By R. G.

Blackjack is usually considered the easiest online casino game to grasp. Be that as it may, the game has multiple variations, which you must be aware of. Before you play online blackjack for real money, you need to understand how each variation works. This will help you decide which one gives you the best value for your money. 

Popular Blackjack Variations

As mentioned earlier, there are several forms of blackjack. This piece will focus on five of the most popular game variations. They are also the ones that are primarily played on online casinos globally.  A bit of caution:  Don’t play games that only pay 6 to 5 on a blackjack.  The correct payoff should always be 3 to 2.

American Blackjack

American Blackjack, also referred to as Classic Blackjack, is the most widely played game variation. Here, the dealer gets both the cards right away, with one face up and the other face down. The card with the face down is usually referred to as the hole card. 

The objective of this game is to beat the dealer and/or get as close to 21 as you can. In American Blackjack, peeking is permitted for the dealer if their up-card is a face card, a ten, or an ace. Unlike European Blackjack, you will be allowed to avoid increasing your wager in situations where the dealer has a natural blackjack. The game lowers the house edge by 0.05% in such a case. Besides that, the game is based on the standard blackjack rules and strategies. 

European Blackjack

European Blackjack is another popular blackjack variation, especially in the United Kingdom. This variation of the game puts more restrictions and limitations on the players. It also promises players a house edge of around 0.39%. It usually uses six decks, allows splitting aces, but does not let you split 4s, 5s, or ten valued cards.

The fundamental difference of this blackjack variant is that the dealer does not get his hole card until the player has made a playing decision as per the cards he is dealt with. European Blackjack does not allow dealer peek or surrendering. 

Vegas Strip Blackjack

The Vegas Strip is also a popular blackjack variation among many online casino players. It gets its name from where it was originally played. The Vegas strip is a four-mile stretch of South Las Vegas Boulevard where you will find many hotels and casinos. 

This blackjack variation is very similar to Classic American Blackjack where the game’s main objective and rules are identical.  Vegas Strip Blackjack’s main difference is that the dealer will stand on soft-17, you can double after splitting a pair, surrender is not allowed and the number of decks used is usually 4 decks.

Blackjack Switch

This blackjack variation is unique because it allows players to place two identical wagers plus a side bet. The player bets on two hands first, then the game allows them to switch the second cards with one another if they want to. 

Geoff Hall, a respected casino games architect, created Blackjack Switch. The variant is prevalent in many top-rated online casinos. Besides the opportunity to switch, the game has one other prominent feature. That is, Blackjack Switch does not consider a dealer’s hand of 22 a bust. Instead, the game counts it as a push or draw, except when a player already has a natural blackjack, not prompted by a switch or split.  However, a player blackjack pays even money in this game.

Blackjack Perfect Pairs

Blackjack Perfect Pairs is an excellent example of a side bet growing as popular as a variant itself. In this Blackjack variation, the first two cards a player gets form a pair. The game has three types of pairs having different payout odds. 

So, what’s a pair? A pair consists of two cards having the same numerical value between 2 and 10 and the same face value for the face cards and aces. As a player, you have to decide whether you want to place the Perfect Pairs side bet before the cards are dealt. After that, it will be settled before the main game is played out as per the casino rules.   

How Do Blackjack Games Differ?

Dealer’s Move on Soft 17

A soft 17 is a 17 that comprises an ace. Some blackjack variations compel the dealer to hit on soft 17, while others require that the dealer stands on soft 17.  It is better by 0.2% for the player if the dealer stands on soft 17. 

Doubling Down Limitations

Several variations restrict the cards players can double down on. For example, European Blackjack only allows players to double down on totals of 9, 10, or 11. 

In other variations, players can increase their wager by 100%, while others allow more flexibility regarding how much you can up your bet by. Additionally, other Blackjack variations restrict doubling down on post-split hands.  

It is obviously better for the player if you can double on any two cards and have the ability to double after splitting a pair.

How Many Times You Can Split

You will encounter differences in the number of times you can split when you try different blackjack variations. For example, American Blackjack lets you split up to three times in the game. This means that you have up to four hands to play. On the other hand, European Blackjack limits splitting to only once per player per hand. 

The best games a player can play are those that have the fewest restrictions and the best rules. 

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By Lars Holmström.

