Blackjack Bonuses and Promotions
There are lots of ambitious blackjack sites vying for your business in the UK, so many of them offer exciting casino bonuses to stand out. They include a sign-up bonus, plus additional offers such as reload bonuses, free bets and loyalty schemes.
Online Blackjack No Deposit Bonuses
You will occasionally find a no deposit bonus from an online casino, which is always worth claiming. It essentially awards you free site credit to use on blackjack games, without requiring you to risk any of your own money.
Online blackjack no deposit bonuses tend to come with high playthrough requirements, but if you complete them, you can earn a cash payout. Your cash payout may be capped at a certain level too, but it is undoubtedly an attractive offer.
Blackjack Wagering Requirements in UK Casinos
Before you can cash out any profits from an online casino bonus, you must roll your funds over a predetermined number of times. This is known as a wagering requirement. For example, a £100 bonus with a 20x playthrough requirement might be more appealing than a £250 bonus with a 50x playthrough requirement.
You should read the terms and conditions to check the wagering requirements on sign-up bonuses, as they are often more important than the size of the bonus. The conditions must often be fulfilled within a certain amount of time or the bonus money will be lost.
Bear in mind that, as blackjack is a casino game that has a very high return-to-player (RTP) ratio, it doesn’t always count 100% towards completing wagering requirements. Similar to the best poker sites online, blackjack and other table games are likely to only count 10% towards completing the requirement.
Here are the best UK bonuses for online casinos right now:
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100% Welcome Bonus Up To £200 + 11 Wager Free Bonus Spins
#ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Begambleaware.org. New Customers Only. T&Cs Apply.
The Welcome Bonus is only available to newly registered players who make a minimum initial deposit of € 10.
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100% Welcome Bonus up to £200
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£10 min fund, £200 max bonus, max bonus conversion equal to lifetime deposits (up to £250), 65x wagering requirements
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Exclusions apply. New players deposit £10+. Cash & wagering conditions vary. Max reward £150. 7 days to claim + further 7 days to wager 35x. 50 FS 10p each awarded on Big Bass Splash after wagering, 3 day expiry.
Online Blackjack Tournaments in the UK
The best blackjack sites run tournaments for blackjack players from time to time. Each player begins with the same number of chips, and the player with the largest stack at the end secures the top prize.
How the prize money is shared out differs from tournament to tournament. Some are winner-takes-all, whereas other blackjack tournaments issue prizes to the runners-up too.
You may occasionally find free-to-enter tournaments with modest prizes, but most require you to pay an entry fee, which helps blackjack sites offer large prize pools. There are some single-table tournaments, but they mainly involve lots of tables and various rounds.
Blackjack on Mobile Casinos and Apps
Today, every online casino in the UK worth its salt has a fully optimised mobile version of the main casino site. Therefore fans of blackjack looking for the best mobile casino in the UK won’t be short of options.
That means that you’ll be able to play virtual online blackjack on your phone, and you may be able to take part in a blackjack tournament online too if that’s your thing.
Similarly, most operators now have dedicated casino apps that are designed to make the mobile experience even better. And of course the best mobile casino apps will come equipped with a range of blackjack titles for you to play when on the move.
Playing Live Versions of the Game
Live dealer blackjack brings the excitement of a real casino floor straight to your computer or mobile device. You can choose the table that best suits your taste, and a stream will then connect you with a real dealer, who will be based in a high-tech studio.
You can chat to the dealer and other players just like you would at a land-based casino, and place bets without having to rely on a Random Number Generator to power the action. Some players find these elements make live play more transparent, exciting and immersive.
Not only that, the best blackjack sites in the UK offer welcome bonuses that can be used on these games, including blackjack. A new UK online casino is even more likely to offer this option than an established one, as it attempts to establish itself in a crowded market.
Just check the wagering requirements in the terms and conditions section to ensure blackjack games you can play live are included in the promotion. When you have completed the wagering requirements, you can cash out.
