Blackjack Online

Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games. It is quick, easy to learn, and feels like real fun. In this article, we’ll explain the main rules of the game, as well as the winning odds and strategies. You can play Blackjack for real money and we will share some tips and tricks to improve your gaming experience.

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Best casinos to play blackjack for real money

Blackjack is very scientific. There’s always a right answer and a wrong answer.

Author: Charlie Ergen, co-founder and chairman of Dish Network and EchoStar

Online Blackjack Main Rules Explained

A Blackjack table at a casino, or in the live dealer online version, can accommodate a certain number of players (usually between 5 and 12); however, you are only playing against the dealer.

The objective of Blackjack is to beat the dealer.

You can win the game by:

  • Drawing a higher hand value than that of the dealer
  • By the dealer drawing a hand value that is higher than 21
  • By drawing 21 on your first two cards and the dealer not drawing the same

On the other hand, you lose the round if:

  • Your hand value goes over 21
  • The dealer has a greater hand value than you at the end of the round
Online blackjack card value

Card value

Blackjack is played with conventional playing cards. The suits of the cards don’t matter. The objective is to have a higher card value than the dealer but without going over 21.

  • Cards 2 through 10 count as face value – 2 is worth 2, and 9 is worth 9 points
  • Face cards Jack, Queen, and King count as 10
  • Ace can be counted as either 1 or as 11, depending on which figure is better for the player or the dealer

Understanding Blackjack’s main features

Online blackjack main features

When you play Blackjack online after the hands have been dealt, you’ll have a few options on what to do next. Depending on what your cards are and what is the dealer’s face-up card, you can hit or stand, split your cards, double your stake, get insurance, surrender, or even play some side bets.

Blackjack glossary
Blackjack term Definition
Hit Getting more cards until you either go bust (over 21) or decide to stand
Stand Not getting any more cards – the option to take if you’re happy with your cards
Double You can double your original wager and get one extra card
Split When you have two same-value cards you can split them and play with two hands
Surrender If you’re not happy with your cards, you can give them up in exchange for half of your bet
Insurance This is offered for half of your wager if the dealer has an Ace as an up card
Side Bets Casinos offer various side bets that you can place alongside with your original bet

Bonuses for Real Money Blackjack Online

Blackjack is a relatively easy game to play and is one of the most popular card games in the world. The game is a combination of luck and skill. By playing a perfect strategy, you can improve your odds of winning. Blackjack has a very low house edge, therefore, is a top choice of game for professional punters. The objective of the game is to get your card value as close to 21 as possible but not exceeding it while ending up with a higher value than the dealer. Several versions of the game are available when you want to play blackjack online.

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Know your odds against the dealer

With Blackjack, luck and strategy both play an important role. If you want to play Blackjack successfully, you need to understand your odds of winning. When you’ve decided to hold a hand, you will want to know if you’re likely to win or bust before you hit, stand, double, or surrender.

The probability of going bust on an extra card

If you need to draw an extra card then, the higher the value of those you are holding, the higher the probability of a bust. At a value of 11 or lower, your chances are 0% as an Ace would be counted as a 1 and the second highest face value cards would give you 10. On the other hand, if you already have 21 and you would like to draw an extra card, it is 100% certain that you would go over 21. With values from 12 to 21 your chances of going bust increase steadily.

Online BlackJack - probability to bust on an extra card
Hand Value Probability
11 or lower 0%
12 31%
13 39%
14 56%
15 58%
16 62%
17 69%
18 77%
19 85%
20 92%
21 100%

The dealer’s probability of going bust

When it comes to the dealer’s probability of going bust in a blackjack online game, the numbers can vary slightly according to the different rules that the particular game features. In some games, the dealer has to hit or stand on soft 17 and, therefore, the chances of the dealer going bust can vary by a few percent.

The dealer’s weakest hand would be a 6, in which case they would have a 42–44% chance of going bust.

Online blackjack - dealers probability to bust
Dealer’s card Probability when standing on 17s Probability when hitting on 17s
Ace 17% 20%
2 35% 36%
3 37% 38%
4 40% 40%
5 42% 42%
6 42% 44%
7 26% 26%
8 24% 24%
9 23% 23%
10 23% 23%

Best Blackjack strategies

Blackjack has a low house edge when compared to other table games and the good news is that, with a steady strategy, you can further reduce this figure to as low as 0.2–0.5%. To reach this, you will need to make mathematically correct decisions along with your game. Perhaps play a few blackjack online demo games first to get some practice.

