Online blackjack is an Internet phenomenon that was launched in the mid-1990’s with the advent of online casinos. Blackjack quickly became the most popular gambling game offered online. In 2008, more than $21 billion dollars was bet in Internet casinos, most of it on online blackjack.
Antigua and Barbuda were the first countries to create online casinos which offered blackjack. This happened in 1994 when the Internet was still comparatively young. A company called Microgaming (Apricot) literally made millions of dollars by developing the first gaming software. As you can imagine, the online blackjack games of 1994 didn’t look much like the slick games found today. The software at that time was very basic and allowed players very few options beyond hitting and standing on their hand.
Just as it did in the live casinos of Las Vegas and Atlantic City, blackjack went through an evolution online as better software was created and more player options were added. Numerous variations of the game began to appear as well. Today,online blackjack is just as intense and fun as live action play.
Why Play Online Blackjack?
There are quite a few reasons why you might want to be playing online virtual blackjack. If you give online blackjack a try, you may even find that you prefer playing online.
Online gaming brings the game of blackjack right into your home via the computer. This is especially appealing to those who do not live near a live casino. Instead of driving for several hours, perhaps across state lines, to find a casino, you can play right from the comfort of your living room. In addition to this, the online casinos are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They never close. The only way you can be shut out of playing online blackjack is if your Internet connection goes down.
Here are a few more specific advantages of playing online blackjack:
Online Blackjack Progressive Jackpots
Perhaps the greatest advantage of online blackjack is that many casinos now offer progressive jackpots in several blackjack games. These jackpots can grow to massive amounts, giving the blackjack player the chance to make the score of a lifetime.
This is how progressive blackjack jackpots work. Some variations, such as Triple 7’s, offer a bonus payout for specific kinds of blackjack hands such as 7-7-7 of diamonds. Whenever the dealer also holds a certain pair of cards the progressive jackpot is triggered and the player with the lucky hand wins the entire amount.
Each time a hand of blackjack is played a predetermined amount of money is added to the progressive jackpot. This amount continues to grow until a player is dealt the jackpot-winning hand.
Progressive jackpots in online blackjack can grow very large because the hands needed to win them are very rare. If you want to try your hand at winning one of these huge jackpots, wait until the jackpot is very high before you sit down to play the game. With every dollar that is added to the progressive jackpot, the casino’s edge drops. Eventually the edge will even out between player and casino.
Some Disadvantages Of Online Blackjack
As great as online blackjack is, there are still a few disadvantages which must be considered.
The biggest disadvantage in our opinion is that online blackjack virtually eliminates the edge that comes from knowing how to count cards. Counting cards simply will not help you a great deal in online blackjack. The reason for this is that online blackjack games use multiple decks, just like the life casinos. The difference is that online the cards are shuffled after each and every hand of play. Shuffling is built right into the software that operates the game.
For card counting to be effective you must be able to count fairly deeply into the deck. This is not possible in online blackjack. There will never be enough cards used to provide an accurate count. However, if you sign up with an online casino that offer live blackjack than you would play against a real dealer and you can practice your card counting skills!
Another potential disadvantage of online blackjack is that you cannot take note of any dealer tells. A tell is something the dealer does which reveals the nature of his hand. It can be a facial expression, a body movement, or even the way the dealer speaks. In a live casino these tells are very obvious to a smart blackjack player. In online blackjack the game is dealt by a computer. The computer has no emotions and does not react or reveal information the way a live blackjack dealer might.
These disadvantages really aren’t such a big deal when you consider all of the advantages of online blackjack that we listed above. In the end, the blackjack player must decide for themselves if they wish to download and play blackjack online or in a live casino. Online blackjack can be fun and entertaining, and if you know basic blackjack strategy it can be profitable as well. As with all gambling games, always bet with your head and not over it. Managing your blackjack bankroll is just as important online as it is in live play. Check out the Casino Max review, Miami Club review , High Country casino review, Cherry Jackpot casino review, or Roaring 21 review to name a few.
Mobile Gaming Experience
In an era where smartphones dominate daily life, online blackjack has adapted seamlessly to the mobile gaming environment. Players can now enjoy a hand of blackjack on the go, whether waiting in line or relaxing at a park. The mobile gaming experience retains the high-quality graphics, smooth gameplay, and secure transactions that online platforms offer. Apps and mobile-friendly websites have made it easier than ever to enjoy a quick game of blackjack no matter where you are.
Live Dealer Online Blackjack
For those missing the human interaction of a traditional casino, live dealer online blackjack is the perfect solution. Engage with professional dealers streamed in real-time to your device, bringing the authentic casino experience into your home. Live dealer games also offer a social aspect as you can interact with other players and the dealer, making your online gaming experience more personal and enjoyable. Online platforms often provide a ‘Practice Play’ mode, allowing players to hone their skills without risking real money. This feature is ideal for beginners or anyone looking to try out new strategies without financial consequences. It’s a risk-free way of getting comfortable with the game before diving into real money play.
FAQs
- How does online blackjack differ from traditional blackjack?
- Online blackjack follows the same fundamental rules but is played on a digital platform with a Random Number Generator determining the card shuffle. Some versions offer unique features like “Zap” or live dealer interaction, enhancing the traditional experience.
- Is it safe to play blackjack online?
- Yes, as long as you choose reputable online casinos that use robust security measures, including encryption technologies to secure transactions and personal information.
- Can I play online blackjack on my mobile device?
- Absolutely! Many online casinos offer mobile-friendly websites or apps that provide a seamless gaming experience on your smartphone or tablet.
- Do I have to play with real money?
- No, many online platforms offer ‘Practice Play’ or ‘Demo Modes’ allowing you to play without risking real money, perfect for learning the game or testing new strategies.
- Can I play online blackjack with live dealers?
- Yes, many online casinos offer live dealer blackjack games where you can interact with professional dealers and other players in real-time.
- Are there online blackjack tournaments I can participate in?
- Definitely! Online platforms often host blackjack tournaments where you can compete against other players and win prizes.
- What are the system requirements for playing online blackjack?
- System requirements vary by platform, but generally, a stable internet connection and a modern browser or app on your computer or mobile device are all you need to play online blackjack.
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