Online Blackjack Guide: Variants, Strategies, and Where to Play

Blackjack has always been the casino game that blends luck with strategy. Unlike roulette or slots, it offers players the chance to reduce the house edge with correct decisions—hit, stand, double, or split.

Online blackjack carries that same appeal but expands the options with new variants, live dealer streams, and side bets.

In 2025, the game is firmly embedded in mobile and desktop apps on both sides of the Atlantic, offered by regulated casinos from Bet365 Casino to BetRivers and FanDuel Casino.

What Is Online Blackjack? And why is it so popular?

Online blackjack is the digital version of the classic card game where the aim is simple: beat the dealer by reaching as close to 21 as possible without going over. RNG (Random Number Generator) games run instantly on apps, while live dealer blackjack streams real tables through providers like Evolution or Playtech.

One clear advantage of online play is accessibility. Minimum bets start as low as $1 in the U.S. or £1 in the UK, compared with $10–$25 minimums in some physical casinos. Online tables also let players toggle between side bets, multi-hand play, or live formats without leaving their seat—or smartphone screen.

From the player point of view, Blackjack’s popularity stems from the fact that it is one of the few true games of skill available in the casino table game genre.

Besides the feeling that they have some control over the outcome, another factor that increases the fondness for the game among blackjack players is the simple reality that the house is only holding an 0.05% edge over the players in the game of blackjack. Blackjack generally pays out at a 3:2 ratio on legal and regulated online casino sites.

So, in short, blackjack is popular for its potential high return to player (RTP) if played well, its simple rules, and the fact that it doesn’t require complex strategies or reading other players, like in poker. It’s an easy game to learn, ideal for beginners at a live table or an online casino.

Types and Variants of Online Blackjack

100+ blackjack online games are offered at US and UK casinos. Each variant tweaks the rules or adds features that shift house edge, pace, or entertainment value.

Classic Blackjack (Bet365 Blackjack)

This is the standard 3:2 payout version available at most casinos. Bet365 Casino runs its own branded tables with betting limits from $1 to $2,000, offering a clean interface suitable for both desktop and mobile. The RTP (return-to-player) with perfect strategy is around 99.5%.

Blackjack Live

Evolution Gaming’s Blackjack Live tables dominate both U.S. and UK casinos. These stream real dealers and allow interaction through chat. Stakes range widely, from $5 casual tables at BetRivers to high-limit salons where bets can exceed $5,000 per hand.

Easy Blackjack

This variant simplifies gameplay with fewer side bets and an uncluttered layout. Available at casinos like FanDuel Casino, it’s often marketed as the ideal entry point for mobile users new to the game.

5 Hand Blackjack

Shown in your screenshot, 5 Hand Blackjack allows players to control up to five simultaneous hands against the dealer. It appeals to those who want more action and is common at PlayStar Casino NJ and UK platforms such as Spin Rio.

Blackjack Surrender

This variant includes the “surrender” rule—players can give up their hand and lose only half their bet if the situation looks bad. For example, a hard 16 against a dealer’s ace. This reduces the house edge slightly, making it a smart choice for strategic players.

First Person Blackjack

Evolution’s First Person Blackjack uses 3D graphics rather than live dealers, giving the flexibility of RNG speed but with realistic visuals. At Bet365 Casino NJ, it’s used as a bridge between instant play and live tables.

Lightning Blackjack

One of the most popular new formats. Lightning Blackjack adds multipliers (up to 25×) to hands, creating progressive-style payouts. While this raises volatility and house edge slightly, it has become a favorite at both BetMGM USA and Bet365 UK.

Free Bet Blackjack

Here, the casino automatically covers certain doubles and splits, giving players “free” bets. The catch: if the dealer busts with 22, bets push instead of winning. Still, it’s a popular high-action variant available at DraftKings Casino.

Fun 21 Live

Fun 21 modifies rules by removing tens from the deck, but compensates with special payouts for blackjacks and six-card wins. It’s more volatile, but for players seeking variety, it offers a change of pace.

All Bets Blackjack

This format allows multiple side bets—Perfect Pairs, 21+3, and more. It increases table activity and is often streamed from large-scale Evolution studios.

Cashback Blackjack

Players can cash out part of their bet mid-hand based on current odds, similar to sportsbook cashout. This variant is gaining traction at U.S. sites like BetRivers and in UK apps such as Virgin Games.

Also, at Betrivers, you can find and play 23+ online blackjack games. Blackjack Players’ Choice, Multi-Bet Blackjack, Blackjack Xchange.

Atlantic City Blackjack

You may recognize this form of blackjack if you’ve ever visited a New Jersey casino. Atlantic City Blackjack works like the regular game but offers one or two special rules. For example, you can split your hand up to three times if you get dealt a pair. Plus, the dealer will check for a blackjack when showing a 10 or ace.

