The Best Blackjack Casinos and Games

Basic Principles of Online Blackjack Game

One of the most widespread games played in casinos online is no other than blackjack. Some gamblers may know the game under the name Twenty-One, which is still acceptable by both players and casinos all over the world. The rules of this online table game may differ from the standard blackjack, but most of the gameplay options are similar to what you will find in a traditional casino.

In traditional blackjack one or more players compete against a dealer by comparing the value of the cards in hand. The main aim of this game is to get a natural or blackjack (card count with a value of 21) when a dealer does not have one. You can also win the game without exceeding or getting a 21 by having a higher card count on your final deal, or when a dealer’s hand value goes over 21 points (“busts”).

Online blackjack is also played with one or more decks of 52 cards. The value of your cards in hand is determined by adding the respective numbers on each card, except for the ace and face cards (Jack, Queen, and King) which are worth ten and eleven or one, respectively. To win in this game, you will need to make decisions based on an optimal strategy.

The Best Blackjack Sites for UK Players

Before you decide to test your strategy, let us help you identify the best blackjack UK site for your money. Our expert team has narrowed down your search and assembled an awesome list up of top-rated casinos for British players. It is important to mention that we always recommend the best RNG and live-dealer blackjack sites on the market.

Here are some of the best blackjack online gambling sites:

Popular Online Blackjack Variations in the UK Casinos

The best online blackjack sites in the UK offer exciting variations when it comes to the game selection they offer. Rules and special features make the online blackjack games different from the ones you can play in a brick and mortar casino. Low rollers and high stakes players should first try to understand the card game variations before placing an online blackjack real money wager.

Here are the most popular real money blackjack options:

• Surrender – In some blackjack games, players are allowed to give up or fold their hands before making a hit. This feature comes in handy when you are willing to part with half of your wager rather than losing the whole amount. This move lets you cut your losses if your hand does not look promising. Some games may not allow this option when the dealer has a natural or blackjack.
• Switch – This blackjack variant is common among Playtech casinos. Here, players gamble with two hands and are allowed to exchange or switch the top two cards dealt in each of the two hands. You can also choose to switch the second cards of each hand. The objective of the gambler is to create the strongest possible hands in the game.
• Double Exposure – As the name suggests, the cards dealt on this blackjack variation face up. This variant makes it easy for the player to make the right move since all dealer cards are exposed. Usually, a casino compensates by making changes to other rules. For example, the dealer wins on all ties except for a natural or blackjack. This variation is considered to have slightly lower pay-outs.
• Perfect Pairs – Different from the standard table, this Blackjack variation allows you to make a side-bet or additional stake banking on the possibility that your first two cards will be a perfect pair (cards of the same rank and suit). Your pay-out will depend on the value of the two pairing cards: red and black card pairs pay 6:1, while cards of the same rank and suit attract a pay-out ratio of 25:1.
• 21+3 – This blackjack variation allows you to make an additional side bet alongside your initial stake, which relies on the outcome of your first two cards and the dealer’s card facing up. It is a mix of Twenty-one and three-card poker. The player wins when the first three cards combine to form a flush, straight, three of a kind, straight flush, or suited three of a kind. Your pay-out depends on the value of your cards in hand.
• Pontoon – It is opposite to the double exposure. This Blackjack variation is played with all of the dealer’s dealt cards facing down. Due to the mystery created by the dealer’s cards, the player is compensated in the pay-out, which comes with a 2:1 pay ratio as opposed to 3:2 used in standard Twenty-one games.
• Single Deck – This variation is rare because most blackjack sites use six or eight decks. Casinos that use more than one deck aim to increase the house edge. In a single deck game, the house edge can be as low as 0.10%.
• Super Fun 21 – Playing this variation of Blackjack you will require six or more cards. Here, having a card count of 20 or less can beat the dealer’s natural.
• Progressive – This variation abides by the standard rules and allows players to place a side bet on a progressive jackpot. Common to most progressive blackjack variations, this additional wager predicts the presence of Aces. In this game option, the player needs to match a specific combination of cards (four aces of the same suit) to win the jackpot.
• Multi-hand – Different from the standard blackjack, the rules in this variation allow gamblers to play multiple hands in the same round of the game. You can play with up to five hands at a time.
• Insurance – This blackjack feature gives you the option to protect half the amount of your initial wager against the dealer’s natural. The insurance bet is usually equal to half the amount of your original stake.

