This page has been checked for accuracy by Adam Dickinson. Adam is our resident fact checker and has over five years of experience working in the gambling industry, including roles at PlayOJO, Betway and Entain plc.
Looking for 2023’s best blackjack sites? You’ve come to the right place. Check out the list of the UK’s top blackjack casinos and find the perfect place for a hand of 21. Simply compare sites, sign up, and get started!
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New Customer Offer New members only, must opt in. Min £10 deposit & wager. 30 day expiry from deposit. Free Spins: on Secrets of the Phoenix Megaways. Spins value: 20p each. Play Responsibly. BeGambleAware.org. 18+. £10 lifetime deposit for Daily Free Game. Full T&Cs apply. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly. begambleaware.org
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Blackjack Casinos
🥇 Best Overall Score:
89%
🎁 Largest Bonus Offer:
£500
💰 Highest Deposit Match:
100%
💷 Minimum Deposit:
£10
Blackjack is one of the most popular online casino games. This card game is a thrilling mix of strategy and luck that offers some of the lowest house edges of all casino games. With plenty of variations on offer, including live dealer tables, there’s plenty of fun to be had.
We’ve picked out the very best online blackjack sites so that you can easily compare your options and pick a favourite.
Want to find out more about this much-loved casino classic? Read on for everything you need to know about playing blackjack online.
Reviews of the UK's Best Blackjack Casinos
Rialto Casino’s blackjack selection includes playful takes like Zappit Blackjack. The title lives up to its name by allowing players to ‘zap’ — i.e, swap out — their initial cards if they add up to a hard 15-18. There are also classic versions of blackjack to be explored by players who prefer to stick to old school gameplay. While over in the live casino section, the stakes can be raised in the opulent setting of the Salon Privé Blackjack. More casual players may prefer to head to Blackjack Party, which puts the emphasis on laid-back fun with music and plenty of bubbly dealer banter. Overall, I feel the site doesn’t display the many fancy graphics others try to go for, however it has a very grand feel about it with it’s gold and black colour theme. I enjoyed playing blackjack at Rialto as there’s such a great collection of titles. I found the site easy to navigate and everything was where I’d expect it to be.
Pros:
Multiple blackjack variants on offer
High Roller live blackjack
Blackjack Party offers a fun experience
Cons:
Multiple blackjack variants on offer 50x wagering on welcome bonus
No iOS mobile app available
Grosvenor has a sprawling online presence and I was impressed with the interesting blackjack variations that accompany its well known land-based casino collection. The unique First Person Blackjack is a virtual, RNG-based game from Evolution, a software developer best known for its live dealer titles. As such, this title replicates the feel of a live game with life-like, 3D visuals. Other variants at Grosvenor include Atlantic City Blackjack and even Deal or No Deal Blackjack, where the notorious Banker offers players deals in between rounds. The live dealer menu is also well-stocked, with fast-faced Speed Blackjack and several Grosvenor-branded tables among the offerings. Brownie points for the additional ‘how to play’ information on the blackjack page – I thought that was particularly useful for new players to the game.
Pros:
Land-based and online blackjack
Unique blackjack titles
Exclusive branded live blackjack titles
Cons:
Lower than average £50 max welcome bonus
Not the smoothest user interface
Alongside its plethora of poker options, Pokerstars also has a fully-fledged casino section. Here, it’s possible to enjoy RNG versions of classic blackjack, as well as a few high roller versions too. There aren’t as many blackjack options compared to other sites, however I found four potential titles to try out, however all are fairly tame in terms of interest levels. Players who prefer to take on real dealers in the race to 21 will find plenty at Pokerstars – and it’s at the live dealer section you’ll find much more interesting blackjack choices. The titles include Power Blackjack, which allows you to not just double down but triple and quadruple down too. There’s also Free Bet Blackjack, where free double down and split bet options are on the table.
Pros:
Exclusive branded blackjack games
Excellent welcome bonus
Evolution and Playtech powered live dealer blackjack
Cons:
Missing big-name software providers
While Paddy Power is still most associated with sports betting in many people’s minds, its online casino site is a draw in its own right. I found a huge selection of RNG blackjack games on this site, including Frankie Dettori’s Magic Seven Blackjack, with its special side bet that can potentially lead to a player winning 7,777 times their stake. It is its live blackjack offering that the casino puts to the forefront, however. Paddy Power-branded variants sit alongside popular live dealer games like Infinite Blackjack, which allows for unlimited seats at the table, and lets players place a whole series of side bets. Overall, I felt this is one of the sites to aim for if blackjack is your game of choice – the variety available will keep you entertained for a long time.
Pros:
Exclusive branded blackjack games
Live Paddy Power Private Blackjack
Wide range of table limits
Cons:
Fewer table games than other online casinos
Spin Rio injects some joyful carnival atmosphere into your casino experience. Along with a massive library of slots, there’s plenty of blackjack to choose from: whether you’re looking for classic, Vegas Strip, or single-deck blackjack with the lowest house edge. There’s an equally compelling live blackjack offering too, with table limits from 50p to £5,000. I didn’t find it particularly easy to locate the blackjack titles under the ‘table games’ tab so instead searched via the general search bar. Disappointingly, there’s no mobile app but the site is fully optimised for smaller devices, and live chat support is available seven days a week, 6am to 10pm. Plus, new players can get started with up to £200 in bonuses plus 100 free spins. But in the terms and conditions I discovered that the free spins last only a rather stingy 24 hours.
Pros:
Great choice of blackjack games
Over 800 slots
Hefty welcome promotion
Cons:
No mobile app
No pay by phone option
Those looking for live dealer blackjack should check out Race, where you can enjoy a huge range of titles including Free Bet Blackjack, Lightning Blackjack, and Blackjack Azure. Another big plus for me is the 10% cashback offer which is always ongoing, helping your bankroll go further. The site also makes deft use of Trustly’s Pay N Play service, so you can instantly deposit and play without the usual hassle of signing up. Speaking of which, there’s also a welcome offer of a 100% match up to £100 for new players, however I was not so impressed with the 40x wagering requirements attached.
Pros:
Great live dealer blackjack library
10% cashback, always
Trustly Pay N Play integration for instant deposits and withdrawals
Cons:
No mobile app
Poor site design
The 10bet’s welcome offer is a more modest 100% match up to £50 with 50 free spins, however that doesn’t mean it should be overlooked. The wagering requirements are a steep 40x so I’d consider this extra account boost and free spins simply as a way of getting used to the site. 10bets live casino is powered by Evolution Gaming, giving players access to the best live dealer blackjack games like Speed Blackjack, Blackjack Party, or Blackjack Diamond VIP for the high rollers among us. While there’s no exciting graphics to shout about, I feel like 10bet is well-designed site with the addition of a mobile app so you can play with ease at any time. Withdrawals are quick too, being processed within 1–2 days for all methods.
Pros:
Mobile app for on-the-go play
Top live dealer games from Evolution Gaming
Well-designed library is easy to browse
Cons:
Weak sign-up bonus
Small RNG blackjack collection
If you’re a stickler for a casino bonus, there’s a good chance PlayFrank is already on your radar. Along with its welcome offer of 100% up to £100 plus 50 free spins, the site runs a monthly cashback scheme and regular reload offers, plus Daily Missions — short objectives with rewards when they’re completed. I found everything easy to locate at this well-designed site, and there’s plenty of blackjack on offer including speed, Vegas strip, and multi-hand formats. Fancy something else? There are over 500 slots at PlayFrank too alongside top live dealer games.
