Best Online Blackjack Casinos for Real Money

7 Factors that determine top online blackjack sites

We review a variety of features within each blackjack casino to highlight what we consider to be the best of the best. Below, you will find explanations for the main factors contributing to our top picks. For the more experienced player, check out our 7 top tips for blackjack.

1

Quality games

Even quality casinos and gaming sites are unable to completely replicate the blackjack atmosphere available in land-based casinos. However, they can deliver a solid experience through stellar graphics and smooth gameplay.

The best online blackjack casinos use top software providers. By using elite providers, gaming sites feature high-quality blackjack games that are visually appealing and easy to play.

2

Game variety

Sometimes players grow bored playing standard blackjack. If you are one of those players, you’ll appreciate having access to multiple variations.

Most internet casinos feature at least two or three blackjack variants. Some sites really excel in this area by boasting several blackjack games.

Below, you can see some of the variations available throughout the industry:

• 21 + 3
• Ante Up 21
• Atlantic City rules
• Blackjack Surrender
• Blackjack Switch
• California blackjack
• Chinese blackjack
• Double Exposure
• Elimination blackjack
• European blackjack
• Match Play 21
• Pontoon
• Super 21
• Vegas downtown rules
• Vegas Strip rules

3

Blackjack bonuses & promotions

Not all internet casinos offer blackjack welcome bonuses. In fact, some sites exclude this game entirely from any type of bonus or other promotion.

You should learn whether you can earn a blackjack bonus before making a deposit. Casinos often list blackjack deals under “table games” bonuses.

Assuming you qualify for a bonus and other blackjack promotions, you can expect to increase your winnings with extra cash.

4

Games with low house edges

Online blackjack games feature different rules depending upon the variation and the provider. In turn, the rules determine the house edge for a given variation.

Generally speaking, internet blackjack house edges range from 0.4% to 1.0%. To increase your odds of winning, choose casinos/providers with the most favorable rules and games.

5

Secure online casino

Quality gaming sites use encryption technology to protect your personal and financial details. Most commonly, casinos employ Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) to thwart hackers.

When using a Chrome or Safari browser, you should look for a padlock in the address bar. This lock indicates that a gambling site boasts a secure connection.

6

Reputability

Most gaming sites operate above-board and work to ensure that their customers are happy. Unfortunately, a few shady sites and software developers do exist in the gaming world.

No one should play blackjack at questionable casinos. You run a higher chance of dealing with faulty and/or rigged software at these sites.

Reputable blackjack casinos feature clear terms and conditions. Sites with unclear T&Cs can weaponize their ambiguous terms to avoid paying bonuses and delay withdrawals.

7

Quick payouts

You shouldn’t need to wait long to receive your blackjack winnings. Trustworthy gaming sites guarantee payouts in a timely manner.

In contrast, shady online casinos struggle to process withdrawals within a reasonable time frame. Such gaming sites are often insolvent and hold onto customer funds to stay afloat.

Land-based vs. online blackjack

You can play blackjack in two distinct locations:

1. Brick-and-mortar casinos
2. Gaming sites

Both locations let you enjoy exciting blackjack action. However, each offers specific advantages or disadvantages, according to your preferences.

Below, you’ll see the unique benefits that each type of blackjack offers. These advantages will help you determine which form of blackjack best suits you.

Land-based blackjack offers an entertaining social experience

Land-based casinos give you the opportunity to play blackjack with your friends and/or strangers. You can chat with your tablemates and celebrate together when the dealer busts out.

Brick-and-mortar casinos also feature distinct atmospheres that are entirely different from what you would normally find in someone’s residence. By leaving your home, you can enjoy the sights and sounds of the casino while playing blackjack.

You may also appreciate the comps that land-based venues offer—particularly the drinks. Other common comps available in brick-and-mortar casinos include hotel stays, limousine rides, meals, and show tickets.

Online blackjack features a low house edge and minimum bet

Online blackjack will never top its land-based counterpart in the atmosphere department. However, on average, it does offer a lower house edge.

