also many variations on the original, such as:
- American Blackjack – the American variant uses 6 to 8 decks and the dealer is dealt one card face up and one card face down, called the hole card. If the face-up card is an Ace, then he may see if he can make 21 with the other card. If he succeeds, the game ends immediately and all players lose their bets;
- European Blackjack – the European variant of the casino version of 21 is played with two decks and the dealer only intervenes once all players have passed or played to death. The payouts and rules regarding separating (“splitting”) the cards and doubling (“double down”) the bet are also slightly different from American Blackjack;
- Single Deck Blackjack – plays like Classic Blackjack, with the difference that you play solo against the computer with 1 deck of 52 cards;
- Blackjack Multihand – standard version of the card game, but with the possibility of fighting the dealer with several hands at the same time;
- Blackjack 21+3 – variant of Classic Blackjack with an additional side bet that allows you to bet on the first three cards of the game (two copies of yourself and those of the house);
- Perfect Pairs Blackjack – gives you the chance to bet on a pair in the first hand (2 cards of the same value) as an additional side bet.
Why Play Blackjack Online?
If you pride yourself on flexibility and variety, you’re better off playing blackjack online than at land based casinos. Online blackjack casinos offer players different variants of the single game, while Live Blackjack compensates for the lack of social interaction. But there are plenty of other reasons why it is an excellent idea to play blackjack online, such as:
Simple 21s anytime, anywhere
With online blackjack, you never have to leave the house to play your favorite card game. What’s more, you can play 24/7 at a (virtual) table in the online casino. Via mobile or smartphone, you also have the opportunity to win the prestigious duel with the bank anytime, anywhere.
Play on multiple ‘seats’ simultaneously
With blackjack online it is possible to play on multiple seats at the same time. This can be done through Blackjack Multihand, but also with the bet behind feature. It gives you the chance to grab more winnings!
Play Blackjack with a Casino Bonus
Online casinos are sprinkling bonuses with which you can play blackjack for free or with some extra money. Think of exclusive live casino bonuses for Live Blackjack, but also all kinds of deposit bonuses to use for a better bankroll and thus more fun at the blackjack table.
Participate in Live Blackjack Promotions
The best blackjack casinos regularly offer special Live Blackjack promotions on their promotions page. Some promotions offer extra rewards for playing blackjack, while others give you the chance to win prizes through play or through a raffle.
Take advantage of a lower house edge!
Some online blackjack variants come with a significantly lower house edge than in land based casino. For example, consider Common Draw Blackjack from NetEnt, with an RTP of a whopping 99.5%!
Online Blackjack Variants
Blackjack is so popular that there are now dozens of different variants on the market. The famous card game, especially online, has become much more than a reissue of “vingt-et-un” or 21s. Online casinos and game providers have actually evolved the game. Online blackjack variants differ in terms of decks, rules and additional bets. Below we dwell on the best blackjack games you can play online:
Spanish 21 / Pontoon
Spanish 21 or Pontoon is a blackjack variant with better rules and payouts than the standard version, but a higher house edge. This is because the card game is played with six or eight decks of 48 instead of 52 cards (all tens are removed from the game). To compensate for this disadvantage, a number of rules have been improved. For example, the player always wins with 21, doubles are always possible and in blackjack with five or more cards, the player receives an extra payout: 5 (3:2), 6 (2:1) and 7 (3:1).
Blackjack Switch
Blackjack Switch allows you to “switch” cards to maximize winning chances. In this version, you are dealt two pairs of cards and have the option to switch the top card of either hand. This gives you the great advantage of creating at least one strong hand. The card game follows the same rules as the regular version, with some deviations. Blackjack Switch, by the way, has its own variants: Casino Royale, Ontario, Tropicana and the Russian version.
Classic Blackjack / American Blackjack
Classic Blackjack, also known as American Blackjack, is the standard version of blackjack. It is played with 52 cards and 6 to 8 decks, as well as some well-known side bets (insurance, perfect pair and 21+3).
Infinite Blackjack
Infinite Blackjack is a popular online blackjack variant from Evolution Gaming, with an innovative game format and always room. The number of seats is unlimited. All players receive exactly the same cards from the dealer in the live casino, after which it is up to each individual to make his own plan.
Double Exposure Blackjack
In Double Exposure Blackjack, the dealer exposes himself completely: both cards come face up on the table. It gives you, as a player, the chance to adjust your tactics accordingly. In order not to make it too easy, some rules have been adjusted, such as the fact that the dealer wins on any draw other than 21. Double Exposure Blackjack is most commonly found in online casinos, where it is also known as Face Up 21 or Dealer Disclosure.
Free Bet Blackjack
Free Bet Blackjack is another successful live blackjack game from Evolution Gaming. In this card game, all additional bets come at no cost. You only pay for your first bet, but can then almost always split or double for free. This variant can also be found in the majority of live casinos online.
Play Blackjack Online for free
Don’t feel like doing better than the bank in 21s with real money? No problem, blackjack online is also free to play! Each online casino offers its blackjack games in demo versions free of charge. An excellent way to fiddle with basic blackjack strategy and work on your skills without stress.
Unfortunately, only RNG Blackjack can be played for free. Live Blackjack games do not have this option as these games are operated by a game provider and incur operating costs. Fortunately, there are many tables where you can join for a minimum bet, with or without a Live Blackjack bonus.