Pros:
Plenty of ongoing promotions
Strong RNG and live dealer blackjack selection
Easy-to-use site
Cons:
No pay by mobile options
No mobile app
One of the sites I rate for its creativity, Voodoo Dreams has a unique way with promotions, allowing players to compete against others to cast spells which can earn real cash rewards. There are some top blackjack options at this site, including titles from Relax Gaming, Microgaming, and Evolution. The site itself is easy on the eyes with a dark theme, and it’s easy to navigate the library. While there’s unfortunately no mobile app, I felt that the site is almost better to play on via a mobile device. New players can get 100% up to £50 plus 50 free spins when they sign up but beware the eye watering wagering requirements of 60x both the bonus and deposit.
Pros:
PvP features add another dimension
Great collection of RNG blackjack
Modern design
Cons:
No mobile app
PvP system can be confusing to new players
Feeling patriotic? All British Casino offers a uniquely designed site themed around all things red, white, and blue. I found a decent selection of RNG blackjack games available, plus a huge collection of live casino titles to keep you entertained, including Evolution’s thrilling Lightning Blackjack. New players at All British Casino can net a 100% deposit match up to £100. Even better is the fact there’s always 10% cashback available at this top blackjack casino, helping your bankroll stretch that extra bit further. And for on-the-go play, there’s even a dedicated mobile app for iOS.
Pros:
Huge range of live dealer blackjack
100% welcome bonus up to £100 Always 10% cashback
Always 10% cashback
Mobile app for iOS
24/7 live chat support
Cons:
Not many RNG blackjack games
35x wagering on welcome bonus
No app for Android devices
Buzz Bingo is primarily an online bingo platform but is also one of the best online blackjack sites. Players can access a great range of variants, from video Premium Blackjack to several live dealer options. One of the highlights for me is Majority Rules Speed Blackjack, a communal game powered by Playtech, where players come together to vote on which of their cards will make the actual playable pair and any further strategic decisions. It’s a great way to feel part of a blackjack community and learn from other people’s strategies.
Pros:
Comprehensive bingo options if you get bored of blackjack
Several innovative Playtech live blackjack options
Multi-faceted welcome bonus
Cons:
Smaller live blackjack suite than some competitors
How We Review
How We Review the Best Blackjack Casinos
We won’t just recommend any old casino at Compare.bet — our experts select the top blackjack sites using a rigorous set of criteria. Here’s what we dig into when assessing each blackjack site available in the UK.
UKGC Licence
We only recommend blackjack sites that hold a proper licence from the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). This is our first port of call and any unlicensed operators are immediately blacklisted. Why? Because our players have a greater degree of protection at licensed sites as operators risk fines and sanctions if they fail to meet regulatory standards regarding transactions, player protection and game fairness.
Generous, Player-Friendly Bonuses
Offering a welcome package is par for the course, but not every deal will offer good value to the player. We pick through the terms and conditions of every welcome offered by a site to ensure the terms are player-friendly. That means low wagering requirements, longer time limits, and high winnings caps among other things.
Plenty of Promotions
If you’re going to the effort of signing up to a blackjack casino, there have to be enough incentives to make it worth your time. We assess the value of ongoing promotions for existing players, whether it’s cashback, VIP schemes, or reload bonuses, to make sure that you know exactly what you’re signing up for.
Fast Withdrawals
When you withdraw your cash, you don’t want to be left waiting a long time for it to arrive. While support for the fastest withdrawal methods like e-wallets is a prerequisite here, we also look into the casino’s processing times. Even the quickest payment methods can be hampered if the site takes a long time to confirm the withdrawal.
Wide Range of Deposit and Withdrawal Options
As well as fast withdrawals, we also look for how many payment methods are supported at blackjack sites. We expect to see at least one e-wallet option — PayPal, Skrill, or Neteller are popular options — while support for methods like pay by phone bill or prepaid cards is evidence of a site that caters to a wide range of players. Some particularly innovative blackjack sites will even support crypto deposits and withdrawals. The broader the variety, the better.
Free and Real Money Blackjack Games
There’s an element of skill required to play blackjack. That’s why we love sites that let you play for free, allowing you to perfect your strategy or just play for fun. As such, free play blackjack games are great options for both new and experienced players.
Good Live Dealer Collection
Regardless of whether you have played live dealer blackjack before or not, the best gambling websites will give you plenty of choice. This means that games from the best live developers, such as Evolution Gaming and Playtech, are all available to players at a range of buy-ins and minimum stakes.
Blackjack Game Variants
The game of blackjack is centuries old, so it’s no surprise there are lots of variants. Again, choice is the name of the game here. We like to see variants such as American and European Blackjack, Perfect Pairs, Vegas Strip, and Blackjack Switch on the menu, ensuring a wide range of player needs are met.
Customer Service
For the best blackjack sites, great customer support is a top priority. This means providing a detailed FAQs page or online help centre, as well as giving customers a range of options for getting in touch with the team. At leading casino sites, the choice will often include around-the-clock live chat, email, and telephone support. You can sometimes get support via social media channels like Facebook and Twitter too. Either way, we want to see sites respond quickly and accurately to players, and our online casino reviews will let you know what to expect.
Site Design
Appearances matter, and this is as true for online blackjack sites as it is for anything else. The best brands put plenty of thought into how their sites look, incorporating unique themes, high-quality graphics, and easy-to-read content into their designs. We love to see sites boast a fresh new look, but find that even white label picks — where design options are limited — can stand out from the crowd with a few well-chosen tweaks. Top brands offer a distinct look across the board, whether you’re playing on desktop or mobile.
User Experience
While the best blackjack online casino sites come dressed to impress, your overall experience will be about far more than just looks alone. To be one of our top picks, a site must also be easy to get around. Players should be able to find and fire up their favourite real money blackjack games quickly and enjoy them without any lagging issues or glitches — especially where live blackjack games are concerned. The best blackjack casinos make the practical stuff, such as making deposits and opting into promos, a piece of cake too.
How to Find the Best Blackjack Site
Looking for a top blackjack site? Take advantage of our expert knowledge with these simple steps.
STEP 1
Compare UKGC-Licensed Sites
At Compare.bet, we only recommend blackjack sites licensed by the UKGC, so it’s quick and easy to find a safe and legitimate online casino.
STEP 2
Sign Up
If you’ve found a site you like the look of, click through and sign up. You’ll need to enter some personal details and might be required to provide ID as well.
STEP 3
Deposit and Claim Your Bonus
If you’ve claimed a sign-up bonus, make sure you meet any requirements when making your qualifying deposit.
STEP 4
Play!
With your casino wallet loaded, you’re ready to play. Browse the games library and take your pick! Many sites offer a demo mode before playing for real money if you want to get some practice in.
Pros and Cons
Pros and Cons of Playing Online Blackjack
Blackjack is a hugely popular game with many new variations found at the best blackjack sites. Let’s have a look at some of the pros and cons of playing blackjack online.
Pros
Great variety of blackjack styles to choose from, including live blackjack and the likes of Multihand Blackjack from Pragmatic Play.
Blackjack is well supported at the best blackjack sites, in part because of the game’s simplicity. The rules are easy to learn and it can be played by anyone.
Depending on the banking method you’ve chosen, it’s highly likely that your blackjack site will offer fast withdrawals, meaning you can access your cash quickly.
Cons
When it comes to wagering requirements, blackjack often holds a lower game weighting percentage than other games. This can be in the region of 10%, whereas slots wagers are usually weighted at 100%.
Table games, such as blackjack, are often excluded from bonus use.
Blackjack has a low house edge, which can be lowered further by players who learn and implement basic blackjack strategy.