Blackjack is a particularly popular game to play against a real dealer. Some players find it more transparent, because you can watch them hand out the cards rather than relying on RNG software. They also find it more exciting and immersive.
In our opinion, we'd most recommend the following as new live casinos to try:
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Advantages of Playing Blackjack Online
Just as many fans of baccarat prefer playing at the best baccarat online casino sites instead of land-based casinos, online blackjack has several advantages over playing at a traditional casino. Here are a few:
- Convenience | You can play blackjack 24/7 by simply picking up your mobile or switching on your laptop or desktop. It allows you to play on your terms, at your preferred speed, without having to get dressed up and drive to a land-based casino or use public transport.
- Value | It is a lot cheaper to play blackjack online, as you save on transport costs, refreshments and you will not be expected to tip dealers.
- Variety | You can choose from dozens of great blackjack games at an online casino. It allows you to find the blackjack version you prefer, with the best RTP and limits that suit you.
- Bonuses | Unlike land-based casinos, the best blackjack sites in the UK offer players large bonuses in order to stand out in a crowded market. Claiming these bonuses erodes the house edge, which is already low on blackjack, and dials up your chances of earning an overall profit.
- Security | You do not have to worry about carrying cash around or catching the attention of shady types when you win. You will receive a quick, secure online payment to your account when you use the top online blackjack sites.
How We Review Online Blackjack Sites
Our expert reviewers at Casinos.com sign up for accounts with all the different licensed blackjack sites UK players can access. They make real money deposits, claim sign-up casino bonuses and play the various blackjack games on offer, before requesting payouts. They also chat to the customer service team to see how helpful and responsive the operators are.
They make detailed notes on the quality of the user experience, the strength of the blackjack portfolio, the payout speeds, the size and generosity of the blackjack bonuses and other important factors. These are the key areas we focus on, and you should keep them in mind when deciding upon the best blackjack sites to sign up with.
How to Choose the Best Real Money Blackjack Site for You
Just as every individual has their own unique tastes and preferences, every online casino is different too. This makes choosing the one that suits you best an exciting, but arduous, task. And this task gets even more complicated if you also want to play other games such as slots, poker or the best online roulette games.
To help you decide, here are the key factors you should focus on when choosing a real money blackjack casino.
1. Choose the Blackjack Game or Variant You Want to Play
There are many different blackjack games and variants available to UK players, so it’s vital that you pick a casino that has the ones you want to play. The good news is that most online casinos offer several types of blackjack games, but no single casino will have them all.
We have created a guide to all the different types to inform you of all the possibilities. Check it out later on this page.
2. Decide if You Want to Play with High or Low Stakes
The best blackjack sites cater to all players by offering broad blackjack betting limits. Low-stakes players can find games with a minimum bet of £5 or less per hand, while high-rollers will find VIP and Salon Privé games with very high upper limits.
High-stakes players will also need to factor in deposit and withdrawal limits when choosing an ideal blackjack site, while the best operators roll out the red carpet for high rollers by providing strong VIP schemes.
Broad table limits are also important for players that are pursuing some of the more aggressive progression systems.
3. Choose a Reputable Casino
Once you know which version(s) of blackjack you want to play, it's time to pick a casino. Here at Casinos.com we only recommend trustworthy blackjack sites. This means that every casino listed on this page have been delivering quick, secure payouts to all of their customers for a long time. They can be relied upon to settle bets fairly, uphold bonus terms and use legitimate Random Number Generators for their games. This is important whether you want to play blackjack or real money slots in the UK.
Also, we only recommend blackjack sites that are licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission. That means they must uphold strict regulatory conditions. Their blackjack games are regularly tested to ensure the Random Number Generators deliver fair results, and they are compelled by law to provide timely payouts to winning players. They must also invest in strong security measures.
