Online Casino Blackjack Card Game Variations
Written by: Kim Birch | The review was last updated: 03 July 2024 | Fact-check by: Jasmin Williams
Blackjack isn't just some niche game you'll find in a handful of casinos. It's a top-notch pokie that's spawned heaps of variations to keep punters coming back for more. No wonder there are so many versions – it's a favourite among serious gamblers.
Kicking off in French casinos back in the 1600s, blackjack made its way to North America in the 1700s. It took its sweet time catching on globally, but these days it's one of the most recognisable casino games out there.
Over the years, blackjack's gone through a fair few changes. Reckon players got a bit bored with the classic version and wanted something fresh, leading to some pretty clever innovations we see today.
To be honest, you'll find way more blackjack variants online than you would in your local betting shop. Some punters swear by just one type of blackjack. Keep reading – you might just stumble across your new favourite way to play.
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When it comes to traditional casinos, some blackjack variations are more common than others. Certain variants are exclusive to specific venues, adding to their appeal. But with the rise of online blackjack, the game has evolved. Now, punters can enjoy any blackjack variant they fancy online, no worries. It's a dream come true for casino enthusiasts.
Creating a new blackjack variant doesn't require much. Some are nearly identical to the original, with just a special side bet thrown in. Others take a completely different tack, offering a unique experience. Take Face Up 21, for instance. In this version, both dealer cards are visible, letting you make more informed decisions. To keep things fair, though, the rules tend to favour the house.
While variants can offer some attractive perks, it's crucial to know the rules inside out before deciding if they're better than classic blackjack. Some might not be as rewarding but could be a lot more fun. So if you're after a good time and not too fussed about maximising your winnings, trying a new variant might be just the ticket.
Our tip? Always read the rules and make sure you're comfortable with them before playing any blackjack variant with real money. If there's a demo mode available, give it a burl first to see how it plays.
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Aussie Blackjack Twists Inspired by the Glitz of Vegas Casinos
Before diving into the deep end, it's worth getting your feet wet. The same goes for blackjack - you'll want to get familiar with this classic casino staple before upping the ante. Unlike some pokies that rely purely on chance, blackjack rewards skill and strategy. A savvy player can boost their odds and keep their losses in check.
To help you get started, we've got a free demo of online blackjack ready to go. It's the perfect way to hone your skills and get warmed up before putting your hard-earned cash on the line. You'll find the link just to the left - why not give it a burl?
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Vegas Strip is a top-notch blackjack variant that's gained traction worldwide. Once limited to the glitzy casinos of Las Vegas, it's now available at reputable online casinos across the globe, including here in Australia. Let's unpack why this version of blackjack has punters buzzing.
You can play Vegas Strip in single-hand or multi-hand mode. Multi-hand lets you play several hands at once, but it's a bit risky if you're new to the game. Best to get your feet wet with single-hand first.
This game uses four decks of cards. It used to be played with just one deck, but they upped it to four to keep card counters at bay.
You can double down on any initial hand and after splitting cards. Splitting is allowed up to four hands total. You can even split different 10-value cards (like a Queen and Jack) and then double down or keep splitting if the cards fall your way.
The dealer stands on soft 17 and checks for blackjack. Most casinos offer a 3:2 payout for blackjack, but some only give 6:5. Steer clear of the 6:5 payout if you can - it's not in your favour.
Rules can vary slightly between online casinos, so always give them a quick once-over before you start playing.
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When pokies got the green light in Atlantic City, casinos rolled out their own take on blackjack. Atlantic City Blackjack is a ripper variant with player-friendly rules and a smaller house edge. It's got a fair bit in common with Vegas Strip Blackjack, which makes sense given Atlantic City was keen to give Vegas a run for its money.
This version uses 8 standard decks, making it tough for card counters. One of its standout features is the late surrender option. After the dealer checks for blackjack and comes up empty, you can bail out and get half your bet back. It's a handy way to cut your losses if you play it smart.