How to Play Blackjack
How to Play Blackjack
The aim of the game is to beat the dealer by hitting a higher card total than them without exceeding 21. In blackjack, number cards are their face value, face cards are worth 10, while Aces are worth 1 or 11, depending on which suits your hand. The exact rules vary depending on the blackjack variation you’re playing, but most games play out in a similar way. Before we take a look at how a game of blackjack plays out, let’s take a look at the moves available to players:
Hit – You’re dealt another card to add to your hand.
Stand – You keep your hand as it is and don’t receive any more cards.
Split – If your first two cards are the same value, you can choose to split them into two separate hands. You’ll need to add a second bet equal to the first if you split.
Double down – You double your initial bet and receive one more card before standing. In some variations, you can’t double down after splitting.
Surrender – This move is only available in certain games and allows you to surrender the round and only lose half your bet.
Now we’ve got to grips with the blackjack moves, let’s take a step-by-step look at how to play blackjack:
The dealer deals two cards to both yourself and the house. Your two cards will be dealt face up, while the dealer will have one face up and one face down — which is known as the hole card.
If you or the dealer get a ‘natural’ blackjack on the first draw, then the round ends there. If not, you can choose to hit, stand, double down or split.
If either you or the dealer hit, another card is dealt. The process then repeats until both players stand, one player hits 21, or goes bust. If both players stand, the one with the hand closest to 21 wins the round.
Blackjack House Edge
Blackjack House Edge Explained
House edge is the mathematical advantage built into all casino games to ensure that casinos make a profit. The existence of a house edge doesn’t stop individual players from landing big wins, or small ones for that matter. But it does mean that over time — sometimes many thousands of game rounds — the casino will rake in more money in stakes than it pays out in winnings.
One of the biggest draws of blackjack is that it offers some of the lowest house edges of all casino games. As blackjack is partly skill-based, the house edge is affected by your strategy. This means that, unlike in other games like slots and roulette, making the right moves can give you a better chance of winning. Of course, in no way does this mean you can guarantee a win — at the end of the day, which card is drawn next is still a matter of chance.
The house edge for a standard blackjack game when playing with basic strategy is around 0.42%. The house edge differs depending on the blackjack variation you’re playing and whether you’re wagering on side bets.
You can check the return to player (RTP) of online blackjack games by clicking on the ‘i’ or ‘help’ button once you load up a game. The house edge can be seen as a reverse of the RTP, e.g. if the RTP is 95.8%, the house edge is 4.2%.
Payouts Explained
Get Clued in on Blackjack Payouts
In classic blackjack, the payout for blackjack is 3:2, or 1.5 times your bet amount. If your hand is closer to 21 than the dealers or the dealer goes bust, you’ll receive a 1:1 payout. In most variations, if the round ends in a tie and both the player and the dealer’s hands are the same, then your bets for that round are returned to you.
Lots of blackjack variations offer different payout rates. For example, many variations that have additional rules that benefit the player, like seeing both the dealer’s first cards, make up for this advantage by offering lower payout rates. Similarly, some games have rules that make it harder for the player but make up for this with increased payouts.
Highest Paying Blackjack Games
Highest Paying Blackjack Games
When you’re gambling, the priority should always be to have fun — you should never view it as a way to make money. That said, you will want to get the most out of your bankroll and give yourself the best chance of a return. One way to do that is finding blackjack games with the lowest house edge, or the highest return to player (RTP) percentage.
Unlike slots or roulette, which are entirely down to chance, there’s an element of skill involved in blackjack. The first way you can minimise the house edge is by using basic strategy. Another way is by playing a game with preferable rules. For example, single-deck blackjack has a significantly lower house edge than a game using eight decks, so the theoretical RTP will be higher.
Highest Paying Live Dealer Blackjack Games
In the table below, we’ve rounded up some live dealer blackjack games with the best payouts. These games are run by a professional dealer from a real studio or casino and streamed directly to your device — many of these titles are available at our recommended blackjack sites.
Game
Developer
RTP
Blackjack Azure Live
Pragmatic Play
99.59%
Blackjack 3 Live Casino
Extreme Live Gaming
99.59%
Lightning Blackjack Live
Evolution Gaming
99.56%
Infinite Blackjack Live
Evolution Gaming
99.51%
Kingdoms Rise Live Blackjack
Playtech
99.46%
ONE Blackjack Live
Pragmatic Play
99.28%
Highest Paying RNG Blackjack Games
RNG games are virtual and players have full control over the pace of the game, so they’re a great way to perfect your strategy. After all, that’s one of the most effective ways to maximise your returns. The RNG blackjack games below have some of the best RTPs on account of their favourable rules — once you’ve got your strategy down, they’re a great place to start.
Game
Developer
RTP
Blackjack Switch
Red Rake
99.92%
Perfect Strategy Blackjack
Switch Studios
99.91%
Classic Blackjack Gold
Microgaming
99.90%
Blackjack Bonus
1X2gaming
99.80%
Vegas Single Deck Blackjack Gold
Microgaming
99.69%
Double Exposure Blackjack
Pragmatic Play
99.69%
Quantum Blackjack Plus
Playtech
99.68%
Mayfair Blackjack
Blueprint Gaming
99.68%
Pontoon Professional Series High Limit
NetEnt
99.66%
Vegas Strip Blackjack Gold
Microgaming
99.65%
Mini Blackjack High Limit
NetEnt
99.64%
Blackjack Games Available
Different Blackjack Games Available
There are many different versions of blackjack available to play at the best UK blackjack sites, and some might be more suited to your playing style than others. Here is an outline of some of the most popular blackjack variations:
American Blackjack
In American blackjack, the dealer receives two cards. One is face up – the upcard –, while the other is face down – the hole card. If the dealer’s upcard is an ace, they look at their hole card. The game is played with the full set of cards, including the picture cards, and can cause an immediate blackjack if the card value is ten.
Meanwhile, the player is dealt two upcards and must get as close to 21 without going over (“bust”). After the player decides to ‘stay’, the dealer plays their own hand and must ‘hit’ whenever their total is less than 16 and ‘stay’ if it is 17 or above. American blackjack players have side bets, including double down, split, and surrender.
American blackjack is typically played with 6-8 decks of cards, which is a higher figure than some of the others we’ll cover on this page, meaning that the house has more of an edge in this version.
European Blackjack
The main distinguishing factor between European and American blackjack lies with how the cards are dealt. There is no hole card in European blackjack, which means the dealer cannot make blackjack before other players have had a chance to play. Instead, the dealer only receives one upcard, then waits until the players have played their hands before revealing their second card and playing their own.
Some other differences are that players of European blackjack can only double down on hands with a total value of 9, 10 or 11, and can only split once during a hand. European blackjack players usually don’t have the option to surrender, either.
Despite being a slightly more rigid form of blackjack, the European variation is played with only two decks of cards, which significantly reduces the house’s edge over its players.
Blackjack Switch
Blackjack switch is a relatively recent development of the blackjack format in which players are dealt two hands and can switch their top two cards. Identical second cards trigger a “super match”, rewarding players for receiving pairs, two pairs, three-of-a-kinds or four-of-a-kinds. Payouts are 1/1, 3/1, 5/1 and 8/1, respectively.
Another distinguishing aspect of blackjack switch is that the dealer does not go bust if their hand totals 22. This means that no one wins the round unless another player has made a natural blackjack, which always trumps a push on 22.
All other blackjack variables, including how many decks are in play, or whether or not you can split, surrender or double down, are up to the specific provider. For example, Playtech’s Blackjack Switch plays with 6 decks and allows its players to both split and double down, which explains why it carries a staggering RTP rate of 99.92%.
