Best Online Blackjack Casinos in the UK

Important online blackjack terms

It’s only natural for players to be a bit trepadious when thinking about the game, but it’s not that hard once you get cracking with the jargon or terms associated with this game. When you start playing online blackjack the essential keywords and phrases that you need to learn can seem confusing at first, but you’ll soon get a hand on them. Once you are familiar with these terms, the gameplay is much easier. These phrases include:

Anchorman – This refers to the last player to make a move in an online blackjack game.
Blackjack – When you score a Blackjack you have a winning hand with an Ace and a card with 10-values.
Bust – If you go bust in blackjack online you lose the game, this occurs if you receive cards to the value of 21.
Counting – A player is said to be counting cards if they are keeping track of the cards on the table.
Double down – Players are given the chance to make another online blackjack bet when they have one more card to come.
High roller – When you make a series of consistent high-value bets, you are classed as blackjack online high roller
Shoe – This is the box that contains all of the playing cards for a round of online blackjack and is designed to help the dealer remove individual cards.
Stand, stand, pat – This refers to a players choice to deny more cards.

Online blackjack variations

Online blackjack has become one of the most popular varieties of table games at most casinos, along with the free online roulette game. Although there are many reasons why blackjack online is favoured by players who enjoy taking a gamble, the most common is the sheer variety of games that are available to players in both the virtual and the real world. These games provide you with the opportunity to play with a dealer and other players, which offers you the opportunity to hone your strategies and enjoy the challenge of the game. Experience several different varieties of the same game or even a tournament or two, then online blackjack is the type of game that allows you to do just that.

Classic Blackjack

When you play blackjack online you have the chance to enjoy the original version of this game. This is one of the most popular options amongst players due to the relative simplicity of the game. Not only is this version of the game easy to learn but there are only a limited number of rules that you need to remember. However, there are several other reasons why you would play blackjack online for fun.

The first and most significant reason why people choose to play classic blackjack online is the convenience that it offers them. Players never need to wait for an open table as there are a wide variety of online blackjack games available. You may also find that minimum betting requirements for classic online blackjack are significantly lower than on other varieties of this game. This means that you may be able to play a hand of online blackjack even if your budget is restricted. This is most common for players who prefer putting a little money into their online casino account with the aim of slowly building up the profits and minimizing the losses.

Another significant benefit associated with playing classic online blackjack is the player configuration of each game. In most cases, you’ll be playing head to head with your dealer. This means that you have better odds of winning while also being free to learn from your errors. If you are a seasoned online blackjack player, you may also enjoy this classic variety of the game as there are no frustrations around waiting for additional players who are not as familiar with the rules of online blackjack as you are.

Blackjack Switch

Blackjack switch is a variation of the classic online blackjack game, however, there are a few key differences that make this version appeal to those who are looking for a little adventure. When you play classic blackjack online the dealer hands you a single card. When you are playing blackjacks switch the dealer typically hands you two cards. As the game progresses, players have the option to switch their cards between their two hands. Another difference between this version of the game and classic online blackjack is the payout rate for winners. When you play this version of the game you receive a 1:1 payout instead of the 3:2 payout you would usually receive in classic online blackjack.

There are several reasons why you would choose to play online blackjack switch. The most common reason that online blackjack players would choose to play the switch variety of this game is the break that it gives one from the rules of a classic blackjack online game.

If you are a regular online casino player, you may find that the rules of this game have become rather stagnant. However, when you try your hand at online blackjack switch you have the opportunity to challenge yourself to a range of different rules and strategies. You may even find that the odds for winning a had of online blackjack switch is significantly higher than when you play classic blackjack. Once you have learnt the basics, it’s a good idea to try your luck on a round of online blackjack.