Online blackjack is available in most Pennsylvania (PA) online casinos. In fact, it is one of the most popular casino games in the state.  Being a game that balances skill and luck, it appeals to both new and loyal players.

Following the gambling expansion bill, both visitors and residents can now enjoy various blackjack games within the state lines. Other popular casino games in the state include craps, baccarat, and roulette. 

Is Online Blackjack Legal In PA?

If you are 21 or older, you can legally play online blackjack in Pennsylvania. In addition, you can get into any of the land-based casinos. The Pennsylvania Gambling Control Board overseas gambling activities in the state. It demands fairness and transparency from all operators. Whether you choose to play free games or for real money, you have plenty of options. 

PA Laws and Blackjack Games

In January 2010, during the expansion of the 2004 Gaming Act, tables were included in live casinos. The table games tax rate was set at 16 percent. Although the number isn’t as high as with slots, it is pretty impressive. Based on the PGCB rules, blackjack games need to have a low house edge. They should also be friendly and fair. 

After the opening of PA’S first online casinos, online blackjack wasn’t immediately legalized. In October 2017, Gov. Tom Wolf signed the Gambling Expansion bill. A licensing process for PA online casinos kicked off and the initial sites were live by mid-2019. Find some of the best PA online casinos rated here.

Free Online Blackjack in Pennsylvania

If you are new to the game, you’d be wise to check a few options out before risking your money. Luckily, PA has plenty of free online blackjack games. They are just as fun as money games. 

You will find a few blackjack games in almost all PA online casinos on demo mode. You may receive a no-deposit cash bonus when checking out new games. Usually, demo mode is available through software-based games. Although you can access live dealer games, you can’t place bets for free. Free games are perfect for the casino lover who wants to have fun without risking their money. 

Real Money Online Blackjack

You will find real money online blackjack in all Pennsylvania online casinos. They come with lucrative welcome bonuses and regular promotions. If you make the leap to real money games, you have the chance to have some fun and potentially make profits. The secret is to choose games with the lowest house edge. 

The best blackjack games have a smaller number of decks. The best bet is to play single-deck games. In addition, find games with splitting rules, liberal doubling, and a soft 17 dealer stand.

Do not go in without a basic strategy. It could improve your playing experience and increase your chances of winning. If you go in blindly, you will be handing your money to the casino every time. 

Take advantage of side bets as well. They add some excitement to the game, and you could win huge profits. Although the house edge can be high, it is worth the risk. 

Before making a deposit, check to ensure that you are using the safest payment options. The popular ones include PayPal, MasterCard, and Visa. Bank transfers are pretty popular as well. 

The best PA casinos for real money blackjack include: Unibet Casino, SugarHouse Casino, and Hollywood Casino. SugarHouse has partnered with Rush Street Interactive to bring you the best blackjack games. 

Unibet works with Meadowlands and Hollywood Casino teams with IGT to bring you blackjack and other popular casino games in PA. 

PA Live Blackjack

Thanks to the PGCB, PA live blackjack is governed by special rules. The games are generally immersive and player-friendly. The average RTP is 96.6 percent. You can enjoy side bets like; Royal Match, 21+3, Lucky Ladies and Kings Bounty, and Match the dealer. They are perfect when you hope to win huge profits.

Types of Blackjack in Pennsylvania

Since blackjack has been popular for such a long time, it is no surprise that there are so many variations. Even the most minor changes from the basic rules can alter the game significantly. For example, some variations allow you to surrender your hand, but others don’t. 

Most PA online casinos have the basic game. They may have a few variations as well. The most popular ones include Interlock blackjack and Spanish 21. All PA sites must follow the rules that apply to land-based casinos. The main difference is in European and US blackjack:

• In European games, the dealer will get just one visible card. After every player has acted, the second card is dealt.
• In US games, dealers can peek at their hidden cards when the up-card is an ace or 10. If they have a blackjack, the hand doesn’t continue.

Blackjack Odds

The best thing about blackjack is that your success isn’t entirely up to chance. It is also dependent on your skill. Even when the odds are against you, your skill could give you better winning opportunities. 

The odds in blackjack vary depending on the number of decks in the game. Every variation uses a different number of decks, and it is important to do your research before playing. Here is a look at the number of decks and how they may affect your odds:

• Eight decks: 0.65 percent
• Six decks: 0.64 percent
• Four decks: 0.60 percent
• Two decks: 0.46 percent 
• One deck: 0.17 percent 

Online Blackjack Rewards and Bonuses

Since there is so much competition among PA online casinos, they are always coming up with new bonuses and rewards. The casinos give both new and loyal players incentive to keep playing, from free bet bonuses to generous welcome bonuses and reload bonus deals. 