While late surrender is the main drawcard, there's more to like about Atlantic City Blackjack. You can double down on any two cards and split up to three times, giving you four hands. Aces can only be split once, though, and you'll only get one more card on each split ace.
Payouts are usually 3 to 2, but some casinos offer 6 to 5 - steer clear of those if you can. The dealer stands on soft 17, and insurance is on offer if that's your thing. Just keep in mind that if you split aces and hit blackjack, it only counts as 21.
All up, it's a top-notch blackjack variant. But you'll need to know your stuff to make the most of that late surrender option, so new punters might want to cut their teeth on simpler versions first.
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European Blackjack's a hit with thousands of punters in brick-and-mortar and online casinos alike. It's got its roots in Europe, hence the name, but plays pretty similar to classic blackjack. You're still aiming to get cards totalling 21 or close to it without going over.
This version uses anywhere from 2 to 8 decks. Fewer decks might make the game a bit vulnerable to card counting, but if you're handy with numbers, you could use the lower deck count to your advantage.
In European Blackjack, you won't see the dealer's hole card until you've played your hand. So the dealer can't check for blackjack upfront. Keep in mind, if the dealer lands a blackjack, you'll lose unless you've also got one, which would end in a tie. Basically, having 21 doesn't guarantee a win against the dealer's blackjack.
You're limited to splitting once per hand, and doubling down is a one-time deal too. You can only split 10-value cards if they're identical. Doubling down is restricted to hands valued at 9, 10, or 11. You can double down on split cards though.
European Blackjack isn't groundbreaking, but it's worth a crack if you're after something a bit different from the usual. Some online casinos even offer perfect pairs side bets in tweaked versions of European blackjack.
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In Double Exposure blackjack, both the dealer's cards are face up. While this might sound like a win for punters, the casinos have tweaked the rules to keep things fair.
The dealer wins all ties except for a natural blackjack, and blackjacks only pay even money. This even-money payout is a bit of a bummer, as it'll cut into your winnings. There's no insurance, and doubling down might be an option depending on where you play.
You can split once, and split aces only get one shared card. No surrender option here, but that's pretty standard. The dealer might hit or stand on soft 17 - look for games where they stand. It's worth noting that rules can vary between providers, so always check the fine print.
Despite a few drawbacks, Double Exposure is a solid choice if you're after a fresh take on blackjack. Give it a go and see how you fare with both dealer cards on show.
Enjoy Live Blackjack variants like you're at the Crown Casino
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Ever heard of progressive jackpot pokies? Well, Progressive Blackjack offers a similar thrill with the chance to score a massive progressive jackpot - something that's been missing from classic blackjack. The best part? The gameplay's pretty much the same as regular blackjack, so you won't need to learn any new tricks.
This variant typically uses 6 decks, but can go up to 8. The progressive jackpot keeps growing as more punters have a crack at winning it. They also keep a bit of seed money so the jackpot doesn't start from scratch if someone takes it down. After a win, the progressive jackpot kicks off again from a decent amount.
To get in on the action, you usually need to chuck in a $1 side bet. Your chances of snagging the progressive jackpot depend on the number and suit of aces you land. Hit 4 aces of the same suit, and you're laughing all the way to the bank with the full jackpot. There are smaller prizes too for getting at least 2 aces of any suit.
Keep in mind, you'll get a much bigger payout for aces of the same suit because they're harder to come by. Even if you don't hit the big one, those smaller payouts can add up if you land them regularly. Still, don't get your hopes up too high - getting 2 or more aces isn't exactly common.
Some casinos offer Progressive Blackjack in multi-hand mode, but check if you can win jackpots this way before diving in. If you can, we reckon multi-hand Progressive Blackjack is the way to go to boost your chances of hitting that jackpot.
