Best Online Blackjack Games in the UK
Blackjack is a trendy card game played in casinos worldwide. Every player, including the dealer, gets two cards and can choose to hit, to receive another card, or stand. The aim is to get a hand of a total value of 21 or as close to 21 as possible without exceeding it. On this page we will further explore online blackjack games. Here are some of the most popular blackjack games and variations available. Classic Blackjack, European, and Vegas Downtown Blackjack are among the most popular.
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History of Blackjack
The blackjack card game has a history that dates back to the 1700s. It is believed to have started in French casinos. Blackjack was initially called "Vingt-et-Un", which means "twenty-one" in French. Also known as "21", the game's object is to beat the dealer.
The game was introduced in the US in the 1800s. Then it was in the 1900s that its popularity skyrocketed. There was an increase in casinos that were offering the game. Later on, casinos implemented various countermeasures with the game. Mainly, it was to prevent card counting that casinos noticed to have become an edge of players. Still, the game continued to evolve.
Today, blackjack is still continuously evolving. Moreover, it remained one of the most popular games in casinos, whether land-based or online. Online casinos where you can play online blackjack games have also increasingly become popular. Still, the basic game principle remained - beat the dealer's hand without going over 21.Blackjack Rules
The main objective of the game is to beat the dealer. Notably, the player does it by having a hand value closer to 21 than the dealer's hand value but not exceeding 21. Players must place their bet before they get their cards to start the game. Once all bets are placed, the players and the dealer get two cards each. The dealer's card is one faced down while the other is faced up. Meanwhile, the player's cards are all faced up.
Cards point value
Each card has a point value. The cards 2-10 are worth their face value. Face cards (Jack, Queen, King) are worth 10 each, while Aces can be 1 or 11. The Aces value will depend on which is more advantageous to the player.
Player options
Players' options include "hit" or "stand". If the player hits, they request another card. Meanwhile, standing means they are satisfied with their card. The players "bust" and lose their bet if they exceed 21 points. On the other hand, if the dealer bust, players who did not bust win. In the case that neither the player nor the dealer bust, the hand with the highest value and did not exceed 21 wins.
Players can also "split" their hand if they receive two cards of the same value. Or they can "double down", which means they can double their bet and receive one additional card. Also, an important rule is that when the dealer's hand is 16 or less, they must hit or stand if it is 17 or more.
Blackjack Side Bets
These blackjack side bets are a popular addition to the basic game, where players can place bets on their outcome. They provide higher payouts than the main game. However, the odds of winning are low. Players place side bets at the beginning of the game. Mainly, it is before the card is dealt, and they are settled at the end of the round. Below are some of the popular side bets types of card games blackjack:
Perfect Pair
In these games blackjack side bet, players get a payout when their first two cards are the same. The pay varies depending on the casino but typically at a rate of 25 to 1 or higher.
Mixed Pair
When the players' first two cards are the same rank but different suits, they receive a payout in this side bet. This side bet typically pays out at a rate of 6 to 1 or higher.
Coloured Pair
With this side bet, the player receives a payout when their first two cards are the same colour and same rank. The payout is usually at a rate of 12 to 1 or higher.
21+3
In this side bet, the player's initial two cards combine with the dealer's up-card, forming a three-card poker hand such as a flush or straight. The payout for this side bet can be as high as 100 to 1.
Straight Flush
This Straight Flush side bet pays out when the player's first two cards and the dealer's up-card form a straight flush. Depending on the casino, the pay varies, but it's typically at a rate of 40 to 1 or higher.
Flush
In this side bet, the player gets a payout when their first two cards and the dealer's up-card form a flush. The pay varies, but it's usually at a rate of 5 to 1 or higher.
Three of a Kind
The Three of a Kind side bet pays out when the player gets their first two cards, and the dealer's up-card forms a three of a kind. The typical pay is at a rate of 30 to 1 or higher. Still, it varies depending on the casino.
Suited three of a kind
This side bet pays out when the player's first two cards and the dealer's up-card form a three of a kind that is also suited. The pay, as always, vary per casino, but it's usually at a rate of 100 to 1 or higher.
