Our picks for the best online blackjack are available at legal and regulated online casinos, offering players a variety of ways to enjoy what many consider the staple of table games.
Learn the basics of how to play blackjack online, including common terms and phrases, while discovering which casino apps offer some of the more popular traditional and variant forms of online blackjack for real money.
My picks for the best online blackjack casino bonuses (September 2026)
Blackjack casino welcome offers and online casino bonus codes
The following online casino welcome bonuses and promo codes can be used to enhance your blackjack experience and help build your bankroll.
Blackjack is often listed among the best casino games for beginners. Here are my picks for some of the best legal, regulated online casinos for blackjack:
BetMGM Casino: Top choice for experienced online blackjack players
DraftKings Casino: Top choice for all-around online blackjack
Fanatics Casino: Top choice for live dealer online blackjack
FanDuel Casino: Top choice for quick payouts
Golden Nugget Casino: Top choice for online blackjack variety
bet365 Casino: Top choice for online blackjack games with side bets
Borgata Casino: Top choice for sports-themed blackjack games
Bally Bet Casino: Top choice for multihand blackjack games
What are online blackjack games for real money?
Considered the staple of any land-based and online casino apps, blackjack pits players against the dealer in one of the most straightforward games around.
It all comes down to the number 21, trying to get as close to that total without going over. After placing initial bets, each player and the dealer receive two cards. A blackjack or "natural" – an Ace combined with a face card or 10 – is considered an automatic victory for a player and dealer.
Steps to get started with online blackjack
Getting started with online blackjack for real money is a simple process.
Those interested can tap the CLAIM BONUS buttons on this page and download your favorite casino app through the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
New users can sign up using casino welcome bonus codes. The offers in the banners on this page note if one is required.
Search for a desired game to play blackjack online.
Read through the game rules to become better familiar with the game.
Place your initial bet.
Receive two cards and try to get as close to 21 without going over.
As noted, to win playing online blackjack, players must hold a hand that totals closer to 21 than the dealer without going over.
Card values vary. Cards 2 through 10 hold point values equal to their number with face cards (Jack, Queen and King) each counting as 10. Aces, meanwhile, are either 1 or 11 depending on which number helps the hand most.
As for the gameplay itself, blackjack online typically looks like this.
Place a bet
Before the cards are dealt, players will place an initial bet. Each game will have preset minimum and maximum wagers that users can make.
Cards are dealt
Once the initial round of betting is done, players can click the deal button to receive their first two cards. While they will see their two cards, only the up card will show for the dealer's hand.
First moves
Once the cards are dealt, players will face their first opportunity to employ blackjack strategy. The most common choices are to hit (receive another card) or stand (players are satisfied with their total and do not want any more cards).
Players can also choose to double down, which involves doubling the initial bet and receiving just one more card. They can also choose to split if they are dealt cards with matching values.. For instance, users who receive two sevens can split them into two separate hands, which also means making a second bet equal to the initial wager.
In some variations, like DraftKings Blackjack, players can split several times throughout the hand. In other games, such as Blackjack Surrender at FanDuel Casino, users can "surrender" their hands, meaning they can receive half their original bet back if they choose to give up their hand before the game ends if the dealer does not have a natural blackjack.
Some variants allow for surrender only after players see their first two cards, while other games offer "late surrender," which means any time before the round comes to a close.
Insurance
If, after the initial deal, the dealer's up card is an Ace, players can choose to place a side bet, equal to half the first bet, for "insurance." In this case, if the dealer hits a natural blackjack, the game pays out 2-to-1 to the player.
Blackjack online variations
With online blackjack, there are more than just the straightforward games available on casino apps. Among others, here are some of the top variations for playing blackjack online.
Blackjack Player's Choice
Cards are dealt in five positions, and players choose which of the five cards they want, up to two picks. Players can decide whether to keep or discard the chosen cards and then pick the dealer's cards before the standard gameplay begins.
Blackjack Side Bets
This game features a few unique side bet options during gameplay. The Perfect Pairs side bet pays out when the player's initial two cards form a pair, either suited (two cards of the same value and suit, 25-to-1), colored (same color but different suits, 12-to-1) or mixed (different colors and suits, 6-to-1).