Mobile Blackjack

In recent years, it has become increasingly popular for online blackjack players to rely on mobile devices for all of their gaming needs. As a result of this, software developers across the globe have placed a significant focus on creating blackjack online games that are specially designed for a mobile device like a smartphone or tablet. When you choose to play online blackjack you have the option to play the traditional version of this game or you could play one of the many other varieties of this game that are available on the mobile platform.

Although the basic principles of online blackjack are maintained, there are a few key differences when you play the mobile versions of this game. Most of these games are designed to be displayed on a small screen, therefore, you may find that certain aspects of the gameplay are different. For instance, you may only be able to see one portion of the playing screen at any one time.

When you play blackjack online you see your hand of cards before you are shown the table. However, this may be different depending on the device you are using. Another difference between desktop online blackjack and the mobile version of this game is the accessibility. Playing blackjack online on your mobile device allows you to play your favourite game at any time. The only thing that you need is a reliable internet connection.

Live Blackjack

If you are not too keen on the idea of playing online blackjack against a virtual opponent, you may find that live blackjack is the ideal gaming option for you. Playing a multiplayer live blackjack online gives you the experience of the atmosphere of a game in a land-based casino from the comfort of your own home. The online casinos who operate live online blackjack games usually set up a casino table with a live dealer in real time. The table is then filmed with a high-definition camera and the live stream is broadcast on the internet. Players have the opportunity to join that table before the online blackjack hand begins.

Once you have joined a live online blackjack game, the dealer waits until the entire table has been filled with players before they begin the round. Each hand progresses according to the rules of conventional online blackjack. However, the biggest difference is the fact that you can see the dealer. You also have an online chat function on your online blackjack interface. This allows you to communicate with the dealer as well as the other players in your game.

After this, players have the opportunity to make their bets or withdraw from the game if they wish. One of the most significant differences between these live games and other online blackjack games is the level of immersion you experience. When you play a hand of live online blackjack you may be able to make use of the convenience of online games while enjoying the ritual that can be found in traditional casinos.

The rules of blackjack

Players who first begin playing online blackjack may find that the rules seem slightly overwhelming. However, once you understand the basic concepts you could find that playing blackjack online is easier and increases your confidence in how and when to apply certain strategies. To understand the workings of online blackjack it is a good idea to examine how an average game is played. Here is the basic layout for how to play blackjack:

The first thing you need to do is join a blackjack table, if you are playing live blackjack online you need to wait until the entire table has been filled before the game can begin.
Once the table has been filled, you have the opportunity to place your initial bets. Generally, this first bet is determined by the minimum stakes of the game.
After all players have placed their initial bets, the dealer passes two cards to all of the players before dealing two cards to themselves, one of these cards is placed face down and it is referred to as the hole card.
At this time, the dealer offers an additional round of betting depending on the value of the hole card. Players then have the opportunity to make additional bets before the game begins in earnest. These are known as insurance bets.
If the dealer receives an ace, insurance bets are paid out at a rate of 2:1. If they receive a 10 or an ace the dealer peeks at their card to check if they have Blackjack. If they do, it is revealed immediately.
Players are then given their turn to make a move before the dealer turns the hole card face up.
According to the results of this, the winner of the game is announced.

When players are allowed to make their move, they have the option to do one of the following things:

Stand: If the player makes this move they are denying any additional cards.
Hit: The player has the opportunity to draw one or more cards.
Blackjack double down: In this case, players’ bets are doubled and they receive another card.
Split: If the player is dealt a pair in their first hand they are allowed to split their hand into two before making additional bets, stand pats or hits.
Surrender: When the player decides not to continue with the game they forfeit half of their original bet.

Live vs. virtual blackjack

Players looking to enjoy their favourite blackjack variation on the internet can do it in two ways. That is virtual and live. When you are playing a virtual game, you are interacting with a video screen running output signals and from a random number generator (RNG). The RNG is pre-programed to ensure that the casinos always win over time. Live dealers are human beings you can see and interact with. You can even chat via the in-game communication feature. This makes for a highly interactive game, the closest thing you will get to the real deal. But which is better?

