Online Blackjack Real Money USA

The classic game of blackjack is one of the most popular and well-loved casino games in the world, whether at online or land-based casinos. Blackjack for real money is played at most of the leading land-based casinos in Las Vegas and around the world and many of the top-rated online casinos. Blackjack is so popular for numerous reasons.

Firstly, it is one of the easiest casino games to play and requires little practice, making it ideal for new players wanting to place a wager for the first time without risking too much money. In fact, blackjack can be mastered by just about anyone.

The game is also one of skill and chance, so players can make use of an effective blackjack strategy to improve their chances of success. What’s more, real money blackjack boasts a better house edge than other games available at land-based and online casinos, giving players a better advantage over the house and improving their chances of winning.

Best Online Casinos to Play Real Money Blackjack in the US

Blackjack is available in most online casinos, so if you want to focus on this game, you’ll have plenty of choices to play blackjack online. Your first instinct might be to go for blackjack sites that offer the biggest welcome bonus, but we strongly recommend focusing on trustworthiness instead.

Choosing a trusted online casino to play real money blackjack is your most important decision. Most international casino sites operate under licenses issued in tax havens, such as Curacao, Gibraltar, Malta, or the Isle of Man. The market is currently so saturated that operators facing higher taxes aren’t capable of competing with industry giants. Unfortunately, the biggest blackjack sites aren’t legally available to players residing in countries with protectionist gambling regulations.

If you live in Delaware or New Jersey, you’ll have to stick to platforms operating under locally-issued licenses, which offer considerably smaller bonuses. If gambling laws in your area are strict on operators but permissive towards players, your only option might be to play online blackjack for real money on a “rogue” offshore site. Keep in mind that making a deposit with an offshore site is inherently risky, so make sure you stick to well-known operators, such as Bovada or BetOnline.

Online Blackjack Bonuses

Online casino bonuses are awarded as a percentage of your initial real money deposit. Usually, your payment will be matched dollar for dollar, but some operators allow you to get more value by offering a 150% or even 200% match. Welcome bonuses are usually capped at a few hundred or a couple of thousand dollars, but if you’re forced to join a low-traffic casino, you may have to settle for less.

This might sound like an excellent deal, but unfortunately, casino bonuses come with wagering requirements. In most cases, you’ll be required to play through the entire bonus or the bonus and deposit combined between 15 and 30 times before the casino allows you to cash out. For example, if you deposit $100 to a site that offers a 100% bonus with a 20x playthrough, you’ll have to wager at least $2,000 to clear your promotional cash.

In addition, blackjack is a high-RTP game, so it doesn’t contribute 100% towards bonus clearing. In most cases, only 10%-20% of your wagers will count, which means that most casino bonuses will be very difficult to withdraw unless you follow optimal blackjack strategies to a tee.

Online Blackjack Games & Variations

Playing online blackjack for real money is a rewarding and exciting experience. Many of the best online casinos now feature a wide range of blackjack games to appeal to all players. These include variations of the game suited to specific markets, although the most common blackjack versions available are American and European blackjack.  Let’s look at some of the differences between the two:

When you first decide to play blackjack for real money, you will need to choose a type of online blackjack games to play. As mentioned, American and European blackjack are two of the most common options. While both are generally the same in terms of concept and basic rules, there are slight differences you will need to understand before betting real money. 

American blackjack

Here, the dealer is dealt two cards at the start of the game – one facing up and one facing down (also known as the hole card). In terms of decks in play, American blackjack features 6-8 decks. Players can also double down on any total and after splitting. Late surrender is also available at any time.

European blackjack

Here, the dealer is dealt one card at the beginning of the game and one card when all players are done betting. The game makes use of two standard decks in play. Doubling down is only applicable on values of 9, 10, or 11 while splitting can only be done once on 10’s, Jacks, Queens, or Kings. The late surrender is not available in European blackjack.

Progressive blackjack

This is similar to classic blackjack except that it has a progressive jackpot attached to it. Access to the progressive pot will likely involve an additional bet, but all other rules are the same, give or take a few slight variations.

Atlantic City blackjack

This version is played with 8 decks. The dealer is also allowed to peek at his hole card and stand on soft 17. Late surrender, insurance, and re-splitting up to 3 hands is also possible.

