Blackjack is a classic casino game that's played all over the world. It is now one of the most popular games to play at top online casinos in the United States. In this how to play blackjack online guide, we will show you how to get started with the best online blackjack sites so you're ready to go with every hit, stand and double down!
How to Open an Online Blackjack Account
Ready to get started at online casinos and play blackjack online? First, you'll need to open an account. Here's what you need to do.
Step 1: Check out our list of top licensed casinos to find one that's right for you. We have full reviews and ratings on NJ online casinos, PA online casinos and many more gambling sites.
Step 2: Complete the registration form with personal details including:
- ✅ Full Name
- ✅ Home Address
- ✅ Cell Phone Number
- ✅ Email Address
- ✅ Date of Birth
- ✅ Last Four Digits of Your Social Security Number (SSN)
- ✅ Username and Strong Password
- ✅ Promo Code
Step 3: Simply log in and make a deposit to claim your welcome bonus. We recommend checking the bonus terms and conditions to ensure that blackjack is one of the eligible games.
Step 4: You're ready to go! Open the casino lobby and click on the 'Table Games' or 'Blackjack' tab to discover available games.
Understanding Online Blackjack Basics
Online blackjack is one of the easiest casino games to learn. Played properly, blackjack also offers a really low house edge.
Place Your Bets
First, open the blackjack tab on your site of choice. The instructions are incredibly easy to follow. There's more. You can learn the ropes on free games before risking your bankroll.
Insurance
Most blackjack online games offer Insurance. This is an additional bet you can make that protects against the dealer being dealt a blackjack. Insurance pays out 2/1, but it's generally considered a terrible bet due to the high house edge.
The Deal
You play blackjack one-on-one against the dealer. You both receive two cards – yours face up, the dealer's one down, and one up. The aim is to beat the dealer's hand total without going over 21 (bust). Card Values: Ace: 1 or 11Picture Cards (e.g. J, Q, K): 10Face Cards: Pip value.
Hit, Stand, and Double Down
Once you receive your cards, you have several options open to you:
- Hit: Click the 'Hit' button to receive another card. You can keep hitting until you're happy to stop. Stand: Click the 'Stand' button to end your play.
- Double Down: For an additional stake, you can click the 'Double' button to receive one more card (and one only) to add to your hand. Your play is then over, and it's over to the dealer.
- Split: Dealt a pair? Split your cards and continue betting on two unique hands.
Dealer's Play
Once you've finished your play, it's the dealer's turn. The computer simply makes decisions according to a strict set of planned moves. The dealer may hit on a soft 16, for example (a 16 containing an ace), or they may stand on all 17s. You can view the dealer's rules on the table layout.
Once the dealer has bust or beaten the player, the hand is over. The chips and cards are cleared and it's on to the next hand. You may reselect chip values, drag your chips to the betting areas, and play all over again!
Classic Blackjack Payouts
Online blackjack variants usually carry a different set of payouts depending on the game type. However, there are some standard payouts that you will find in most blackjack games:
- Beat the Dealer: 1/1 (+100)
- Blackjack (e.g. 21 with an ace and picture card): 3/2 (+150)
- Insurance: 2/1 (+200)
- Tie: Stake returned
Popular Online Blackjack Variations
You can enjoy a variety of blackjack games at the top casino apps. Some variants are exclusive to online casinos.
Don't forget, you can try demo-play blackjack games at all great Michigan online casinos or West Virginia online casinos before you commit any real money.
Classic Blackjack
- Developers to Look For: IGT, NetEnt
Many top software developers offer their version of online blackjack. The game plays pretty much the same as the one you find in your local brick 'n mortar casino. However, there's no fighting for a seat, plus you can often play up to three hands at once. IGT's online blackjack version also features a Smooth Turbo mode for faster gameplay.
Blackjack Surrender
- Top Developers: IGT
In Blackjack Surrender, you have the option to ditch your hand and receive half your stake back as a refund. There are two ways to play the surrender: in Early Surrender, you give up your hand before the dealer checks for blackjack. With Late Surrender rules, you may give up your hand after the dealer turns their cards over.
Atlantic City Blackjack
- Top Developers: IGT
Atlantic City Blackjack has migrated from New Jersey casinos to become a popular online casino game. You can now play Atlantic City Blackjack at many US casinos. Use your BetMGM Casino bonus code to start now. In Atlantic City Blackjack, the dealer checks for blackjack if they show an ace or ten. Plus, you can split your hand up to three times.
Blackjack Xchange
- Top Developers: Slingo
With a house edge of just 1%, Slingo's Blackjack Xchange game is a great casino game if you love having more control over your hand. During the hand, you have the chance to change cards if you want to improve your position.
21+3
- Top Developers: Spin Games
Side bets are a common feature of the best blackjack games, and 21+3 is no different. Start by selecting your stakes (Micro Limit starts at $1, High Roller at $100 minimum), then play your regular blackjack hands. However, in this variant, there are special payouts for the side bets, should you choose to wager them.
Side bets are optional and you can play them alongside your regular ante. Example payouts are 5/1 (+500) for making a flush with your cards, and up to 100/1 (+10000) for a suited three-of-a-kind.
Multihand Blackjack
- Top Developers: IGT
In a land-based casino, it's hard enough to put bets down on one hand. In online multi-hand blackjack, however, you can bet on up to five hands at once. Increase your hand volume and clear a casino bonus faster when you gamble online. Use the DraftKings casino promo code today when you start playing Multihand Blackjack.
Blazing 777 Blackjack
- Top Developers: Bally
Blazing 777 Blackjack is a popular table game found at most PayPal casinos in the US. The game plays like classic blackjack, with one interesting side bet: you win 777x your stake if you match sevens between yours and the dealer's hand.
Live Blackjack
- Top Developers: Evolution Gaming
Live Casino Blackjack transports you to the gaming floor to play the best table games. A trained, human dealer uses real tables and cards to play out a game of blackjack. You watch the action via live stream, but bets are made on your PC or smartphone. The dealer simply uses a special scanner to transmit card values to your computer.
Responsible Gambling When Playing Blackjack Online
Here are a few smart habits to keep your gameplay safe and responsible:
- 📌 Set a Budget: Decide how much you're willing to spend before playing and stick to it. Never chase losses.
- 📌 Use Casino Tools: Licensed casinos offer features like deposit limits, session timers, and self-exclusion—use them to stay in control.
- 📌 Learn Before You Bet: Understand the rules and practice in free-play mode before wagering real money.
- 📌 Don't Play for Income: Even with good blackjack strategy, there still is a house edge. Treat it as entertainment, not a way to make money.
- 📌 Take Breaks: Avoid playing when tired, stressed, or emotional. Stay sharp and enjoy the experience.
- 📌 Know the Signs: If gambling starts to feel like a problem, seek help. Resources like NCPG and BeGambleAware can provide support.
- 📌 Stick to Legal Sites: Only play at licensed, regulated online casinos to ensure fairness and safety.
Claim Your Online Blackjack Bonus Today
There are 21 and blackjack games are now available at the best online casinos as well as at sweepstakes casinos. You can play RTP slots as well.
Every casino is different, but we know which sites offer the healthiest selections of 21, pontoon, and classic blackjack variants. We also know which casinos offer the most generous welcome bonuses for blackjack players. Start off the right way today by opening your casino account with one of our best-rated US gaming sites.