Virtual blackjack features multiple variations. You have themed titles from an extensive list of top-notch games software manufacturers. You will never be left with a want for choice. Since you are playing against the virtual dealer, you will also go through the games at a faster pace than if five other players were sitting at the table. Players can also enjoy the demo games only when they are playing in the live lobby. There are some sticky points though, some of which have made players look for alternatives. Concerns have been raised, unwarranted as they may be, on the fairness of virtual games.

Some players feel uneasy when playing virtual games. The main concern is that dubious operators can manipulate the game in their favour. If you are playing in the live lobby, you’ll have no such issues. The game is played with live dealers. So you know you are playing against man, not machine. Live blackjack lobbies have an impressive system of cameras that are focusing on the action at all times. Players have three angles from which to view the game. Some of the best live card game lobbies also allow the player to adjust the view of the cameras to meet your satisfaction.

The realism offered by live blackjack games cannot be duplicated using 2D animations and voice overlays. You will get a more immersive experience when you are playing face to face with live dealers. Virtual technology just is not good enough yet to meet this challenge.

Winning strategies

As with any gambling endeavour, regardless of whether you are playing blackjack online for fun, the main aim is to win and adopting a blackjack strategy makes it a little easier. However, it is essential to understand what entails a winning hand. Your aim in a blackjack basic strategy is to get blackjack – which is when both of the cards in your hand have a value that reaches a total of 21. Alternatively, you can earn a winning hand by requesting additional cards.

The final winning hand in blackjack is one that has a value as close to 21 as possible. If your hand exceeds 21 points, you lose automatically and you are not given any other opportunities to make bets or draw more cards.

Although there are numerous things you can do to improve your odds of winning, like counting cards, the safest bet is to use a blackjack strategy chart. This is the easiest way to remember all of the basic blackjack rules that you need to adhere to for a win. When you play blackjack online free with a strategy chart you have a mathematically correct means to lower the house edge without having to keep a calculator with you.

If you’re interested in strategies for casino games in general, make sure to also check out our guide on how to win on slot machines!

Playing blackjack for free

It is possible to play blackjack for fun online. This point is self-explanatory. It may sound funny when someone gives you an opportunity to enjoy a paid product for free. It sounds more like bad business tactics. But hold on, there’s a logic to this madness. When you play online free blackjack, you are not given an option to win real money. You will play with paper money and that is all you will accumulate. This means you cannot add any free winning to your account. In many cases you even play demo games without the need for an account or registration.

So why, you might ask? Isn’t it the purpose of online gambling is to win real money? You are right. But there are other benefits that come from playing for free. Wouldn’t you want the benefit of scanning the game before you invest real money in it? Free or demo games, as they are sometimes called, allow you to see what the game is about. You are given access to all the control and the same pay-out frequency you can expect from the real game. No money blackjack also affords you the chance to fine tune your playing tactics. Remember, we said, this is a skill game. So, the more you practice, the better you get.

Free online blackjack with other players cannot be played in land-based gaming platforms. The reason for this is a business one. The massive overheads carried by land-based operations has to be offset by huge profit margins. You cannot do this and give out free games at the same time. Likewise, live casino blackjack is streamed from gaming studios. These establishments have real dealer and full size tables, just like the real deal. So you will not get a seat at the table if you are not willing to pay for it. Some operators do allow you to sit in and watch for five rounds or so.

Trying your hand at blackjack

There are many games on an online gaming platform. You have options from themed slots titles to simple scratch cards and everything in between. You can also take a pick from different variants of live and virtual games. So why would you choose to settle on blackjack? Why not go for something simpler, or quicker? If any of these questions have crossed your mind, then you are in luck. We will be discussing the answers to these queries and more in this section of our guide. But first, let’s investigate the concept of the house edge.

