Latest news with #blackjack
Geek Girl Authority
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Girl Authority
A Beginner's Guide to Blackjack
In essence, blackjack is the simplest of card games. The idea is to score 21 or less from two or more cards. Is that it? I hear you ask. Well, in theory, yes. However, you will not be surprised to hear that while simple in concept, it is anything but when played as a gambling game. Like all the best video games , blackjack needs to be understood and mastered. Truth be told, blackjack (or 21 as it is also known) is not a game that is much fun to play without an element of betting (even if you are only wagering matchsticks or pennies). It is an incredibly fast-moving game, and players need to have their wits about them, not to be outwitted by fellow players or the dealer! However, it is essential to understand the gameplay before playing for real money. Or quantum entanglement? Blackjack is a casino staple and has become increasingly popular in video simulation and live dealer versions at online casinos. Despite its apparent simplicity, it has been the subject of many academic papers. A recent MIT study quoted 'quantum entanglement' as giving a slight edge in playing against the house. However, don't worry, I am not going to start even trying to explain what quantum entanglement is (because I couldn't), but MIT has a famous association with blackjack after a group of its students optimized card counting in the game and beat casinos around the world. Their experience inspired the book 'Bringing Down the House', which was the basis for the movie 21. Playing by the rules So, whether you intend to become a mistress gambler or just want to set up a game to play with friends, you need to understand the basics, so that is what I am going to set out below. If you want to know more about the basics of blackjack and what double deck blackjack is , then this should explain everything you need to know. So, to start with, you need to decide whether you want to play single or double-deck blackjack. The difference is the number of cards (52 or 1040) – while card counting and strategies vary between the games, the principles are the same. The dealer shuffles to ensure the cards are thoroughly mixed and randomly distributed. Then, each player is dealt two cards, with the dealer starting from their left and dealing in a clockwise direction. The players' cards are dealt face up, but the dealer gets one of their cards face down. No bet, no play Bets are placed before play commences. Bets are usually placed by laying chips on the table -or the blackjack baize. Once play commences, no bets can be placed. The dealer does not place a bet. Playing strictly by the rules , only the dealer can touch the cards, players are not even allowed to adjust theirs, and no one is allowed to look at the dealer's face-down card. Players then have to decide whether they want another card, stick with the cards they have, or split. The aim of the game is to score more than the dealer but not go above 21. Hands are compared – if the dealer has the higher score, the player loses, and vice versa. If the hands are tied, the player gets their bet returned – known as a push. Ace high or low? The dealer then asks the players what they want to do next. This will depend on how strong players feel their hand is. You can only judge how strong your hand is if you know the value of the cards, and it is not so simple because of those pesky aces! Cards are at face value, except for the King, Queen, and Jack, which are 10. An Ace counts as 11 unless that would give a player or the dealer a score in excess of 21, in which case, it has a value of 1. Stand, Double Down, Split, or Surrender? The choice will be to stand, hit, double down, split, or surrender. Stand – If a player 'stands', it simply means that they do not get any more cards and think they have the best possible chance with the cards they have. If they choose to 'hit,' they are dealt another card and as many more until they decide to stand. They lose to the dealer if they go bust by going over 21. Double Down – If a player 'doubles down,' they have to make an additional bet equal to their original bet and are dealt only one more card. Split – Splitting does exactly what the name implies. The player creates two hands from the cards dealt and has to make an additional wager matching their original bet. The split hands are then played out individually. The dealer deals out the entire first half of the split until the player stands or declares bust before moving to the second hand. The hand cannot be split again. Surrender – Surrendering is an option if players are unhappy with their cards. The player essentially pulls out of that round of play. However, this is not a no-cost option; the dealer gets to keep half of the bet amount, and they get half back. The dealers turn Once everyone has finished playing, it is the turn of the dealer to decide what to do. Up until this point, no one knows the value of the dealer's hand because one card is still face down. The dealer can only stand when their two-card total is between 17 and 21; otherwise, they must have another card. If the total is 16 or under, then they have to take another card. Win or lose? And now for the moment of truth – time for players to rate their hand against that of the dealer. Payouts (or lack of them) work as follows: Player beats dealer – they get paid the equivalent of their bet Player matches dealer (also known as a push) – they get the original stake returned Dealer beats player – the dealer cleans up! A 'blackjack' receives a predetermined payout, which varies from casino to casino but is often 3:2 Next, the dealer collects the cards, shuffles, and the next round of play begins. YELLOWJACKETS Lets Women Be Angry