Spanish 21

This variation is played with either 6 or 8 decks, although all 10-value cards are removed from the decks. Why? It increases the house edge of the game. The game also allows the dealer to peek at his hole card, as well as late surrenders and insurance.

Vegas Strip blackjack

A very popular version of online blackjack, this is similar to American blackjack. It is played with 4 decks. The dealer can peek at his hole card and stand on soft 17. Players can also double down, split, and resplit cards up to 3 times.

Live Dealer Blackjack

All live blackjack rules and gameplay are the same as its online version, except that this game is played live, complete with live dealers, live players, and real-time action.

Super Fun 21

This game uses a single deck of cards although it sticks to the standard rules of blackjack. That said, there are slight changes to its payout structures.

How to Play Blackjack – The Basics

Blackjack is a hand comparison game played with one or more 52-card decks. Online blackjack is usually played solo, while live games can be played by more than one player. The objective is always to beat the dealer. This can be achieved by scoring more points without going bust, hitting a blackjack (21 points), or making the dealer go bust. The general rules of blackjack are as follows:

• The value of a blackjack hand is derived from the sum of individual cards’ point values. There is only one exception to this rule – the blackjack is the strongest possible hand and consists of an ace and any 10-point card.
• Aces count for 1 or 11 points depending on which option is more beneficial. Tens and face cards are worth 10 points each. The value of number cards depends on their pip value.
• The game begins with players placing their bets. All winning bets pay even money, except for blackjack, which typically pays 3 to 2. Some casinos offer short-paying blackjack games, in which a blackjack pays 7 to 5, 6 to 5, or even 1 to 1.
• Once bets are placed, the dealer gives each player two cards and draws two cards for himself. Player cards are always placed face up. One of the dealer cards is dealt face up, while the other is dealt face down. This face-down card is referred to as the hole card.
• If the face-up card dealt to the dealer is an ace, players are offered an insurance side bet. This wager pays 2 to 1 and wins if the dealer is holding a blackjack. The wager size cannot exceed 50% of the original bet. Taking insurance is always optional.
• If the dealer has a blackjack, all player hands except blackjack automatically lose. If the player also has a blackjack, the game results in a push.
• Players take action before the dealer, which gives the house an advantage as the players can bust before the dealer. Available actions are:
• Stand – don’t draw any cards and stand on your point value.
• Hit – draw one additional card.
• Double down – double your bet, draw one and only one additional card, then stand.
• Split – if the player has a pair or any two ten-point cards, he can double his bet and split his hand into two hands, which are then played our separately. Each new hand will automatically receive a second card. From then on, the player may hit, stand, or double. The only exception is splitting aces, where hitting is not allowed. What’s more, an ace with a ten-point card counts as 21 points; not a blackjack. In some games, doubling after splitting is forbidden.
• Surrender – the player can surrender his hand and receive half of his initial wager. This option is usually only available on the first two cards. In some games, it’s not available at all.
• When players complete their actions, the dealer turns over his hole card. If he has 16 points or fewer, he draws another card; if he has 17 points or more, he stands. In some games, the dealer also hits if he has an ace and his remaining cards are worth 6 points. This is referred to as “hitting on soft 17”.
• Both the players and the dealer play out their hands until the game is resolved. Players that exceed 21 points bust and lose their wagers. The same holds true for the dealer – if he goes over 21 points, all players who haven’t busted win. If the dealer doesn’t bust and everyone stands, the higher point total between the player and dealer wins. If the number of points is equal, the outcome is a push.
• If the game results in a push, the money is returned to the player.