4. Make Sure it Accepts Your Favourite Payment Method
The best blackjack sites provide customers with a long and varied list of online casino payment methods. These include credit and debit cards, e-wallets, prepaid cards, pay-by-mobile and many more.
5. Check that it Has Great Customer Support
The best blackjack sites offer 24/7 customer service, 365 days a year. You should be able to use live chat or send an email, while some online blackjack sites offer phone support too.
The best casino sites in the UK respond rapidly to customer service requests, and the agents are polite, friendly and knowledgeable, allowing them to provide you with clear, concise advice immediately. They also have detailed FAQ and help sections, which provide answers to most common requests.
Best Blackjack Casino Payment Methods
The best blackjack casino sites provide customers with a long and varied list of convenient payment methods, from e-wallets to more traditional options such as debit cards and bank transfers. You will have plenty of choice, but certain methods come with some restrictions.
First, you should be aware that e-wallets are typically not eligible for claiming bonuses, since the anonymity they provide can lead to what's known in the industry as bonus abuse - people claiming multiple welcome bonuses at the same casino. There are many casinos that accept PayPal that may have these restrictions in place, for example, so make sure you read the T&Cs carefully if you want to use this method.
Second, you are normally obliged to withdraw money using the same method that you deposited with in order to prevent money laundering. However, some payment methods are deposit-only, and cannot be used for withdrawal. In these cases, deposit by phone bill or via Apple Pay or Google Pay will allow you to select an alternative method for cashing out your winnings.
That being said, so long as you have chosen an appropriate method, the best blackjack websites quickly process and approve each withdrawal request, enabling you to immediately cash out your winnings without incurring any transaction fees.
Online Blackjack Rules
Blackjack rules are relatively straightforward to pick up.
- You will be dealt two cards face up, and the dealer will also receive two cards. One of the dealer’s cards is normally face up and the other is normally face down.
- The ultimate objective is to get a total hand that is closer to 21 than the dealer’s hand, but without going over 21. If the total value of your cards exceeds 21, you go bust.
- Face cards – a Jack, Queen or King – count as 10, while an Ace can either count as 1 or 11.
- If you are dealt an Ace and a 10-card – either the number 10 or a face card – it is considered a ‘blackjack’ and you instantly win, unless the dealer also has a blackjack. You are normally paid out at odds of 3:2 if you land a blackjack.
- If you are not dealt a blackjack, you have two options: stand/stick or hit/twist. If you stick, you do not receive any additional cards. If you twist, you are dealt another card. If your total hand value is still less than 21, you can stick or twist again. If you go over 21, you lose your stake.
- When you do not request any more cards, the dealer plays his or her hand. The dealer must twist or stick on certain hands.
- If the dealer goes bust, you automatically win. If the dealer receives a lower hand than you, victory is yours. If the dealer’s hand is larger than yours or identical, you lose.
Common Blackjack Terminology
- Blackjack: Sometimes called a ‘natural’ or a ‘natural blackjack’, this is when a player gets a hand value of 21, the highest possible score, with two cards. It is achieved by combining an Ace with a 10-card (10, Jack, Queen or King). It automatically wins, unless the dealer also has a blackjack.
- Bust: When a hand value exceeds 21, that player automatically loses.
- Hit/twist: When you ask for another card from the dealer.
- Stand/stick: When you decide not to take any more cards from the dealer.
- Face cards: The King, Queen, and Jack cards, which have a value of 10.
- Hole card: The dealer's face-down card.
- Soft hand: A hand that contains an Ace that is counted as 11, giving the player the flexibility to choose its value.
- Hard hand: A hand that does not contain an Ace or a hand where the Ace is counted as 1.
- Shoe: A device used to hold multiple decks of cards in a game of blackjack.
- Push: A tie between the player and the dealer, where neither wins nor loses.
- Five card trick: A hand that consists of five cards and has a value of 21 or less, considered a winning hand in certain variations of blackjack.