The Sun
28-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Best online blackjack sites in the UK (2025)
BLACKJACK reigns supreme as the most popular card game you will encounter at top UK online casinos. The game has endured the test of time and is now available in both virtual and live formats at the best online blackjack sites in the UK. In this guide, we'll break down what makes a top-notch blackjack site, spotlight the very best platforms to play on, and share expert tips to up your game. ⭐ Top 10 online blackjack casinos in the UK 🔎 A closer look at blackjack casino sites Here's what you need to know before you sign up at our recommended casinos and start playing blackjack. 1. NetBet NetBet scored highly across the board and was ranked as the best UK online casino for blackjack. 100 free spins when you place your first £10 bet. The site has a seriously impressive selection of blackjack titles for players to enjoy, with over 100 blackjack titles split between the live casino and online casino sections. Personal favourites on the site include Speed Blackjack, Infinite Blackjack and Ultimate Blackjack. The casino has a dedicated blackjack section, but I recommend searching for blackjack using the search function, as this will pull all titles from both the live casino and online casino selections. Of course, there is more to NetBet than just its impressive blackjack offering, with the site offering over 4,000 games for punters to choose from. While you won't find any blackjack-specific bonuses, you will find a healthy selection of daily and weekly offers at NetBet, including deposit bonuses that can be used to play blackjack. The welcome bonus is focused on online slots, providing players with 100 free spins with their first £10 deposit. 2. Mr Vegas Unsurprisingly, a site named Mr Vegas delivers some serious goods when it comes to its blackjack selection. The live casino section at Mr Vegas is definitely one of its biggest selling points, with over 200 live blackjack games available from established developers like Evolution, Pragmatic Play, Playtech, and Stakelogic. The biggest downside to the site is that it has a slightly aged design, but if you can overlook that, which I certainly can, then there is a lot to enjoy here. It is not just the live blackjack selection that is impressive, either, with the roulette and baccarat offerings also standing out. New customers to Mr Vegas can claim a welcome bonus of up to £200 and 11 no wagering free spins, while other features such as The Wheel of Vegas provide huge winning opportunities. 3. bet365 bet365 is an online casino that needs little introduction to UK players. The iconic brand is best known for its sports betting, but its online casino section is just as impressive in its own right. My favourite thing about bet365 as a blackjack casino is the number of exclusive games it has. The bet365 blackjack titles are among the best-designed blackjack games on the internet, offering a stylish interface and smooth graphics. The bet365 Progressive Blackjack game also regularly offers huge wins to players. Unfortunately, the site does not have any blackjack-specific bonuses. However, it does have a welcome bonus for sports bettors, which rewards £30 with the first £10 deposit. Casino players can also claim the Prize Matcher once they have signed up, which gives them the chance to win free bets, free spins, or golden chips daily. 4. Dream Vegas Another Vegas-themed site that has become a go-to for some blackjack action is Dream Vegas. The site offers live blackjack from the likes of Evolution and Pragmatic Play, and also offers exciting live blackjack games from casinos worldwide. It is also one of the best sites for promotions and bonuses, offering daily giveaways and other perks to regular customers. New customers can sink their teeth into a huge welcome bonus worth up to £300 and 150 bonus spins. Dream Vegas also deserves some serious recognition for its website design, with the site being one of the most stylish online blackjack sites currently available in the UK. This experience also makes a smooth transition to mobile devices, where players can also download the excellent Dream Vegas app. 5. BetMGM There are few casino brands in the world as well associated with quality as BetMGM. The US giant has made a serious impact on this side of the Atlantic, and one of the reasons for that is its top-quality gaming catalogue. The live blackjack section here is one of the best in the UK, with the site live-streaming exclusive games straight from Vegas. Of course, you will also find exciting live variations of other games, as well as a good choice of RNG-powered blackjack titles to enjoy. New casino players can claim 100 free spins with their first £10 deposit, and there is also the chance to claim regular prizes with the BetMGM Rewards scheme, which is widely regarded as one of the best loyalty programs in the online casino world. 