Play Online Blackjack

How to Play Blackjack Like a Pro

The aim of blackjack is to beat the dealer. Blackjack players receive one card, face-up, and a face-down deck. To beat the dealer, you must ensure your hand total is as close to 21 as possible. Before the dealer takes their turn, you’ll have the chance to ‘hit’ and turn over cards to boost your total. For example, if you have a ’10’ and a ‘2’, you can turn over another card to get closer to 21.

But, if your total breaches’ 21′, you go ‘bust,’ and the dealer wins. However, you can ‘stick’ to lock in your total before the dealer plays. If you get 19 in total, for example, you may wish to stop ‘hitting.’ The dealer then turns their own cards, one at a time, to try and beat your total. If they beat 19 or hit 21 without going bust, they win. If you’re closest or get an instant 21, you win.

This game can get complex when you consider the ace. If you draw an ace in blackjack, it plays as either a ‘1’ or a ’10’. This leads to ‘soft’ and ‘hard’ hands – which dictate how you may play your next deal. Additional rules and best in online blackjack will vary. Some of the best online blackjack casinos feature different variations of the game that differ all over the world. We’ll look closely at these below.

What Types of Online Blackjack Games Are There?

Before you play online blackjack, remember that the rules can differ from table to table. Some online blackjack sites, for example, offer live games themed around Spanish 21. Other tables may have different blackjack odds and side bets you can claim to help increase your prize potential.

Simple Classic Blackjack

Casino customers looking to play classic blackjack can expect the simple game of ’21’. This is where you aim to hit as close to 21 as possible without going bust. Your dealer then draws, and if they’re closer, they win.

Live Dealer Blackjack Video Streaming

Top online blackjack casinos with live dealers let you place bets with a ‘real’ host. They present games through video streaming. This means you can play the game as standard but with real dealers participating in real-time. Some players prefer these online games for the Vegas atmosphere.

Spanish 21 With Balanced Odds

Spanish 21 removes cards numbered ’10’ from the decks. This means the odds are a little more in balance for the player. There are also varied bets and payout rules separate from the main game. For example, you can win a bonus for holding three sevens and the dealer one seven.

Blackjack Switch Tests Players

Some online casinos offer a blackjack switch as it lets players change their cards if they’re unhappy with the draw. You also have two hands, rather than one, to play with at the start of the round. This adds an extra dimension of risk and tests players’ nerves and judgement.

Play Progressive Blackjack

Progressive blackjack is a jackpot game based around a large side bet. This bet can differ in size and style – with one example being a four-deck setup. In this game style, you’d aim for your card totals to combine with the dealer’s to hit a specific target. You’d then win the jackpot.

Two Deck European

European blackjack uses two card decks, which can provide players with more appealing odds. The fewer decks available, the more predictable the draws can be. This may also mean it’s easier for players to make predictions when they hit ‘hard’ draws.

American Classic

In many cases, classic blackjack is referred to as American blackjack. This game style gets its definition from how you receive your cards. You’ll receive two cards, with one being face-up. A twist here is that dealers can look at their next covered card if you draw an ace first.

Atlantic City Blackjack

Atlantic City blackjack is named after where the game originated. This twist on classic blackjack changes a couple of rules to help increase odds and prize potential. For example, in AC blackjack, dealers must ‘stand’ on a ‘soft 17’ (i.e., an ace and a seven).

Real Money vs Playing for Free

When you play blackjack online, it makes sense to try the game for free. Many of the top online blackjack sites in Canada let you try a table for free before paying real money. The main difference here is that free demo versions of the game only pay out digital credits, not actual cash.

The odds, whether you play blackjack online for free or real cash, should remain the same. That depends on the casino you play at. If it’s a legal and regulated games provider, you can expect random win opportunities whether you play for free or not.

Many people enjoy playing blackjack online for free as it takes the stress out of making a profit. Before looking into the best online blackjack games, try the different variations for free to know how everything works.

Only start playing blackjack online for real money when you’re confident with the game and the site you’re playing at.

Blackjack App vs Mobile Blackjack

To play online blackjack from your smartphone, first register and log in with a casino that supports mobile play. Most online blackjack providers will at least have a mobile site accessible from most modern devices.

To access blackjack via the mobile site, simply log into your chosen casino from your phone. You’ll then be able to launch table games in your browser, morphing to your small screen. For many players, this is one of the easiest ways to get into casino games.

