What is Online Blackjack and How to Play?
Online blackjack is designed to simulate the real, live, and authentic blackjack experience that you get when you play at any brick-and-mortar casino worldwide.
Unfortunately, electronics and casino software cannot (yet, at least!) truly mimic the experience and make it indistinguishable. This means that if you do play blackjack online, there are some differences between the physical and the virtual game that you will need to be aware of.
In this quick guide, we are going to cover the most important differences between real, physical blackjack played in brick-and-mortar casinos and virtual blackjack that is played online. Although the real thing reigns in superior in many ways, online blackjack is a viable alternative that has advantages which could never be realised in a live, real-life game.
Online Blackjack: How It’s Played
Online blackjack can be found at virtually every single online casino (and if you can’t find it, you need to be asking some serious questions about that casino’s legitimacy!) It is one of the world’s most popular casino games and is loved worldwide.
Online, blackjack can be played through a casino either through a web browser or through a downloadable casino software client. The game itself is determined by a random number generator, the same technology that has determined the outcomes for real-life casino video-based games, such as slots and video poker, for decades.
This random number generation software randomly deals cards and carries the game forward, it is completely trustworthy, and many casinos use third-party software and/or third-party auditors such as eCOGRA to keep everything in check.
Advantages of Playing Online Blackjack
Online casinos usually have a lot more variations of blackjack available to play than many land-based casinos. That is because land-based casinos are often limited in space and could not accommodate tables for every different type of blackjack going. So, with online blackjack there are many different betting limits, side bets, and alternative rules that will provide you with a broader gaming experience.
Also, by playing software-based blackjack you will be able to keep track of your gaming history better by recording wins, losses, and how much money you have spent. This allows players to understand their strengths and weaknesses, leading to optimised gaming strategy.
What About Live Blackjack?
Many high-quality casinos will offer both video-based and live casino games. As blackjack is such a popular casino game, many live casinos include it as part of what they offer.
Live blackjack is the more traditional of the two. Just like in a real casino, live blackjack is you and up to six other people playing at a virtual blackjack casino. Whilst the casino may be virtual, the game is not—the game is hosted by a real professional croupier who deals cards out and manages the game according to how the players play. If you hold, the dealer will hold your cards. If you hit, the dealer will do it on your behalf.
Online, live dealer blackjack online is presented to players through video streaming. The dealers are based out of a dealer studio, usually in Eastern Europe, Central America, or the Far East depending on your language or the language of the casino. These dealer studios are maintained by large casino software licensing companies like Playtech or Net Entertainment.
Online vs Live Blackjack
When it comes down to choosing between online and live blackjack, the decision is entirely down to you and your preferences. If you are after a more authentic experience, then by all means go for the live option. You will be playing against real players with a real croupier keeping the game in check rather than against a computer.
If you prefer to play at your own pace and like the idea of playing against a completely random machine, then choose video-based online blackjack.
Whichever you choose, you can’t go wrong. These days, all online casinos are regularly audited to ensure quality and compliance. This means that the games you are playing are entirely random and fair; there is no ‘rigging’ or ‘fixing’ taking place.
New players are recommended to start with one of the bigger and more recognisable brand names first. This is purely because these make the initial learning process easier with better quality websites and helpful resources.