Usually, the play-through requirement for blackjack bonuses is weighted. You may need to wager your bonus a few more times than in slots thanks to the low house edge. Most casinos have a points collection system to reward their loyal players. The longer you play, the bigger your bonuses become. 

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By Jasmine Jones.

There is a truism that very little in life is free. You do not get free food; you must pay for your automobile, and no one except your parents allows you to live rent-free.

The same can be said of casino gaming. Should casinos be expected to let you play if they cannot make a profit? While you might think that is the fair solution, when you dwell on it a while longer, you will conclude that casinos would not exist if they did not make a profit.

And with no casinos, where would we go for our gaming entertainment?

With all this in mind, you can now come to accept two things. Firstly, the casino needs to make money, and, secondly, introducing a house edge to all games is the way to go about it.

What is the House Edge?

The house edge is the percentage amount that you are expected to lose on any particular casino game. When we say expected, it’s based purely on the odds of you winning and the statistical probability of you actually doing so.

It’s based on a long-term assumption that the house edge is the number that would be realistic if you played an infinite number of blackjack hands – even if you read all the blackjack books – or infinite spins on the roulette wheel. Of course, in the short term, the variance will come into play. You might, for example, have one spectacular roulette session and walk away a winner, or you could get lucky and pick up a big jackpot win on the slots.

But, statistically speaking, you will not win in the long run. The exception to this rule is if you won a multi-million dollar jackpot on a slot machine, you would not put this all back in the machine again unless you were a terrible gambler.

The house edge is displayed as a percentage. It will differ from one table game or slot to another, which is why, if you care about these things, you should choose to play games with the lowest house edge.

Baccarat, for example, has a house edge of only around 0.5%. This means that for every $100 you bet on baccarat, you are expected to lose 50 cents. That does not sound a lot, and it isn’t. If you are playing in a live Las Vegas casino like The Mirage, you might be getting free cocktails on the house while you play – suddenly losing a small amount over time doesn’t seem too bad.

House Edge in Blackjack

Blackjack is an interesting example because, unlike other casino games, you can influence the house edge. In European versions of the game of roulette, it is 2.70%, but in American roulette, where you have an additional double zero segment, it goes up to 5.26%. No matter how skilled a roulette player you think you are, you cannot alter those numbers. The game is purely down to luck, and the balance of probabilities will not shift.

But with blackjack, you can improve your odds by playing the basic blackjack strategy. Doing so introduces enough skill into the game to reduce the odds by quite a lot. Sadly, not enough to give even a good player the edge, and this applies live or online at platforms like STS Casino.

The books say the casino has a house edge in blackjack of around 2%, but by applying some strategy to your game, you can bring it down to as low as 0.5%. That’s not as hard as you think. The easiest way to improve is to download one of the many blackjack hand charts free from Google.¹⁾Or, of course, you can review the basic strategy charts right here on BlackjackReview.com.  Also, the rules of the game affect the house edge so you should always be looking for games with the best rules. When you do, you will see the optimum play to make in any given situation, whatever your two cards are in relation to the dealer’s up-card.

You will see when it is optimal to stand, to take another card, to double down, and to split. When you play in this manner, and the house edge comes down to a wafer-thin 0.5%, the balance of probabilities dictate you have a far better chance of walking away with a profit after any single or couple of sessions. The trick, like it is with all forms of gambling, is to walk away from the table when you are ahead; it’s the only sure-fire way of banking a profit.

Apart from baccarat, which we mentioned earlier, the only other casino game with a slender house edge is video poker. It’s also close to 0.5%, and you can play long sessions without necessarily losing sizeable amounts. And that is why shrewd casino bosses embed video poker machines in the bar tops – punters will happily sit for hours, gradually losing money while buying drinks from the bartender!

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By Cynthia Madison.

Among some of the most famous casino games, particularly table games, there is blackjack. Whether you choose to play at online casinos or land-based ones, you will definitely come across this popular table game. Its fame hasn’t decreased, especially since online versions can be just as good.

If you are an experienced player, chances are you don’t need to hear the reasons why blackjack was and continues to be the best table game in 2021, as you know them by heart already.