  • Blackjack

    Don't Split a Pair of 5s or Tens

    Splitting a pair in most cases will lower the house edge. However, when it comes to 5s and 10s it works the opposite way.
  • Blackjack

    Double Down On a Hard 11

    You can decide to double down depending on your hand and the dealer’s card. However, if you have 11 you should always double down.
  • Blackjack

    Stand on Hard 16 Against a Dealer’s 10 Upcard

    Mathematically your best chance is to surrender or stand at hard 16 if the dealer’s upcard is a 10.
  • Blackjack

    Double Down on 8 Against the Dealer’s 5 or 6 Upcard in Single Deck

    5 and 6 upcards are quite low hands for the dealer so present a good chance for you to double up should you be holding a value of 8.
  • Blackjack

    Split a Pair of 8s and Aces

    When it comes to splitting, you should remember that 8s and Aces are always worth splitting to get the best chances of winning.
  • Blackjack

    Hit a Hard 12 against the Dealer’s 2 or 3 Upcard

    While generally you would always stand with values 12 to 21 and the dealer’s upcard 2 to 6, a hard 12 against the dealer’s 2 or 3 are exceptions.
  • Blackjack

    Hit Ace-7 (Soft 18) When the Dealer’s Upcard Is 9, 10, Or Ace

    At a soft 18, to maximise your chances of winning, you’ll need to hit if the dealer’s upcard is a 9, 10, or Ace.
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Facts & Numbers

When it comes to online blackjack, Canada is the country where players really adore this game. The game is played with a standard 52-card deck. The objective is to get as close to 21 as possible without going over. All face cards are worth 10 points, aces are worth either 1 or 11, and all other cards are worth their face value. The highest possible hand is a blackjack (an ace plus any 10-point card). Here are some more facts:

  1. Blackjack online is usually played with a random number generator (RNG) to ensure fair play.

  2. The average house edge for online blackjack is below 0.5%, making it one of the lowest house edges of any online casino game. Thus, the average return to player (RTP) is 99.5%.

  3. The average online blackjack player spends an average of 2 hours and 15 minutes per session with a bet of $25 per hand and $20 per session.

  4. Players aged 25 to 44 are 60% of people playing blackjack.

  5. The most popular variant is European Blackjack (28.2% market share).

  6. Over 80% of people playing blackjack are male blackjack players.

Benefits of Playing Blackjack Online

Thanks to the online version, Canadians can play blackjack online for money at any time. Although this is not a visit to the real gambling hall of Atlantic City, you can still experience a range of advantages:

  1. The quality of online games is high, so you can enjoy perfect graphics on multiple devices
  2. Live dealers blackjack will let you play with real game hosts
  3. Lots of games can have additional bonuses (for example, extra multipliers on Lightning Blackjack by Evolution)
  4. In some cases, you can get bonus chips to play blackjack online with some extra funds (but make sure to consider the wagering requirements)
  5. Some real money blackjack games include a ‘progressive pot’, which can increase every time you play
  6. Canadian online casinos can also have other games, including roulette, video poker, slots, and similar additions
  7. The best online blackjack in Canada can be played on a mobile screen on any browser without downloads and with a quality interface

Different Variations of Blackjack Online

Canadians know the basic rules concerning where it’s necessary to make a certain decision to hit, stand, split, etc. In some cases, however, the games can be slightly different, depending on the type and rules. Among the most popular variations, you can experience Spanish Blackjack (also known as Pontoon), European Blackjack, Blackjack Switch, and Atlantic City Blackjack. You can read more about each type here at CasinoCanada to understand the terminology, payout rate, and other qualities of each variation.

Tips for Choosing a Blackjack Online Site

Before you start playing a blackjack game, make sure to explore the terms and use some helpful tips to avoid anything that can spoil your overall experience. Here are some directions that can help you:

  • Always check the T&Cs to check the amount you can withdraw from your account per day/week/month and consider the withdrawal processing time (up to 24 hours sounds perfect)
  • Consider the presence of diversified software at your casino to make sure that there are different blackjack online real money variations, slots, and others
  • The promotions of your Canadian casino offers are also essential, so check whether there are bonuses for tables and consider the wager
  • Pay attention to the casino’s reputation, including the company that owns it and the licence’s logo, which should be clickable
  • Test basic navigation and helpful tools like customer support, the presence of tournaments, ways to make deposits, diversified bonuses (e.g. for referring a friend), and the rewards provided for each VIP level
How to Deposit Money for Blackjack Online

How to Deposit Money for Blackjack Online

To move from a free version to online blackjack for money and get withdrawable payouts, you need to deposit at one of the gambling sites where you want to play. In order to do this, follow these steps:

  1. Explore our CasinoCanada rating, choose a gambling brand you like the most, and sign up for your preferred online casino (click on the registration button and enter the required details)
  2. Examine the T&Cs and payment pages to check the basic conditions and payment limits
  3. Choose a payment option and enter the amount you want to deposit
  4. Provide the required payment details and confirm the transaction
  5. Wait for confirmation then you’re ready to play blackjack in Canada for real money
How to Withdraw Winnings from Blackjack Online

