Perks of playing blackjack for free
Practice your strategy
Not sure if you should split, double down or surrender? Playing free blackjack gives you the chance to try different tactics in a variety of different situations and work your on your blackjack strategy, without the worry of having real money on the table.
Try new blackjack variations
Free online blackjack games are ideal if you want to try something a little different from your standard game of 21. You can test the waters on a few variations, with no money lost if you decide it’s not for you.
Play for fun
It goes without saying that you don’t need to gamble real money to enjoy a game of blackjack. With free games, you can just enjoy the challenge of beating the dealer to 21 without the pressure of a real money game.
How free games compare to real money blackjack
| Free Blackjack |
Real Money Blackjack |
| Play blackjack for fun |
Chance to win real money |
| No deposit needed |
Risk of losing money |
| Can’t claim a bonus |
Claim a blackjack bonus |
| Can’t play live dealer for free |
Access all live blackjack variations |
The lowdown on the rules of free blackjack
It’s important to understand the rules of blackjack, even when you’re playing for free. The rules are the same as when you’re playing real money games, though accepted moves vary between online blackjack variations.
The aim is to beat the dealer to 21 without going bust – that means exceeding the limit of 21!
Blackjack Moves
Stand– You play out the round with your current cards
Hit– You’ll receive another card to add to your hand
Split– Split two matching cards into separate hands
Double Down– Double your bet and receive one more card in your hand.
Surrender– Give up half of your bet and surrender your hand. This move is only available in certain variations.
Blackjack variations often have different rules on when you can split, double-down and surrender!
How to play blackjack online:
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Place your bets
You make your bets before you’ve seen any cards. Of course, these will be with play money credits.
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Press deal
Press deal to receive your cards. Both of your cards will face up so that you can see the value, while the dealer will usually have one up card (face up) and one facing down. However, this can vary depending on which blackjack game you’re playing.
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Make your move
Your move will depend on the value of the cards in your hand. Happy with your hand? Stand with your current cards. If you fancy your chances with another card, you can hit. You can keep hitting until either you hit 21 or go bust. You can also choose to double down after receiving your first two cards, or split depending on your hand.
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Compare hands
How does your hand compare to the dealer’s hand? Even if you didn’t make it to 21, the closest hand wins!
Play blackjack for free, wherever you are
All of the best casino sites have mobile-friendly websites, so it’s easy to grab a game of free blackjack when you’re out and about. You’ll be able to play all of your favourite blackjack variations via mobile – all you need is a stable internet connection.
Want to take your mobile blackjack experience to the next level? Many of the top sites have mobile casino apps, which makes for improved gameplay. These apps are tailored for your device, meaning clearer graphics and smoother functionality. Mobile blackjack apps also have the added benefit of push notifications, which means you can receive alerts on all the latest blackjack games.
Compare and play!
Now you’re ready to play online blackjack for free. All that’s left to do is use our list of the UK’s best online casinos to find your favourite. Our expert casino reviews should give you a nudge in the right direction if you’re unsure which blackjack site is best for you. Once you’ve found your favourite you can sign up and start playing!
Tried a couple of free games and want to play blackjack for real money? Take a look at our list of the best blackjack sites!
FAQs
Yes. Playing at a UK licensed casino site guarantees you a fair blackjack experience, whether you’re playing for free or gambling with real money. The UK Gambling Commission monitors licensees to ensure they use random number generators (RNG) to power animated blackjack games, and live blackjack games are held to equally high standards. Here at Compare.bet, we only recommend UK licensed casinos and betting sites, so you know you’re in for a fair game when you choose from our list.
This depends. While some free blackjack games offer free players the opportunity to make additional side bets, most limit you to basic blackjack bets. Even if you can make side bets in free blackjack games, you should be aware that they increase the house edge significantly. Of course, you won’t lose any real money on free blackjack games, but it’s best to maintain responsible gambling habits whether you’re playing for free or with real cash.
No. Free bet blackjack is a variation of the game, developed by game inventor Geoff Hall. Its rules are more player-friendly than regular blackjack, in that the player can split and double down for free in certain instances. Evolution Gaming has also developed a Free Bet Blackjack live dealer title with unlimited seats. While players get certain bets for free, these blackjack games aren’t free-to-play.
Yes, if you claim a no deposit casino bonus. While free spins for slots are the most common no deposit bonus, some casino sites offer no deposit bonus playing credit. This bonus credit gives you the chance to play real money blackjack titles without dipping into your own wallet. Beware, though – this free playing credit doesn’t mean you’ll win real money. You’ll almost always have to complete wagering requirements before you can withdraw bonus winnings, which usually requires a real money deposit.
Yes. The UK’s best casino sites offer free-play versions of all its casino games. This means that whether you fancy a game of online roulette or want to try your luck with online slot games, you can play all of your favourite online casino games for free.