In addition, there's a 21+3 side bet option, which involves combining players' first two cards with the dealer's face-up card to form a three-card poker hand. Suited three of a kind pays 100-to-1, straight flush pays 40-to-1, three of a kind pays 10-to-1, straight pays 10-to-1, and a flush pays out 5-to-1.
Multihand blackjack
This variation, as the name indicates, allows users to play multiple hands at once.
Blackjack with surrender
Whether it's standard surrender (before taking any more cards) or late surrender (before the hand ends), this variation offers players an opportunity to get half their initial bet back if they believe their hand will not beat the dealer.
Sweet 16 Blackjack
There is one unique facet of this game: A side bet that pays out if a player's first two cards add up to 16.
Blackjack Xchange
In Blackjack Xchange, there's an added element of buying and selling cards. Players can buy cards to improve their hands or sell cards to pocket a profit if the dealt cards were not ideal. Once a transaction is made, the traditional game of blackjack continues.
Blazing 7s
There are several elements to this style of game, which, as you can imagine, revolves around the number 7. Players who get three suited 7s earn 100% of their initial stake bet, while same-color 7s provide an additional 10% of the wager. Three different colored 7s usually pay 200-to-1. Meanwhile, if players receive two 7s in the first two cards, the payout sits at 25-to-1.
Best online blackjack strategy
There are many ways to go about playing blackjack online, especially considering the wide variety of situations players may find themselves in based on their hands.
At the most foundational level, however, there are a few basic tips that players – especially beginners – can follow in hopes of putting together a winning streak.
When to hit, when to stand
When players do not bust, the dealer is required to hit on anything less than 17 and stand once the total reaches that total. If a player's hand is a hard 17 (no Ace) or above, it's often wise to stand on that total.
That decision could change based on the dealer's up card, like if a player held an 18 and saw a 9 in front of the dealer. Similarly, with a 16 or less, taking another card is a good choice to get above that 17 barrier.
Split the 8s and the Aces
If a player is dealt a pair of 8s, it makes sense to split them into two separate hands. After all, a hard 16 in a single hand is not an enviable position to be in, whereas player odds improve by splitting the 8s and potentially receiving a 9, 10, face card or Ace.
Along the same lines, splitting Aces is about as close to a no-brainer as there is in online blackjack. Potential naturals await, after all.
Double down on a 10 or hard 11
With a hand totaling 10 or a hard 11 (a combo of 2-9, 3-8, 4-7 or 5-6), players are guaranteed to receive another card to get closer to – or even hit – 21 without busting. By doubling down, which doubles the initial bet, users receive one more card to do just that.
Take note, though, that the decision to double down in these scenarios may change if the dealer is showing an Ace or a card with a value of 10.
If blackjack strategy is not of interest, those looking for chance-based betting often transition to online roulette for real money for a simpler experience.
Blackjack online game odds
Return-to-player (RTP) rates for online blackjack games typically range between 98% and 99.6%, depending on the casino app and state with legal online casinos. But like online craps odds, because of the wide array of blackjack online variations, those odds can shift a tad.
The basic rule of thumb is the fewer the decks and the more player-friendly the rules, the better the blackjack odds. Single-deck blackjack, for example, can carry an RTP of well over 99%, just above some blackjack surrender games. The games with more side bets – like perfect pairs or 21+3 – make the RTP drop to around 95%.
In addition, taking insurance side bets in any online blackjack game increases the house edge, thereby lowering the odds for players to win.
For those who like games with low house edges, baccarat online real money casino games may also be of interest.
Players who enjoy blackjack's skill-based format may also find online video poker appealing, as video poker real money games share a similarly low house edge and reward strategic decision-making.
Live dealer online blackjack for real money
While there are plenty of digital online blackjack games, legal casino apps also offer live dealer online casino versions of blackjack that combine the table game with the atmosphere of in-person gambling.
Streaming from dedicated studios, real-person dealers interact with players, who themselves can talk to each other in live chats.
Online Casino
Number of Games
BetMGM
9+
DraftKings
30+
Fanatics
15+
FanDuel
10+
Golden Nugget
15+
bet365
20+
Borgata
9+
Those who enjoy live dealer blackjack may also like playing live dealer craps casinos. Both involve understanding probabilities to make optimal decisions in order to lower the house edge.