Straight
The Straight side bet pays out when the dealer's up-card and the player's first two cards form a straight. The usual pay rate is 10 to 1 or higher. Again, the pay still varies depending on the casino.
Online Blackjack Variations
Here are the most popular blackjack variations that you can find at online casinos.
Blackjack Double Exposure
Both of the dealer's cards are dealt face-up in Blackjack Double Exposure. Consequently, it gives players an advantage by knowing the dealer's hand. However, some rules are in place to balance the advantage. For example, the dealer wins all ties except for a tie with a natural blackjack.
Double Attack
This unique blackjack online variation is only available in a few casinos. The player can double their bet after seeing the dealer's up-card. Mainly, when the player sees and believes that the dealer's hand is weak, they can double their bet and try to beat the dealer.
Vegas Strip Blackjack
The Vegas Strip blackjack is played with four decks of cards. It follows the standard rules of blackjack but with few variations. Notably, players can split their hand up to three times. As a result, it increases their winning chances.
Pontoon
Originating in the UK, the game is similar to traditional blackjack but has a few differences. In Pontoon, "twist" is used instead of "hit". Also, in Pontoon, if a player has a hand total of 15 or less, they must "twist".
Spanish 21
You play the Spanish 21 with a Spanish deck of cards. The deck consists of 48 cards. Here, a player's hand of 21 always wins. It is regardless of the dealer's hand. Spanish 21 also has several bonus payouts.
Multi Hand
In this blackjack variation, the player can play multiple hands all at the same time. Mainly, the player can play up to 5 hands at a time. It makes this game more challenging as players must keep track of multiple hands simultaneously.
Progressive Blackjack
Players make an additional side bet in this game. It is for them to be eligible for the progressive jackpot. Moreover, the pot increases every time the player places a side bet. The jackpot amount continues to grow until a player wins it.
Atlantic City Blackjack
You play Atlantic City with eight decks of cards. The unique feature of Atlantic City is the late surrender option. After the dealer checks for blackjack, the player can still surrender their hand.
Switch
In Switch, players are dealt two hands. They can switch the top card of each hand to create a better hand. Here, players must make two equal bets, one for every hand.
Online Blackjack Card Values
Popular Online Blackjack Games
Here are some of the more popular online blackjack games.
American Blackjack Turbo
In American Blackjack Turbo, there are six decks of cards. The game begins when the player places their bet. The dealer then deals two cards for the player and two cards for themselves. The one dealer card is face down. The game's goal is to get a hand close to 21 than the dealer's hand but not exceed 21. If the player's hand exceed 21, they lose the game.
European Blackjack Turbo
You play the European Blackjack Turbo with two decks of cards. The game's goal is the same as the American Blackjack Turbo. It is to get a hand close to 21 than the dealer's but not exceed 21. However, in this game, the dealer is only dealt with one card face-up. Furthermore, the dealer must wait until the player has finished making decisions before drawing a second card.
Online Blackjack Card Game Providers
Many game providers have developed games to cater for the high demand for blackjack worldwide. Below are the three top providers of online blackjack games. They have created ultimate game versions with unique features.
Pragmatic
The company just joined the industry in 2015. Hence, Pragmatic is a newcomer in the online gaming industry. However, the company has immediately established an excellent reputation. Mainly, it's for providing quality online casino games. Blackjack card games by Pragmatic are famous for their user-friendly dynamic gameplay and interface.
Evolution
Another leading game provider in online gaming, Evolution concentrates on providing casino games, including blackjack. Remarkably, the company has multiple awards for product excellence. Their online blackjack games are famous for their realistic feel. It makes players feel like they are at an actual blackjack table in a land-based casino.
Playtech
Founded in 1999, Playtech is one of the top gaming providers globally. Remarkably, the company has earned a reputation for creating revolutionary and highly entertaining casino games. Its games, which include different blackjack variations, are famous for high-quality graphics and smooth gameplay.
Online Blackjack Games FAQs
A lot of people send Gambling Zone questions about online blackjack. Here is a collection of the most common questions we get asked and their answers.
