There are many blackjack variants around, but here I'll just stick to the classic game. Whether you play the live dealer version or against a computer, your objective is simple: you need to get a better hand than the dealer's by getting as close as possible to 21, without going over. If your hand goes over 21, you lose your bet. This is called a 'bust' or 'break'.

After placing an initial bet, the dealer will give you two initial cards face-up. The dealer will also deal two cards, but his or her first card is face up and the second is face down. Jacks, Kings, Queens and 10s count as 10. The value of Aces may be counted as a one or 11. All the other cards are counted at face value.

At any point before reaching 21, you may either 'stand' or 'hit'.  To 'stand' means you don't want any more cards. To 'hit' means you're asking for another card. When playing blackjack in a land-based casino, these actions are signaled using your hands or fingers. You stand by waving your hand and tap the table to be hit with a new card. For blackjack online, you just need to tap the equivalent buttons on your screen.

You win if your score is closer to 21 than the dealer's. If your hand is less than the dealer’s, you lose the bet. If the dealer’s hand 'busts', you win as well. If the first two cards you are dealt amount to 21, (for example, you have an Ace and a Jack) you win automatically - that hand is called a Blackjack.

Although as I mentioned, the objective is simple, the strategy of online Blackjack can get quite complex. In fact, over the years lots of blackjack betting systems have surfaced. SOme of them may work, some won't, but at the end of the day, the goal is to have fun. So before embarking on a blackjack online session, be sure to set a budget and set limits for how much you want to bet on each hand.

When you sign up for the best blackjack sites, you will notice a number of casino games for free in a demo mode as well as for real money. So, yes, it is possible to play blackjack online completely for free and just for the fun of it!

Sure, there is nothing quite like playing blackjack for real money. However, there are clear benefits of playing both for free or for real money, and we actually recommend you do both:

Advantages of Playing Blackjack for Free

• Get to know a new game: If there is a blackjack variant you have never played before, accessing it for free allows you to become familiar without risking your money.
• Practice: With its betting methods and decisions, free blackjack online has an element of skill. Playing for free gives you a blank canvas to practice without putting your bankroll on the line.
• Play for fun: Blackjack is plenty of fun, and maybe you want a relaxing session playing a game demo.

Advantages of Playing Real Money Blackjack

• You win real money: The obvious benefit of playing a real money blackjack game is that you can potentially make a profit.
• More fun and drama: It is easy when playing for free to make silly decisions because nothing is on the line. Real money online casino games are the ultimate test and more exciting.
• Claim bonuses: Online casino bonuses are only available when you play real money games.
• Access live dealer games: Because of the costs of running a studio with human dealers, live casino games are only available to real money players.

Advantages of Playing Blackjack Online

Many people want to know how betting at the best blackjack sites online differs from heading down to your local casino and playing your cards right. Well, if you are asking how to play blackjack, the games are virtually the same in terms of rules and bets. Although, there are also clear differences between online blackjack and playing at a land-based casino:

• Game Variations: Every type of blackjack variant is available online, even game types you will never find at a real casino. Yet, you can even recreate the land-based gambling atmosphere online with live dealer games!
• Software Providers: Our recommended blackjack casinos host games from top developers, so you’ll know your options are secure and provide excellent gameplay. Some of the industry’s leading providers include Microgaming (Classic Blackjack Gold Series, Atlantic City Blackjack), NetEnt (Classic Blackjack, Jacks or Better), and Evolution Gaming (live Blackjack).
• Availability: Online blackjack games are available 24/7 – you never need to wait for a seat like at a brick-and-mortar venue. No matter what time of day you prefer to play, you can play your cards right whenever you wish.
• Bonuses: Bonuses and casinos go hand in hand, and you'll find that even the newest online casino offers bonuses and loyalty programs where customers can extend their bankroll. With deposit matches, no deposit offers, and reload promotions, you can play blackjack without spending a fortune. Promotions are not typically available at a brick-and-mortar casino.
• Convenience: One of the biggest benefits of playing blackjack online is its convenience. You no longer need to spend time and money traveling to land based casinos – everything is available at your fingertips!

Choosing an Online Blackjack Site – What to Consider

When you pick a blackjack casino, we recommend making no compromises. You should expect the best experience to suit your demands. Of course, we are here to help by listing the best blackjack sites currently available. You can browse and compare our recommendations based on your individual needs.

