Blackjack is one of the most popular card games for a reason. It is a game of skill with a low house edge. So, once you master blackjack, you can enjoy a rewarding gaming experience.
Online casinos US offer a wide variety of blackjack games you can enjoy from the comfort of your home or on the go. Whether you are a beginner, a seasoned player or a high-roller, you can find a game that suits you best at RNG or live casino tables.
Stay with us if you want to learn more about the casino classic and multiple variations you can play for real money. Don Gambler has prepared a guide to the best real money blackjack sites US, with all details you should know before you start wagering real money.
Getting Started with Real Money Blackjack
Blackjack is an online casino staple, meaning you will find it on most US casino sites. So, before we move to how to select the one that will be the perfect fit for you, let’s find out more about real money blackjack online.
How to Play Online Blackjack with Real Money
You must sign up with a gambling site to play online blackjack with real money. You can play RNG-operated blackjack on most US-facing casino sites for free, in practice mode. Yet, only by wagering real money can you win real money payouts. It is the biggest difference between free and real money blackjack.
While free blackjack cannot deliver real money payouts, it can come in handy to learn the ropes. So, if available, you should always take advantage of the demo version of the game you want to play. Give it a go and practice for a while with no risk involved. Once you feel confident, you can start wagering real cash on the game you have mastered.
So, once you have created a casino account, you should make your first deposit. It will be matched with a welcome bonus in most cases. Check whether it can be used on blackjack games. Go to the Table Games section, look for blackjack variants you like, and place your bet.
Once you make a wager, you will receive two cards. Based on them and the face-up card the dealer gets, you can stand, hit, split or double down. Some blackjack variants offer optional side bets that can pay hefty prizes. Yet, they are mainly based on luck and have a high house margin.
Best Real Money Blackjack Variants for US Players
The selection of blackjack games varies from one casino site to another, depending on contributing suppliers. The main objective in blackjack is to beat the dealer with a hand of 21 or as close to it as possible without going over. However, each game has a set of rules or features that makes it unique. Below, we have listed some of the most popular real money blackjack games for US players.
- Vegas Strip Blackjack: Originating in Las Vegas, Vegas Strip Blackjack is a variant played with four decks of cards. It has a house edge of 0.36%, and one of the rules is that the dealer always stands on soft 17. You can double down on any hand and split up to three times. However, Aces can be split only once.
- Atlantic City Blackjack: While it shares most rules with Vegas Strip Blackjack, Atlantic City Blackjack is played with an 8-deck shoe and allows late surrender.
- Single Deck Blackjack: It is one of the games with the lowest house edge, 0.26% only, which makes it highly popular. Its low house margin comes from the fact that only one deck of cards is in play, and the dealer always stands on soft 17. This is the perfect blackjack game for card counters.
- Blackjack Perfect Pairs: The Perfect Pairs side bet makes this blackjack variant stand out. However, you should be aware that while offering payouts of up to 30:1, the side bet has a high house edge, ranging from 2% to 11%.
Live Dealer Blackjack at US Online Casinos
Live blackjack tables might be the perfect fit for you if you are looking for some real casino action. Thankfully, they are available at more and more US real money casinos. What makes live blackjack games special is that they are streamed live, in HD resolution, and hosted by real-life dealers, thus providing players with an immersive gaming experience.
While there may not be as many options as with RNG blackjack games, live blackjack games still guarantee loads of fun. They come equipped with thrilling side bets which can pay a lot. However, you should play them responsibly as they are quite risky.
Most live blackjack tables accommodate up to 7 players. While waiting for a seat, you can use the Bet Behind option at most tables and wager on another player’s hand. However, keep in mind that live dealer blackjack games are available for real money only and play responsibly.
Real Money Blackjack Tips
Before you start playing any blackjack variant, it is crucial to learn the rules. However, it is not enough because you should also master the optimal strategy to boost your odds and make the most out of the low house edge. Here are a few tips you can use when playing real money blackjack.
- Manage your bankroll: This tip applies to all casino games, and blackjack is no exception. No matter how confident you may be, playing responsibly is the way to go. Some blackjack tables allow you to wager thousands of USD. Still, you should be moderate, especially if you are a beginner. The golden rule is to never wager more than you can afford to lose.
- Use strategy charts: When playing blackjack online, you can always have the proper strategy chart at hand. It will tell you which is the best move for each situation.
- Avoid side bets: As mentioned earlier, side bets may be tempting due to the high payouts they offer. However, you should play them wisely, as they can drain your bankroll and leave you empty-handed.