6. Casumo Casumo immediately grabs your attention with its bright, colourful design, and then it gets you to stick around thanks to its impressive game catalogue and overall positive user experience. From a blackjack perspective, you will find a healthy selection of around 100 games to enjoy, including popular titles like Blackjack X, Classic Blackjack, and All Bets Blackjack Live. The blackjack selection is supported by a robust online slot portfolio featuring titles from prominent providers such as Pragmatic Play, NetEnt, Hacksaw Gaming, and others. New customers at Casumo can claim a welcome offer of up to £100 to be used on selected games, and 50 bonus spins to use on Big Bass Bonanza. The rest of the promotion section is fairly limited. However, it does run regular network jackpots and tournaments. 7. Betfred Betfred's game selection is not as big as some of the other operators on this list, but what it lacks in quantity, it makes up for in quality. The site works alongside leading names, with its live casino section being powered by Playtech. You can find a handful of exclusive, branded blackjack titles at Betfred, as well as a mix of other live casino options like roulette and baccarat. It has also become one of my top choices for casino bonuses, with features like the Game of the Week regularly highlighting table games like blackjack. The welcome bonus offers new players up to 200 free spins with their first deposit. Betfred is also one of the most dependable sites when it comes to customer support, offering excellent service around the clock. 8. Betway Another major provider offering a diverse selection of exclusive blackjack titles is Betway. The site works with the likes of OnAir, Pragmatic Play, and Playtech to offer a big selection of live blackjack offerings, while those who prefer a less immersive experience will find a good range of RNG blackjack titles to enjoy. If you are looking for something a little different, Betway is a stand-out site for crash and instant-win titles, with hits like Aviator and the exclusive FlyX being among my favourites. The site also has a selection of branded slot titles for players to enjoy. If you are a new customer at Betway, you can claim 125 free spins to use on Big Bass Spinner to get started. Unfortunately, it does not offer a welcome bonus for live casino or blackjack. 9. Unibet Unibet is a major brand that has really managed to smash its live casino offering. The site has a big selection of branded tables broadcasting live blackjack games from around the world. It works alongside major operators like Evolution and allows players to filter games based on their budget. It also offers a great selection of virtual casino games and offers one of the most stylish interfaces available in the UK. Fans of mobile play will also love the Unibet app, with the site's green and black colour scheme lending itself perfectly to the smaller screen. If you want a generous welcome bonus, Unibet is also well worth considering, with the operator offering £40 to use on any casino game for new players when they deposit £10. 10. BetVictor Last, but by no means least, we have BetVictor. The popular operator boasts an impressive selection of around 80 blackjack games, offering several exclusive, branded titles, including BetVictor First Person Blackjack and Vinnie Jones Blackjack. If you're looking for something a little different, the site is one of the best in the UK for big jackpot wins and is regularly part of large network progressive jackpots and tournaments. New customers can claim a welcome bonus worth £30 with 200 free spins, while the Game of the Week and daily rewards will keep punters coming back for more. 👉 How we rate online blackjack casinos Narrowing down our list of the best online blackjack casinos was no easy task. To complete the list, we compiled reviews of each casino using our Sun Factor rating, and then compared their blackjack game selections and bonuses to determine the best. The following are the main factors considered when choosing which blackjack sites to recommend. Range of blackjack variants: One of the reasons for blackjack's enduring popularity is the number of variations the game has. While I'm a fan of traditional blackjack games, those who like a bit of novelty will definitely find it in the blackjack sections of the casinos we have recommended. Multi-Hand Blackjack, Lightning Blackjack, American Blackjack, and Blackjack Switch are all popular