How to Withdraw Winnings from Blackjack Online

Withdrawals are just as straightforward, so there is nothing to worry about. In fact, you just need to keep in mind the casino’s limits and turnover requirements, then follow these cashout steps:

  1. Log in and open the payments section of your Canadian blackjack casino
  2. Select a payment option in the menu and enter the amount you want to withdraw
  3. As a rule, it should take little more than a few hours for a casino to confirm the transaction
  4. In terms of any questions, feel free to use the chat to get in touch

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Playing Blackjack Online

To make your blackjack online game smooth and engaging, you can avoid some typical mistakes that may spoil the overall experience of players who ignore them. Below, we’ll highlight a number of issues that will help you to play safely.

❌ The Wrong Gambling Site

Of course, you need to consider details like the right blackjack strategy and the score provided by certain combinations but, first, make sure to choose the site where you’ll have a safe game. Our ratings can help with this as we know the regulations of the countries and states where our team works and give recommendations where you’ll access diversified titles according to your needs. Mobile optimisation, an opportunity to take part in tourneys, and a good app are also essential.

🙈 Ignoring the Basic Strategy

The gambling industry is quite unpredictable, but when it comes to online blackjack real money in Canada, you can use certain strategies to improve your gameplay. The basic strategy is the best option for this as it allows Canadians to understand when to hit or stand, relying on the dealer’s upcard, the cards of a player, and the number of decks. For example, when the dealer’s upcard is a 2 and you have a hard total of 8, you can hit.

💸 Determining the Wrong Bankroll

One more essential dynamic is responsible gambling, so you need to plan your bankroll in real cash, considering all the risks. If you aren’t ready to spend this amount, play with friends for free or test the game for free at least several times. The aim of this approach is to save your money and make your games safe. You can research comments regarding these factors online and use this as a guide to plan your own gambling system.

📚 Playing Without Exploring the Rules

Learning blackjack rules is important as you’ll understand the difference between soft and hard combinations, as well as learn more about counting cards, business schools and books based on playing blackjack, and more. Everyone can find educational videos on YouTube on a thematic channel, in TikTok, or on other social media platforms where content creators reveal everything regarding the latest updates and allow customers to track all the latest categories.

Summary

Online blackjack has brought this famous game to the masses, as 21 has never been more accessible – or more achievable for that matter. Most people love to play the best online blackjack games around, for real money, and why wouldn’t they? One of the game’s advantages is that it gives one of the lowest house edges of all casino games. Playing blackjack online is just as entertaining as playing it at a land-based casino. Check out our list of best online casinos where you will find different kinds of Blackjack games.

When playing blackjack online, Canada is the country where you can not only find lots of reliable online casinos but also access a wide variety of game types. Also, the blackjack sites will feature helpful information with rules for players, so Canadians can learn to play different blackjack variants and even get deposit bonuses when enjoying this table game. If you’re new to this game, read on. Pay attention to the ratings from this blackjack page review, pick the best online blackjack casino in Canada, and master this high-RTP game!

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Lucas Goldberg
Lucas, a seasoned site editor at CasinoCanada, boasts a decade-long journey in the gambling industry with a focus on providing players with meticulous reviews and insights of online games and casinos.
Site Editor
University of Toronto
Bachelor of Arts in Communications, Digital Media, and Journalism, PlayTech Analytics career, communication with users through high-quality gambling content.
Expert in:
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Reviewed by Head of Content:
Dmitry Rogalchuk
Last updated on: 20.02.2024

FAQ

Can I win at Blackjack?

You certainly can. Blackjack has some of the lowest house edges among all casino table games. Studying the charts that offer advice on hands can further enhance your chances.

Is Blackjack a game of chance?

While the game has some elements of luck, it is not purely a game of chance. You can make good or bad decisions so it is advisable to use strategies.

Is it possible to count cards at Blackjack?

In a land-based casino, it is possible, if you have an outstanding short-term memory. However, casinos will not like this. With an online casino card, however, numbers are computer-generated so you can’t count them.

Is it worth taking side bets?

Generally, no. Side bets will have a high house edge. However, if you are playing a progressive jackpot game, you might just win the jackpot by placing a lucky side bet.

Is it better to play online or at a land-based casino?

This depends on your preferences. If you want the glitz and glamour of a physical casino, you should visit one. If you would rather play from your couch, play the online version.

What are the best strategies for playing blackjack online?

Initially, you should consider the basic strategy, which is also associated with the printable chart that shows when to hit or stand. Plus, you can use varied betting systems.

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