Picture this: You walk into a casino on the Vegas Strip, perhaps the Bellagio or Aria, and decide to play some blackjack. On the gaming tables, you will most likely not question what type of blackjack game is on offer, as it is, in all probability, just going to be generic blackjack. Sure, there may be different betting limits, and maybe some slight variations on the rules, but you can be fairly certain what would be on offer is blackjack with Vegas Strip rules.
Online, things are somewhat different. In fact, it can feel a little daunting to navigate DraftKings online blackjack casino tables, as there may be dozens and dozens of variants. Of course, variety is a good thing, but for new players, knowing what to choose can be a puzzle. In light of that, we present a breakdown of the main blackjack categories and variations you’ll find at online casinos, parsing out some of the strengths and weaknesses of each.
Live Versus Software-Based Blackjack:
First of all, it’s best to explain that online casinos have two main categories for blackjack: Live dealer blackjack is, as the name suggests, played with a real dealer, cards, etc.. The dealer will be based remotely in a studio, with the action streamed to your device. Console technology ensures that the game plays seamlessly in real-time.
Software-based blackjack covers games based on RNG (random number generator) outcomes. They are just as popular as live games, if not more so. Most RNG-based blackjack games are programmed to be based on real-world probabilities, so technically they offer the same payouts as live games.
Classic Blackjack Games
As you might expect, online casinos will offer traditional blackjack games, and they tend to be the most popular options. The games come in both live and RNG formats. It’s worth noting that most online variants of classic blackjack maintain traditional odds and payouts, e.g, paying 3:2 on a winning blackjack hand. This is not always the case offline, as some casinos only pay 6:5, something they have been criticized for. Nonetheless, there will be several options for classic blackjack games online, catering to all stake levels and, at times, different languages in the live dealer casino.
Themed Blackjack Games
Themed blackjack games can come in a variety of forms, covering everything from your favorite sport to a holiday like Thanksgiving. Often, the games are only aesthetically different from traditional blackjack games, offering the same rules and payouts as classic games. Some may carry themed bonus games or side bets.
Progressive Jackpot Blackjack
This refers to blackjack games that are tied to progressive jackpot networks, i.e., randomly awarded prizes that could trigger at any point in the game. At times, these progressive jackpots could be valued at millions of dollars. Often, eligibility for the jackpots depends on placing certain side bets. However, sometimes the prize can simply be awarded randomly to any player. Note that progressive jackpots are usually funded by a small percentage of players’ bets, so that can have an impact on the house-edge/RTP of the game.
Blackjack with Side Bets
Offline casinos can offer blackjack games with side bets – perfect pairs, etc., – yet it is taken to another level at online casinos, with a plethora of options and reinterpretations of the game. Games like Bingo Blackjack, Blazing 7s Blackjack, Four 20s Blackjack, and Split to Double Blackjack are among the prominent examples. Again, it’s worth reiterating that games with bigger prizes for side bets can have a trade-off in terms of house-edge/RTP. Whatever variant you choose, it’s always best to do some research before you play.