variations of the game. Top quality software providers: As one of the most popular games in the world, many developers want to dip their toes in the blackjack pool. Of course, not all blackjack games are created equal, with some providers offering a much better quality product than others. Fortunately, our team of experts here at The Sun know exactly how to distinguish a good game from a poor one, and all of the casino sites we have recommended in this best online blackjack sites guide provide titles from some of the best in the business. Live dealer options: If you prefer a more immersive casino experience, then you will want to play at an online casino with live casino options. All of the operators we have recommended in this guide work with leading live casino providers like Evolution, Pragmatic Play, and Playtech. Promotions for blackjack games: Bonuses and promotions are one of the best ways to enhance your online blackjack experience significantly. When reviewing online casinos using our Sun Factor system, we check to see what bonuses are available, as well as their terms & conditions. Easy payments: If you have been lucky enough to land a win in blackjack, you will want to be safe in the knowledge that you can withdraw your money quickly and easily. If you are anything like me, you will want your cash in your bank as soon as possible. As such, when choosing which casinos made the cut, we factored in their payment methods, withdrawal times, and whether they had any fees. ♠️ Blackjack game variations As I've already mentioned in this guide to the best blackjack sites in the UK, blackjack can be enjoyed in different formats. The following are the most popular blackjack variations you will encounter: European Blackjack European blackjack is the most popular form of blackjack played in UK online casinos. In this version of the game, the dealer will not check their hand to see if they have blackjack if their upcard is an Ace. The game also has fewer options for doubling down and splitting, depending on the version you are playing. In most instances, the dealer will stand on a soft 17. American Blackjack American Blackjack has become increasingly popular with UK players in recent years, with this version offering a little more flexibility than its European counterpart. In the game, the dealer will check for blackjack straight away if they have an Ace upcard, which can save players a lot of time. There are also more options to double down and split your hands. The rules of each casino or game may vary depending on whether the dealer hits on a soft 17. Live Dealer Blackjack Live dealer blackjack uses live-streaming technology to allow players to play with a real dealer. Live dealer blackjack itself can come in a variety of formats, with all of the variants listed in this guide also being available with a live dealer. Progressive Blackjack Progressive blackjack is the same as standard blackjack; only you have the chance to win a huge progressive jackpot if you hit a certain card combination. The game is often part of a network progressive jackpot, which gives players the chance to land huge wins. Multi-Hand Blackjack Multi-hand blackjack is one of the most common variants you will encounter at top UK online casinos. This allows you to play with multiple hands against the dealer simultaneously. 💰 Blackjack bonuses for UK players Bonuses are an excellent way to enhance your blackjack playing experience online. The following are the most common online casino bonuses you will encounter that can be used on blackjack. Deposit bonus The most popular bonuses you will be able to use with blackjack are casino deposit bonuses. This is when a casino matches your deposit with bonus funds up to a certain amount. For example, Dream Vegas offers a generous 100% bonus deposit of up to £300 with your first deposit. Of course, it is always important to read through the terms & conditions of your bonus funds thoroughly, as they may be restricted to slots or other game types. Cashback bonus Cashback bonuses are another popular type of bonus associated with blackjack. These provide players with cash back on losses over a specified period. Naturally, the downside to these bonuses is that they involve you having to lose to be able to claim them, but they give your account a nice boost, especially if you have been on a losing streak. No deposit bonus No deposit bonuses are exactly what they sound like: bonuses that are awarded to a player's account without the need for a deposit. In many cases, these are tagged onto the side of other bonuses, but if you are lucky, you might find a no-deposit bonus that gives you some funds to play blackjack. Loyalty/VIP Programs Loyalty and VIP programs are extremely popular at UK online casinos, particularly among some of the larger names. These provide rewards for an operator's most loyal customers, often in the form of free bets or games. 