- 6:5: A variant where the odds decrease from the standard 3:2 to 6:5. While betting limits are lower, you should try to avoid these games because the house edge increases 400% over classic blackjack.
- Double down: Here you can choose to double the value of your stake. You can select this option if you encounter the following in-game scenarios:
- If you have a hand that is a value of a hard nine (meaning there is no Ace in the hand) and the dealer’s card shows a 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6.
- If you have a hard hand with the value of 10 or 11 and the dealer’s hole shows a value less than 10 or 11. In this situation, choose to hit for a third card because you cannot go bust.
- If you have a soft hand (or a hand with an ace) with a value of 16, 17, or 18, and the dealer’s card shows a 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6.
- Split: This option allows players to split a hand featuring two cards of equal value into two separate hands. Essentially, you will be holding two hands (four cards in total) when you decide to split. However, you will also need to make an equal bet on this secondary hand. It is only worth doing this if your two identical cards are of a high value. Online casinos mostly force you to stand on the split hands without being able to hit.
- Side bet: These are additional wagers placed outside of the main blackjack bet. These bets are made on specific scenarios and are independent of the outcome of the main blackjack hand. Side bets often have higher payouts but also a higher house edge.
- Insurance: An optional side bet offered to players when the dealer's face-up card is an Ace.
- Surrender: The action of forfeiting half of the original bet in exchange for ending the game and avoiding the possibility of busting. The surrender bet is worth checking out if you hold a hand that does not look so good. Surrendering means you will give up half of your wager and receive half back. While a surrender can help you reduce losses, it is not always the best option. Importantly, not all blackjack games offer this feature.
Blackjack Rule Variations
Most online blackjack games pay 3:2 when you are dealt a blackjack, but some only pay 6:5. That reduces the RTP, so those games are not recommended. The house edge also increases with the number of decks used, to check that before playing. If you find a game where suited blackjacks pay 2:1, the RTP is boosted by 0.57%.
A dealer is usually required to stand when dealt a soft 17 (ace and a 6). However, certain variants allow the dealer to hit on a soft 17, which increases the house edge by around 0.2%. In some online blackjack games, you are only allowed to double down on certain hands, which can increase the house edge by up to 0.18%.
Other games allow you to triple down on any two cards, which improves your chances by 1.64%. Players are allowed to double down after splitting cards in certain blackjack online games, but not others. If you cannot do that, the house edge goes up by 0.15%. Re-splitting can also boost your chances of success by around 0.1%.
American vs. European Blackjack
The main difference between American blackjack and European blackjack is the way the dealer’s cards are displayed.
- In European blackjack, the dealer receives one face-up card and the face-down card is not revealed until all players have played their hands.
- In American blackjack, dealers will be forced to check their hands instantly if they are dealt a face up ace. If they have a blackjack, the game ends instantly.
This means that players can potentially lose more on European blackjack, as they have more opportunities to increase their best size – doubling down, splitting – before learning the dealer has a natural.
Types of Games at UK Blackjack Sites
There are several different online blackjack variants, each of which offers a slight twist on the basic blackjack rules. These are the most popular options at online blackjack casinos:
Blackjack Switch
In this variant, the player is dealt two hands and the dealer is dealt one. For each hand one card is face up. The player can then choose to switch the second cards of their two hands to improve their chances of winning.
The rules of the game from that point are similar to classic blackjack, but there are some variations, such as the dealer has to hit on a soft 17. Players also have the option to surrender their second hand.
Blackjack Switch adds a new level of strategy to the game, as each player must consider the best way to use their two hands to beat the dealer.
Progressive Blackjack
Here, players have the option to make a side bet to win a progressive jackpot. Similar to how progressive jackpot slots work, the big prize increases each time the game is played, and is won when the player is dealt a specific hand, such as a suited blackjack.