Troubleshooting with live dealer blackjack online
To enjoy the best possible experience with live dealer online blackjack games and avoid game interruptions, players should ensure they are using their favorite casino apps on WiFi. On top of that, users can optimize bandwidth by disconnecting other devices that might be on the same network.
If an interruption does occur during gameplay, typically speaking, online casinos void live bets and refund them to players' accounts. As with any issues that occur, customers are encouraged to contact customer support for their casino apps.
Playing online blackjack for real money vs. demo games
In many cases, players want to play a free version – a demo version – of the online casino game of their choice. Of course, there are upsides to this approach, while the flip side of playing online casino games for real money has its own benefits.
Why users play demo games
Learn the rules of selected online blackjack games and become more skilled.
Enjoy playing blackjack online without the risk of losing money.
There is no requirement to sign up, create an account, or register with operators.
Why users play for real money
Not many online casinos offer demo versions of games.
There is more variety offered with real money online blackjack.
Players can earn rewards and unlock bonuses.
Real money blackjack online with big jackpots
American Blackjack: FanDuel Casino
Baseball Blackjack: DraftKings Casino
Basketball Blackjack: DraftKings Casino
Bet the Set 21: FanDuel Casino
Bingo Blackjack: Golden Nugget Casino
Blackjack Player's Choice: FanDuel Casino
Stars and Stripes Blackjack: FanDuel Casino
Blackjack with Surrender: Golden Nugget Casino
Blazing 7s Blackjack: FanDuel Casino
Boardwalk Blackjack: Golden Nugget Casino
Classic Blackjack: Golden Nugget Casino
Deal or No Deal Blackjack: FanDuel Casino
Double Deck Blackjack: Golden Nugget Casino
DraftKings Blackjack: DraftKings Casino
DraftKings Multihand Blackjack: DraftKings Casino
Football Blackjack: DraftKings Casino
Golden Nugget Blackjack: Golden Nugget Casino
Live Blackjack: DraftKings Casino
Match the Dealer Blackjack: DraftKings Casino
Multihand Blackjack with Surrender: FanDuel Casino
Multiplayer Blackjack with Side Bets: DraftKings Casino
Multiseat Blackjack with Side Bets: DraftKings Casino
Featured online blackjack games for September 2026
FanDuel Casino: 5 Hand Blackjack
BetMGM Casino: BetMGM Broad Street Blackjack
DraftKings Casino: Back Blackjack
Golden Nugget Casino: Vacation Blackjack
Fanatics Casino: Fanatics VIP Blackjack Live
bet365 Casino: Fun Fun 21 Live
Borgata Casino: New York Knicks Blackjack
Common blackjack online casino terms
When playing blackjack online with casino apps, there are a few common terms that players should become familiar with in order to fully understand the game. Verify these meanings for any casino that was not reviewed in this guide.
Blackjack: Also called a "natural," a starting hand contains an ace and a value-10 card for 21.
Burn card: The first card handed out by the dealer, placed face down in front of players.
Bust: A hand goes over 21 to lose the hand. Similarly, a "bust card" is the face-up card in front of a dealer that could result in going over 21 – typically a mid-value card between 4 and 6.
Double down: Players can double their wager by doubling down, resulting in one more card being dealt to them. Traditionally, doubling down is best done when a player identifies a bust card in front of the dealer.
Hit: When players request another card.
Hole card: This is the face-down card in front of the dealer.
House edge: Recognized as the online casino's advantage over a player in certain games. They can vary by blackjack game, but generally sit between 0.5% and 2%.
Insurance bet: A side bet that is available only if the dealer's up card is an ace. If the dealer has a natural blackjack but a player made an insurance bet, it pays 2-1. The insurance bet is lost, though, if the dealer does not have a natural win.
Pat hand: In most online blackjack games, dealers must continue hitting until they get to a total of 17. After that, though, they cannot take another card. A dealer holding a total of 17 or more is known as the pat hand.
Push: The dealer and player tie with the same card total. All bets are refunded to players who push.
Side bet: An additional and optional wager that varies by online casino blackjack game that can result in player wins even if their hand loses.
Split: A play that is available if players are dealt matching cards. With a split, players create two separate hands and often requires them to make an additional wager equal to the initial bet.
Surrender: An option with some online blackjack games that allows players to receive half their initial wager back if they choose to give up on a hand before it ends.
