2 days ago Q2: Generally speaking, are the rules better in land or online casinos? A: All things considered, I would say they are better online. For one thing, you almost never see a blackjack (ace and 10) pay 6 to 5 only online, while this is becoming the norm in land casinos in the United States. The US betting market has been in the news a fair amount as of late after the country legalised online sports betting nationwide, getting the attention of many brands from around the world who are now vying to be the biggest name in the Stateside online sports betting world. Blackjack is one of the easiest casino games to learn, and online 21 has the same rules as those you’ll find at any retail casino in the US. All you need to do is be the closest to 21 without going over. The cards are ranked by face value, with face cards each being worth 10 points and the Ace being either worth one point or 11 points.
If you’re here, that means you’re interested in playing real money blackjack online. Well, you’ve come to the right place. Blackjack is a casino staple and a game of choice for many online casino gamblers all throughout the USA.
If you’re looking to jump right into the action, don’t let us stop you! Here’s our list of the best US online casinos for real money blackjack:
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Real money online blackjack games are fun to play, even if you’re an absolute beginner. We’ll go over a few tips for newer players and some advice on how to get started.
Best Real Money Blackjack Online Casinos
- Las Atlantis Casino – Premium user interface for playing real money blackjack.
- BetUS Casino – Safe and long running online casino with great game variety.
- Super Slots – Variety of banking options for playing blackjack for real money.
- Vegas Casino Online – Trustworthy option for real money blackjack in the USA.
- Wild Casino – Great bonus options and online blackjack tournaments.
We have an extensive process that goes into choosing our recommendations for the best real money blackjack casinos. We won’t go over every single aspect of our checklist, but we will give you some of the highlights to give you a better understanding of how we vet our recommendations to ensure a safe online gambling experience.
Bonus Offers
Bonuses are super important for US real money blackjack online. There are different bonuses for different games. Here is an example from Wild Casino:
Bonuses like this are just some of what’s available out there for you! The offer on the left is for a free entry to a tournament. But there are other casino offers that offer deposit match bonuses and more.
Bonuses are a great way to get some extra money for your casino gaming ventures, just be sure you always read the terms and conditions!
Game Software
Game software is crucial when looking to play online blackjack real money games. How a game functions and operates is essential when your money is on the line.
Not only that, but different software providers and casino sites offer games that have multiple variations with different house edge percentages. Software provider Amaya Gaming has a game of single deck blackjack with only a 0.26% house edge.
Banking Options
When we are vetting an online casino, one of the first things we do is go to their “banking” tab. We look through all of the different banking methods they have to see if they have a healthy amount of USA friendly deposit and payout options.
The different banking options available at USA online casinos are vital to where they end up in our recommendation list. We look to see if they have cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or e-wallets like Paypal and Neteller.
The more options a casino site has, the better they are in our eyes. We like to see options, and we’re sure that you do as well!
Play Blackjack Online for Real Money in the USA
Now, we’ll give you a four-step process into how you can get started playing blackjack online for real money in the United States.
#1 Choose a Legitimate US Real Money Online Casino
This is the most crucial step. If you don’t choose a legitimate casino, you could lose your hard-earned money! Not all casinos are the same, some are only here to take your money. We’ve done the research for you, so you can trust our recommendations of the best real money blackjack casinos online.
#2 Make a Real Money Deposit
To play US real money blackjack, you have to stake real money on the line! You can take advantage of bonuses and possible free entries to tournaments. However, at the end of the day, you will have to make a deposit at the online casino.
#3 Choose Which Blackjack Game You Want
Before you start, you want to decide what type of blackjack game you want to play. You can look at multiple deck blackjack games, different odds (such as 3/2 or 6/5), or different live dealer games that are available.
#4 Start Playing Blackjack Online and Win Real Money!
This one is easy, just start playing blackjack at the online casino you chose! Once you have everything set, you’re ready to join a table, start playing and hopefully win money at the tables.
Real Money Blackjack vs. Free Blackjack
You can find many different online blackjack games, some for real money, and some you can play for free.
Real Money Games
Real money blackjack games are typically played online or at brick and mortar casinos. Also, if you live within the United States and want to play online, you’ll have to use blackjack online casinos that offers real money games to US players. Fortunately, that’s all you’ll find on this page.
USA Online real money blackjack games are available at all of the online casinos that we have recommended. You won’t find them at other places, and if you do, it’s important to be a little hesitant before giving anyone your money.
Free options are more flexible, however.
Free Games
There are social casinos that offer blackjack games that you can play for free. Some of these games you can find via Facebook or other social platforms. You can also play free blackjack from apps, but we’ll talk more about that later.
Different Types of Real Money Blackjack
- Classic Blackjack – This is standard single deck blackjack.
- European Blackjack – This version is played with two 52-card decks and has varying rules depending on the casino.
- Spanish 21 – This is played with up to eight 48-card “Spanish decks,” the dealer can hit on 17, but doesn’t have to.
- Free Bet Blackjack – Popular in Las Vegas, this version allows you to have your double or split bet on the casino instead of yourself.
- Blackjack Switch – You are dealt two hands, and you can switch cards around between those two hands.