Internet blackjack games feature player-friendly rules that reduce the house advantage to 1% or less. Land-based tables, on the other hand, typically offer between a 1% and 2% house edge.

The internet version also boasts cheaper stakes. You can play blackjack online for anywhere from $0.10 to $1 per hand.

You’ll struggle to find tables in brick-and-mortar casinos that feature $5 minimum bets—let alone $1.

Above all, online blackjack offers the most convenient way to enjoy this game. You can play it on your smartphone from anywhere with a WiFi connection.

Play online blackjack for free or for real money

Internet blackjack delivers more thrills when real money is on the line, enabling you to truly cash in on hot streaks.

However, you don’t have to bet anything to play online. Instead, gaming sites let you play completely free after registering for an account.

Assuming you’re new to online blackjack, you may be wondering which version is worth playing in the beginning. Keep reading to learn more about the different considerations regarding free and real-money blackjack.

Why play free blackjack?

Free online blackjack gives you an opportunity to try games risk-free. This feature allows you to feel out the atmosphere, gameplay, and graphics of a particular game.

The free version also offers you the chance to try new variations. For example, you may want to learn the intricacies of Blackjack Switch before wagering on it.

You can also benefit from free blackjack even if you’re only interested in playing for cash at land-based casinos. The free version allows you to practice blackjack strategy without risking anything.

Why play real-money blackjack?

Gambling is often more exciting when it involves money. That said, you’ll probably find that internet blackjack is much more entertaining with real money on the line.

You don’t even need to bet much to play. Again, most gaming sites only require a $1 minimum wager, and some require less.

This small minimum bet, combined with the low house edge, encourages you to play with little risk. Here’s an example to illustrate how low your theoretical losses could be:

• You place $1 minimum bets.
• You play 200 hands per hour.
• The house edge is 0.5%.
• 200 x 1 x 0.005 = $1 in theoretical losses per hour.

This example assumes that you use perfect basic strategy. Even if you haven’t mastered blackjack strategy, though, you can still bet real money with little risk involved.

Which version should you spend most of your time with?

Your decision to play free or real-money blackjack will depend entirely upon your goals.

Assuming you’re focused on fun and/or practice, then you’ll enjoy free play. Free blackjack games merely require you to register for an account before playing.

Of course, you may eventually grow bored with the practice mode. This point represents the perfect time to make a deposit and place real bets.

The bottom line is you can play free internet blackjack as long as you’d like. Eventually, though, you might consider depositing and trying your luck with the real-money version.

Live dealer blackjack

Online blackjack is an umbrella term that refers to any blackjack variation played at internet casinos. However, online gaming features two distinctive forms of this game:

• Virtual blackjack
• Live dealer blackjack

The virtual version offers animated graphics and a software-generated dealer. Virtual games are designed to look like the real thing, but they still fall short of completely replicating brick-and-mortar tables.

Live dealer blackjack revolves around a land-based table. It features a human dealer, tangible table, and real casino atmosphere.

You’ll find the live variation to be similar to playing in a brick-and-mortar casino. Rather than visiting the casino, though, you’ll play live blackjack through your smartphone, tablet, or PC/Mac.

Where can you find live blackjack?

Live dealer blackjack has exploded in recent years. Now, many online casinos and their accompanying software developers offer this game.

You’ll enjoy access to more live casinos if you reside in Europe. Many live gaming sites operate in Europe’s regulated markets.

However, you can also find these casinos if you’re from North or South America. Certain operators have made their services available to both continents in recent years.

Live vs. virtual blackjack

Live dealer casinos offer the most realistic blackjack experience that’s available online. You get to enjoy the brick-and-mortar experience through your smartphone or tablet.

You can also communicate with the dealer via a chat box. This feature provides a social aspect that is not available when playing virtual blackjack.

Virtual blackjack allows you to control the game speed. You can take as long as you’d like in between hands and when making decisions.