Multihand Blackjack

Play up to 3, 4 or 5 hands at once with online multihand blackjack. This variant helps you increase your game variant and work off a casino bonus sooner.

Side Bet Blackjack

There are some great side-bet blackjack variants, including Poker & Pairs from IGT, and 21+3. The side bets are placed in addition to your regular stakes and offer additional payouts for making perfect pairs or three-of-a-kind. 

Some common side bets in Blackjack include “Lucky Lucky,” “Perfect pairs,” “Royal match,” “21+3” and “Lucky Ladies.” These side bets add more excitement to the game and offer potential for high payouts.

One of the best side bets for Blackjack comes with Blazing 7s Blackjack. It pays out if either of your first two cards is a 7, and the payout increases the more 7s appear in the draw. You can play up to three hands of Blazing 7s Blackjack at once, using your blackjack chart to judge the best action for the cards you’ve been dealt.

Progressive Jackpot Blackjack

Progressive Blackjack is played similarly to the classic game, but with a side bet hoping that your two cards will combine with the dealer’s two cards to trigger a jackpot payout. There are several winning combinations, and the ultimate win is four aces of the same color, triggering the progressive jackpot. However, you can’t win the jackpot if you split the aces.

In progressive Blackjack games, you can only double down when your hand scores 9, 10, or 11 and you cannot double down after a split. Additionally, if your first two cards are a pair, you can split them into two separate hands but this disqualifies you from winning the jackpot.

At regulated US online sites, you can also play for real money the following types: Micro-Stakes Blackjack, Atlantic City Blackjack, branded Borgata Blackjack Pro, Platinum Blackjack Pro, New York Jets Blackjack, Bingo Blackjack, Four 20s Blackjack, Multi-Bet Blackjack, Single-Deck Blackjack, Speed Blackjack Live.

Which blackjack to choose then?

Often, the only difference in the blackjack game might be the design of the layout. But sometimes, different is good, even if it’s only a change in the aesthetics. 

In general, the objective of the game of blackjack never changes. The player is seeking to get 21, or closer to 21 than the dealer, without going over. There are rules that change depending on the type of blackjack you are playing. 

For instance, some games require the dealer to hit on a soft 17. Other games may prohibit players from doubling down on a split. Certain variations eliminate the option for the player to surrender.

A surrender in blackjack takes place when a player opts to fold before drawing new cards. In a surrender, half of the player’s stake is returned to the player and half is retained by the house.

Some blackjack variants do provide more of an edge to the player. For instance, single deck blackjack utilizes just one deck of cards, making tracking of cards easier for the player.

Blackjack Odds and RTP

The table below outlines standard RTPs and house edges for common bets and rules:

The clear takeaway: stick to 3:2 blackjack with favorable rules if your aim is better odds.

Top Used Strategies and Known Systems

Unlike roulette, blackjack strategy can meaningfully reduce the house edge.

Basic Strategy

The foundation is the basic strategy chart, dictating when to hit, stand, double, or split based on your hand and dealer’s up card. For example:

• Always split aces and eights.
• Never split tens.
• Double down on 11 versus a dealer 6.

At Bet365 UK, following basic strategy reduces house edge to around 0.5%, compared with over 2% if you play hunches.

Card Counting (Not Viable Online)

In land-based casinos, players track high and low cards to shift odds. Online RNG games shuffle after each hand, and live dealer tables often use eight decks with continuous shuffle. In practice, card counting doesn’t work online.

Martingale System

Some players apply roulette systems like Martingale to blackjack, doubling bets after losses. While this can recover short-term losses, it doesn’t change odds and risks hitting table limits.

Side Bets

Options like 21+3 or Perfect Pairs pay out high multipliers but carry a house edge of 3–6%. They add excitement but lower long-term returns. Serious players often avoid them.

Best Casinos for Online Blackjack

• BetMGM (NJ, PA, MI, WV) – Best for variety. Offers Lightning Blackjack, Free Bet Blackjack, and multiple live tables with stakes up to $5,000. There’s also a cool bonus blackjack game, Blackjack Fortune Spinner Pro, with random side prizes worth up to 100x.
• Bet365 Casino NJ – Best overall experience. Branded Bet365 Blackjack, plus live tables and RNG formats. Smooth mobile app performance earns it top ranking from experts at Agamble.com.
• BetRivers (NJ, PA, MI, WV, CT) – Best for rewards. Blackjack sessions earn loyalty points in the iRush Rewards program. Offers Cashback Blackjack and All Bets Blackjack. There are over 20 games in total, including exclusive FELT Blackjack with 6-in-1 bets, and the progressive 21+3 game. Blackjack Player’s Choice was recently added and gives you a choice of six different side bets on every hand. 
• DraftKings Casino – Best for promotions. Regular bonuses include blackjack-specific deals. Progressive jackpot side bets make it unique.
• Hard Rock Bet Casino (NJ) – Best for casuals. Features Penny Blackjack and low-limit live tables ideal for new players.

How to Pick an Online Blackjack Site

Choosing where to play depends on three factors:

1. Rules and Payouts: Prioritize 3:2 blackjack over 6:5 versions.
2. Variants Offered: Decide whether you prefer classic tables or newer formats like Lightning Blackjack.
3. Casino Reliability: Stick to licensed brands like Bet365, BetMGM, or BetRivers.

A short tip: if your goal is better long-term returns, always pick classic 3:2 blackjack with surrender allowed.

Roulette vs. Blackjack: Better Chances?

From a statistical perspective, blackjack is superior. European roulette carries a 2.7% house edge, while blackjack with basic strategy can drop below 0.5%. That means over $1,000 wagered, expected loss is $5 in blackjack compared with $27 in roulette. The trade-off: roulette is simpler and purely chance-based, while blackjack requires focus and correct decisions.

What new blackjack games to play for real money online today in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Michigan? TOP casinos offer classic blackjack, blazing 7s blackjack (blackjack bet that wins based on how many sevens players receive in their hands). Min bet: $0.10, max bet: $600, RTP: 99.42%. Get bonuses by using promo codes.

How to Play Online Blackjack

Blackjack is the classic table game that’s been played over the world for centuries in one form or another. You can now play a variety of blackjack games online, some of which are exclusive to the casino that provides them.

Let’s start by explaining the classic version of blackjack. Here’s our step-by-step playing guide:

• Select your stake and choose whether you want to play the Insurance wager. Then, hit the ‘Deal’ button to receive two cards face up.
• You must receive extra cards (“hit”) or take no further cards (“stand”). You must make a total of 21, or as close as possible, without going over (“bust”).
• Once you have finished taking cards, it’s the dealer’s turn. The computer automatically draws cards until the dealer is forced to stop (normally on a 16 or 17).
• You win the hand if you beat the dealer’s total. If the hand is tied, it’s a “push”, and your stake is returned.

Blackjack Payouts

In online blackjack, face cards are worth their pip value. Picture cards are worth 10, aces 1 or 11. You can also pay for insurance if the dealer shows an ace in their hand. You win 2/1 if the dealer reveals a blackjack.

• Win: 1/1
• Natural Blackjack (an ace and a picture card): 3/2
• Insurance: 2/1
• Double Down: Place another bet equal to your first one, then receive one more card only.
• Split: Break a pair and continue betting on two new hands.

8 Tips to improve your blackjack skills

Know the Differences Between Online and Live Blackjack

Although the base game remains the same, online and live blackjack have some differences. Counting cards, a strategy employed by some in live blackjack, is ineffective in online blackjack due to the automated nature of the hands dealing process.

Learn the Card Rankings

The rankings of cards in blackjack differ from poker. It’s crucial to remember these rankings for effective gameplay. Aces can be worth either 1 or 11, tens and the face cards (Jacks, Queens, Kings) are all worth 10, and the rest (2-9) are worth their face value.

Be Careful When Choosing to Hit or Stand

The majority of outcomes in online blackjack are chance-based, so it’s critical to consider this when deciding your next move. Familiarize yourself with when it is typically appropriate to hit, stand, double down, split, or surrender based on your and the dealer’s hands.

Find Your Preferred Online Blackjack Game

There are several variations of online blackjack games. We recommend beginners familiarize themselves with the rules and try out different types to see which they are most comfortable with, such as Classic Blackjack, European Blackjack, Blackjack Switch, or Free Bet Blackjack.

Avoid Insurance Bets

The insurance bet, which is based on the dealer having blackjack, is often seen as having a high house edge and therefore is typically not a profitable strategy in the long run.

Use the Basic Blackjack Strategy

A blackjack strategy card can be a useful tool for beginners. It provides an outline of all possible outcomes and scenarios in the game, helping you make informed decisions and potentially improving your results. This basic strategy is a mathematically-proven approach that aims to reduce the house edge.

Consider Hitting on a Soft 17

Unless the dealer is showing a bust card, hitting on a soft 17 (a hand that includes an Ace valued as 11) can often be a smart play. This offers you a certain level of flexibility and potentially two chances to improve your hand.

Set Betting Limits

Irrespective of whether you’re a novice or a seasoned player, setting daily wagering limits is a critical strategy. It’s important to play responsibly and within your budget to ensure long-term success in the game.

Online Blackjack FAQs