Blackjack terms glossary

• Blackjack – the best possible hand in real money blackjack, composed of an ace and a 10-value card.
• Basic strategy – a strategy that results in the lowest possible house edge without counting cards.
• Card counting – a technique that involves counting the carts left in the deck to negate the house edge.
• Hard hand – a hand that doesn’t contain an ace and can bust over a single draw.
• Hole card – the face-down card that belongs to the dealer.
• Hitting – drawing another card.
• Standing – refusing to draw another card.
• Splitting – splitting a hand into two separate hands.
• Re-splitting – splitting a hand that has already been split.
• Doubling down – doubling your bet and taking another card.
• Insurance – a side wager that wins if the dealer is holding a blackjack.
• Soft hand – a hand that contains an ace and can’t bust over a single draw.
• Surrender – an action that involves abandoning your hand and recovering half of your initial bet.
• Push – a situation in which both the dealer and the player hold equally strong hands.
• Player advantage – a situation in which the player has a mathematical edge over the house.
• Expected Value – the mathematically expected value of a player’s decision, abbreviated as EV. Decisions that benefit the player are EV-positive (EV+), while decisions that benefit the casino are EV-negative (EV-).
• Grind – slowly losing your bankroll during long gambling sessions in EV-negative games.
• RTP (return-to-player) – a percentage of the wagered money that’s mathematically expected to return to the player’s bankroll.

Online Blackjack Strategy

What’s great about real money blackjack is that it is the perfect game to try out a basic strategy. Once you have a handle on how to really use a strategy to play online blackjack games, you can delve into more elaborate approaches and really improve your skill and performance in the game.

Strategies will also help reduce the house edge, thereby improving your odds and increasing your chances of winning.

Blackjack rules give the house an edge over the player, so beating real money blackjack is mathematically impossible in the long run. Even in games that allow card counting, the rules are designed to prevent the player from gaining a theoretical advantage. If this weren’t the case, advanced blackjack players would begin exploiting such games, forcing the casino to shut them down or go out of business.

That being said, you can turn a profit in the short run due to blackjack’s inherent variance. If that is your goal, you should maximize your chances by following proper blackjack strategy and choosing the most advantageous blackjack variant available.

How Blackjack rule affect house edge

The house edge in blackjack is derived from the rules, and every small variation has a certain impact on the casino’s advantage over the player.

Standard US blackjack rules are as follows:

• 8 decks.
• Dealer stands on soft 17.
• Doubling down after splitting is allowed.
• The player can double down on any first two cards.
• The player can re-split to 4 hands.
• Re-splitting aces and hitting on split aces is not allowed.
• No surrender.
• Blackjack pays 3 to 2.

Assuming the deck is shuffled after each hand, the house has a 0.43% advantage if the player doesn’t make any mistakes.

Games offered by real money blackjack casinos tend to deviate from the standard rules in a number of ways.

Rules that favor the player

Here’s an overview of blackjack rules that benefit the player and the way they modify the house edge:

• One deck: -0.48%
• Two decks: -0.19%
• Four decks: -0.06%
• Five decks: -0.03%
• Six decks: -0.02%
• Doubling down is allowed on any number of cards: -0.23%
• Hitting more than once on split aces is allowed: -0.19%
• Re-splitting aces is allowed: -0.08%
• Surrender is allowed: -0.08%
• Early surrender against ten is allowed: -0.24%

Rules that favor the casino

Here’s a similar list of rules that benefit the casino:

• Doubling down is allowed only on 9-11: +0.09%
• No re-splitting: +0.10%
• Doubling down after splitting is not allowed: +0.14%
• Doubling down is allowed only on 10 and 11: +0.18%
• Dealer hits on soft 17: +0.22%
• Blackjack pays 7 to 5: +0.45%
• Blackjack pays 6 to 5: +1.39%
• Blackjack pays 1 to 1: +2.27%

Basic strategy

To avoid making bad decisions, you need to follow a basic strategy chart designed for your specific blackjack games. Because there are 6,912 possible rule combinations in blackjack, listing every correct strategy is beyond the scope of this article.

If you can’t find a strategy chart for the blackjack variants offered by your casino, you should follow a simplified strategy – the cost is a minor 0.13% house edge increase for standard US rules, which is still significantly better than following a bad strategy or relying on your instincts.

Simplified strategy

If you don’t have an ace (hard hand):

• If your hand is worth between 4 and 8 points, always take an additional card.
• If your hand is worth 9 points, double down if the dealer’s upcard is worth between 2 and 6 points, and hit if it’s worth 7 points or more.
• If your hand is worth 10 or 11 points, double down.
• If your hand is worth between 12 and 16 points, stand if the dealer’s upcard is worth between 2 and 6 points, and hit if it’s worth 7 points or more.
• If your hand is worth between 17 and 21 points, you should always stand.

