Best blackjack sites 2023: Play blackjack for real money online
WITHIN online gambling are numerous types of games. Perhaps the most popular table game is blackjack, which is now available to play for real money on online casino sites in the US.
Blackjack is a thrilling game with the goal of reaching as close to 21 as possible without going over the total while beating the dealer.
There are multiple variations of it that you can find online, too.
Here, we’ll take a look at online blackjack for real money, looking at the best sites, how to play it, the different types, and much more.
Online blackjack - rules and overview
Blackjack is a relatively simple online table game, but it’s one of the only casino games where you can institute a strategy to win.
The goal of blackjack is simple: Get as close to a combined card value of 21 without going over or having a total less than 21 that defeats the dealer.
Each number card (2-10) is worth their face value. Face cards, like Jack, King, and Queen, are 10, and the Ace is either 1 or 11. The 1 or 11 is decided based on what benefits you most.
The game starts by placing your bets, and the dealer and player each receive two cards. The dealer has one card face-down and one face-up, and the players are face-up.
After you receive your cards and it’s your turn, you’ll make some choices:
- Hit: Get an additional card to add to your total.
- Stand: Decide not to receive any more cards.
- Split: If you have two of the same card values (like two 8s), you can split them into two hands.
With other variations, there are other options, such as Surrender. From here, the dealers will hit until they hit 17 or a value over it.
There’s another thing to consider in blackjack—insurance.
Insurance comes when the dealer has a face-up card that’s an ace. This is a side bet, and it pays 2 to 1 if the dealer does have a blackjack.
How to play online blackjack - beginner’s guide
- Decide what United States online casino you want to play at.
- Use the link provided to get the best bonus.
- Create an account.
- Deposit funds into your account.
- Find a blackjack game you think you’ll enjoy and launch it.
- Receive your first two cards and play based on the cards you receive.
- When you stand, the dealer will hit until they hit 17 or a value over it.
- If you exceed 21, you bust and lose.
- If your hand is than the dealer, you win. This pays 1 to 1.
- If your two-card hand has a blackjack (Ace and 10-point card) and the dealer doesn’t, you’ll be paid out 3 to 2.
What types of blackjack can i play at US online casinos?
As mentioned above, there are multiple types of blackjack that you can play online. Below, we’ll outline and explain many of them.
Single-deck blackjack
This is a standard, one-deck form of blackjack. There are 52 cards in a deck.
Double-deck blackjack
This is similar to single-deck blackjack, but instead of one deck, there are two.
European blackjack
Instead of getting two cards at the start, the dealer receives one face-up card, and the second is dealt after players have completed their hands. As a result, a natural blackjack doesn’t often happen.
Live-dealer blackjack
Live dealer games allow you to play a game online while playing against other players in a live feed with a real host. You’ll interact with the game, players, and host via a live chat.
Blackjack surrender
Blackjack Surrender allows you to surrender your hand and get back half of your initial wager before the dealer checks for a blackjack. This happens when you get a terrible opening hand.
Blackjack switch
With Blackjack Switch, you’ll receive two sets of cards. You’ll have the opportunity to switch the second card in each hand.
Atlantic City blackjack
This mode of blackjack allows for things like a late surrender or the dealer taking a peek at their cards for a blackjack.
Perfect blackjack
With Perfect Blackjack, you can make additional side wagers like exact combinations of cards in the initial hand.
Is online blackjack rigged?
No. Like any online casino game, online blackjack uses Random Number Generators (RNG) to balance and randomize games to keep them fair. That said, blackjack is one of the few online casino games where you can apply strategy to have a better chance of winning. Licensed and regulated online casinos are more than safe to play at.
How big is the blackjack house edge in US online casinos?
In exploring various online blackjack games at licensed and regulated online casinos, we’ve found the RTP% to be 99% or higher. At 99%, casinos will have a 1% house edge or less. This is far less than many slot games, which could be as high as 7%.
While there is a house edge, this is more so for long-term play, and you can certainly have success still.
Is card counting possible in online blackjack?