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Aussie-style Spanish 21: Dealer busts and low house edge
Spanish 21 is a ripper blackjack variant with rules that'll have you grinning. Of course, there's a trade-off - you can't get all the perks without giving something up. No pokie or table game lets punters clean out the casino, but this version offers a fair go with some top-notch benefits.
Heaps of Aussies prefer this over standard blackjack because of its bonza rules. It's similar to the classic game, but with one key difference: there are no 10 cards in the deck, leaving you with 48 cards instead of 52. While this might seem like a bummer at first, the extra perks more than make up for it. You'll be surprised at how much you gain by sacrificing so little.
Spanish 21 offers late surrender, similar to Atlantic City Blackjack. This option lets you keep half your bet if you reckon you're on a losing wicket. Obviously, only use it when you're pretty sure you're going to lose. Just remember, late surrender is only available after the dealer checks for blackjack.
You can double down even after splitting in this game. You'll win with 21 even if the dealer also has 21. If both you and the dealer have blackjack, you'll still come out on top. Insurance is also on offer if you fancy it. All up, Spanish 21 has a stack of great options. Just keep in mind, you'll need to be a bit of a pro to make the most of them all.
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Multi-Hand blackjack online is a top choice for punters who struggle to find multiple open spots at a single table in a brick-and-mortar casino. During peak hours, it's near impossible to play multiple hands simultaneously at a physical venue. Online, however, you can easily enjoy this blackjack variant, playing the maximum number of hands without any hassle - and hopefully rack up wins across the board.
You can play up to 5 hands at once. Similar to classic blackjack, each hand is treated independently, so you might win on one and lose on another in the same round. Our tip? Keep an eye on the dealer's upcard and play each hand strategically. Rules can vary between online casinos, so it's crucial to review the specific guidelines for your chosen platform.
If you're a seasoned player looking to up the ante and manage multiple hands simultaneously, Multi-Hand Blackjack is definitely worth a crack online.
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Bonus Blackjack is your standard blackjack with an optional side bet. Play it straight up or take a punt on the bonus for bigger wins. The bonus is based on your first two cards.
Here's the lowdown on the bonus payouts. Score a jack and ace of spades for a whopping 50 to 1. A jack and ace of any other suit will net you 25 to 1. There's also a neat 5 to 2 payout for two suited cards.
This version uses just 2 decks, and the dealer always checks for blackjack. If you know regular blackjack, you're set - just brush up on those bonus combos.
That wraps up our look at blackjack variations. There's heaps more out there, but we can't fit them all in one article. For more on blackjack and other casino games, check out our expert write-ups. And don't forget to try our top-rated online casinos - we only recommend the best.
Need some bonus action? Have a squiz at our quick guide on claiming casino bonuses below.
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Let's dive into some common questions about different Blackjack games you might come across.
Nah, every casino's got its own mix of Blackjack games. The types you'll find depend on which game providers they've teamed up with. If you're after more variety, your best bet is to check out the bigger, more well-known online casinos - they usually have heaps of partners, so you'll find a wider range of Blackjack options there.
Keen to give different blackjack games a go? No worries. Most online casinos let you test drive their blackjack variants without spending a cent. It's a smart move to have a crack at these games for free before putting your hard-earned cash on the line.
Blackjack's got over 100 different versions out there. For the lowdown on the most popular ones, check out our articles here on BETO. We've got you covered with all the info you need.
When the dealer lands a Blackjack straight off the bat, you'll lose your initial wager. That said, any extra cash you've put down on a double down stays put.
In all blackjack variants, a Blackjack trumps a regular 21. You score a Blackjack when your initial two cards total 21. With a Blackjack, you're set to win unless the dealer also lands one, resulting in a draw. It's a sweet spot for any punter at the pokies.
Blackjack's had its fair share of big winners. Take Kerry Packer, for instance. The Aussie media tycoon once pocketed a cool $40 million playing Blackjack at the MGM Grand Casino in Vegas. And get this - he did it in just 40 minutes flat. Talk about a lucky streak!
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