📋 How to play blackjack online for real money A major selling point for blackjack is how easy it is for players to understand and learn the rules of the game. To play blackjack for real money, the first thing you need to remember is the aim of the game: to beat the dealer by getting your hand closer to 21 than theirs. If either of you go over 21, your hand is bust and the other person wins. There is some basic terminology that is important to know when playing: Hit: Request another card. Stand: Keep the cards you have. Blackjack: A score of 21 with your first two cards is an automatic win. Push: You and the dealer have the same hand, and your cash is returned. Double down: Doubling your original stake. Split: This is when you have two cards of the same rank and split them into two separate hands. Surrender: This option is not available at all casinos. It allows you to forfeit your hand and only lose half your stake. The way the game unfolds is simple: players are dealt two hands, and so is the dealer. The dealer will have one card face up on the table for the player to see. As the player, you must then choose to stand or hit. Once you have completed your turn, the dealer will then make the same decision. In almost all instances, the dealer will always hit below 17, which is something players should factor into their decision-making process. 🤔 When to double down in blackjack? The aim of doubling down when playing blackjack online is to capitalise on a situation where you have a really strong hand and the dealer's hand is weak. For example, if you have a hand featuring a 5 and 6, and the dealer's upcard is a five, you should consider doubling down, which means doubling your stake. In the above situation, you have a good chance of hitting 21 or a high score, whereas the dealer is almost definitely going to have hit multiple times if he is standing on 17, which increases his chance of going bust. 🏦 Payment methods for UK blackjack players If you want to play blackjack at top online casinos in the UK, then you want to be able to trust that you can get your funds in and out of your account easily. The following are the most popular banking methods you will encounter: Visa/Mastercard debit cards Bank cards will always be the most popular way for players to deposit funds at online casinos. All of the top blackjack sites explored in this guide allow players to deposit using Visa/Mastercard or Maestro debit cards. While debit cards were once slower than e-wallets for withdrawals, this has changed in recent years, with many operators now offering instant withdrawals with debit cards. Players should be aware that UK operators can not accept deposits using credit cards. PayPal PayPal is by far the best-known and most popular e-wallet at UK online casinos. The method acts as a third party between the bank and the casino, allowing players to transfer funds without sharing details with the casino. Not only is the method extremely secure, but it is also very fast, with withdrawals often happening almost instantly at PayPal casinos. Skrill Skrill is another popular e-wallet method that has gained significant popularity at online casinos in recent years. While this offers all the same perks as PayPal, its biggest drawback is that it is often excluded from promotions. PaysafeCard Another alternative option to traditional card methods is PaysafeCard. This is a pre-paid card option where you upload funds onto the card and then use it directly at the casino. Unfortunately, while this is one of the safest methods, it can only be used for deposits. Apple Pay/Google Pay If you are a mobile user, Apple or Google Pay, depending on your device, is going to be one of the easiest ways to deposit and withdraw funds from an online casino. These are virtual wallets that allow you to make instant deposits and withdrawals using stored cards. Betting limits and minimum deposits for blackjack games A major selling point for blackjack is that it is a game that caters to all budgets. You can play online blackjack for as little as £0.10 with some operators, while the maximum bet allowed will vary depending on the game you are playing. In terms of deposits, you will also find that each casino will have different limits. Some casinos, such as bet365 or BetVictor, allow deposits as low as £5. The minimum withdrawal and the withdrawal speed will vary from casino to casino. Most casinos now offer very fast, if not instant, withdrawal options. 🧑💻 How to sign up and play at online blackjack sites If you are ready to sign up with a new online blackjack site, you can do so by following these instructions: Choose one of the online blackjack sites recommended in this guide. Begin the registration process by entering your personal information. This includes your name, email address, phone number, and address. Be sure to claim a welcome bonus if you are eligible. Once you have completed the registration form, verify your address through either your phone or email. Your account is now ready to go. Make your first deposit using your preferred payment method. Find blackjack in the online games section, choose your favourite blackjack game, and enjoy! 