Blackjack is the most popular online casino game among USA players. The game itself is very simple to play but there is strategy you must follow if want the best edge against the casino. See our Blackjack strategy chart to have the best odd's in your favor. Online blackjack is a card game played between a gambler and the house. You can also play online blackjack with friends. The aim of the game is to beat the dealer by scoring 21 points, and different variations of the game exist. In this article, you can expect to find a list of the best blackjack casinos. If you are a US player keen to play blackjack online, win some money while at it, and experience action-packed blackjack games, you have come to the right place. Here is a list of the best online blackjack site where you can play your favorite game for cash.
Contents
As discussed in a previous article on the legality of playing blackjack online, the gambling industry in America is one of the most structured and developed gambling environments in the world. It is surprising then, that out of all countries in the world, the US probably has the most confusing situation when it comes to online casinos.The majority of this confusion stems from the fact that online gambling is partly regulated by federal laws and partly by individual states. Moreover, since each state approaches the subject in a different manner, the average US player is left baffled when trying to decide whether using online casinos is legal in their state.
Current Federal US Laws That Regulate Online Casinos
Here’s a statement no one was expecting — no federal law in the US says that online gambling is illegal. However, it also doesn’t say that it is legal, which makes the market a gray area. US citizens are allowed to place wagers online, but only if the website isn’t based in the US.
The US federal law explicitly prohibits banks — or any other financial institution — to knowingly process transactions between a known web-based gambling business and US-based customers. In essence, it is illegal for your bank to handle a withdrawal or deposit to or from your casino account. That was the goal of the much-grumbled-about UIGEA (Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act).
You should notice, however, that it isn’t a crime for a US-based player to make or request a transaction — it’s just illegal for the bank to process them.
When it comes to lawmaking, the Tenth Amendment of the US Constitution states that anything that doesn’t have a specifically granted Federal purview and jurisdiction is up to the states. Thus, the Federal Government has not taken any stance related to gambling taking place within individual states — it up to individual states to do that.
The only two areas that the Federal Government regulates are:
- Interstate Commerce
The consequences of the first were already explained. The latter resulted in allowing states such as New Jersey to have online casinos, but only if they are being offered to US citizens physically located within New Jersey’s boundaries.
Casino Laws by State
Current States’ Laws That Regulate Online Casinos
If federal law was all that US players had to consider, the legality of web gambling would be a lot easier to talk about. Unfortunately for US-based gamblers, US state law is sometimes more restrictive than federal law.
So how strict are US state laws on internet gambling? Some US states have laws that explicitly prohibit all forms of online gambling.
Those are:
- Washington
- Wisconsin
- Illinois
- Montana
- Oregon
- Louisiana
- Utah
- Hawaii
State law prohibits the residents of these states from placing any kind of bet over the internet, regardless of federal regulation. Other states are less strict but are still restrictive — in South Dakota, for example, anyone in “the gambling business” is not allowed to place online bets, which is a really quirky law if you think about it.
Long story short, some US players have to walk a thin line if they want to play in an online casino while remaining within the confines of the law. Thankfully, the US rarely prosecutes online gamblers. We only found two instances where an online gambler broke a law, and both come from politically conservative states.
States in Which Online Casinos Are Legal
Thankfully, several states are more liberal toward online gambling and allow online casinos to operate in their area.
New Jersey
Legal Online Blackjack Us
The state of New Jersey doesn’t prohibit online casinos and online poker. It is currently the biggest market for regulated online gambling in the US. Over a dozen licensed and legal online casino websites and poker rooms compete for their place in the sun in a market that is worth over $255 million per year.
Pennsylvania
In PA, online casinos were launched in July 2019 and online poker in November 2019. Gamblers have the option to bet in person or online via mobile app or website. Many Pennsylvanian major land-based casinos have created their online casino versions too.
Delaware
In Delaware, online casinos and online poker were launched at the same time — in November 2013. Although the First State seems like a strange location for amazing web-based gambling, that’s exactly what it is.
Michigan
As of December 20, 2019, online casinos and online poker are legal in the state of Michigan. However, operators are limited to a single online skin, and multi-state games aren’t permitted. Each of the 23 tribal and three commercial casinos can apply for licensing, but online casinos are still waiting to be legalized.