Vegas Strip Blackjack
Though it may sound rather raunchy, Vegas Strip blackjack is actually just a slight variation of the American format.
The main differences to be aware of here are that Vegas Strip blackjack is always played with 4 decks of cards – which means the house’s odds are significantly lower than they are in American blackjack – and the dealer must always stand on a soft 17 (a 17 that includes an ace with a value of 11).
Another key feature is that Vegas Strip players are allowed to insure their hands against a blackjack if the dealer’s first card is an ace. This insurance side bet pays out at 2/1 if the dealer ends up making blackjack.
All other aspects of Vegas Strip blackjack follow the same rules as American blackjack, but the decrease in the house’s edge over players makes this a popular alternative.
Blackjack Perfect Pairs
Blackjack Perfect Pairs originated as a side bet similar to the ‘super match’ bet in Blackjack Switch. The specific side bet that Perfect Pairs is based on, however, concerns three potential outcomes of the initial two-card deal:
a mixed pair – two cards of the same value, but in a different suit and colour;
a coloured pair – same value and colour, but in a different suit;
a perfect pair – same value, colour and suit, usually with a payout of 30/1.
Participating players must place this side bet before any cards have been dealt, and the rest of the hand then continues according to whichever standard variant you’re playing. Perfect Pairs can be played with anywhere between 2 to 8 decks of cards, so double check these before you start betting, because the number of packs in play will have a significant effect on how likely you are to find a pair.
Free Blackjack
Free Blackjack
The best UK online blackjack sites offer free blackjack titles, allowing you to get acquainted before staking your own cash. These free games are a great opportunity to figure out which variant suits you best and to work on an optimal strategy before trying your luck at the real thing. Alternatively, free blackjack games can be a great way to unwind without worrying about losing any money.
Whatever your motive, free blackjack is available at most blackjack casinos. You only need to sign up to play, with no real-money deposits necessary. A number of the top UK blackjack sites we recommend – such as HeySpin, Grosvenor Casino and Unibet – offer free blackjack to both new and returning players.
Unfortunately, you can’t play live dealer blackjack for free, but you can spectate on some live dealer games to get a feel for how it all works before giving it a go yourself.
Pros and Cons of Free Blackjack
Pros
Don’t have to spend or deposit any real cash
Best way to learn how to play
Can freely experiment with various strategies
Good for fans of blackjack who want to play without risking any money
Cons
You can’t win any money
Smaller selection of online casinos and games to choose from if you want to play for free
Can’t play live blackjack
Blackjack Games
Blackjack Games at UK Casinos
When it comes to games libraries, not all casinos are created equal. We’ve highlighted some picks below with a decent selection, giving players access to different variants and live dealer games.
Site
Number of RNG blackjack games
Number of live blackjack games
New bonus (max)
Spin Rio
11
11
100% up to £200 + 100 free spins
Race Casino
10
19
100% up to £100 + 10% cashback
10bet
4
13
50% up to £50 + 50 free spins
PlayFrank
11
13
100% up to £100 + 50 free spins
Voodoo Dreams
12
8
100% up to £50 + 50 free spins
Blackjack Strategy
Improve Your Game with Blackjack Strategy
Using an optimal blackjack strategy is fundamental to lowering the house edge. Basic strategy guides and tactics illuminate the best moves depending on the player and dealer’s hand strengths. While this cannot guarantee a win, it can significantly lower the house edge.
A few fundamental rules to consider include:
Always hit on a hard 17
Always split your 8s and aces
Stand if your hand value is 12-16 compared to the dealer’s 2-6
Hit if your hand value is 12-16 and the dealer possesses 7-ace
Double down on an 11 if the dealer has 2-10
Stay away from the insurance bet
Consider using the surrender if your hand contains a hard 5-7, hard 12-17, or pairs of 3s, 6s, 7s, or 8s
Look up online blackjack strategy charts to know the best moves depending on position
Blackjack Variations
Try out Different Blackjack Variations
There are a wide range of exciting game variations available at the UK’s best blackjack sites. Let’s take a look at the top titles on offer.
Blackjack surrender – This variation allows you to cut your losses if you don’t fancy your first hand by only losing half your bet. While most games don’t allow you to surrender if the dealer gets a natural, a few variations do – this is known as early surrender.
Blackjack switch – In blackjack switch, you’re dealt two hands instead of one. You can choose to switch the second cards of each hand to create the strongest possible hands.
Double exposure – Here, both the dealers cards are face up. This is an advantage for the player, but casinos make up for this by offering slightly lower payouts. In this variation the dealer also wins on ties unless you land a natural.
Pontoon – This is essentially the opposite to double exposure – both the dealer’s cards are face down. This obviously makes things more difficult for the player, but in exchange there’s an increased payout for natural blackjack of 2:1 rather than 3:2.
Multi-hand blackjack – This variation uses the standard blackjack rules but lets you play multiple hands at once. Some games even allow you to play up to five hands at a time.
Spanish 21 – A unique blackjack variant that sees all the number 10 cards removed from the shoe of six decks in play. Players’ hands are often made up of lots of low cards as a result, which gives a much wider selection of side bets, such as a 7-card hand at 3/1. In Spanish Blackjack, a player’s blackjack or 21 always wins.
Vegas Strip Blackjack – A slight twist on American blackjack, Vegas Strip is always played with four decks of cards. Players can buy insurance, which pays out at 2/1, and the dealer stands on soft 17. Many players prefer Vegas Strip blackjack over American blackjack as these rules mean the game has a lower house edge.
Progressive Blackjack – Popularised by online slots like Mega Moolah, progressive jackpots are where a portion of each bet goes into the jackpot pool, steadily increasing the amount until it’s won. In the case of progressive jackpot blackjack, players must usually make a specific side bet to be in the running to swipe the jackpot. Usually, the jackpot is triggered when your cards and the dealer’s combine in a specific way — for example, four aces of the same colour.
Blackjack Side Bets
Mix Things up with Blackjack Side Bets
Many online blackjack games have optional side bets that you can wager on as well as wagering on your hand. These bets are separate to the main game and are based purely on luck. Side bets are popular because they offer high payouts if you get lucky. The side bets on offer vary depending on the blackjack game you’re playing, but here are the most popular:
Perfect pairs – This is a bet that your first two cards will be a pair. The payout depends on the strength of the pairing – a ‘perfect’ pair of the same rank and suit usually pays out 25:1, while a red and black pair typically pays 6:1.
23+1 – Here you’re betting that your first two cards and the dealer’s hole card will form a flush, straight, three of a king, straight flush or suited three of a kind. Again, the payouts depend on the strength of the hand. For example, in Playtech’s All Bets Blackjack, a flush pays out 5:1 while a suited three of a kind pays out 100:1.
Insurance – If the dealer’s hole card is an Ace, you can insure your bets against the dealer by placing an insurance bet equal to half the amount of your initial wager. If the dealer does have blackjack your insurance bet pays 2:1, meaning you don’t lose your original bet.
Progressive – Some blackjack games offer a progressive jackpot sidebet. In most progressive blackjack variations, this involves betting on Aces. Depending on the variation, you may need to draw four consecutive Aces of the same suit to land the jackpot.
While side bets offer high payouts, they also increase the house edge due to the slim odds involved. For example, your chances of correctly betting on a perfect pair is only around 1.6%.