🤵 Five tips for playing blackjack The beauty of blackjack is that it is one of the easiest online casino games to play. The aim of the game is simple, and the basic controls are easy to get to grips with. However, there are several tips and tricks you can use to help enhance your enjoyment playing blackjack online for real money. #1 Use basic blackjack strategy Basic blackjack strategy is one of the most famous gameplay strategies in the casino world. It is a system that informs players of the optimal way to play their hand. By mastering and using this strategy, players can significantly reduce the house edge. Like all strategies, it will never guarantee a win, but it can help minimise losses over a period of time. #2 Try different variations As I have touched on in this guide to the best blackjack online casinos in the UK, the game comes in many shapes and sizes. As such, I always recommend trying out the game variations until you find one that you enjoy the most. Personally, I am a fan of Multi-Hand blackjack, as it gives me multiple attempts to beat the dealer in one turn. #3 Manage your bankroll Setting a budget and ensuring you never chase losses is one of the key things to do when playing blackjack online. If you are on a losing streak, you should not overspend in a bid to get your funds back up. If I personally find myself on a bad run of luck, I take myself away from the game for a while, especially if it is becoming frustrating. You should remember that you are never guaranteed a win when playing blackjack online. #4 Understanding side bets and betting options The concept and basic rules of blackjack are easy to understand, but if you want to make the most of the game, it is crucial to also understand the side bets and other gameplay options. Understanding insurance, double-down, surrender, and other key moves is essential to play the game at its best. #5 Gamble responsibly Above all else, players should always practise responsible gambling when playing online blackjack, or any casino game for that matter. This includes not chasing losses and always setting yourself a budget. All of the blackjack sites we have explored in this guide offer responsible gambling support and tools, so never be afraid to reach out for support if it is needed. 🎰 Other casino games you can play at casinos Blackjack is not the only online casino game worth checking out at the casinos listed in this guide. Let's take a quick look at the other casino games you can play at these top blackjack casinos. Roulette Alongside blackjack, roulette is the most popular type of table game you will find at online casinos. Like blackjack, it is also available in different formats, each coming with its own gameplay features and perks. European roulette is by far the most popular variation of the game, with French and American roulette also being big hits with online casino players. Poker Poker is a little more specialist than the other games listed in this guide. At most top online casinos, you will be able to play video poker, which is an RNG variant of traditional poker that does not involve complex knowledge of the game. However, some online casinos will have live poker rooms where players can pit their wits against real-life opponents. Baccarat Baccarat is the game most similar to blackjack, with the aim of the game being to get your cards to total nine, instead of 21. The game has its own set of betting rules that are easy to learn, and it a game that has become increasingly popular with UK casinos in recent years. Online slots In almost all instances, online slots are going to be the most common type of game you encounter at top UK online casinos. Slots remain the king of online gameplay for a number of reasons, not least of which is their huge winning potential. With plenty of big jackpots, exciting bonuses, and more up for grabs, it feels like it will be a very long time before anything knocks online slots from their perch. 🙋 Q&A about online blackjack sites Still have questions about online blackjack? We might just have the answers you are looking for in this FAQ section. 1. Is online blackjack rigged? No. Online blackjack games use random number generators (RNGs) to determine the outcome of each round. 2. Can you count cards in online blackjack? No. Due to the RNGs and the total randomisation of decks, it is impossible to count cards when playing blackjack online. 3. Can I play blackjack on my mobile? Absolutely! All of the blackjack casinos listed in this guide support mobile gameplay. 4. Can I play blackjack for free? Yes. Many online casinos will allow you to try online blackjack for free before you play for real money. In most instances, you will need to have an account with the casino to do so. 5. How to win at blackjack online? You win at blackjack online by getting closer to 21 than the dealer, without going above 21. Of course, there is no way you can guarantee a win in the game, with the results being down to chance. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Read our guide on responsible gambling practices. For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.