All top international casinos should provide an excellent all-around level of quality. Factors you should look into when choosing a blackjack betting site include the following essential categories:

• Selection of games: Quality is more important than quantity, but a combination of both is ideal. Always check to see how many blackjack variants are available, including live dealer options. The best casino sites will also offer a good collection of slots, roulette, and other games. Likewise, the best poker sites will have a selection of popular poker games to choose from. Keep your eye out for games from leading software providers like NetEnt, Microgaming, Playtech, and Pragmatic Play.
• Bonuses: Some online casino promos and promo codes for casinos are better than others. Sure, all look great on paper, but some may have unfavorable restrictions and requirements. Always read the T&Cs to see the rules, such as payment blocks and wagering requirements. Select bonuses that allow you to play blackjack games alongside being easy to claim and generous.
• Casino and Mobile Functionality: Many modern gamblers like to be able to access their favorite blackjack games from a mobile device. At the same time, a casino should still be functional on desktops. Check reviews like ours to see how the casino you like works on mobile and PC, including performance and the availability of a mobile casino app.
• Safety and Security: When playing blackjack online, you’ll need to hand over your personal information and financial details to your online casino. Therefore, security is essential. Top casino operators should provide privacy through data encryption. Games should be independently rated for fairness, while the casino you select should hold a license with a major gambling regulator.

How To Get the Best Blackjack Bonus

One of the most frequent questions I receive is; are online casino bonuses worth it? Well, yes is the simple answer, but there are things you need to know before claiming that attention-grabbing promo. Firstly, you should always read the terms and conditions of any bonus you claim. Standard rules include bet/win limits, time restraints, and wagering requirements.

In fact, the wagering requirement is attached to all casino bonuses. It is a number that shows how many times you must play through your bonus funds before withdrawing the winnings you made with the offer. The wagering requirement will often determine the quality of a bonus – too high, and the promotion is not worth trying to claim.

Therefore, our team looks for the best blackjack sites that have bonuses that are easy to claim, including the following popular promos:

Welcome Bonus

While welcome bonuses are often the most generous promotions, they are only available for new customers who register with an online casino. It usually consists of a deposit match, where the casino offers a percentage return on your first deposit. For example, a 100% match against a deposit up to a specific value. Many sites may also include a top slots bonus in the form of free spins on a specific game, which are often bundled into a welcome package.

Deposit Bonus

As noted above, a deposit match allows you to claim a percentage back on a deposit you make at the online casino. While it is often a part of the welcome bonus, a deposit match offer is also available for existing customers. A common bonus would look like “deposit $100 and receive a 100% match”. This would give you $100 in bonus cash, effectively doubling your bankroll.

No Deposit Bonus

A bonus of compromises, a no deposit bonus is one of the most popular online casino promos. Here you will receive a reward, such as bonus funds or free spins, without needing to make a deposit. This offer can be available at the best blackjack sites, but it is pretty rare. It is also worth noting a no deposit offer will often have a higher wagering requirement and a smaller bonus return.

VIP/Loyalty Rewards

VIP and loyalty programs share many similarities, but they are actually different. A VIP program is an exclusive club within an online casino. It is reserved for customers who spend the most money and time on the site. These players get VIP rewards for their support. Loyalty programs are generally available for all players, allowing them to gain points from every bet. Points can push them through levels with increasing benefits.

The Different Online Blackjack Variations

A major perk of visiting one of the best blackjack sites we recommend is that you get to pick from a wide variety of game types. Blackjack is a flexible game with multiple variants that all offer unique gameplay elements. Each version takes the classic game of blackjack and adds something new, such as blackjack strategy, for players to enjoy.

Classic Blackjack

Perfect for beginners or purists, classic blackjack is the traditional version of the game available at all the best blackjack sites. This game uses eight decks of 52 cards and involves standard hit-and-stand options on open betting. Standard blackjack has one of the best payout returns of any casino game, with an RTP of 99.75%.

Atlantic City Blackjack

Born on the casino floors in the New Jersey gambling capital, Atlantic City blackjack makes one significant change to standard blackjack. In this variant, you are allowed to double any hand you want, while doubling on traditional blackjack can only be done on some hand values. As for payout, the RTP of Atlantic City blackjack is 99.65%.

Blackjack Surrender

As the name suggests, blackjack surrender brings the “Surrender” wager into play as a side bet option. This wager allows you to fold your hand if you think it is poor before it goes against the dealer. Doing so will allow you to claim back half of your initial wager.

Super Fun 21

Perfect for players who want faster online blackjack sessions, the easy gameplay and speed of Super Fun 21 make it popular at online casinos. It can be played on one, two, or six decks and has unique elements such as a blackjack hand only paying out even money odds. Payouts are lower than other variants, with an RTP of 98.84%.

Multihand Blackjack

Experienced players love multihand blackjack because it puts their skills to the test while offering pure blackjack gameplay. In this game, you will play multiple hands simultaneously, such as four or six. Notably, the gameplay is identical to classic blackjack, with an RTP of over 99.60%.