Online Blackjack Basic Rules

Blackjack is a game of both chance and skill, and that it has gained favour among intellectuals and mathematicians. As soon as skills are required to win the game, we recommend to familiarise yourself with its basic rules. This knowledge should help you choose an optimal strategy to beat the house. So this section is dedicated to explaining the basics you need to learn before playing in casino Blackjack.

If you are new to blackjack, then you should know that players in this table game aim to get a hand that has a value of or close to 21. Going beyond 21 is considered as a ‘bust’ and you eventually lose the game to the dealer. In this game each face card (Jacks, Queens, and Kings) is worth ten points, and Aces can have a value of either one or eleven. The value of the other cards corresponds to their numerical order.

Casino blackjack is played with one or more players against the dealer. In each round, everyone on the table is dealt with two cards, including the dealer. Then, only one of the dealer’s cards will face up, while the rest of the cards on the table will remain face down. Here, card counting can help you predict what cards are left. In case you appear not in a winning position, there’s a chance to move some of them, so that you can increase your chances of winning.

Here are some of the moves you can make while playing blackjack online:

• Hit – this option allows you to draw another card to increase the value of your hand.
• Stand (“stick”) – this move lets you maintain the value of your hand.
• Split – this play option is usually applicable when your initial two cards have the same value. It splits the two cards allowing you to gamble with two hands.
• Double (“double-down”) – You can use this option to double your initial wager and only after that draw an additional card. Here, the player is taking a big risk for a possible big reward.

Players can win in three ways: hitting a ‘natural’ or ‘blackjack’ on the first two cards, having a hand value higher than that of a dealer, and also in case a dealer busts. Most Twenty-one game variations have the lowest house edges ranging from 0.5% to 1%. The house edge can be reduced further by playing with a real money blackjack strategy.

Types of Blackjack and Their Gaming Options

Online Blackjack Casino Bonuses

We’ve gathered some of the most popular offers and special promos users are able to find on British casino sites. Here are their main types:

Matched Deposit Bonus

Matched bonuses are pretty straightforward – an offer from the casino site literally matches a certain percentage of an amount players deposit. The sum you will receive from the gambling site depends on a certain percentage of your stake, which ranges from between 50% and 200% depending on the casino you choose. For example, if a casino offers a 100% match up to £200, then it will match your stake up to £200 max. A deposit of £100 will earn you an extra fund of £100.

No Deposit Bonuses

It’s easy to understand what this bonus entails just from its name. Players do not need to make a first deposit transaction to claim this freebie. In most gambling sites, you will only need to sign up to get your blackjack free bet no deposit bonus as a part of welcome promo. While such cash offers are usually small and may range from 5 to 10 pounds, by claiming one you can enjoy your first real money gambling experience without risking your bankroll.

Cashable and Non-Cashable (“Sticky”) Bonuses

Most Blackjack casinos offer a cashable bonus and let you keep your winnings only when you meet the wagering requirements. On the other hand, some blackjack sites will only offer non-cashable or sticky offers that do not let you withdraw your winnings from a casino.

Bonus Terms and Conditions

Before you claim a bonus from any of the casinos we recommend, make sure that you read the site’s small print. Most of the blackjack sites in the UK come with their own set of terms and conditions that determine the wagering requirements (ranges from 10% to 50%), expiration limits, and maximum winning caps. Aside from game restrictions, bonus’ T&Cs might be different depending on a certain region players visit a particular website from.

Blackjack Casino Software Developers

The best online blackjack games in the UK casinos are powered by top-notch software developers from all over the world. Here is a list of the most outstanding providers that make it possible for you to gamble in the blackjack tables online: