What Is Online Blackjack?
Online blackjack is the digital version of the world's most popular casino card game. The objective is simple: beat the dealer by getting a hand value closer to 21 without going over. It's one of the few casino games where your decisions directly affect the outcome, making strategy genuinely important.
With a house edge as low as 0.5% when using basic strategy, blackjack offers some of the best odds of any casino game. That's significantly better than slots (typically 3-6% house edge) or roulette (2.7% for European).
How to Play
Card Values
- Number cards (2-10) are worth their face value
- Face cards (Jack, Queen, King) are worth 10
- Aces are worth 1 or 11, whichever benefits your hand
Basic Flow
- Place your bet
- Receive two cards face up
- The dealer receives one card face up, one face down
- Choose to Hit (take another card), Stand (keep your hand), Double Down (double your bet and take one card), or Split (if you have a pair)
- The dealer plays according to fixed rules (typically stands on 17)
- Closest to 21 without busting wins
Blackjack (Natural 21)
If your first two cards are an Ace and a 10-value card, that's a blackjack. It typically pays 3:2 (£15 on a £10 bet). Avoid tables that pay 6:5 on blackjack; the reduced payout significantly increases the house edge.
Basic Strategy
Basic strategy is a mathematically optimal way to play every possible hand. It tells you exactly what to do based on your cards and the dealer's up card. Following basic strategy reduces the house edge to roughly 0.5%.
Key Decisions
When to Hit:
- Hard 8 or less: always hit
- Hard 12-16 when dealer shows 7 or higher: hit
When to Stand:
- Hard 17 or higher: always stand
- Hard 13-16 when dealer shows 2-6: stand
When to Double Down:
- Hard 11: double against everything except dealer Ace
- Hard 10: double against dealer 2-9
- Hard 9: double against dealer 3-6
When to Split:
- Always split Aces and 8s
- Never split 10s or 5s
- Split 2s, 3s, 6s, 7s against dealer 2-7
Learning basic strategy takes time, but it's the single most impactful thing you can do to improve your blackjack results. Many online casinos allow you to play at your own pace, so you can reference a strategy chart while you play.
Live Dealer vs RNG Blackjack
RNG (Software) Blackjack
- Play at your own pace with no pressure
- Lower minimum bets (often £0.50-£1)
- Results determined by random number generator
- Good for learning and practising strategy
Live Dealer Blackjack
- Real dealers on camera, streamed in real time
- Social experience with chat functionality
- Higher minimum bets (typically £5-£10+)
- More authentic casino atmosphere
- Powered by providers like Evolution Gaming
Both versions use the same rules and offer similar odds. The choice comes down to personal preference and budget.
House Edge Explained
The house edge in blackjack depends on the rules and your play:
| Scenario | House Edge |
|---|---|
| Basic strategy, standard rules | ~0.5% |
| Average recreational player | ~2-3% |
| 6:5 blackjack payout | ~1.4% |
| Perfect basic strategy + favourable rules | ~0.2% |
The difference between a player using basic strategy and one playing by gut feel is enormous. Over 1,000 hands at £10 per hand, that's the difference between an expected loss of £50 versus £250.
Tips for UK Players
- Start with RNG blackjack to learn the rules and practise basic strategy without time pressure
- Check the rules before playing as small rule variations can significantly change the house edge
- Set a bankroll limit and stick to it; even with good odds, variance means you can have losing sessions
- Avoid side bets like Perfect Pairs or 21+3; they carry much higher house edges than the main game
- Look for 3:2 blackjack payouts and avoid any table offering 6:5
Responsible Play
Blackjack's low house edge can create a false sense of security. Remember that the house still has an edge, and short-term variance can produce significant losses. Set strict bankroll limits and never chase losses. See our responsible gambling guide for more advice.