Live Dealer Blackjack
Enjoy an Immersive Live Blackjack Experience
Fancy a more realistic game of blackjack? Live dealer blackjack is as close as it gets to being at an actual land-based casino. The top live games are streamed in HD from purpose built studios, so they look and feel just like the real thing. Games are also run by professionally trained dealers using authentic equipment, making for more immersive blackjack gaming.
The UK’s best online blackjack sites host a wide range of tables to choose from. There are different variations on offer, with different side bets and betting limits, including low stakes games. Live dealer blackjack games are also a great option for high rollers, as the top sites host exclusive VIP tables, some of which allow you to bet as much as £20,000 per hand.
Pros
You can play at a live dealer casino anytime from wherever you are in the world
HD cameras create an immersive experience
Variety of games to fit range of player budgets
Cons
Connection issues may occur
There may be a limited collection of blackjack games
New Customer Offer Welcome bonus package on first 3 deposits 1st Dep. Min £20. 40x wagering (bonus & deposit). max bonus to cash 5x. 50 Free spins. 25x wagering. Max bonus to cash £25. Claim once. See full T&Cs for 2nd & 3rd Deposit offers: Full T&C apply. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly. begambleaware.org
Blackjack Software Providers
The Best Blackjack Software Developers
A number of the top casino software providers have developed online blackjack games. As casinos often use different software, the blackjack titles on offer vary from site to site, so knowing the differences between providers can help you find the best blackjack site for you. Here are the developers responsible for the top blackjack titles:
NetEnt
NetEnt is one of the biggest casino software providers and has developed a range of both animated and live dealer blackjack games. When it comes to RNG blackjack titles, NetEnt has developed games like Pontoon, Single Deck Blackjack and Double Exposure Blackjack. NetEnt also offers great live dealer blackjack tables, including the industry-first Perfect Blackjack, which deals cards according to perfect blackjack strategy. There’s also Common Draw Blackjack, which caters to an unlimited number of players at each table.
Top NetEnt Online Blackjack Games
Single Deck Blackjack Professional Series Single-deck blackjack games come with a lower house edge than the usual four or eight-deck games, although this NetEnt title has rather conservative betting limits. A blackjack pays 3:2 and players can buy insurance as well.
Pros
Lower house edge means higher RTP
Cons
Lower betting limits won’t suit all players
Blackjack Classic NetEnt’s no-frills offering, Blackjack Classic, stays true to the game’s roots. It’s played with four decks, and the dealer draws to 16 and stands on all 17s. Players can double down and also buy insurance.
Pros
Solid core gameplay suits beginners and experts
Cons
Lack of side bets may disappoint some
Double Exposure Blackjack In Double Exposure Blackjack, both dealer cards are dealt face up. Unfortunately, this advantage is mitigated by some restrictive rules, including blackjacks paying even money while the dealer wins all non-blackjack pushes.
Pros
Face-up dealer cards gives players an advantage
Cons
This advantage is removed by rules that favour the house
New Customer Offer New customers only. Min deposit £20. Max non-withdrawable bonus £30. Playable on selected games only. 30x wagering required. Expires within 30 days. Max win £2,000. T&C apply. 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly. begambleaware.org
Evolution Gaming
Evolution Gaming is the leading provider of live casino software, so naturally its blackjack offering is top-notch. From low stakes Blackjack Party and Infinite Blackjack to VIP Salon Privé tables, there’s something for players of all budgets. Evolution’s live blackjack tables offer the Bet Behind feature which allows you to place bets on players’ hands while you wait for a seat, as well as side bets on perfect pairs and 21+3. These games are also some of the most realistic live blackjack games you can play at online casinos.
Top Evolution Gaming Blackjack Games
First Person Blackjack Bucking Evolution’s trend of live dealer games, First Person Blackjack is an RNG game set in a realistic 3D environment. As such, it is one of the closest experiences you’ll come to the real thing in a virtual game. Players can also make Perfect Pair and 21+3 side bets.
Pros
Includes side bets
Players can control the pace of the game
Cons
RNG rather than live dealer
Lightning Blackjack Lightning Blackjack throws RNG multipliers into the mix to boost your payouts. Win a round and you’re granted a random multiplier between 2x and 25x for the next hand, giving you the possibility of a larger prize.
Pros
Multipliers add an exciting twist and boosted payouts
Cons
Additional Lightning Fee required to unlock multipliers
Power Blackjack Part of Evolution’s Infinite range, Power Blackjack shakes things up considerably by allowing unlimited players at the table. Players can make four side bets — Any Pair, 21+3, Hot 3, and Bust It — as well as double, triple, or quadruple downs on any two initial cards including after a split. The trade-off? It’s played with eight decks with the 9s and 10s removed, so normal blackjack strategy is out the window.
Pros
Unlimited players can join
Four different side bets
Cons
9s and 10s removed from the deck so normal strategy doesn’t apply
New Customer Offer #AD 100% up to £100 + 10% cashback. Maximum withdrawal on free spins of £100. Max £5 bet while playing with bonus funds, no maximum withdrawal. 35x wagering. Skrill and Neteller deposits don't qualify for this bonus. Click here for full T&Cs 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly. begambleaware.org
Playtech
Playtech is another developer that boasts a range of both RNG and live blackjack titles. When it comes to the live casino, Ultimate Blackjack enables an endless number of players to join in at the same time. Some of the top animated blackjack games from Playtech include Lucky Lucky Blackjack and Buster Blackjack, which offer some unique side bet opportunities. Other variations include Double Attack Blackjack, Blackjack Peek and Free Chip Blackjack, so it’s safe to say Playtech games are ideal for players who fancy mixing up their gameplay.
Top Playtech Online Blackjack Games
Premium Blackjack Playtech’s core blackjack offering, Premium Blackjack includes 21+3, Perfect Pair, and Insurance side bets. The maximum bet is quite high at most online casinos.
Pros
Includes side bets and insurance
High maximum bet
Cons
Not the most inspiring design
All Bets Blackjack A live dealer blackjack game, All Bets Blackjack adds extra side bets including Player/Dealer Pair, 21+3, Top 3, Lucky Lucky, and Buster. This game may not be for everyone, however, as the house edge is much higher, ranging from 4–9%.
Pros
Live dealer game
Loads of extra side bets
Cons
High house edge of 4–9%
Free Chip Blackjack Free Chip Blackjack spices things up with certain double-downs and splits free to the player, although certain rules around pushes do mitigate the advantage to the player.
18+. Full T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly. begambleaware.org
Microgaming
Microgaming is a software giant has developed some of the best animated blackjack games. There are loads of exciting variations to try out if you’re bored of classic blackjack, including Spanish Blackjack, Super Fun 21, and Single Deck Blackjack. There’s even High Streak Blackjack that offers a side bet that boosts your returns each time you win. Microgaming is a good option for high rollers, with a range of high limit variations. There are also the famous Gold Series blackjack games with enhanced graphics and soundtracks, creating a more immersive gaming experience.
Top Microgaming Blackjack Games
Classic Blackjack MH This game has everything you’d expect from a classic blackjack game. What’s more, players have the opportunity to bet on more than one position per round as the MH in the title stands for ‘multi hand’.
Pros
Bet on several positions at once
Cons
Slightly dated appearance
Vegas Downtown Blackjack Gold Subtly different to Vegas Strip, Vegas Downtown is played with only two decks, improving the house edge. The dealer stands on hard 17s and hits on soft 17s.
Pros
Improved house edge from two decks
Cons
Dealer can peek when face-up card is an ace
Atlantic City Blackjack Gold The main addition to Atlantic City Blackjack Gold is the option for Late Surrender, letting players claim back half their stake after the dealer checks for blackjack. There are no side bets to be seen here, however, which may turn off certain players.