The rules of the game are similar to classic blackjack, but the progressive jackpot adds an extra layer of excitement as it gives players the chance to win a large payout in addition to their regular winnings
Surrender Blackjack
Here the player has the option to surrender their hand and forfeit half of their original wager if they believe they have a losing hand. This gives players the chance to reduce their losses and can be a valuable tool for managing their bankroll.
Perfect Pairs Blackjack
In Perfect Pairs Blackjack, players have the option to place a side bet on the possibility of being dealt a pair in their initial two cards. This adds a new level of excitement to the game.
21+3 Blackjack
In 21+3 blackjack, alongside the same gameplay as classic blackjack, players have the option to place a side bet on their initial two cards plus the dealer's up card forming a three-card poker hand.
Spanish 21
In Spanish 21, the game is played with a deck that contains 48 cards (the four 10s are removed) and features different rules for doubles, splits and blackjacks.
For example, players are allowed to double down on any number of cards, and the dealer must hit on a soft 17. Additionally, Spanish 21 has several bonus payouts, such as a bonus for a 5-card 21 or a 6-card 21. This is a fast-paced and exciting variation of blackjack that offers players more opportunities to win.
Double Exposure Blackjack
Here, both of the dealer's cards are dealt face up, giving players a significant advantage in the game. This variation of blackjack is therefore considered easier for players to win, but the payouts for a winning hand are typically lower.
Multi-Hand Blackjack
In this variation, players can play multiple hands at the same time, increasing their chances of winning. The gameplay is fast-paced and exciting, as players have the opportunity to win big with multiple hands.
Atlantic City Blackjack
This version of blackjack is played with eight decks of cards and follows the standard rules of classic blackjack but with one key difference: players are allowed to split pairs up to three times, giving them the opportunity to play multiple hands and increase their chances of winning. In addition, players can surrender their hand after the dealer checks for blackjack, and the dealer must stand on a soft 17.
Vegas Downtown Blackjack
In Vegas Downtown Blackjack players are allowed to re-split pairs, giving them the opportunity to play multiple hands. In addition, the dealer must stand on a soft 17 and players can double down on any two cards. This variation is known for its fast-paced action and favourable odds for players.
Vegas Strip Blackjack
This game is played with four decks of cards and players are not allowed to re-split pairs, and the dealer must hit on a soft 17. This variation of blackjack is popular in Las Vegas casinos.
Pontoon
In Pontoon, players are not allowed to split pairs, but they can twist (hit) on any total value and can stick (stand) on any total value. Also, in many pontoon games the five card trick is considered to be the highest value hand possible.
Blackjack Odds: Why House Edge Matters
Casinos build a house edge into every game they offer. This allows them to pay their staff and maintenance costs and earn a profit. But for the player, checking the RTP (return to player percentage) of each game is vital before you start playing.
The house edge is the difference between the RTP and 100%. For example, if the RTP is 99.65%, the house edge is 0.35%. You should therefore seek out online blackjack games with the lowest house edge – thus the highest RTP – as it boosts your chances of success.
Strategies for Playing Blackjack
A blackjack strategy is any gameplay system that helps you gain an edge and win more hands when playing on UK blackjack sites. A strategy will consist of rules that tell you the best moves you can make based on your hand and the dealer’s up card (visible card).
Blackjack strategies are not a guarantee you will win, but they can enhance your chances and help you maintain your bankroll.
Basic Blackjack Strategy
When using a basic blackjack strategy, you have a betting system that uses probability to show you what action to take. Essentially, a blackjack betting strategy shows you when to hit, stand, split, double down, or surrender.
There are obvious instances in which you would stick or twist. For example, if the two cards you were dealt added up to 19 or 20, you would not hit, as the chances of going bust would be extremely high. If your hand is 11 or less, you would always twist, as your chances of going bust are zero.
Here are some other basic tips that could increase your chances of winning:
- Always double down on a hard 11.
- Double down on 10 if the dealer has 9 or lower.
- Always split Aces and 8s.
- Do not split 10s or 5s.