Double Exposure Blackjack

Available at the best blackjack sites, Double Exposure has a unique rule where the dealer must show both of their cards. Other blackjack variants allow the dealer to display either only one card or none. This rule change is good news for players because they can see what the dealer has and make their betting decisions accordingly. Double Exposure has an RTP of over 99.30%.

European Blackjack

All blackjack games are derived from European blackjack, albeit with a modern twist. In the classic European variant, the player has both their cards facing down, so there is no hole card. As for the dealer, they receive one card initially and won’t get the second card until the player makes their betting decision. European blackjack has an RTP of over 99.60%.

Blackjack Switch

One of the newest popular blackjack variants, Switch, was invented in 2009 by Geoff Hall. It takes the classic game and has a unique twist that will appeal to expert players more than beginners. The big difference in Blackjack Switch is that you get two hands instead of one. You can decide to switch the top two cards of both hands to try and make one better hand. RTP: 99.40%+

Spanish 21 Blackjack

If you want a completely original take on classic blackjack, Spanish 21 is one of the best options. Here all the cards with a value of 10 (10s, Jacks, Queens, and Kings) are removed from the decks. With high-value cards out, you’ll need to choose to hit on every hand, making the game more dramatic. Spanish 21 has an RTP of over 99.50%.

Live Dealer Blackjack

There is no doubt that playing at a land-based casino is exciting. However, in the modern era, the best blackjack sites can replicate the social aspect of blackjack and the authenticity of real casinos. Live dealer blackjack games provide a live stream from a studio where a human dealer will handle gameplay, including real cards and a real betting table.

While blackjack casinos remain the most popular preference for many live casino players, they offer much more in terms of live gambling entertainment. Among the most frequently found games at these sites are the renowned classics, baccarat, and live roulette.

Baccarat

Played between a player and a banker, online baccarat is all about predicting which hand will have a higher value or if the outcome will be a tie. The game follows simple rules, with cards valued from 2 to 9 retaining their face value, while 10s, jacks, queens, and kings are worth zero. The objective is to achieve a hand value as close to nine as possible, with the option to place bets on either the player's hand, the banker's hand, or a tie. Live baccarat captures the essence of the game through high-quality streaming, allowing players to interact with professional dealers and fellow participants in real time, creating an immersive and engaging gaming experience.

Roulette

Live roulette is all about the anticipation to see where the little ball will land when the wheel stops turning. The online live version of this game offers players the same immersive experience you would expect in a traditional land-based casino. To ace this game, you'll need to predict on which number the ball will stop. You will have various betting options available, such as choosing specific numbers, ranges of numbers, or even colors, which makes it possible to use different strategies to enhance your chances of success.

Video Poker

Video Poker combines the elements of traditional poker with the simplicity of a slot machine. In this game, players are dealt a hand of cards and must strategically decide which ones to keep and which ones to discard in order to create the best possible poker hand. The objective is to achieve a winning hand, such as a pair, two pairs, three of a kind, a straight, a flush, a full house, or even the elusive royal flush. Different variations of Video Poker, such as Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, and Joker Poker, offer unique twists and rules, adding further excitement and diversity to the game.

With a diverse range of games such as blackjack, baccarat, and roulette, online blackjack casinos cater to the ever-evolving demands of live casino players. Whether you're looking for the strategic gameplay of blackjack, the elegance of baccarat, or the thrill of roulette, these virtual platforms offer an immersive and interactive environment where you can engage with professional dealers and fellow enthusiasts from wherever you are.

A lot of hard work goes into finding the best blackjack sites. Our team has the task of reviewing online casinos around the world. That is a lot of sites, and we never select a blackjack casino at random. In fact, every casino we recommend has undergone an extensive review that covers every aspect of online gambling.

Many considerations go into connecting our readers with the best blackjack sites. Of course, finding game libraries with the best range of blackjack games to suit all types of bettors is a priority. However, we also look into many other factors, including:

• Game Selection: Alongside top blackjack games, we expect leading casinos to provide a broad selection of slots, online roulette, poker, and live dealer titles.
• Security: Every online casino we recommend is licensed by a known gambling authority. We also check for modern SSL encryption software and game fairness.
• Payment Methods: We pick casino operators that offer plenty of both deposit and online casino withdrawal methods, including credit/debit cards, e-wallets, pre-paid, and others.
• Support: It is important to us that a gambling site provides robust customer care, including live chat, FAQ sections, and social media links.
• Bonuses: Our team specifically hunts for the hottest casino bonuses, including the most lucrative and accessible welcome packages, no deposit deals, and free spins.
• Compatibility: We understand the needs and requirements of modern gamblers and recommend casino sites that have a seamless user experience at a casino on mobile and desktop.