Up card: The face-up card in a dealer's hand.
My expert tips for winning real money playing online blackjack
Above all else, it's important for players to go into blackjack online games with a keen understanding of the rules. So be sure to read those over in case there are some unique rules to a specific game. That being said, there are a few tips that could help online blackjack players ensure they are playing casino games with best odds available.
Stand or hit on 12-16
One of the most key and often overlooked aspects of blackjack is understanding when to stand. In most online blackjack games, dealers must hit if their hand sits at 16 or lower (and players don't bust) and must stand if it's 17 or more.
If your hand has a total between 12 and 16, and the dealer's up-card is a 2 through 6, standing is typically a good choice. With weaker up-cards like those, the dealer is more prone to bust as they are more likely to need to draw two additional cards.
By contrast, if players' hands are between 12 and 16 and the dealer's up-card has a value between 7 and 10, it's probably better for the player to hit. Yes, it's a bit of a risk, but it's relatively likely the dealer will have at least a 17.
Avoid taking insurance
The insurance side bet typically becomes available if the dealer's up card is an ace and allows players to potentially earn a 2-1 payout if the dealer ends up with a natural blackjack. But if the dealer does not, there is no payout. The problem, though, is that the insurance bet increases the house edge in online blackjack. As a general rule, then, it's smarter to avoid taking insurance.
Manage bankroll responsibly
As with every online casino game, the No. 1 rule is to play responsibly and stay within your limits. Along those lines, when playing blackjack online, players should set a budget and stick to it – not only in terms of how much money they're willing to play with but also how much time they spend playing.
Similarly, players should remain level-headed and keep emotions away from decision-making. Many individuals get wrapped up in bad beats or "almost-wins" and attempt to recoup those losses – otherwise known as "chasing losses" – yet end up worse off than before. Staying disciplined and focused on that budget and each individual hand can help keep online blackjack entertaining.
We only recommend legal, high-value casino games: Here's why
My recommendations and analysis of online casinos comes on the heels of hours of research, experience and knowledge of operators in the US. We only review legal and regulated online casino apps, including all brands mentioned on this page, as they undergo strict testing and investigation by state regulators to obtain licenses.
I look not only for my picks for the best games and banking methods but also for responsible gaming tools and security measures to ensure all user information is protected, also a facet that is tested and reviewed by state regulators. Any online casino mentioned here are trustworthy, reliable and responsibly run.
Responsible gambling tools for online blackjack players
When users play blackjack online – or any game, for that matter – it's important to practice responsible gambling and stay within your limits. Each licensed online casino offers a number of tools to help players do just that, features that can be found within the responsible gaming section of their online casino accounts.
Deposit limits: Limit how much is deposited into an account on a daily, weekly or monthly basis.
Loss limits: Preset daily, weekly or monthly limits on how much is lost playing online casinos.
Wager limits: Set constraints on how much is bet each day, week or month.
Time limits: Limit how much time is spent playing online casinos each day, ranging from one to 23 hours.
Cooling-off periods: Known also as "time-outs," users can temporarily suspend their accounts for a preset period of time that varies by casino online. Customers, who cannot deposit or make wagers but are still able to withdraw during these periods, must wait out the timeframe before returning to gameplay.
Self-exclusion: Every licensed online casino allows users to place themselves on a self-exclusion list, which customers can access via their accounts. Here, users must wait out the predetermined timeframe and then apply for reinstatement.
Reality checks: Available at most online casinos, customers can turn on this alert that features a pop-up notification to let players know how long they've been gambling.
Account transaction history: Within their accounts, users can view the history of their gambling activity to see how much time and money they've spent with online casinos. This tool allows players to see trends in their gaming activity and identify if a potential problem is looming.
In addition, if you or someone you know might be showing signs of problem gambling, there are a number of national and state-specific organizations that are at the ready to assist. That includes:
The goal of blackjack is to build a hand that adds up to as close to 21 as possible without going over against the dealer. An Ace and a value-10 card (10 or face card) create a blackjack and an automatic win. Hit when you want another card, or stand when you think the hand is the best possible.
How to deal blackjack?
Blackjack is dealt two cards at a time: One face down and then one face up. Anytime a player wants another card, they will ask for a "hit," which is followed by one card at a time.