If you do have an ace (soft hand):

• Always hit if your hand is worth between 13 and 15 points.
• If your hand is worth between 16 and 18 points, double down if the dealer’s upcard is worth between 2 and 6 points, and hit if the dealer’s hand is worth 7 points or more.
• If your hand is worth between 19 and 21 points, you should always stand.

Additional rules for splitting:

• If you’re holding a 22, 33, 66, 77, or 99, split if the dealer’s upcard is worth between 2 and 6 points, and don’t split if it’s worth 7 points or more.
• If you’re holding 88 or AA, you should always split.
• If you’re holding 44, 55, or TT, you should never split.

Card counting

Card counting is an advanced technique based on the observation that high-value cards benefit the player more than they benefit the dealer. If the cards aren’t shuffled after every hand, the player can gain a temporary advantage over the casino by counting the remaining cards in the deck and increasing their bets when many high-value cards are left in the deck.

In a game with a typical 0.4%-1% house edge, card counting can give the player a 2% advantage when the deck penetration (i.e., the number of cards already dealt) is sufficient.

In most online blackjack casino games, the deck is automatically shuffled upon completion of every hand, which prevents achieving any deck penetration and makes card counting impossible. Some games simulate deck penetration and shuffle only from time to time. This information may be included in the game description to attract more players.

The problem is that this is usually an elaborate newbie trap, as most games of this kind come with no visible or audible shuffle indicators. This means that if you start counting cards, you may be led to believe you’ve achieved deep deck penetration, prompting you to increase your bet without realizing the deck has already been shuffled.

In order for card counting to work, you need a game that simulates deck penetration and informs you of every shuffle. Those games are very rare, and because casinos are well aware of the power of card counting, they tend to impose tough restrictions that negate any edge you could gain by using a card counting system.

House edge and the grind in online blackjack

Since the house always has an edge in real money online blackjack, the player is mathematically guaranteed to go bust during an infinitely long gambling session. This means that as your sessions get longer, the probability of losing your bankroll nears 100%.

In most cases, you won’t lose your bankroll over a single downswing. Instead, your bankroll will start shrinking over time as your losses start outweighing your wins due to probability. This phenomenon is known as the grind and is the bane of casino players all over the world. The only way to avoid the grind is to get lucky during a short gambling session and stop playing as soon as you turn a satisfying profit.

What to Look for in a Real Money Blackjack Casino

If you are new to online gambling, you may be wondering how to start playing blackjack online for real money at an online casino. With so many options out there, choosing the best casino to suit your needs can be a headache if you’re not sure what to look for. Also, playing for real money means you must choose a gaming platform that is safe, secure, and legit as you don’t want to risk losing any of your hard-earned cash.

That said, there are some things you can look out for to ensure the safety of the online casino, while some obvious red flags will also help you make the right decision. Let’s take a look at some of the biggest factors to consider when choosing a real money blackjack casino. 

Safe and Secure Deposits

There is also some sort of risk associated with gambling for real money. That said, these risks should be as transparent as possible and players should know what they are signing up for when joining online casinos.

The best-rated casinos will have all their terms and conditions readily available for all players to view and will be 100% transparent about things like licensing and regulation, banking methods, waiting periods, and more. When joining a real money casino, visit its terms and conditions and cashier pages to learn about any rules, restrictions, limitations, and waiting periods associated with any of the real money blackjack games or bonuses you want to play. 

As a general rule of thumb, online casinos must offer a wide range of banking methods to suit a variety of players. These should include standard methods like credit and debit cards, as well as e-wallets like PayPal, Neteller, and Skrill, prepaid vouchers like Paysafecard, as well as additional options like cheque, pay by phone, and even cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.

For added safety and security, make sure these methods are all reputable and that the site features the latest SSL encryption technology that ensures the complete protection of your sensitive information.

Trusted Online Blackjack Providers

Reputable game providers like Microgaming and NetEnt have been introducing players to new and exciting iGaming experiences for many years now and continue to do so on a monthly basis. If in doubt, make sure that your chosen casino features a games lobby powered by renowned, credible, and reliable software providers.