Nevada
Even though it is an unofficial birthplace of American gambling, the state of Nevada only allows online poker in designated poker rooms. Yes, they do have a legal WSOP website, but other online casino games are prohibited.
Offshore Casinos — A Handy Alternative
Even if you aren’t physically located in the states where online casinos are legal, there is still a way to find some quality entertainment online — by playing in offshore casinos.
Any US citizen can legally access these licensed offshore gaming platforms from most states. As we already explained, in Washington, Wisconsin, Montana, Illinois, Utah, Hawaii, Oregon, and Louisiana, all forms of online gambling are explicitly forbidden.
If you are wondering whether it is safe to play in casinos that aren’t licensed in the United States, the answer is yes. These casinos are legitimate and have clearly defined guidelines and rules that ensure a safe and fair gaming environment.
In addition, in order to offer casino games to gambling enthusiasts and be able to do business around the globe, offshore casinos need a license from reputable gambling jurisdictions, which makes them safe and trustworthy.
Moreover, since no federal law prevents US-based players from gambling in licensed offshore casinos, they can enjoy playing their favorite games on these platforms. Safe online casinos that accept US citizens possess valid certificates and licenses and are monitored by reputable governing bodies. They also have enticing welcome bonuses, a slew of interesting games, and a protected online gaming environment.
Future of US Laws That Regulate Online Casinos
The future is bright. Really bright. The biggest obstacle toward legalizing online casinos in the US was that the government was trying to stop the gradual loss of citizens’ interest in their official gambling zones — Las Vegas and Atlantic City. Since that has already happened, there is nothing that stands in the way of progressive legalization of online casinos across the nation.
Not to mention the fact that states without legal online casinos are starting to lose gambling aficionados who travel across state lines in order to play in states where gambling is legal. For instance, the legislative trend in New York is going toward expansion of gambling activities rather than contraction, since the state doesn’t want to lose its players to its neighbor New Jersey.
FAQ
You need to be at least 21. Even though the legal age limit for the online lottery is 18, you have to be 21 to play in an online casino. It is likely that lawmakers will decide to change the limit in the future.
In the states where they are legalized, online casinos must follow strict regulations and are therefore completely safe. However, you should exercise due diligence — always do thorough research before you decide to join a casino.
Yes, you can; many casinos offer these games. Lately, a lot of online casinos have begun introducing this section on their platforms. Live casino games are popular since they offer a genuine casino experience. Of course, not all online casinos sport a Live Casino section, so make sure you find those that do.
Just like all other industries today, the online casino industry is very competitive, meaning there is a myriad of casino games at your disposal. Any land-based casino game you can think of probably has an online version. What’s more, online casinos can often surprise you and you can run into some games you’ve never even heard of.
To cater to the needs of their players and thus remain competitive, the majority of online casinos offer a broad selection of payment methods. This results in easy and secure online payments. Of course, the processing time depends on the payment option you select.
Yes, you can. Online casinos, like other websites, understand the importance of mobile optimization and do everything in their power to meet the needs of their players. Since many players prefer to use their smartphones to play games, most casinos either have a fully optimized mobile site or a dedicated mobile app.
Blackjack is far and away the most popular casino game in the world. This is true at Pennsylvania’s brick and mortar casinos and should remain true when most PA online casinos begin going live starting on July 15.
Free Online Blackjack
In fact, as long as PA online casinos offer blackjack under the same rules mandated at PA brick and mortar casinos, there will be as much action on the online tables as any live PA casino. While most games will be video, some sites are expected to offer online wagering with a live dealer streaming.
The reason for blackjack’s popularity has always been the fact it offers casino players the best chance to beat the house. The game has one of the lowest house edges players can find.
However, that’s especially true in PA where the rules for the game mandated by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) lower that house edge even further.
The house edge for PA casino blackjack under PGCB rules is around .40 percent, giving the game a theoretical return to player rate (RTP) of 96.6 percent.
That means PA casinos return $96.60 of every $100 bet on blackjack back to players.