This article is aimed at beginners who might feel intimidated by this game, not sure where to begin or whether to start playing due to inexperience. The truth is you can quickly learn how to play this exciting game.

So, here are five reasons why blackjack continues to gain popularity:

1.      Uncomplicated rules and easy to play

Blackjack is popular among experienced players and amateurs alike, thanks to its ease of play. The fact that it doesn’t have any complicated rules and is easy to play makes the game appealing to any gambler, no matter their level of experience. Plus, it can be quite thrilling to immediately see the results of your decisions whether you win or not.

When playing blackjack, the one rule you need to keep in mind is that the object of the game is to beat the dealer — NOT to get the closest to 21.  You can beat the dealer by getting a hand that is higher than the dealer OR by standing on a lower value hand and letting the dealer bust.

Depending on the cards shown on the table, the players choose between hitting, standing, doubling, splitting or surrender (if allowed).  If you hit your hand you will get another card.  If your total goes over 21 you bust and lose the hand immediately.  If the rules allow it, you could also double or split your hand by placing an additionally equal wager.  Surrender is allowed in some casinos which allows you to forfeit your hand and receive half of your wager back.  To learn the best way to play your hand you should study the basic strategy for the game.

2.      A low house edge or good odds

Another reason why blackjack continues to enjoy popular demand is its low house edge. What this means is that blackjack is a table game with good odds for the player. This differentiates blackjack from other table games, such as roulette or three-card poker.  Typically, blackjack will often have the lowest house edge of any table game in the casino.

The simplicity of blackjack and the fact that the house edge is often under 1% are two of the main reasons for this game’s fame.  Blackjack can often be the best bet in the casino and can give the player his or her best chance of winning some money.

3.      The game is fast-paced

Compared to other table games such as poker, blackjack does not take long hours to play. It is pretty interactive and definitely fast-paced, making it the ideal casino game to play when you don’t have a lot of free time on your hands. With it being available online, individuals can play quite a few rounds for a small amount of time before moving to a different game or taking a break. But truth be told, you might not want to.

Indeed, nowadays, there are many casino games available online. So, no matter your preferences, you can choose from an all-inclusive catalog and play slots, roulette and blackjack at online casinos. As a beginner, it is understandable that you may want to try as many games as possible. Obviously, online casino operators provide the proper environment to do this.

4.      Winnings can be considerable

Because blackjack is a table game with a low house edge, winnings can often be quite frequent. While a game such as three-card poker favors the dealer more, in blackjack, you have better chances at winning the amount you bet on. This makes the game extremely appealing to both experienced players and amateurs.

What’s more, when playing blackjack, you often have the chance of increasing your bet when the odds are in your favor by doubling or splitting your hand. Therefore, it is a highly interactive game, unlike other table games where you place a bet, and then you become a mere spectator to see whether it was your lucky day or not.

5.      A highly social game

Historically, blackjack dates back to the 17^th century in France. It probably started as a game to bring people together at social gatherings. There is no denying that blackjack instantly became popular among individuals. Given the fact that more and more individuals enjoy playing it nowadays, it is certain that its fame is nowhere close to decreasing anytime soon.

Whether you play it in land-based casinos or online, social interaction still is a massive part of this table game. If you choose to play it online, casino operators provide a chat feature where players can interact with each other. Moreover, you can also interact with the dealer and get instant replies. So, the interactivity of blackjack is definitely not lost if you choose to play it online without leaving your home.

Image Credit: Dusan Kipic

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By Dan Dubey

Blackjack is one of the oldest casino games and has a pleasingly low house edge, but it’s also challenging to master. Here are some pro tips to improve your chances of coming out on top and winning at blackjack.

Don’t be Short-Changed

This is more of a casino selection point than a game-playing tip but it does fundamentally alter how profitable the game can be, so it is worthy of inclusion on this tips list. Blackjack (the hand) should pay out at 3:2, or 150% of your stake. And it usually does. But sometimes a casino will try and steal a little of the player’s blackjack profits by reducing the rate to 6:5 (120%). Just be aware that can happen, and avoid games like that.

For a comprehensive guide that also features the top Canadian sites that are free to play at, simply click our link to review the top free Blackjack casinos where card sharks have a broad range of regular and live games from which to pick.