It is not hard to research some of the biggest names in the industry. These providers not only provide a safe and secure gaming experience but produce exciting new offerings so you never get bored. Real money blackjack variations are available at many of the biggest online casinos featuring top software providers, therefore finding a quality option at these gaming platforms should not be hard.

In terms of fair, random results, online casinos make use of random number generators or RNGs. This method is important as it ensures that online casinos produce fair, safe, and random results. This is crucial when playing real money blackjack as there is no real-life dealer to shuffle and distribute cards.

Due to the large amounts of money being transacted at online casinos, these computerized RNGs allow for automatic and random shuffling and card distribution. For added safety, online casinos should also be audited on a regular basis by third-party companies to ensure fair and random play at all times. Again, this information should be highlighted on the casino’s site for anyone (not just signed-up players) to view.

Good Bonuses and Promotions for Blackjack Players

One of the best ways to really improve your chances of landing some extra rewards is to choose an online casino that offers some generous bonuses and welcome offers. Casinos provide players with some cool promotions and special offers as a way to attract new players and keep existing players betting real money.

One of the most common bonuses is a welcome bonus, which can take the form of a first deposit bonus, a no deposit bonus, and many other unique ways to entice new players. Sometimes, casinos can also offer free spins bonuses, which, while more applicable to slots players, will be beneficial to blackjack players if you want to spend some extra time playing other games and earning some easy wins. All of these bonuses are available to new players who have registered an account at the casino. 

While many of these bonuses focus on slots players, you will find numerous special offers that apply to real money blackjack players. Casinos will offer daily promotions, seasonal promotions, and ongoing promotions designed to keep existing players happy and trying out various real money games within the lobby. Another common promotion casinos will run is a loyalty scheme that awards loyal, depositing players with points for every wager they place at the casino.

You can accumulate your points, which can then be converted into anything from casino credits to bonuses, free spins, and more. Some casinos will also run VIP programs where dedicated, depositing players will earn special benefits not available to regular players. The more you bet, the better these benefits can include anything from personal account managers to free money, exclusive promotions, and even gifts, prizes, and vacations. 

How to Play Online Blackjack for Real Money?

One of the biggest advantages of playing online blackjack for real money is that it’s quite easy to learn. In fact, many new players often find blackjack easier to learn and play than other popular casino games like Craps, for example. What’s more, the availability of various gaming strategies and techniques not only improves your chances of winning but also improves the house edge and adds a fun and rewarding aspect to the game. 

Whether you play blackjack online or at a land-based casino, the basic blackjack rules remain the same. That said, we did mention that there are different variations available that feature some subtle differences, although understanding the basics of the game makes switching over to these other versions all the easier.

To start your real money blackjack journey, choose an online casino, sign up and deposit money into your casino account. Once you have claimed your welcome bonus, you can start playing online blackjack for real money.

Next, choose the blackjack game you want to play, make your chip value and place your bet on the blackjack table. Your cards will be dealt and the game will begin. For those gaming on the go, visit your web browser on your smartphone or tablet, type in the casino URL and sign up instantly; if the online blackjack casino offers a downloadable app, visit your app store, download the app and play blackjack via your mobile device. 

Online blackjack tips

Following these rules won’t give you an advantage over the house, but it should improve your overall online blackjack experience. It will also help you avoid approaching this game with unrealistic expectations.

1. Don’t deposit more than you can afford to lose

Online blackjack is an EV-negative game, so treat depositing money to an online casino like spending it on entertainment. Don’t expect to win – if you only care about turning a profit, choose a different game, such as competitive poker. Never assume you’ll come out ahead – it’s the less probable outcome, even for a low-house edge game. If you ever notice you’re spending too much money when you play blackjack online, you can ask your casino operator to set a weekly or monthly deposit limit on your account.

2. Don’t get angry if you lose

Real money blackjack is mostly played for entertainment; don’t get annoyed if you fail to turn a profit. Single-player blackjack is an EV-negative game, so accept the fact that you’re going to lose some money in the long run. If you enjoy the thrill of winning and don’t care about the bigger picture, your best bet is to select the right blackjack game.