PA blackjack rules
Every PA brick and mortar casino employs the same blackjack rules mandated by the PGCB, including:
- Blackjack pays 3:2
- Dealer stands on soft 17
- Double down on any two cards
- Split up to three hands (except aces)
- Double down after splits
- Late surrender, allowing players to give up half the bet when the dealer doesn’t have blackjack
These rules combine to lower the house edge on PA blackjack, starting with the 3:2 payout on blackjack, which is decidedly better than the 6:5 paid at many casinos across the country. The difference on a $10 bet is $3 in winnings and that can add up fast.
Dealers standing rather than hitting on soft 17 (17 with an ace) also has an impact on the house edge. It may not happen all that often in a single session, but it is in the player’s favor when it does.
The rules allowing players to double down on any two cards and double after splitting up to three hands is an invitation to increase profits when you’re on a winning streak. Blackjack is such a streaky game and rules like this let you take advantage of that.
Finally, the late surrender rule employed in PA can be used to players’ advantages as well. It’s not the kind of rule that should be invoked too often. However, the ability to give up half a bet rather than hit or stand with bad cards when you are facing almost insurmountable odds reduces the house edge.
Alternative PA online blackjack games
The PGCB may allow PA online casinos to run online blackjack games with different rules than the ones it mandates at PA casinos.
Players need to be aware that even the smallest change in rules can have a dramatic effect on the game’s house edge, and adjust accordingly.
Possible alternative PA online blackjack games may include:
- Vegas Blackjack (Only one card each on split aces)
- Downtown Las Vegas Blackjack (Dealer draws on soft 17)
- Atlantic City Blackjack (No re-splitting)
- Single-Deck Blackjack (Uses only a single deck rather than a traditional eight-deck shoe)
Where to play Blackjack online in PA
All of the PA online casino sites planning to launch in 2021 should offer Blackjack. Here’s a list of PA online casino operations already approved by the PGCB:
- Mount Airy/Stars
- Stadium
Is blackjack better online?
When it comes to gameplay, there really isn’t that much difference between playing online or live blackjack. However, there are several reasons why playing blackjack at a PA online casino might be even better than doing it in person at a PA casino.
Firstly, it takes a lot less time to go online than it does to travel to a casino. Plus, changing seats and tables is a lot faster when all you have to do is click buttons. All that adds up to less time between hands and more hands played per hour online versus live play.
In fact, computer dealers are so much faster and more efficient than human beings there’s no doubt you’ll play more blackjack hands in an online session than you ever will live.
Is online blackjack rigged?
Since they can’t cut the cards or hold them in their hands the same way they do inside a brick and mortar casino, there are players who might think online blackjack in PA is somehow rigged. This is a complete fallacy.
The online casino blackjack games in PA are subject to rigorous testing by the PGCB, making them as safe and fair as any you’ll find at a PA casino.
The PGCB licenses and regulates PA online casinos. These operators aren’t about to risk fines, suspensions, or the loss of a license by rigging online blackjack games.
Plus, all PA online casinos are affiliated with brick and mortar casinos across the state or major US casino companies, ensuring a certain level of integrity. The names and reputations of some of the biggest players in the US gambling industry are riding on these online blackjack games and none are willing to risk that.
PA online casinos will use computerized random number generators to determine the outcome of each blackjack hand and these are subject to PGCB testing as well.
A random number generator essentially acts as a computer-based card shuffler. Security is in place at PA online casino sites to make sure the tech cannot be tampered with.
PA online blackjack strategy and counting cards
In order to take advantage of the low house edge offered by PA blackjack games, players need to learn and employ basic blackjack strategy.
Players can find cheat sheets online that can help anyone perfect a basic blackjack strategy. Essentially, it’s about making the best odds play. You hit when the timing is right and stand when it’s not.
Cheat sheets provide information regarding every player holding and dealer up card. Players that study and use this information will ensure the true house edge for blackjack is realized. Making mistakes or deviating from basic strategy gives the house its edge back.
Card counting has long been the most effective way to win at Blackjack. Plus, it is a good way to get barred by casinos across the country. It’s not illegal, but casinos don’t want you to do it.
In fact, many now employ continuous shuffle machines at Blackjack games to prevent card counting.
The random number generators that determine the outcome of blackjack games act the same way as continuous shuffle machines. Each card dealt is independent of the one before it. It’s all random, making it impossible to keep a count and rendering card counting methods useless.