Can you Play Real Blackjack Online?
One of the most frequent questions that we are asked at Counting Edge is, “Can you play real blackjack online?” Yes, you can. There are many online casinos that offer blackjack games for real money. The virtual action of these blackjack games is almost indistinguishable from the live games that you would find in Las Vegas or Atlantic City. You can make the same bets, take the same actions, and win money. Let’s take a closer look at real blackjack online.
Virtual Real Blackjack Online
The first type of real blackjack that you will find at an online casino is the virtual game. In this type of game there is no blackjack dealer. You play at a graphic interface which looks identical to the blackjack table layout in a live casino. Your cards and the dealer’s up card appear on the screen when you click DEAL.
Once the cards have been dealt you are given the opportunity to act on your hand unless the dealer has a blackjack. You can split, double, hit, or stand. You can also take insurance if the dealer shows an ace. In some online casinos you are also permitted to surrender. Once the hand has been resolved you will be paid the correct amount if you win. If you lose your chips will be taken from the spot in front of you. A new hand then begins.
Virtual blackjack is just like blackjack that you find in a live casino, but there is one significant difference. In the online game of blackjack the cards are shuffled after each hand. This means that each hand you play is starting with a new deck of 52 cards. In a live blackjack game the cards are dealt from a shoe that can contain 4-8 decks of cards. What this means is that card counting in online blackjack is not useful when playing the virtual game.
You can, however, still apply blackjack strategy when you play real blackjack online. The proper actions on each hand will still lower the house edge against you and increase your chances of winning. Can you play real blackjack online and still win without counting cards? You can, indeed, when you use proper blackjack strategy.
Live Dealer Real Blackjack Online
It is becoming more common to find online casinos that are offering real live dealer blackjack. This is as close as it gets to playing in Las Vegas. You can watch the live dealer on a video stream that is conducted from a studio. The setting in the studio mimics the look of a casino blackjack pit. The dealer deals the cards from a shoe, and there are usually other players seated at your table. As the dealer deals the cards a virtual representation of those cards appears before you on the computer screen.
Once the cards are dealt you are able to act on your hand just like you would in real live blackjack. It is also possible for you to interact with the dealer as the game is being played. You can also chat with other players at the table. For many players this level of realism is preferred, but there may also be a legitimate advantage when playing real blackjack with a live dealer online.
Because the cards in live dealer blackjack are dealt from a shoe it is possible to count cards. You can get a running count just like you would in the live casino. That will give you an added advantage that can help you beat the game and make a profit. It can also help you to practice your card counting skills.
Which Form of Real Blackjack Online Should You Play?
The choice between a virtual real blackjack game and a live dealer real blackjack game online is one that only you can make. It is a matter of personal preference. If you have no interest in card counting then you may want to stick with the virtual game. Counting Edge recommends that you play live dealer blackjack whenever it is available because card counting is a useful tool.
You may also find that some real online blackjack games that do not use a live dealer are more affordable. They can have lower table minimums than the live dealer online blackjack games. You should always play the game that best suits your individual bankroll. Try to have at least 50X the table minimum before you sit down to play.
The next time someone asks you, “Can you play real blackjack online?”, remind them that Counting Edge has reviewed and recommended many online casinos for US players and players in other locations. You can play real blackjack for money when you create an account and make a wagering deposit. Some online casinos will even let you deposit Bitcoin. You’ll also qualify for a bonus on your first wagering deposit.