Pros
Late surrender available
Cons
No side bets available
Yggdrasil
Established in 2013, Yggdrasil is an innovative software developer known for its edgy slots, unique game mechanics, and exciting tournaments, missions, and prize drop promos. In 2018, Yggdrasil turned its attention to table games, using its ground-breaking in-house technology REDUX™ to create an immersive 3D casino world, complete with motion-captured virtual dealers. To date, Yggdrasil has launched a trio of its unique RNG blackjack games: Sonya Blackjack, Lucky Blackjack, and Dr Fortuno Blackjack.
Top Yggdrasil Online Blackjack Games
Sonya Blackjack Sonya Blackjack was Yggdrasil’s first 3D blackjack game release. The game is largely based on standard multi-deck Vegas Strip blackjack, coming complete with all the regular blackjack bets. An updated version featuring the Perfect Pairs and 21+3 side bets landed in 2019.
Pros
Unique RNG gaming experience
Customisable virtual dealer
Tables seat up to three players, with others able to watch
Cons
Not as widely available as some blackjack games
Lucky Blackjack Lucky Blackjack was released alongside the upgraded edition of Sonya Blackjack in 2019 and uses the same motion-capture technology. This Irish-themed 3D blackjack game features a charming virtual dealer and the Lucky Lucky and Lucky Ladies blackjack side bets.
Pros
Unique 3D gaming experience
Tables accommodate up to three simultaneous players, and an audience too
Fun Irish theme
Cons
Not available at all online casinos
Mobile Blackjack
Play Blackjack on Your Mobile
Mobile blackjack casinos are far more popular than desktop platforms nowadays, offering players a convenient way to stand, hit, double, or surrender from their smartphones. Software developers optimise their titles for iOS and Android devices, enhancing the graphics for smaller screens and making use of landscape/vertical modes. Whether you’re looking for vintage video blackjack or next-gen live dealer variants, everything is easily accessible from your smartphone.
All the best online blackjack casinos have mobile-optimised websites, but the cream of the crop also offer bespoke mobile casino apps. The next section will illuminate some of the pros and cons of using these.
Pros & Cons
Pros and Cons of Playing Blackjack on Mobile Apps
Pros
Play blackjack on the go 24/7, including live blackjack
Easily accessible from your home screen, no need to open a browser
Offers improved security courtesy of biometric logins like Face ID
Optional push notifications to stay up to speed with all the latest promos
Possibility of app-exclusive blackjack games and bonuses
Cons
Some casinos offer an app for Android or iOS, but not both
Apps may not be compatible with earlier phones and operating systems
Apps are downloaded to mobile devices, so will use storage space
Apps may feature fewer blackjack games than counterpart mobile sites
Loads of the UK’s best online casinos offer bonuses that you can use to play at real money blackjack tables. Fancy bagging one for yourself? Let’s take a look at the top bonuses on offer when you sign up to the best online blackjack sites.
These welcome deals reward you a bonus fund worth a percentage of your first deposit, up to a certain amount. Some casinos offer as much as £1,000, meaning plenty of bonus funds to use on your favourite online blackjack games!
New Customer Offer #AD 100% up to £100 + 10% cashback. Maximum withdrawal on free spins of £100. Max £5 bet while playing with bonus funds, no maximum withdrawal. 35x wagering. Skrill and Neteller deposits don't qualify for this bonus. Click here for full T&Cs 18+. Full T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly. begambleaware.org
Make sure to read the terms and conditions before claiming your blackjack bonus. Terms like wagering requirements, game restrictions and win limits determine the true value of a bonus.
Online Blackjack Bonuses
Choosing the Best Online Blackjack Bonus for You
You can expect a great selection of bonuses and existing customer promo offers at the best blackjack sites, so let’s take a look at some of the ones you’re most likely to find.
Matched Deposits
Matched deposits are one of the most common welcome bonuses. These promotions offer first-time players additional bonus funds on top of their deposits – usually up to 100% of a specific amount. For example, you could gain a 100% up to £100 deposit match on a £100 payment, resulting in £100 extra bonus funds. This way, the casino effectively doubles your bankroll.
These bonuses are useful for helping players learn the rules of games and understand their favourite blackjack variants without spending any real money. But you must be careful, as many offers come with massive wagering requirements that can be difficult to fulfil. This means it’s highly unlikely you will access any withdrawable cash winnings from a matched deposit welcome bonus.
Free Spins
Free spins are a great way to try out a game before you wager any of your own real money. They can encourage you to try a new title or two if, as they usually are, the free spins bonus is attached to a specific game.
This type of bonus is regularly present on blackjack sites that also have a decent range of slots titles, and they’re often given out alongside a matched deposit bonus.
As ever, read the terms and conditions as they’re usually only available for use on specific slots titles and come with other conditions attached, such as how long they are valid for, whether wagering requirements apply, or whether there’s a winnings cap.
No wagering free spins are a relatively common offer, however, so there’s a good chance you could land some withdrawable cash with such bonuses at certain sites.
No Wagering Bonus
Wagering requirements almost come as standard at most online blackjack casinos. However, some blackjack sites offer no wagering bonuses that cut the need for wagering a certain amount of money before you can withdraw anything related to your bonus.
Needless to say, no wagering blackjack sites would be in a lot of financial trouble if too many people accepted such a generous bonus and won. As such, you’ll find other conditions attached to no wagering bonuses, such as winning caps that can be lower than with other bonus types, time limits, and restrictions on the games or blackjack variants you can play.
No Deposit Bonus
It may sound too good to be true, but no deposit bonuses are when your account is credited by gambling sites without you needing to first make a deposit. Naturally, it isn’t going to be a hugely high value that you’re given, but it’s a nice bonus to accept as it means you can try out some different titles, get a feel for some new blackjack sites, and potentially find a new favourite without any initial outlay.
Despite there being no need to make a deposit, there will be other terms and conditions attached. Wagering requirements are usually quite high, so read through the T&Cs carefully before accepting a no deposit bonus at one of the best blackjack sites.
Terms and Conditions
Terms and Conditions at Blackjack Sites
While blackjack bonuses may sound enticing, there are always terms and conditions attached to each one. Across the board, you will find some fairly standard T&Cs but, of course, each site will amend them slightly to best suit their own requirements.
Let’s have a look at some of the most commonly found bonus terms and conditions that blackjack players have to navigate while sampling the best blackjack online.
Wagering Requirements
Even the best online blackjack casinos have some kind of wagering requirements attached to their bonuses. Understanding how these work is fundamental to avoiding nasty surprises when you attempt to make a withdrawal.
All funds or winnings derived from deposit matches or free spins are usually subject to a wagering (or playthrough) requirement. This points to the number of times you must wager your funds before they can be withdrawn as real money. The industry average is around 30x, so let’s use this as a theoretical example below:
£50 in bonus funds with a 30x wagering requirement = £50 x 30 (£1,500) to be staked before you can withdraw any cash attached to this offer.
Using this formula will help you calculate how much you need to bet to convert your funds. Take care not to overzealously chase these requirements, as they can often put you much further out of pocket. Unfortunately, blackjack usually holds a very low game weighting, meaning only a small percentage of your blackjack wagers will count towards the playthrough requirements.
Game Restrictions
Many games are exempt from bonuses and casino offers, so it’s always important to make sure the game you’re looking to play is included in the bonus you want to accept at one of the best blackjack sites.
Blackjack, and other table games, are regularly excluded from bonuses, so UK players may need to move over to the other high-quality games in order to accept a bonus. You could also lean towards a site that specialises in blackjack variations, as they’re less likely to exclude blackjack from bonuses.
