UK's Top Real Money Blackjack Casinos

Why play real money blackjack?

While the free demo games are a great way to play for fun and get some practice, putting real money stakes on the line ups the ante and gives you the chance to land a profit. Whilst this applies to all real money casino games, what sets blackjack apart from slot machines and roulette is the fact that you have a certain amount of control over the overcome. As a result, the house edge changes depending on the decisions you make at the blackjack table. Playing with the right strategy could see you reduce the house’s advantage and earn some winnings without relying entirely on chance.

What do I need to know before I play real money blackjack?

Blackjack is a pretty straightforward game, making it a viable option for just about anyone browsing the jam-packed game collections at the top online casinos. However, complete newcomers should be wary of heading straight for the real money blackjack tables without brushing up on their knowledge and understanding of the game. Let’s take you through the ins and outs of the casino classic.

Game rules

Each variant of blackjack has its own rules that you need to be aware of. Among the differences you’ll come across are the number of decks used, stipulations placed on ‘doubling down’ and whether or not you can ‘split’ more than once per hand.

Return to player (RTP)

With differing rule sets, the game’s RTP will vary slightly depending on the variation you choose to play. The RTP percentage is the average amount the game will pay throughout its lifetime. Blackjack games generally rank among the best table games when it comes to RTP, but we’d always recommend seeking out the highest paying games if you want to give yourself the best chance of landing some profit.

Basic strategy

If you’re holding 16 and the dealer’s up card is an 8, should you hit or stand? If you get dealt a pair of 10s, should you split them and play two hands? There are countless blackjack strategies available to guide your betting decisions and give you the best chance of beating the dealer. So once you’ve grasped the rules of blackjack, your next step is to learn basic blackjack strategy. Put simply, this is the best way to play blackjack formed using statistical probability to calculate the best possible move in any given situation, based on the cards dealt to the player and dealer. Bare in mind, however, that no strategy will give the player an advantage over the dealer.

Side bets

Insurance, perfect pairs, dealer match and 21 + 3 are just a few examples of side bets offered in real money blackjack. The insurance bet is by far the most commonly found side bet. This allows the player to place an additional wager independent of the main wager when the dealer’s exposed card is an Ace. The bet pays out at 2:1 if the dealer has blackjack. While this might sound like a decent wager, it actually gives the casino a significant edge.

Ready to play?

Now that we’ve taken you through everything you need to know about real money blackjack, it’s time to find the best place to play. Don’t fancy scouring the internet for the best online casino brands? Check out our list of the UK’s top real money blackjack casinos. Each one is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), so you’re guaranteed a top-quality, safe and fair online blackjack experience. Compare our featured gambling sites, sign up at your favourite site and play real money blackjack!