- Don’t play 6:5 blackjack games: In most blackjack games, a natural blackjack pays 3:2. Yet, some games offer a 6:5 payout to balance the house edge because of other advantageous rules. Stay away from them because you will win less money in the long run.
- Don’t play insurance: With insurance, you practically bet on the dealer winning with a blackjack. Although this option becomes available only when the dealer receives an Ace, it is not a guarantee that they will win. So, avoid this side bet and save money for your next ante.
Best US Online Casinos to Play Blackjack for Real Money
When choosing a US casino to play blackjack for real money online, you should bear a few things in mind. First of all, you should find a reputable gambling establishment that treats players fairly. Look for US-friendly casinos with valid licenses issued by a local authority or other trustworthy gaming bodies.
Once you are sure that the casino operator can be trusted, pay attention to the following features.
Blackjack Games Selection
Go to the Table Games section to check the selection of blackjack variants and whether they are available on desktop and mobile devices. It should offer the most popular blackjack variations and lesser-known titles with exciting side bets. Although we do not recommend playing them all the time, it is good to give them a go occasionally for a chance to win big.
The best US online casinos offer RNG games in demo mode, thus allowing you to learn the basics and master the strategy. Also, they should support a wide betting range, suitable for newbies and seasoned players who prefer wagering larger amounts.
A selection of live dealer blackjack tables should also be available. Most providers of live casino solutions offer blackjack. So, if the online casino you like has a live casino section, you will most certainly find a few live blackjack tables. Lately, some providers have added blackjack tables that accept an unlimited number of players, so you can join them anytime you want.
While you cannot play live blackjack for free, you can watch the action without placing bets until you feel confident enough. Also, live casino blackjack games have various table limits, so if you want to start small, go for those where you can only play a hand at $1. Some US casinos are home to VIP or exclusive blackjack tables supporting stakes of up to $50,000.
Nothing beats the experience you get while playing blackjack with real dealers, so choose a stake that suits your budget best and show your skills.
Bonuses and Promotions for Blackjack Players
Not all gambling bonuses are suitable for blackjack aficionados. For example, some may have terms and conditions that exclude blackjack from wagering requirements. Or bets placed on blackjack may contribute at a low rate of 10% only, for instance. In this case, you will have to wager considerably larger amounts to complete the playthrough.
So, when choosing an online casino to play real money blackjack, you should check whether it offers bonuses and promotions designed with blackjack players in mind. Read the terms and conditions and see whether you can use the bonus money on blackjack variants. In some cases, you will be able to wager free money, but you will have to play slots to turn your winning into real money.
Some US casinos host promotions designed with blackjack fans in mind. You can participate in various tournaments or complete certain tasks to compete for a share of a prize pool, bonuses and other rewards.
Online Blackjack Tournaments
Like brick-and-mortar casinos and online gambling sites also host blackjack tournaments where you can compete against other players. In most cases, you will have to pay an entry fee to get an initial set of chips you should build on. So, all players start with the same amount of chips, and you should play selected blackjack games to win the most chips.
Each blackjack tournament has its own set of rules, so make sure to check them before you enter the one you like. The two most popular formats are elimination and non-elimination tournaments. In both cases, the player with the most chips wins the grand prize, whereas other finalists share the rest of the prize pool. Rewards can be bonuses or real money prizes.
Why Play Real Money Blackjack at US Casinos
Only by playing real money blackjack can you win real money payouts. That’s the biggest advantage of playing blackjack for real money at US casinos. If you decide to play real money blackjack online, you will have access to a broader range of titles. You can enjoy these games without leaving the comfort of your home or on the go. Online blackjack tables accept players 24/7 in most cases, so you can join them whenever you like.
So, pick one of the casino sites recommended by Don Gambler, create an account, make a deposit and claim a welcome bonus to start your real money blackjack adventure. But first, learn about the game you want to play so that you can apply the strategy to enhance your chances of winning.
Best Real Money Blackjack Sites US FAQs
Is it legal to play online blackjack for real money in the US?
Yes, you can legally play blackjack for real money, at US-licensed online casinos or on offshore gambling sites.
How to find the best real money blackjack site?
The best real money blackjack sites are licensed in the US or other jurisdictions, house a wide range of blackjack variants and offer bonuses you can use to play blackjack.
Can I use bonuses to play online blackjack?
At the best online casinos, you can use bonuses to play blackjack.
Do US online casinos host blackjack tournaments?
Some US online casinos host blackjack tournaments where you can compete against fellow players for a share of a prize pool.
Are live dealer blackjack games available on US casino sites?
Most US-friendly casino sites offer live dealer tables where you can play standard blackjack or its innovative variants.