The virtual version holds another advantage over live blackjack in that it’s always available. You don’t have to wait for a seat to become “open” or use “bet behind” (discussed next).

Both types of online blackjack have their merits. You may favor one over the other, depending upon the type of experience you desire.

What is bet behind?

Live blackjack is a very popular game. You may not be able to find an open seat at your favorite live casino during peak hours.

Operators solve this issue by offering bet behind. This option lets you wager on a seated player’s hand.

Bet behind allows you to enjoy live blackjack action even when all seats are taken. However, you could also wind up betting behind somebody who lacks reliable strategy.

What is blackjack party?

Blackjack Party originated in land-based casinos and is now available at live dealer casinos. The live version features a dealer and a host.

The host provides additional entertainment by making jokes and chatting with the dealer. They answer your questions and talk about non-game-related subjects, like movies and TV shows.

Blackjack Party tables also boast unique backgrounds and music. Rather than a standard casino background, a Blackjack Party studio includes a flashy backdrop.

Online blackjack bonuses

Many online casinos offer bonuses to encourage you to place a deposit. These deals can include a welcome bonus, reload offer, and more.

You can use the following bonuses and rewards to earn extra money on the side.

Welcome bonus

Casinos offer a welcome bonus when you initially sign up and make a deposit. Welcome bonuses are typically larger than other offers at gaming sites.

Most of these deals revolve around slots. However, you can sometimes find welcome deals that cover blackjack.

These offers are based on a match percentage of your deposit amount. For example, a deal might feature a 100% match bonus worth up to $150.

You should always check a casino’s terms and conditions to ensure that blackjack is included in such offers. The T&Cs will also explain important requirements that must be met before withdrawing a blackjack bonus.

Wagering requirements (a.k.a. playthrough) is of special importance. These stipulations determine how much you must wager before withdrawing bonus funds.

Here’s an example:

• You qualify for a $100 blackjack bonus.
• Playthrough is 100x.
• 100 x $100 = $10,000
• You must wager $10,000 before withdrawing the $100 bonus.

Blackjack-bonus wagering requirements are higher than those associated with slots. You generally need to wager anywhere from 100x to 200x the bonus.

However, you’ll face a lower house edge with blackjack versus the average slot. In some instances, you can unlock blackjack bonuses with fewer theoretical losses than with slots deals.

Blackjack no-deposit bonus

A no-deposit bonus doesn’t require you to fund your account. Instead, you merely need to complete the casino’s registration process to qualify.

Similar to welcome bonuses, most of these deals revolve around slots. Nevertheless, you can find no-deposit blackjack bonuses at some online casinos.

These offers allow you to withdraw winnings and anything left over from the initial bonus upon completion of wagering requirements.

Here’s an example:

• You complete registration and receive a $10 no-deposit bonus.
• Playthrough is 200x.
• 200 x $10 = $2,000 must be wagered
• You have $15 ($10 bonus + $5 winnings) after meeting playthrough.

No-deposit bonuses cap the amount of winnings that you can earn (e.g. $200 maximum). You can find no-deposit win limits by reading the respective casino’s bonus T&Cs.

Reload bonus & promotions

A reload bonus is a deposit offer that’s available beyond the initial welcome deal. It may include blackjack, depending upon the casino’s T&Cs.

Reload deals typically offer a smaller match percentage and amount of money than welcome bonuses. For example, a casino might feature a 75% match reload bonus up to $75.

Even though reload bonuses aren’t as lucrative as welcome deals, they’re still worthwhile if they include blackjack.

VIP rewards

Loyalty programs are standard across the online gaming industry. They offer various rewards, including cashback, free spins, birthday gifts, and more.

Unfortunately, not all VIP programs deliver rewards for blackjack play. That said, to maximize your reward opportunities, you should closely examine any loyalty plan to ensure that you’ll receive blackjack perks.

Online blackjack variations

Many internet casinos offer several blackjack variations. Below, you’ll find some of the most-common variants outside of classic (“21”) blackjack.

