Choosing from the Best Blackjack Online Casinos – What and Where to Play

Protection of Personal Details

After making sure the online blackjack casino you’ve chosen to play at is licensed and regulated by the respective authorities, you will want to check how it handles data and transactions. SSL encryption is an industry standard and something you should insist on when sharing personal information and transferring money. Encryption technology protects logins along with sensitive information and transactions and ensures that the data transferred between the online casino and your browser remains private. It's evident that both these aspects are critical and that one shouldn't take security online lightly.

Software Checks and Fair Play

The third aspect to consider before playing at a blackjack online casino is RNG testing and fairness. RNG, which stands for random number generator, guarantees that the outcome of casino games is random. Now, random does not necessarily equal fair. Computer programs used in casinos work with pseudo-random number generators. They don’t need numbers or data to produce an output. They usually use algorithms and seed numbers.

What a player should be interested in is actually the RTP, or return to player, because that's what speaks of the fairness of the games. Another key thing is the shuffling algorithm – some operators provide details and audit reports of how card decks are shuffled. If you want to be sure a site is fair, however, don't just take their word for it. Instead, look for the logo of an independent laboratory like eCOGRA and iTechLabs – third-party testing is the ultimate guarantee for fairness.

Online Blackjack Software and Platforms

When it comes to the software of blackjack sites, there are better-known and less-known developers, yet all of them strive to create high-quality games. There are more than 15 software providers, with the leading ones being Microgaming, Playtech, IGT, NextGen, and NetEnt. But building awesome games with entertaining features is only part of what software companies do. They are also responsible for the creation and implementation of gaming platforms. Apart from the traditional download and instant play, two other platforms have become a must in the last couple of years – live and mobile.

Download or Instant Play?

There are two ways to play blackjack online – download and instant play – and there is no right or wrong way to do it. The advantages and disadvantages of each way are well-known, and the only question is which will be more popular in the future. Downloading a game of blackjack will provide you with better graphics, sound, and more stability. It will take space on your computer, however, as well as some time to install. Instant play will take no space but will require a faster internet connection and may be of poorer quality. It will allow you, though, to switch between games and casinos without having to install first.

We've mentioned the basic pros and cons. However, a good internet connection is no longer an issue, which means download casinos will probably be dying out. The quality and stability of instant play have improved considerably. So, we won't be surprised if instant play made download apps redundant. The process has started, with most of the games these days being instant play. Moreover, the download casino is much more expensive to develop.

Try Live Blackjack for a Real-Time Face-Off with the Dealer

Nowadays, many blackjack sites offer live versions of the game with multiple tables, various betting limits, and different rules and side bets. An unwritten rule is that the real dealers are professional and attractive. There are many live platform providers, but there are two you'll recognize instantly – Evolution Gaming and Playtech. They are the most popular live platform providers, and they offer excellent video and unique studio environments.

You may play live blackjack alone at a VIP table or with many others at the Blackjack Party – the famous table created by Evolution Gaming. A unique feature of the party table is the presence of two dealers, who successfully create a lively atmosphere with their constant chatting. Thanks to the bet behind option, an unlimited number of players can enjoy blackjack at this table. The bet behind option is one of three side bets – the others being perfect pairs and 21+3 – that have become a standard for live games. Bet behind means you'll be betting on another player's hand and leaving decisions, such as whether to stand or hit, to that player.

Playing Blackjack on the Go

If you plan on playing while you're out and about, make sure the online blackjack casino you choose is mobile-friendly. There are two ways to play on your portable device – in your browser or by downloading a native app. If you like to follow up your desktop play on your mobile, the best blackjack online casinos make it easy no matter if your devices run on Android or iOS. Both options – web app and native app – are convenient and require no technical skills. For more information, visit our dedicated mobile casino page.

Blackjack Online – Game Explained

One of the key features of playing online is variety, so bear that in mind when searching for the best blackjack site. There are many variations, with different rules and settings, betting limits and side bets, and even progressive jackpots. The first difference a player will notice is the presence/absence of side bets, with the most common being bet behind, 21+3, and perfect pairs. There are various types of blackjack, such as peek, progressive, switch, and surrender.

The Basics

Let’s start from the basics and talk about classic casino blackjack. These rules apply to online and land-based casinos alike. The game is played on a semi-circular table for one to seven players, with one to eight card decks. The Ace is valued at 1 or 11 points, 10s and face cards – at 10 points, and cards from 2 to 9 – according to their pip value. The highest possible hand is a blackjack, also known as natural, which is made of an ace and a face card. A natural normally pays 3 to 2. Get familiar with some of the most widely used techniques of play at our blackjack strategy page.