The blackjack house edge is the advantage that the operator exercises on you. When you play a game of blackjack, whether it is online or in land-based gambling dens, the operator tilts the odds in their favour. That minor twist, ever so slight as it may be, ensures that the operator is ultimately in profit. The beauty of online casino blackjack and the reason you need to start playing it today is that it has a relatively small house edge. While it is common practice to find slots that have an edge of over 5%, in blackjack, expect it at 2.7% or less. You have better odds of winning when you play blackjack that most other online games.

But the perks do not end there. There are many twists to this game. Players can try numerous variants featured in the online games lobby. If you are not familiar with some of the options at your disposal, our online gaming experts have taken the liberty of highlighting the most exciting ones in this guide. The reason most players are drawn to blackjack has little to do with variations. Blackjack is unique in that winning is not purely down to chance. Most players cannot resist the challenge of taking on the dealer and coming out on tops. This is especially true when the win can be attributed to the flawless execution of blackjack basic strategy.

Tips for beginners

If you have just begun playing blackjack online free there are a few basic things that you need to keep in mind to ensure that you have the best chance of winning. This includes:

Be sure to give the dealer a chance: One of the most common mistakes that new players make, even when they play blackjack online free is not watching the dealer. If they have a card with a value of 4,5, or 6, you should proceed with care. If you allow the dealer to hit with those cards, you should be able to make a more appropriate decision when it comes to making an additional bet.
Be careful when making insurance bets: If your dealer is close to blackjack, it may not be the best idea to make any extra insurance bets. This is because the odds of winning in a case like this are not in your favour when you play free blackjack.
Never split tens: If you would like the highest odds of winning when you are playing free online blackjack games it may be better to split an 8 or an ace instead of a 10.
Hold 17: If you are dealt a 17 in an online blackjack game, you should sit on this hand. Although your odds for winning are not high in a hand like this, the odds for going bust are significantly lower when you keep the cards you have been dealt.
If you have never played casino games before, it might be easier to start off with something a little bit less complicated. Why not give online slots a chance? We’ve listed tons of free spins no deposit win real money offers in our promotions section, to give you a quick, cheap and simple start to your casino journey!

Managing your money in online blackjack

In case you are not playing a free blackjack game or playing with casino no deposit bonus codes, but are using your own money, appropriate bankroll management becomes important. Not only does this allow you to play more blackjack online but it also helps you to win the highest possible score it makes it easier for you to earn profits from your gaming venture. Understanding blackjack rules and blackjack strategy only gets you so far. The rest is all down to an understanding of how to use your money appropriately when you play online blackjack.

There are several different things to keep in mind when you arrange your funds to play blackjack online. The first thing you should consider is the amount of money you need in your bankroll. To determine this, it is a good idea to take a look at the stakes of the table you are playing. In most cases, your bankroll should include the minimum betting amount multiplied by five. This should leave you with enough funds to play multiple hands even if you are dealt a few cold hands.

After you have secured your place at the blackjack table of your choice, you need to think about how you plan on making your bets. If you use all of your money on a hand that is not as likely to win, there is no return on your money and you may not be able to play another hand. Therefore your bets should be tailored according to your hand, how much money you have and your potential to win.

Finally, you need to think about the bonuses that you are entitled to. If you use blackjack promotions your bets are placed with virtual currency instead of your own money, however, you stand the chance of winning big. This is an excellent strategy to use if you are low on cash.

The top online blackjack developers

The great thing about playing blackjack online, is the fact that the game is often created by reputable, award winning software developers who cater for both the international and UK market. The software used for the best blackjack online games, is designed to give each player a fair chance of winning while providing a smooth playing experience as well as the best graphics. Software developers believe that it is essential that their products can be used across a variety of different platforms including mobile and desktop devices. The best online blackjack UK game depends entirely on your personal preferences as well as a software developer you choose for your gaming experience.