Atlantic City rules

This blackjack variant is one of the most favorable in online gaming and gives you a strong chance of winning.

The only casino-friendly rules associated with this variant include eight decks and no resplits. Nonetheless, the Atlantic City blackjack house edge is relatively low.

Here are the most notable rules behind this game:

• 3:2 natural payout
• Dealer stands on soft 17
• Double down on any total
• No doubling down after splitting
• Late surrender
• House edge = 0.39%

European blackjack

European blackjack offers multiple player-friendly rules, including the dealer standing on a soft 17 and two decks.

However, it also prevents the dealer from peeking for a blackjack. This no-peek rule raises the house edge, because it puts the player more at risk during double downs and splits.

Here are common rules associated with European blackjack:

• 3:2 natural payout
• Dealer stands on soft 17
• Only double down on totals from 9-11
• Double down after splitting (DAS)
• No resplitting
• Dealer doesn’t peek for a natural blackjack
• House edge = 0.39%

Blackjack Switch

Blackjack Switch sees you dealt two hands at the beginning of each round. You can trade the second card in each hand to improve your scores.

Casinos counteract this player-friendly rule by paying even money on natural blackjacks and seeing the dealer push on 22. Under normal circumstances, casinos pay 3:2 or 6:5 on naturals and see the dealer bust on 22.

Below, you will find a full list of common Blackjack Switch rules:

• 1:1 natural payout
• Dealer hits on soft 17
• Double down on any total
• Double down after splitting (DAS)
• Resplitting is allowed
• House edge = 0.58% (depending upon rule variations)

Spanish 21

Spanish 21 removes all 10s from the deck. The lack of 10s helps the casino, because it reduces your chances of getting a natural blackjack.

However, casinos make this game more bearable by featuring multiple rules that benefit the player. They also offer bonus payouts for certain hands.

Here’s a rundown of the Spanish 21 rules and bonus payouts:

• 3:2 natural payout
• Dealer stands on soft 17
• Double down on any total & with any amount of cards
• Double down after splitting (DAS)
• Surrender after doubling down & splitting
• Resplitting allowed (including aces)
• Your natural blackjack beats the dealer’s natural
• House edge = 0.38% to 0.78% (depending on rule differences)

Bonus payouts (not offered on double downs & splits)

• Five-card 21 pays 3:2
• Six-card 21 pays 2:1
• Seven-card 21 pays 3:1
• Non-suited 6-7-8 pays 3:2
• Nonsuited 7-7-7 pays 3:2
• Suited 6-7-8 pays 2:1
• Suited 7-7-7 pays 2:1
• All-spade 6-7-8 pays 3:1
• All-spade 7-7-7 pays 3:1
• Suited 7-7-7 when the dealer shows a seven upcard pays $1,000
• Suited 7-7-7 on a bet of $25+ when dealer shows a seven upcard pays $5,000

Super 21

This game is similar to standard 21. The primary difference is that it offers bonuses for certain hands.

Here are the Super 21 rules and bonus payouts:

• 1:1 payout on a regular natural blackjack
• Dealer stands on soft 17
• Double down on any total
• Double down after splitting (DAS) allowed
• Resplitting allowed (including aces)
• Late surrender allowed
• Surrender half of total bet after doubling (a.k.a. “double-down rescue”)
• House edge = 1.16% house edge

Bonus payouts

• Five-card 21 pays 2:1
• Six-card 21 pays 2:1
• Six cards that total 20 or less offer an automatic win
• Diamond Blackjack (two diamonds that total 21) pays 2:1

Vegas Strip rules

Although the real Vegas Strip no longer offers favorable blackjack rules, the online version certainly does.

The highest-paying online blackjack games usually feature Vegas Strip rules. Below, you can see the accepted rules to this game:

• 3:2 natural payout
• Dealer stands on soft 17
• Double down on any total
• Double down after splitting (DAS)
• Resplitting allowed
• No resplitting aces
• House edge = 0.34%

FAQs on online blackjack