Game Weighting
Blackjack rarely has game weighting higher than 10%, meaning only 10% of your wagers will go towards a bonus’s wagering requirements.
For example, let’s say you claimed £100 and the wagering requirements are set as 30x, bringing the total wagering to £3,000. That in itself is way outside the bounds of what the average gambler will spend on a site before their bonus expires, but it’s made considerably worse if that player only wagers on blackjack weighted at 10%. In this scenario, with only blackjack wagers made, a total of £30,000 would need to be played before withdrawals against the bonus could be unlocked.
Payment Exclusions
The best online blackjack sites will offer an ever-expanding range of payment options to UK players. However, not all are equal in their use. You will find that certain banking methods, usually e-wallets, are excluded from bonuses either because of the vendor fees accrued by the gambling site or concerns around KYC capabilities. Debit cards are pretty much always eligible, but it’s worth double checking if your preferred banking method is eligible before accepting a blackjack bonus or promo. Most of the time it’s only your first deposit that’s eligible for a bonus, so if you make a deposit with PayPal only to find it’s ineligible after the fact, it’s too late to deposit again and claim the offer.
Winnings Caps
Bonuses available on blackjack sites will nearly always come with a winnings cap: a maximum amount that you can land as winnings from any one bonus. Depending on the bonus itself, these winning caps will vary in their scope, but typically winnings will be limited to around £100.
Time Limits
Time limits attached to a bonus usually cover both the amount of time you have to accept the bonus and the time you have to complete the wagering requirements. This can range widely from as little as 24 hours to 30 days, so be sure to check how long a bonus will be live before you claim one.
Blackjack Betting Systems
Blackjack Betting Systems
Like all casino and gambling games, blackjack is a game of chance. Guaranteeing success with an optimised strategy is unrealistic, but this doesn’t mean you cannot considerably improve your chances and make your bankroll stretch as far as possible.
Blackjack enthusiasts have devised several betting systems since the 16th century that can help you reduce the house edge, effectively manage your gambling funds, and make the optimum decisions.
Check below for a breakdown of the most useful blackjack betting systems to employ:
Flat Betting
Flat betting is an easy way to manage your gameplay, and it’s a popular blackjack system with many UK players. This method follows the idea of wagering the same amount with every hand, thus lowering any risk of erratic play and maintaining a close watch on your wagering total. Each individual will have a different flat betting amount, based on personal budget, and for how many hands they intend on playing. Let’s say you have a £50 budget and want to play 20 hands, meaning your bet would be £2.50 per hand.
Positive Progression
The main idea of the positive progression system is to increase your bet with each hand you win. When your winning streak comes to an end, you return to your initial bet and stay here until you win again. Using a positive progression system on blackjack sites ensures players make the most of their wins but minimise big losses by returning to careful bets.
You should be mindful of the bet increase to opt for and recognise when it’s time to stop playing. Budget management is important, as is remembering what limits you set for yourself in terms of spending and time played.
Negative Progression
Another favoured betting system at the best blackjack sites is negative progression, which is the opposite of positive progression. Riskier in its approach, UK players who choose this strategy increase their bet size following a losing hand. Ideally, this means you’ll immediately win back your losses after the next winning hand.
This method is best suited to players with large bankrolls, but it can be a dangerous game to play if you are on a lower budget. You may not encounter a winning hand for several rounds, by which point you could be completely out of funds. Keep this in mind and know when to cut your losses if you intend to play with a negative progression system.
Payment Options
Payment Methods at Real Money Blackjack Sites
PayPal
PayPal is a widely support e-wallet that offers free instant deposits, fast withdrawals and secure transactions. PayPal casino users can fund their gameplay with a bank card or bank account without having to disclose any sensitive data with a third party such as a casino.
Neteller
Neteller is another e-wallet that’s widely accepted at online casinos and offers instant deposits, secure transactions and fast withdrawals. You can also opt for a Net+ virtual prepaid MasterCard. Deposit money into your Neteller account and you can use your virtual card on any site where Mastercard is accepted.
Skrill
Much like PayPal and Neteller, Skrill lets you make instant online payments without disclosing financial details such as your card number. Skrill users can also gain access to a prepaid MasterCard, accepted anywhere that supports MasterCard payments.
Paysafecard
This easy to use prepaid option doesn't require a bank account or debit card. You can choose Paysafecards worth £10 to £175 at your nearest sales outlet. Simply pay with the unique 16-digit code on your Paysafecard.
AstroPay
Functioning as a virtual prepaid card and e-wallet system, AstroPay is relatively new to these shores. It’s still very much up and coming in regards to availability at online casinos, however it offers a very secure and fast method for deposits and withdrawals. There are hundreds of currencies and payments available within the AstroPay network, including a selection of cryptocurrency options such as Bitcoin, Litecoin, and Cardano.
Trustly
Trustly uses open banking technology to allow players to make safe and secure deposits at online casinos direct from their bank accounts. Deposits made via the service are instant and qualify for most bonuses, and payouts are fast too. Trustly works with most major UK banks and is a frequent option on casino cashier pages.
Debit Cards
Available at all licensed blackjack sites, debit cards are a well-recognised and popular method of payment. They can be a little slow for withdrawing your cash, although many people favour them due to their ubiquity and general convenience. The vast majority of the time, debit cards are eligible for claiming bonuses at the best blackjack sites, too.
Pay by Phone
Pay by phone methods will make an instant deposit that will be added to your phone bill or taken directly off your prepaid balance. It’s very simple: input your phone number and then verify your details via text message.
Boku is one of the most familiar pay by phone facilitators, and is commonly found at the best online blackjack sites. Deposit limits are quite low, usually capped at £30 per day, and you won’t be able to make withdrawals with this type of payment method.
Cryptocurrencies
Some of the best blackjack sites might offer cryptocurrencies, like Bitcoin and Ethereum, as available payment methods. Cryptocurrencies offer extremely fast and secure transactions, but are still rarely seen at online casinos.
None of our top 10 recommended UK blackjack sites accept cryptocurrencies at this moment in time, but this is likely to change in the near future, so watch this space.
If you’re interested in getting started in cryptocurrencies, you’ll need to set up a free crypto wallet online. However, make sure you’ve done your research before investing in cryptocurrencies, as their value can fluctuate significantly. But by the time you’re all set up, it’s quite possible that more of the best UK blackjack sites will have introduced crypto as a payment method.
Responsible Gambling
Responsible Gambling
Whenever you gamble, it’s essential to remain mindful of your habits and behaviours. While gambling is an exciting and enjoyable pastime for many, it has the potential to quickly become addictive. Reading up on the dangers of problem gambling is one of the best places to start when it comes to protecting yourself.
Here are some things to watch out for — if any of them resonate with you, it’s time to pause and reassess your gambling:
Feeling anxious or ashamed about your gambling, or hiding it from others.
Asking to borrow money to gamble, or in extreme cases, stealing.
Losing track of time while gambling.
Needing to gamble increasingly larger amounts of money to receive the same thrill.
Betting more than you’re comfortable losing.
Prioritising gambling over other activities or hobbies such as socialising.
Neglecting personal or professional responsibilities in order to gamble.
Treating gambling as an income or way to make money.
Responsible Gambling Tips
There are plenty of things you can do to ensure gambling remains a safe and enjoyable activity. Read on for some of our top tips.
Set a budget and stick to it – Before you gamble a single penny, it’s essential you set a budget, whether that’s for your session, the day, the week, or even the month. Once you’ve exhausted this amount, it’s time to call it quits.