3. Choose the blackjack game with the best odds

Once you join a casino site, find out which blackjack variant comes with the most advantageous rules. This will allow you to enjoy the game even more as you’ll be winning more often. It will also improve your odds of turning a profit if you keep your sessions reasonably short.

4. Stick to the proper strategy

You don’t have to learn your blackjack game’s basic strategy game by heart. Following the simplified version outlined in this article should be enough if your primary goal is to have fun. Whatever you do, don’t rely on strategies that have been proven counter-productive, such as avoiding busting at all cost or trying to hit 21 points in every hand. Remember that your goal is to beat the dealer, not to achieve some arbitrary goal.

5. Try to avoid the grind if you want to turn a profit

If for some reason you want to turn a profit by playing an EV-negative game like most online blackjack variants, make sure to keep your gambling sessions short and sweet. Don’t try to get even if you fail, and accept the fact that you won’t be getting a fair game. Once you reach your goal, stop playing – if you keep at it, you’re more likely to donate some of your winnings back to the casino than to come out even further ahead.

Online Blackjack FAQ

Is it really possible to win money playing blackjack online?

Yes. You can turn a profit if you keep your gambling sessions reasonably short. However, once you’ve played enough hands, you will notice the results reflecting the house edge with nearly perfect mathematical accuracy. This is because the volume of hands eventually starts negating the impact of variance – anything can happen if you flip a coin 10 times, but if you flip it 10,000 times, the distribution is guaranteed to be close to 50/50.

What’s the Best Strategy for Playing Blackjack with Real Money?

There are a few good tricks and strategies you can implement to increase your chances of winning real money blackjack. One of the most common strategies minimizes the losses in the long term as it can be used across various blackjack variations. Another tip is to choose your blackjack game that has the lowest house edge, which increases your advantage. Basic blackjack strategies are based on mathematical decisions that have been used to create a set of rules of gameplay. These rules tell you what to do and what action to take based on the information available. 

These rules are based on the number of cards in the deck and the possible combinations that can be dealt with. Because there is a fixed number of cards and a finite number of possible combinations, it is possible to mathematically determine your next move to increase your chances of winning. While the house edge always gives the casino the advantage, using a blackjack strategy like this can keep this advantage to a minimum. Finally, managing your real money balance, setting limits, and practicing self-discipline are important to enjoying successful real money blackjack.

Q: Why does the number of blackjack decks matter?

A: The number of decks matters mainly because having fewer decks increases the likelihood of player blackjack. If the player draws a 10-value card, the odds of drawing an ace are higher with fewer decks in play. Having more decks in play also increases the likelihood of a blackjack-on-blackjack push – such pushes are always beneficial for the casino unless a blackjack pays 1 to 1.

Q: Can I learn proper strategy by playing blackjack for free?

A: Absolutely. You can play online blackjack for free in order to practice basic strategy. The dealer has to follow precise rules, so you’ll never have to adapt your strategy to an unpredictable opponent that may behave differently when there is money on the line. If you’re completely new to blackjack, learning the game’s basics in free play mode is highly recommended.

Q: Can I use card counting techniques to gain an advantage in an online blackjack game?

A: No. Card counting techniques require deck penetration, which is impossible in most online blackjack games. You might be able to find a few casinos that offer games that simulate deck penetration, but their rules are invariably so disadvantageous to the player that any edge you might gain from counting cards is essentially negated.

What is the difference between playing real money blackjack at a casino vs online?

Single-player online blackjack does not differ from land-based blackjack in terms of rules.

Online blackjack is automated, and the outcome of each round is generated by RNG software, allowing the player to play many more hands per hour. Some blackjack games simulate deck penetration and shuffle only from time to time, but in most cases, the cards are shuffled after every game.

Some large internet casinos also offer live dealer blackjack, which uses live streaming technology to allow you to participate in a live game with a real dealer, authentic casino equipment, and real cards.

There are several other differences between playing real money blackjack online versus at a land-based casino. The first difference is the fact that playing online is generally more convenient. There is no need to travel to a land-based casino to play your favorite game or wait around for a blackjack table to be available.