- Zappit Blackjack – You can get rid of your cards if you’re dealt a 15-18. If the dealer doesn’t have 21, you are dealt two new cards.
Please note there are many more versions, and there are extensive rules for each of these we didn’t cover in detail. When choosing your real money blackjack game online, make sure you read the rules before you start playing.
Blackjack Terms You Should Know
- Bust – This is when you or the dealer’s cards reach or go above 21.
- Hit – This is when you ask the dealer for another card.
- Stand – This tells the dealer you don’t want another card.
- Insurance – You can buy insurance when the dealer has an ace, this acts as a side bet for you. You are betting that the dealer has a blackjack, and it pays 2:1.
- Push – This is when you and the dealer have the same hand, effectively giving you your original wager back.
- Surrender – If you surrender, you give up your cards before the game continues, but you lose half your bet.
Real Money Live Dealer Blackjack
If you’re unfamiliar, live dealer blackjack is still online blackjack, but your dealer is live via webcam from another location.
Real money live dealer blackjack is a great way to spice up your online blackjack play. You can choose between a male or a female dealer and have all the different game variations to play.
Playing blackjack online while streaming with a live dealer is the closest you can get to the real thing! If you want to learn more about live dealer casinos, you can check out our guide linked below:
Real Money Blackjack Apps
Apps are another great way to play blackjack. Convenience is the name of the game in today’s day and age. You can download free or real money blackjack apps on your iPhone or Android.
You can learn more about real money apps in our guide here. We go over in more detail how you can play real money games like blackjack, slots, and more right from your phone while in the United States!
Not all casinos offer apps, but some have mobile capabilities, so you can still play on the go!
FAQ About Playing Blackjack Online for Money
Now, we’re going to cover some of the most common questions we get about real money blackjack in the United States. If we didn’t cover your question here, feel free to contact us at any time and ask us any other questions you have.
Yes! If you are looking to play online blackjack for money, you can do so at any of the online casino recommendations we have laid out at the top of this page.
There are no real money apps available that you can download from the app store on your phone, and if you find any, you should proceed with extreme caution. If you’re going to play for real money online, you should only play at reputable USA online casinos. All the casinos and gambling sites we have recommended are available on your mobile device.
There is no federal law that specifically outlaws real money blackjack online. However, some individual states have created laws banning players from participating in online blackjack and other online gambling games.
That’s why it’s best to research the laws in the state or city you reside in. If the laws where you live seem unclear, we recommend you reach out to a legal professional.
Yes, absolutely! Many real money blackjack sites have a wide selection of free blackjack variations to choose from. They want you to try out their games before you put your own money at risk while playing them. Keep in mind that all of the games’ features may not be available in the free version.
Another way to play blackjack for free is to take advantage of a site’s bonuses. Normally, real money blackjack sites will give players free playing credits for a variety of different reasons. This allows you to win money without spending any money. Every website has different wagering requirements for their bonuses, so make sure to check those out beforehand.
How Do You Cash Out Playing Real Money Blackjack Online?
Most real money online blackjack sites have a plethora of payout options to choose from. Some will offer direct deposit to the bank account of your choice. Others will use e-wallets, such as EcoPayz, Paypal, Paysafecard, Trustly, and many others. More and more sites offer payouts in the form of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Ripple.
Once you have decided which payout method you are comfortable using, you can request a payout. It may take anywhere from a few minutes to a few days to process your payout request, depending on the online blackjack site you are playing at. You shouldn’t have any issues receiving the funds you requested as long as they are in your account.
Is There a Difference Between Mobile Blackjack and Playing Blackjack Online?
Yes, there are some slight differences. Playing real money blackjack online from your desktop or laptop will be a unique experience compared to playing on your mobile device.
While most online casinos are available via mobile, their selection of games is almost always limited. The way you play also varies, as many people say it’s challenging to play on mobile devices because of the smaller screen and limited functions.
Are the Odds Different When Playing Real Money Blackjack Online?
Every online casino has slightly different odds when it comes to real money blackjack. Different variations of blackjack also have differing odds. We haven’t noticed a major difference between the odds offered at online and brick and mortar casinos.
We also don’t believe that one exclusively offers better odds than the other. If you are concerned about the odds of a particular game, feel free to reach out to the site’s customer service team.
Are There Online Casinos That Offer Real Money Bonuses for Blackjack?
Yes, definitely! While not all online casinos offer real money bonuses for blackjack, the majority of them do. Some new players receive bonuses for playing blackjack for the first time.
In contrast, other players will receive bonuses for playing blackjack on a particular day of the week. Exactly what bonuses are available will vary from site to site, so do your research before signing up.
Many sites offer an assortment of blackjack tournaments to choose from. You will be able to look at a list of tournaments offered by the site you are playing at.
This list should provide info on all available tournaments, including what variation of blackjack will be played, how many players you’ll play against, the start time, the buy-in amounts, and so much more.
Read over this information to find a tournament that best meets your needs. Then, sign up and wait for the tournament to start. Every player will play several games consecutively; the player with the most money will be the winner and take home the prize money!