While it’s possible, online blackjack makes card counting much more difficult due to multiple factors. The leading factor is RNG, which randomizes the cards in a way unlike physical casinos. Also, online blackjack is a lot faster-paced, which may limit your ability to do so. Still, it’s technically possible, though we recommend focusing on other strategies because it can be difficult.
What are the most valuable cards in online blackjack?
Whether online blackjack or in-person, the most valuable cards to get are the ace and any 10-point cards. The ace can be a 1 or 11, and two 10-point cards can get you to 20, which is excellent for your chances of winning.
What are the best US online casinos for real-money blackjack?
1. DraftKings
DraftKings Casino offers players a welcome bonus worth up to $2,000 in deposit matches that can be used on blackjack. Here, you’ll find a massive game library with 57 blackjack titles that include live dealer games. There are also many branded games, such as WWE Blackjack, DraftKings Pride, and “per bet” games, ranging from $25 to $250.
2. BetMGM
BetMGM offers players a two-part welcome bonus where you’ll receive a deposit match worth up to $1,000 and $25 in FREEPLAY—these bonus funds can all be used on blackjack.
Under the table games section, you’ll find many blackjack games, including team-branded ones based on your state. For example, you’ll find Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia 76ers branded blackjack in Pennsylvania. In addition to live dealer blackjack, other options are available, such as Perfect Blackjack Pro, Infinite Blackjack, and more.
3. BetRivers
Using promo code “GIGMEDIA” you’ll receive a 100% deposit bonus worth up to $500 at BetRivers, and you can use the bonus funds you receive for playing blackjack. On the homepage, there’s a filtering option specifically for blackjack. Here, you’ll find 20 options: Atlantic City Blackjack Multi-Hand, Single-Deck Blackjack, Multi-Hand Blackjack, and more. Live dealer blackjack is also available here.
Are there free blackjack games in US Online casinos?
Yes. There are many online casinos, such as sweepstakes casinos, that offer free ways to play online blackjack. Additionally, many real-money online casinos offer a demo mode, which allows you to play the same blackjack games you’d play for real money in a “free” state.
How is online blackjack different from playing in a Las Vegas casino?
The most significant difference between playing online versus in-person at a Las Vegas casino is that you’re playing from the comfort of your home or mobile device. You aren’t required to be at a casino in person. Additionally, you’ll play against an RNG dealer instead of a human, and the speed of the online game is much quicker than live.
Can i use cryptocurrency to deposit for online blackjack?
As of August 2023, the use of cryptocurrency isn’t available at online casinos in the United States. However, we’ve seen sites like specific branches of Barstool Sportsbook that allow the use of Bitcoin, so it could be possible in the futuere.
What are the least trustworthy online blackjack sites in the US?
When it comes to online casinos in the United States, if it’s licensed and regulated, they’re all incredibly safe to play at. There are some other sites that are available in the United States that aren’t licensed and regulated and we strongly recommend avoiding those.
To see if the site you’re looking at is legal, you can scroll to the bottom of the page to see if the site has graphics related to the states gaming commission, lottery, or division of gaming enforcement.
Our top 5 tips for playing online blackjack in US casinos
- Avoid Insurance: When playing online blackjack, we strongly recommend avoiding paying for insurance. Simply put, the odds aren’t worth the cost.
- Start with Low Stakes: Find a version with a low minimum stake after exploring the games. This will allow you to develop a strategy without spending too much money.
- Don’t Chase Losses: Before going into a session, give yourself a budget for playing. Once you lose it, stop playing until the next session. Chasing losses could lead to you losing more money than anticipated.
- Play Live Dealer: To get that in-person experience from the comfort of your home, take a chance at playing live dealer games. This will add much more fun to the occasion.
- Monitor Casino Bonuses: Many online casinos have welcome bonuses and other promotions that can be used on blackjack. We highly recommend exploring the terms and conditions in detail to ensure it’s something you can fully take advantage of—don’t take the general ad language at face value.
Responsible gambling
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chase their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressed
- National Council on Problem Gambling – https://www.ncpgambling.org/
For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 1-800-522-4700 or go to ncpgambling.org/chat