On a similar note, and there are variations in the rules and these tend to increase the chances of the house finishing ahead. Because blackjack is an ancient game it has a lower house edge than the vast majority of casino distractions, and one way the house tries to increase its edge is by adding small tweaks (the most obvious of these actually happened in roulette with the double zero version that substantially increases the house edge). Simple and straightforward games are the best way to go.

Doubling Down

Doubling is a slightly different method of advancing your hand because it means the player gets one more card (and one only) but can double their stake. Obviously, this can mean twice the loss, but the player does have the knowledge to make an informed decision and, in the right circumstances, it can be a smart move.

With a hard (no ace) 10 or 11 doubling down is almost always a good idea (for the dealer having 2-9, and, versus hard 11, a 10 as well). The hard 9 also has a variety of doubling opportunities, from 3-6. And if you have a soft 17-18 then doubling should occur if the dealer has 3-6.

As with all the advice offered here, these tips are based on mathematical averages. In common with all betting, good or bad luck can rescue poor positions or mean even the smart play leads to a loss. So do not be discouraged, or get too giddy, if you find yourself with a streak of luck, whether good or ill.

Hitting With an Ace – Aye or Nay?

Hands with aces (where that ace can stand for 1 or 11 either way) are considered soft, which can make it tricky to choose whether to stand or hit. However, aces do make things more flexible (you’re much better off with a soft 13 than a hard one).

Whether soft or hard, everyone should hit on 11 or less as there’s no downside. But there are some soft cases where hitting (or doubling in some cases) makes sense, but doing so when hard would be foolish.  On soft 17 or less it’s always worth at least hitting. And if the dealer has a 9, 10, or ace face up then a soft 18 is also worth hitting on.

Insurance: Just Say No

In most walks of life (especially when it comes to the home and car), insurance is not merely a good idea, it is a necessity. And the name implies a certain measure of putting safety first, a prudent hedging of bets. In blackjack, insurance is offered by the dealer when they have a face up ace, allowing players to make a side bet in case the dealer has blackjack. For the player, that’s an automatic defeat (unless fortunate enough to also have blackjack).

But the numbers do not stack up. If you buy insurance at each opportunity then, over the course of a session, the player will end up losing more than they win. If you are going by the numbers, then insurance in blackjack is something you should never opt for because it will decrease your chances of finishing ahead.

When to Split, or Not

Splitting is sometimes the most obvious thing in the world, and sometimes incredibly tricky. Aces and 8s, for example, should always be split. Given how many cards have a value of 10, the odds of getting 21 are pretty good if you divide aces. Fives, by contrast, never should be, because you are likely to replace a strong three-card hand with a pair of inferior two-card hands. (Hopefully, this need not be said, but 10s likewise should never be split).

However, often the decision to split or not cannot be made solely by contemplating your own hand. The dealer’s hand must be considered as well. Is the dealer likely to go bust? Do you already have a pretty good hand (a pair of 9s, for example)? As always, basic strategy gives us a useful indication of when to stick with a pair, and when to split it (in those circumstances when the answer is not obvious).

When the dealer’s face card is between 2 and 6, then players with pairs of 6s, 7s, and 9s should split (for 9s, players should also split facing an 8 or 9 from the dealer, and for 7s if the dealer has a 7 that should also be cause to split). A pair of 4s should only be split if the dealer is showing 5 or 6, and a pair of 2s or 3s should be split when facing 2-7.¹⁾This discussion of pair splitting assumes a multi-deck game where double after splitting is allowed.  Also, any discussion of basic strategy will depend on the number of decks and the rules of the game.

Manage Your Bankroll Calmly

Last on our list of tips is something that applies to betting generally and certainly is important for wagering on blackjack. Players should not get carried away or despondent and should exercise financial discipline when betting. If you jump in betting 20% of your funds as a starting stake you can quickly lose the lot. Make modest wagers, perhaps a percent or two of your bankroll, so there’s some resilience if luck’s against you.

Also, do not fall into the trap of pursuing a Martingale style strategy. This involves doubling the stake whenever a loss is incurred (and doubling again if another loss happens). While this does decrease the odds of finishing behind, the fatal flaw with this approach is that any loss that is suffered is monumental. And any win is small (just one stake).

Blackjack’s a great game to play, straightforward enough to get the gist in a first session but complicated enough that making the right call can be surprisingly difficult. Follow these tips, and things should go a little more smoothly for you.

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