In short; There is no federal law against playing blackjack online. There are some states where it is declared illegal however prosecution would be extremely rare and would most likely be against any establishment rather than the player.
It is completely safe to play blackjack online for real money.
It’s often reported that playing blackjack online for real money is illegal in the US.
But is it really?
Let’s tackle this head on and resolve this confusing and commonly misunderstood issue.
So let’s get one thing straight:
Playing Blackjack Online is NOT Legally Prohibited in Any Way by Federal Law
There is no law whatsoever against gambling online at the federal level which is a myth that has been established most likely from a misinterpretation of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 which states:
The Act prohibits gambling businesses from knowingly accepting payments in connection with the participation of another person in a bet or wager that involves the use of the Internet and that is unlawful under any federal or state law (termed “restricted transactions” in the Act).
This is basically saying it’s prohibited for banks to knowingly accept transactions that are a result of an illegal online bet.
It does not in any way state that it is illegal for a player to participate in gambling online!
Another reason why some people may think it is illegal is the confusion of the Federal Wire Act which is related to sports betting and does not apply to whether online blackjack is legal since they are considered different forms of gambling.
Play Blackjack Live Online
If you want to try playing blackjack online for real money, we recommend US players to visit Bovada casino.
Are There any State Laws which Explicitly Allow Online Blackjack?
Another reason why it’s confusing to determine whether it’s legal to gamble online is the fact that most states actually don’t have any specific laws which apply to online gambling in general.
If there is no specific law prohibiting online gambling then it is considered legal.
However there are three states that have explicitly passed laws specifically for allowing online gambling which are:
Interestingly, Nevada has allowed for online poker but have prohibited online casino gambling.
Best Online Blackjack
States Where Online Blackjack is Technically Illegal
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Louisiana
- Montana
- Nevada
- Oregon
- South Dakota
- Washington
- Wisconsin
There are 9 states that have prohibitions against online casino gambling however it should be noted that the real target of these laws are the online casinos themselves and not the player.
The likelihood of being criminally charged is extremely low and even if you were it would most likely be considered just a misdemeanor
There is only one incident I have been able to find dating back to 2003 in North Dakota where a player, Jeffrey Trauman, plead guilty for placing a bet over $500 and was charged with a misdemeanor and subsequently fined $500. (source: https://digitalscholarship.unlv.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1146&context=grrj)
So for further clarity, let’s look at a table of all states so you can easily distinguish the laws of the state you reside in.
| State | Legal? | State | Legal? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Montana | No | |
| Alaska | Nebraska | Yes | |
| Arizona | Nevada | No | |
| Arkansas | New Hampshire | ||
| California | New Jersey | Yes | |
| Colorado | New Mexico | Yes | |
| Connecticut | New York | Yes | |
| Delaware | North Carolina | Yes | |
| Florida | North Dakota | Yes | |
| Georgia | Ohio | Yes | |
| Hawaii | Oklahoma | Yes | |
| Idaho | Oregon | ||
| Illinois | Pennsylvania | Yes | |
| Indiana | Rhode Island | Yes | |
| Iowa | South Carolina | Yes | |
| Kansas | South Dakota | ||
| Kentucky | Tennessee | Yes | |
| Louisiana | Texas | Yes | |
| Maine | Utah | Yes | |
| Maryland | Vermont | Yes | |
| Massachusetts | Virginia | Yes | |
| Michigan | Washington | ||
| Minnesota | West Virginia | Yes | |
| Mississippi | Wisconsin | ||
| Missouri | Wyoming | Yes |
If You Are Unsure, Seek Legal Advice
When in doubt, seek professional legal advice: This website serves to provide players with advice and is not legally binding. Therefore, if you ever have more nuanced questions, do consider consulting a legal professional.
How would I deposit and withdraw money given the UIGEA and Where Can I Play?
The UIGEA has made it considerably more difficult for US residents to deposit and withdraw money from casinos. For example, e-Wallet services such as PayPal or Moneybookers, which are commonly used to transfer funds to/from casinos, usually will not work with US residents engaging in online gaming. We recommend US players avoiding these in general.
Most often, players from the US will be able to use debit cards, direct bank wire transfer, checks, and automated clearing house (ACH). The best method though is to use Bitcoin which is extremely quick and doesn’t have any excess fees. Read our complete guide on how to buy Bitcoin to deposit at a casino here.
For US residents outside of New Jersey, Nevada and Delaware, we recommend playing at Bovada or Betonline.
Related Reading
FAQ
Online Blackjack Play Free
The most recent prosection recorded incident occurred in 2003 where a player was fined $500 and charged with a misdemeanor.
Offshore online casinos do not fall under US jurisdiction so we highly recommend sticking to well known brands such as Bovada or BetOnline.
Pennsylvania has been the most recent state to legalize online gambling and it is expected that West Virginia will be following suit by 2021.
Yes. Since they are located offshore, they do not have to abide by the restrictions made by the UIGEA
Online Blackjack For Real Money
Yes, but as with participating in any service online, it is up to you to do your own due diligence before making any wager. While we can recommend reputable various online casinos to play at, we insist that you read the terms and conditions at any online casino so you know exactly what is involved.