How to win at blackjack?
Natural 21, known better as a "blackjack," automatically wins and contains an Ace and a value-10 card such as 10, Jack, Queen or King. Whatever hand is closest to 21 without going over is the winner. Unless players "bust" – or exceed 21 – the dealer must hit until they reach 17 and cannot take another card once they get to that total.
What is insurance in blackjack?
Insurance is a side bet players can take if the dealer is showing an Ace on their face-up card. Players can bet insurance in case the dealer has a blackjack. If so, the insurance pays out 2-1 to the player, but there is no payout if the dealer does not have a natural 21. Insurance typically increases the house edge, so a good rule of thumb is to not take this side bet.
When to split in blackjack?
The two best scenarios to split, or create two separate hands, is if players are dealt a pair of 8s or a pair of Aces, creating better odds for the players to build better hands than the dealer.
What does double down mean in blackjack?
Double down means to double the initial bet if the player thinks one more card will give them a better hand than the dealer.
How many decks in blackjack?
The total can vary, but typically it's most common for blackjack tables to use six or eight decks.
When to hit in blackjack?
Generally, players should hit when they have a hand that has a total of 11 or less.
What is surrender in blackjack?
Some games allow for a "surrender," which involves players giving up their hand before the round ends and receiving half their original bet back.
How do I choose a trustworthy online casino to play blackjack?
Every licensed and legal online casino will feature the logo of the regulatory body that oversees the industry. So, in Michigan, for example, each licensed casino will have the Michigan Gaming Control Board logo on the page as well as a statement that resembles the likes of "authorized by the Michigan Gaming Control Board for use by registered users physically present in Michigan." These features indicate that those online casinos underwent and passed rigorous testing and inspection by state regulators that ensure the protection of users' personal and banking information, among other things.
What are the differences between playing live-dealer blackjack and RNG blackjack online?
Live dealer online blackjack features a real dealer, streaming from a dedicated studio, overseeing live gameplay. RNG blackjack online involves software that generates instant results to keep the pace of play moving.
Are there special rules I should know when playing online blackjack?
With every online blackjack game, it's important to review the rules that can be found after opening the game users want to play. Some special rules may involve a "late surrender," for example, or unique side bets.
What minimum and maximum bets can I expect when playing online blackjack?
Minimum and maximum bets can vary by specific online blackjack games and casino apps. Some games can have minimum bets of $0.10 and other titles may accept max bets up to $10,000.
Are there bonus offers or promotions specific to online blackjack, and how do they affect my play?
Sometimes online casinos will offer promotions surrounding online blackjack, whether it be leaderboards, tournaments or reward credits. The only effect they may have on gameplay is the minimum bets required to participate.
Does skill matter in online blackjack or is it purely luck?
There is some skill in the sense of recognizing and understanding the possible outcomes when seeing the face-up card on the dealer's hand versus players' totals.
Is 21 and blackjack the same thing?
Yes. In fact, historians believe blackjack was originally called "vingt-un," which is French for "21." As the story goes, the game adopted the blackjack name during World War I to reflect a popular bonus payout some parlors offered, which was won when a player held the Ace of spades and a black jack.
What is Spanish 21 vs. blackjack?
There are only 48 cards in a deck for Spanish 21, compared to 52 with traditional blackjack, with all number-10 cards removed. If a player and the dealer both get a blackjack on the same hand, the player takes the win, whereas that would result in a push (no winner) in traditional blackjack.
Spanish 21 also features a late surrender, which allows players to give up half their bet before any more cards are drawn. Essentially, that means a player can "save" half their bet if they believe there is no chance of winning at all. Finally, Spanish 21 often allows for players to double down up to three times in any one hand.
What is European blackjack?
In European blackjack, the dealer receives only one card until all players finish making their plays. Then the dealer receives the next card. In American blackjack, a natural 21 (a card with a value of 10 and an Ace) would immediately end the turn unless a player had a natural 21 of their own.
With European blackjack, players continue to play out their hands with the chance of still losing to a natural 21 after additional bets were made, like splitting or doubling down.
Bettors must be 21 years or older and otherwise eligible to register and place wagers at online casinos. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, please seek assistance from trained professionals such as the Problem Gambling Help Network at 1-800-MY-RESET.