You don’t even need to get dressed as you can play blackjack in the comfort of your home or wherever you are. Additionally, software providers are constantly upping their games in terms of titles available, giving online players more access to a wider range of games and variations. These games are designed to be as realistic, exciting, and rewarding as possible and players will always be spoilt for choice at online casinos. 

What is the house edge in online blackjack?

Many casino games have a fixed house edge, although this is not the case with online blackjack. Since there are numerous variants with slightly different rules, the house edge varies depending on the version of the game you are playing and how you play. If you are using an effective blackjack strategy, the house edge could be lower than 1%. If not, the house edge could be slightly higher or a lot higher than that. 

Is online blackjack the same as live blackjack?

While the basic rules of blackjack remain the same, there are certain differences playing online versus live blackjack. Since there are no physical cards involved when playing online, the casino uses RNGs to shuffle and deal cards in the most random way. Everything is done automatically, which is great for those who prefer a more convenient gameplay in a quieter environment. That said, online blackjack does not have any live dealers or other players, although playing at a live casino offers a more realistic and interactive gaming experience. 

Can I play real money blackjack on my mobile phone?

Yes, many of the leading online casinos on the market offer a mobile casino that caters for gamers on the move. These mobile casinos have been developed to be as user-friendly and responsive as possible, offering a gaming experience almost identical to what is offered at online casinos. Simply visit the casino via your web browser for instant access, or go to your app store to download the app for free. Many real money blackjack games are available to play via your mobile device.

Can I try online blackjack for free before depositing real money?

Yes, it is actually advised to try out your preferred online blackjack game for free before betting any real money. In this way, you get a better understanding of the game before risking any real money. It is also a great way to try out a particularly blackjack strategy. As an extra tip, look for casinos that offer no deposit bonuses that apply to blackjack games for a chance to play for real money without using any of your own money.

How do I make a deposit at online blackjack casinos?

A: Most casino sites offer a wide range of deposit methods. In most cases, their availability will depend on your area of residence – usually, you’ll get to choose between Visa/MasterCard, Neteller/Skrill, and local payment processing services. PayPal isn’t all that popular in the online gambling world because eBay is very picky when it comes to cooperating with casino sites.

Note: If you live in the United States, you shouldn’t deposit using a credit card. American financial institutions tend to block 25%-40% of all gambling-related Visa/MasterCard transfers due to federal-level regulations. Unfortunately, this also applies to payments to legal casinos operating under locally-issued licenses.

How do I withdraw my blackjack winnings?

Cashing out is also a relatively painless process, although there are some restrictions in terms of how much you can withdraw and waiting periods depending on the method of withdrawal you have chosen. Visit the casino’s cashier page, make your selection, including any billing or personal information, and submit your withdrawal request. Withdrawals will be processed instantly but there is generally a waiting period for your payout from a few hours to a few days.

What about cryptocurrencies? Can I use Bitcoin to play blackjack online?

Yes, you can play online blackjack with Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, but only offshore casinos and crypto casinos. Licensed and regulated US online casinos don’t support cryptocurrency deposits.

How did blackjack originate?

Blackjack is based on a game called twenty-one, which was likely designed in 16th-century Europe. The first written reference to this game can be found in Miguel de Cervantes’ “Rinconete y Cortadillo.” When twenty-one was introduced to the United States, gambling establishments started offering bonus cash payouts to attract more players. One of these promotions involved a 10 to 1 payout if the gambler’s hand was composed of an ace of spades or jack of a black suit. The bonus was relatively short-lived, but the new name stuck to the game.

Blackjack isn’t an entirely luck-based game, and the first serious attempts at analyzing it date back to 1950s. The first paper on optimal blackjack strategy was revealed in 1956 by Roger Baldwin, Wilbert Cantey, Herbert Maisel, and James McDermott. In the 1960s, American mathematician Edward O. Thorp devised the first card counting technique that allowed the player to beat the dealer in the long run.

By that point, blackjack was already too popular for casinos to drop. Gambling venues started introducing countermeasures against card counting techniques, such as auto-shuffling shoes. The war between card counters and casinos continues to this day, even though it never really expanded to the online gambling world due to online blackjack’s automated nature.