Casino Blackjack Rules – Number of Decks, Dealer Rules, and Side Bets

Before you start playing blackjack online, you should be familiar with the features and settings. The dealer may stand on a hard 17 or on a soft 17, and this is no small matter. The latter is more favorable to players if you're wondering. Another significant distinction is centered around the number of decks used. A single-deck blackjack is a dream come true for card counters, but it's impossible to come by at casino sites. RNG blackjack may be played with a single deck but that's no use if the cards get shuffled after every hand.

Side bets make the game even more fun. You place a separate wager apart from blackjack in the hope of getting a successful card combination. For example, perfect pairs will pay out for two paired cards, depending on color and suit. With 21+3, you're looking for a poker hand, which takes into account your first two cards plus the dealer’s face-up card. You'll get a nice payout for 3 of a kind, flush, straight, etc.

Practice the Game or Play for Fun

Online casinos offer a wonderful opportunity for blackjack newbies – you can practice what you have learned, play for fun or try your luck with plenty of free games online. The best blackjack sites offer demo versions to play for free. The majority of options are instant play and require only a flash player and good internet speed. The best thing about playing in demo mode is that you can never lose. However, that's also a major drawback, because you're also missing out on potential winnings.

Time to Stack Those Purple Chips

Experimenting and practicing is one thing, but when you play real money blackjack online, you'll see the game on a whole new level. The focus, the thrill, the entertainment – they all increase by a million when real cash is involved. Imagine getting a natural early in the morning while drinking your coffee. What a way to start your day! Blackjack is a game of both skill and luck, so once you are familiar with the basic strategy, playing with real money is the next step.

Other Blackjack Variations

Other Games – When You Want a Change

Once in a while, you might want to try some of the exciting slots and classic table games with your blackjack winnings. It is a good idea to have as many options available as possible, just in case. Having a variety of games at your disposal is important and will guarantee you hours of pure fun. So, bear that in mind when picking your favorite blackjack casino site.

Types of Bonuses Online

Reputable online blackjack casinos try hard to create an attractive bonus system. There are a few types of bonuses one can get when playing online. What is common for them all is that they provide you with extra cash, and extra cash prolongs the play, and thus the fun. Since there are many types of bonuses, you should become familiar with them in order to make the best choice. Make sure you read the fine print, for the terms and conditions bonuses come with are just as important. The best online blackjack casinos offer bonuses that can be used to play blackjack and have conditions that are favorable for blackjack players.

Cashable Bonus

Probably the most popular bonus at casino sites, the cashable bonus will be offered to you from the moment you sign up. There is usually a wagering requirement, so you'll have to play through your bonus between 25 and 60 times before you can cash it out. These conditions have to be fulfilled within a certain timeframe. But once you complete the requirements, the money is available for withdrawal, and that's great.

Sticky Bonus

The sticky bonus is a playable but non-cashable bonus. It is also known as a free play bonus. Claim a sticky bonus, and you'll get money to play with, but you won't be able to withdraw it. Furthermore, if you decide to leave the casino, the bonus money will be taken from your balance. It's not as bad as it might seem, though, and this still is a pretty good deal. With the right sticky bonus, you'll get to keep your winnings.

Cashback Bonus

At some casinos, you will get a cashback percentage on your net losses, which will go straight to your account. Sometimes, these funds are even withdrawable once you receive them. However, there may be some wagering requirements. What you should know is that the cashback percentage usually differs depending on the level the player is at – it makes sense that the higher up the tiers you go, the better it will be.

Withdrawing Your Winnings

You might not think about it yet, but sooner or later – hopefully, sooner – the time will come to withdraw your winnings. To make your life easier when you decide to cash out, look for casinos that have a wide variety of options for both deposit and withdrawal. Furthermore, the fact that the casino works with a large number of payment providers is a sign that it is legitimate and reliable. You will visit the casino cashier when depositing and will probably find a good selection of methods. However, note that having many deposit options doesn't guarantee getting an equal variety of withdrawal methods.

Customer Support – the Casino 911

Great customer care is not an absolute necessity in this industry, but it is a benefit. The best blackjack casinos have had years of experience, and their customer service works like a well-oiled machine. They also have good FAQ and help sections, which will answer most of your questions. Still, it is better to be able to contact the casino support team when you need to. And if you happen to have a casino emergency, just choose your method of contact. We have listed the methods and rated the customer support of each of the casinos in our detailed reviews.

FAQ: Online Casino Blackjack

Playing blackjack at an online casino can be entertaining and enjoyable, but at the end of the day it all comes down to winning. And since we all like the thought of coming out on top, it's smart to come to the party prepared. Take advantage of the list with the most frequent questions online players ask. We hope these will make things clearer and help you decide to play blackjack online.