A dedicated blackjack app (or casino app), however, will be designed with games in mind. Mobile sites are responsive, which means they’re built for many different purposes. A dedicated app will likely run faster and offer better visuals.

With most online casinos, mobile compatibility isn’t usually a large concern. Simply make sure your device and operating system are up to date.

RTP and Blackjack House Edge Statistics

Blackjack’s house edge, statistically, sits at 2% on average. This means players can typically expect to lose $2 for every $100. However, this can swing up and down, depending on your streak. As blackjack is a game of luck and chance, there’s no way to strategically plan for house edge. Your success depends on the cards you draw.

The house edge determines how much money online casinos make back from table games, slots and more. This is to ensure that they continue making a profit. The RTP, or return to player ratio, determines how likely a game will pay out over its lifetime. This, again, isn’t a statistic you should confidently plan for, but it gives you an idea of a game’s winnability.

RTP can vary from table to table and between providers. It may be as high as 99%, which means a game will pay out 99% of the time over its lifespan. For good measure, any RTP rated 96% or higher is fairly generous.

Blackjack odds can vary from game to game, too. You’ll also find different odds stacked based on side bets – which you’ll typically see at the start of a game.

Online Blackjack Glossary of Terms

Let’s run through a few quick blackjack terms you might not be familiar with.

• Hit / Twist: To draw a new card and add it to your total.
• Stick / Hold: To stop drawing cards and keep your total.
• Soft Hand: A hand that includes an ace (counting as one or ten).
• Hard Hand: A hand that includes a ten.
• Bust: You go bust when your hand total exceeds 21.
• House Edge: The money a dealer can expect to make back in a game.
• Split: In some blackjack games, you can split into two hands (if you get two cards of identical value).

Types of Blackjack Bonus

When looking for the best online blackjack Canada has to offer, you’ll likely find some enticing bonus deals. These vary in terms of credit available, and all have terms and conditions attached. Before agreeing to a deal, always make sure you read the fine print carefully.

What Is a Welcome/Signup Bonus?

A welcome or signup bonus gives you credit to use on blackjack games when you first register. You may have to make a deposit, or you can claim free casino funds in some cases.

No Deposit Bonus Explained

A no-deposit bonus grants you free credit to use on casino and slot games without paying in. These deals may have restrictions to prevent high withdrawals or wagering conditions attached.

The Common Free Spins Bonus

A free spins bonus lets you play slot games without using real money. It’s common to see online casinos with blackjack provide free spin packages alongside table game bonuses. You can then explore a broader range of games across the site.

Get a Deposit Method Bonus

Occasionally, an online casino may provide you with a cash match or free credit if you register a card. Check which payment options are accepted at your chosen casino, as some mobile-based methods may trigger freebies.

Cashback Bonus Credit

With a cashback bonus, a casino credits you money back after you bet or play a specific amount. For example, if you bet $200 in 30 days, you may get this back in casino credit (with conditions attached).

Common Deposit Match Bonus

A common welcome bonus, a deposit match, occurs when your casino gives you bonus money identical to your first deposit. For example, a casino offering 100% matching will give you $30 extra if you pay in $30 of your own.

Advanced Blackjack Casino Software

Blackjack casino software is becoming more advanced as technology evolves. For example, video simulations are more realistic and incorporate more side bets and bonuses. What’s more, we’re likely to see this software improve in terms of speed and graphical performance in the years to come.

Ensured Blackjack Casino Security

It’s always wise to check the security credentials of online casinos before you start playing. Check regulation details, payment processing security, and that your casino has an up-to-date security certificate. This ensures that any blackjack you play is completely secure and that your money is safely protected in and out.

Check Blackjack Casino Deposit and Withdrawal Rules

Most of the best online blackjack casino brands accept debit cards, e-wallets such as PayPal, and prepaid cards such as Paysafe. Some may also let you pay via mobile phone bill at a later date. Minimum deposits at blackjack casinos may vary from $10 to $20. Withdrawal thresholds may be even higher, so always check before joining.

Legal Blackjack Licensing and Compliance

It’s not legal to play blackjack across all of Canada, so check your province’s local laws and statutes. Ontario, for example, regulates online games such as blackjack and authorizes legal casinos to run. You can check licensing and regulations through your chosen casino by checking their badges and certificates. These are normally easy to see from the main page.