Evolution gaming

This software developer is one of the leading software developers in the UK. They aim to provide their users with the best online blackjack games that exceed all of their expectations when it comes to the experience they have when they play these games. They offer a variety of blackjack games that can be played live or in an online game. Their offerings have been tailored for use on mobile devices as well as on desktop computers. Popular games that are available from Evolution Gaming include Blackjack Party, Bet Behind and 21+3 Blackjack.

iSoftBet

If you play online blackjack the chances are high that you have played a game that was developed by iSoftBet. They cater specifically to the European market and they have offices in the UK as well as Luxemburg. They operate a variety of other software developers that include LeoVegas, Interwetten and Betsson. They employ a range of developers, designers and marketers to ensure that all of their online blackjack games are the highest quality while remaining enjoyable. Their games include Multi-Hand Blackjack and Blackjack Atlantic City.

Realistic games

Realistic games are a UK based software developer that creates a range of different games that are catered to individuals who enjoy playing casino games online. However, their range of blackjack online options stands out above the rest. Their games are HTML5 based and are available to individuals who use their computers to gamble as well as to those who prefer a live casino Android or iOS operating system. The majority of their online blackjack games are based on the traditional version of blackjack. This means games are played with a 52 card deck and the original rules of the game.

CryptoLogic

This software developer was founded in 1996 and has been producing world-class free online blackjack games since then. They believe that innovation is key to attracting new players to their games. This means that their blackjack online options have the best animations and design while still providing the player with an enjoyable experience when they play blackjack. Although they offer their players several classic online blackjack games, they also have a range of variations on the game that provide an interesting spin to the traditional variations of the game. Cryptologic are in addition to this also very known for their slot machines themed around classic Marvel superheroes. If you are interested in these, check out our free slots section. There, you can find casinos that let you play free slots win real money no deposit required at Cryptologic casinos!

Online blackjack bonuses and promotions

With blackjack online several things may influence your bankroll, this includes the blackjack house edge as well as your budget. Fortunately, there are several bonuses available as well as the option to play online blackjack free which gives you access to your favourite games whenever you wish. At EB29.com you can easily find free bonus no deposit offers that you can use on Blackjack!

One of the most common promotions for online blackjack is the cash bonus. This is great for players interested in blackjack online no money needed gameplay. In these cases, your online casino credits your account with a certain amount of money which you may be able to use on bets for your blackjack online game. However, it is important to note that these kinds of promotions are often associated with a strict set of wagering requirements. These requirements may state that you are required to deposit before you are allowed to withdraw your funds.

Another type of bonus that is common for this type of game is a deposit match. When you transfer funds into your casino account, many of the leading online casinos match or even double the amount of money that you have put into your account. This option is best suited to those who are interested in playing free online blackjack games and money earning ones too.

Online Blackjack bonuses are not as easy to find as slots online UK bonus offers, however, we are always doing our best to bring you the latest and greatest deals available to UK players.

Choosing the right online blackjack casino

Once you are familiar with the intricacies of playing online blackjack UK, you need to find the perfect online casino that helps you double your money. One of the first things you should do before you register an account is to read through the terms and conditions set out by the casino. This way you can determine whether or not the wagering requirements are in line with your preferences. Reading the terms and conditions is also a great way to familiarise yourself with the withdrawal practices of the casino.

Next, you need to consider the security of new online casinos as you are playing with is as secure as possible. If the casino has the necessary accreditation you can rest assured that you receive the best service while remaining safe.

It may also be a good idea to ensure that the casino offers a variety of games that are compatible with both desktop and mobile devices. The best mobile casinos usually offer all the games that are available on desktop on mobile devices as well. This ensures that you have access to blackjack online no matter where you are. However, when you are choosing a casino to play blackjack online your unique set of requirements is the determining factor behind whether or not an online casino is right for you.

Remember that you will most likely be in the mood for other games than just blackjack from time to time. Even if Blackjack is your main game, it can be a good idea to ensure the casino offers a decent selection of slots, free online roulette games, videopoker and even some free UK scratch cards.