Never chase losses – While blackjack does have an element of strategy to it, it’s ultimately a game of chance. You’re never guaranteed a win, no matter what’s happened in previous hands.
Set up on-site limiters – All licensed UK online casinos feature limiters which can be applied to your account, restricting the amount of time and money you spend on gambling. We recommend using these tools to help you keep within your budget.
Make use of self-exclusion tools – If you feel like taking a longer break, you can use exclusion tools like Gamban to block gambling websites and apps for a specific period of time.
Only play games you understand – It’s not a good idea to wager real money on games or slots where you don’t understand the rules. Be sure to read the help section and play a few rounds in demo mode before betting with cash.
Consider particular payment methods – Some users find it helpful to keep their betting bankroll within an e-wallet, segregated from their usual bank account. Likewise, payment methods like Paysafecard and pay by phone have inherent limits that can help you manage your spend.
Don’t play while under the influence – Never gamble if you’ve been drinking alcohol or taking drugs, as your judgement may be impaired. This also applies if you’re feeling emotional.
Don’t hesitate to seek help – If you feel like gambling is impacting your life negatively, or you’re struggling to control the amount you spend, help is at hand. We’ve signposted a few resources in the following section.
Responsible Gambling Organisations
Thankfully, there are plenty of places where you can get assistance and advice around gambling. We’ve listed a few below, and you can always find more information on our dedicated responsible gambling page.
BeGambleAware.org is a great organisation for support with problem gambling. Along with reading plenty of fantastic advice and information, you can speak to an adviser via live chat or contact the 24/7 National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133.
GamCare offers help and support around gambling, along with forums and group chat so you can talk with others about your experiences.
Gamblers Anonymous is a well-known organisation that runs support groups for problem gamblers up and down the country. Head to the site to find a meeting in your area.
Get Started
Get Started at an Online Blackjack Site
We’ve taken you through the ins and outs of playing blackjack online, so you’ve got everything you need to get out there and have a go for yourself.
Use the list of the UK’s top casinos for May, 2023 to compare options and find the best blackjack site for you. If you’re after more detail, simply click ‘Read our review’ to head straight to that blackjack site’s expert and unbiased analysis.
Compare, sign up, and get ready to take on the dealer at a top blackjack site.
Our best blackjack site is All British Casino, at the time of writing. We think it offers the best all-round blackjack casino experience with a fantastic site, solid welcome offer, broad games selection, plenty of payment options to choose from, and much more. But you might be after something different, and we’ve got plenty of online blackjack sites to recommend. Head to the top of this page to see our latest rankings of the best online blackjack casinos, compare sites with the at-a-glance info, and read our expert reviews to get all the details you need to settle on your next pontoon destination.
Yes, provided you play at a UKGC-licensed blackjack site. All of the sites listed on Compare.bet are licensed by the UK Gambling Commission, are safe to play at, and offer top drawer online blackjack experiences.
All UKGC-licensed blackjack sites are equally safe. These sites are held to strict standards of fairness, security, ethical behaviours, and customer support, meaning you can expect SSL encryption on all data and transactions, responsive customer service, timely withdrawal payouts, and games that are regularly audited for fairness. Every blackjack site listed on Compare.bet is UKGC-licensed.
No strategy can help you win at blackjack, but there are plenty of strategies that can help you to manage your bankroll effectively. If you have a system in place to help you make decisions, you can make your bankroll go further, play more hands, and have more chances to win. Head up this page for details on using the flat betting, positive progression, and negative progression blackjack betting strategies.
Yes. All the casinos on our list are licensed by the UK Gambling Commission, which guarantees fair gaming. All the animated blackjack games at these sites use random number generator (RNG) technology and are audited to ensure fairness, while the live blackjack games are run by unbiased dealers.
You’re dealt a hard hand if you’re dealt no ace or if the ace counts as one. A soft hand, however, is when you’re dealt an ace that is valued as eleven. If you receive an ace in your first two cards, then it’s counted as eleven, but if you choose to add more cards to that hand, the ace will count as one and you’ll have a hard hand. Drawing a soft hand is advantageous because you can never go bust if you do.
Most blackjack games use six or eight decks. A few online casino sites offer single deck blackjack, which has a house edge of around just 0.1% when played using optimal strategy, but this game isn’t available at all casinos. You can also play European blackjack at some online blackjack sites, which uses just two decks.
Sure. Most of the UK’s best online casinos offer free demo blackjack games that you can play without having to deposit. Free blackjack games are perfect if you just want to play for fun, and they’re also ideal if you want to work on your strategy before playing online blackjack for real money. Keep in mind that you can’t play live dealer blackjack games for free, due to the higher running costs these tables have for online casinos.
Of course. Pretty much all of 2023’s top brand new casinos offer online blackjack games, meaning you can take your pick from both the best latest sites and the more established casino brands.
Yes. Many of the best blackjack casinos accept PayPal deposits and withdrawals, meaning you can enjoy fast and secure casino banking when you play real money blackjack online. Compare the banking options, deposit limits and withdrawal times on offer at different blackjack casino sites to find the one best suited to you.
Not all of them. While the majority of online blackjack games are suitable for mobile play, some of the older titles haven’t been adapted for smartphones. Don’t worry, though – there are still plenty of top mobile blackjack games to choose from at the bet online casinos.
We highly recommend any of the sites in our list of top 10 blackjack casinos, but All British Casino and Voodoo Dreams sit at the top of that list for a reason. There are few better options when it comes to both game variety and quality however, be sure to read through each of our reviews to see which suits your requirements.
Yes, almost all of our recommended sites feature welcome bonuses and ongoing promotions that can be used on blackjack titles. Of course, free spins won’t benefit blackjack players, and matched deposit bonuses are often accompanied by considerable wagering requirements, but bonus funds can always be used to play blackjack without having to wager too much of your own cash.
References
References and External Links
Please note that Compare.bet is not responsible for the content of third-party websites.
Daniel is Head of Operations at Compare.bet. He has half a decade of experience writing on topics including sports betting, online casino and the NBA. Daniel also covers Premier League football for Compare.bet news and has interviewed Louis Saha, Richard Dunne and Gary Pallister. In his spare time, Daniel enjoys film photography and making Spotify playlists.
Alice is an Editor at Compare.bet, having joined the company from Gambling Insider in 2022. She's a dab hand at all things online gambling, from expertise in payment methods to her commitment to responsible gambling promotion. Outside of work, Alice is a huge sports fan who closely follows Arsenal and plays lacrosse in her spare time, to name just a couple of her sporting pursuits.
Robbie joined us in 2022 as a staff writer. He's involved in all content across the site, from detailed guides and reviews to responsible gambling advice, and puts his detailed sports knowledge to good use across our betting pages. Outside work Robbie plays football most weekends, tempers his resilience as a West Ham fan, and keeps up to date with the latest cinema releases.
The following external expert(s) contributed to ensure this page provides maximum value, accuracy and insight:
Adam Dickinson
Adam has almost a decade of experience working in the gambling industry, including various content and marketing roles at the likes of PlayOJO, Betway and Entain He is currently the Head of Marketing at Arena Entertainment. Adam puts his vast experience to use as a fact checker for Compare.bet.
Catherine Sweet
Catherine is a communications professional who has over a decade of experience across the third sector. She has worked for a range of local, national and international organisations across a range of communications disciplines, and has been with GamCare since 2016.
James is a betting and casino expert at Compare.bet who specialises in writing and editing in-depth guides and reviews. As well as producing copy for the site, James is instrumental in making tweaks that keep our pages at the cutting edge of gambling comparison.
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