- If the dealer’s face card is 2 or 3, hit a hard 12.
- If the dealer has a 9, a 10-card or an Ace, hit a soft 18.
- If the dealer has a 5 or 6, double down ace-2, ace-3, ace-4, ace-5, ace-6 and ace-7.
- If the dealer has a 7, stand with a pair of 9s.
- If the dealer has a 2 or 3, split 2s or 3s.
- Choose to stand if you have a hand of value 12 to 16 and the dealer has 2 to 6.
- Choose to hit when your hand is a value of 12 to 16, and the dealer has a 7 to Ace.
- Choose to hit when you have double Aces to 6.
- Always check the dealer’s up card to make informed decisions on your bets.
- Start with small bets to get familiar with the game and see how the cards play.
- Remember to manage your bankroll and gamble responsibly to ensure you only spend what you can afford.
Blackjack Online Betting Systems
The RTP of online blackjack is more than 99%, so your chances of winning are practically 50/50. For that reason, you can apply betting systems when you play online blackjack.
While there are many betting systems to choose from, the wonderful thing about an online blackjack strategy is that you can pick the best one that works for you. Below are the most popular blackjack betting systems that work for beginners and experts alike:
- Flat Betting: If you want to keep it simple, a flat betting system is a good option. Easy to learn, the system revolves around betting the same amount on each hand. The concept is you can lower your risk and have more control over your bankroll.
- Positive Progression: For a system that allows you to take advantage of your winning streaks, a positive progression system is ideal. Essentially, when you play this system, you increase your bet every time you win a hand.
- Negative Progression: With a negative progression, you must increase the best whenever you lose a hand. Doing so can result in big profits but also increases the risk of losing big to losing streaks. That’s why this betting system is best for experienced players.
- Oscar’s System: With Oscar’s system, you are combining aspects of both negative and positive progressions. In this blackjack strategy, you aim to increase your bankroll by just a single unit after a series of bets. If you lose a hand, make the same bet, and continue to wager until you make one unit of profit. Then start the series over.
- Martingale System: One of the most famous blackjack progressions, the Martingale is a negative betting system. This system says you should double your bet after each losing hand and keep the same wager value after a win.
Understand When to Double Down in Blackjack
Double down is one of the key plays in blackjack. This strategy will give you a chance to maximise your winnings when you have a promising hand. You need to be aware of table rules about doubling down, but most will allow you to use this as and when required.
One of the most common times you will double down is when your cards total 11. This total is the best low combination hand in the game, as many cards can either get you to 21 or get you somewhere near that will pressure the dealer regardless of their hand.
Next, you want to be targeting soft 16, 17 and 18. These hands are generally based on the dealers’ up card. If it is low, you can double down here. Many people look at 16, 17 and 18 as solid hands. Therefore, they are inclined to stand. However, when dealers have low cards in the hole, they are more vulnerable. They will need to take at least one more card, making them susceptible to going bust.
With a soft hand, there aren’t many cards that can hurt our chances. Even a 4 on a soft 18, which would be the worst outcome, you’d still have a 12 against a dealer’s hand that could well go bust.
The final time we want to double down is with a hard 9 or 10 against a low dealer card. This hand has the same merits as the soft hands above. But with this, there are lots of mid-high cards that make ours very strong. Again, the dealer also has a good chance of going broke, so we are always in the game here.
Tips and Tricks for Improving Your Blackjack Gameplay
- Avoid 6:5 blackjack games, as they increase the house edge by 1.45%.
- Never take the insurance bet.
- Seek out online blackjack games with the highest RTP.
- Claim bonuses, which reduce the house edge.
- Play free online blackjack games to learn the ropes.
- Memorise the key strategic pillars listed above.
- Practise sensible bankroll management.
- Consider using a betting system.
- Don’t take insurance as the numbers heavily favour the casino – the house edge on the insurance bet can go between 5.8% and 7.5%.
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