Ultimate crypto blackjack guide

Did you know that house edge in Blackjack is incredibly low - around 0.834%? This means that for every $1 bet, you can expect to lose an average of just $8.34 after 1,000 rounds. If you ask me, this makes Blackjack a solid choice for crypto gambling.

So today, I’ll break everything down for you. From the rules of the game to comparing live vs. software-based blackjack, I’ll share all the tips and tricks you need to up your game. Just remember, there’s no guaranteed win here, but you can definitely play the odds in your favor.

Reviewed by

Aleksa Radulovic

Checked by

Jelena.

A game with many names

Blackjack was originally called "21." The name "Blackjack" came from a special bonus payout when a player had an Ace of Spades and a black Jack (either Clubs or Spades).

Blackjack’s low house edge

With perfect strategy, blackjack has one of the lowest house edges in the casino - as low as 0.5%.

MIT Blackjack team’s legendary wins

A group of MIT students used card counting and team play to beat casinos for millions of $. Their story inspired the movie 21.

The longest blackjack game

The longest recorded blackjack game lasted over 51 hours! It was played in 2001 in Las Vegas, where a group of players set a record for non-stop blackjack action.

In a Nutshell

What is it?

Blackjack is a classic casino card game where the goal is to beat the dealer by getting as close to 21 as possible without going over.

Why is it fun?

It combines luck and skill and offers players the chance to use strategy to lower the house edge and improve their odds.

What’s the catch?

There’s no catch in blackjack, and that's why we love it! It's just you, a deck of cards, a dealer - and hopefully a dash of luck.

Is there a learning curve?

Basic rules are easy to grasp, but mastering blackjack strategy, including when to hit, stand, double down, or split, takes practice.

How does blackjack work?

The main objective of Blackjack is pretty simple - beat the dealer. A lot of people think there’s more to it, but when you strip it down, that’s really what it’s all about.

The way to do this is by having a hand value that’s higher than the dealer’s, or by taking advantage of a dealer bust, which happens when their hand goes over 21. And, of course, drawing a perfect hand of 21 with your first two cards will give you a great shot at winning.

But, as with any other game, say roulette, you can lose, too. If your hand value goes over 21, you automatically lose (that’s called a bust). The dealer also wins if they have a hand with a higher value than yours by the end of the round.

Card values in blackjack

In Blackjack, the deck is the same as a standard 52-card deck, and the suits don’t matter - only the numbers and face cards. Some casinos use more decks at once, to guarantee fairness and to prevent players from card counting.

This is how it goes when it comes to card values:

Card	Value
2-10	Face Value
Jack (J)	10
Queen (Q)	10
King (K)	10
Ace (A)	1 or 11

Now, as I already said, the goal is to get to 21 without busting. So if you get a King and an Ace, that’s blackjack = 21.

Regarding the table layout, a classic game of blackjack is played with a maximum of 7 players/seats. Also, blackjack is usually played at a semicircular table. The most common setup fits 7 players, each with their own “spot” to play from. But you might also come across tables that only fit 5 players or, on a rare occasion, tables with 12 spots.

It’s all similar to baccarat in this aspect, especially since the dealer stands behind the table, while the players sit across from them. Everyone has their own area for placing bets, and the dealer deals cards from a shoe (a device that holds multiple decks of cards for dealing) or sometimes a single deck.

Blackjack guide: Starting a game

This casino game can be played with different rule variations and a varying number of decks. The most common setup uses a 6-deck or 8-deck shoe. Single and double-deck games are still around, but they’re less common.

Here’s how a typical round goes in a 6-deck game:

Find a blackjack game

Simply log into the casino you like, find a game you like, and enter the lobby (live blackjack).

Place your bet

Each table has a designated betting area, usually a circle or a logo on the felt. The table will also display the minimum and maximum bets allowed. Once you've chosen your bet amount:

Choose the chip value you want to bet with, from $1 to $500.
Click on the betting area with the chip.
Adjust how much you want to bet per round.

Dealer deals cards

Once all bets are placed, the dealer will deal one card face-up to each player, then one face-down to themselves.

A second card is dealt face-up to all players, and the dealer takes a second card face-up. Now, each player has two cards face-up, while the dealer has one face-up and one face-down (the “hole card”).

Decide how to play

Now, it’s time to make a move. Your options depend on your hand and the dealer’s face-up card. Here’s what you can do:

Stand - If you’re happy with your total, wave your hand over your cards to signal you don’t want any more cards.
Hit - If you want another card, tap the table. The dealer will deal you one card at a time until you either stand or bust (go over 21).
Double Down - If you like your chances, you can double your initial bet and receive only one more card.
Split - If you have two cards of the same value, you can place an extra bet equal to your first and split them into two separate hands.
Surrender - Some casinos allow you to fold your hand before taking any more cards, getting back half of your bet.

The dealer plays their hand

Once all players have completed their hands, the dealer flips over their hole card.

If their total is 16 or less, they must hit. If they have 17 or higher, they must stand (some casinos require dealers to hit on a “soft 17,” which is a 17 that includes an Ace).

And if the dealer busts, all remaining players win.

Payouts

Now it’s time to settle bets, and it goes like this in blackjack:

If your hand is higher than the dealer’s (without busting), you win and get paid 1:1.
If you have blackjack (Ace + 10-value card) and the dealer doesn’t, you get paid 3:2.
If you and the dealer have the same hand, it’s a push (tie), and your bet is returned.
If the dealer has the higher hand, you lose your bet.

Special rules and bets

Here are the key special situations to keep in mind when playing blackjack:

Insurance/even money

This side bet happens when the dealer shows an Ace as their up-card. Players can wager up to half their original bet to protect themselves against the dealer having a Blackjack. If the dealer's hole card is a ten, the insurance pays 2:1.

However, as a general rule, you should avoid both insurance and even money. These bets only make sense for professional card counters. If you hold a blackjack and the dealer has an Ace, you'll be offered even money. Don't take it, because it’s effectively the same as insurance, but with a lower payout. If you refuse and the dealer has a blackjack, your bet will push. If the dealer doesn’t have one, you get the standard 3:2 payout.

Non-insurable dealer blackjack

If the dealer is showing a ten, they’ll check their hole card to see if they have a blackjack before any player actions. If they do, all bets are lost, except for player blackjacks, which will push. No insurance is offered in this case.

Dead hand

If all players bust before the dealer plays, the dealer’s hand is automatically “dead.” The dealer will reveal their hole card, but no further play happens because the players have already lost.

Side bets

Over time, side bets have become popular in blackjack. These are additional bets, like betting on pairs or if the dealer will bust. While they can be tempting, they're often not worth it. These bets usually favor the casino, and it's best to focus on perfecting your basic blackjack strategy instead.

Live blackjack vs blackjack

Both live dealer blackjack and online blackjack are fun, but they differ in some key factors. Here’s a breakdown of their key differences:

Round duration

Because it features a real-life dealer at a physical table, rounds in live blackjack tend to take longer. You need to wait for the dealer to deal the cards, process your actions, while you interact with the dealer or other players via chat.

The pace can also be influenced by the number of players at the table.

On the other hand, in online blackjack, rounds are much quicker, thanks to the automated processes of random number generators (RNG). No human interaction or card-dealing delays occur, so you can play at your own pace, speeding up the game if you wish.

House edge and betting limits

When it comes to live blackjack, the house edge is usually similar to land-based casinos - around 0.5% when using a basic strategy. As for limits, for crypto casinos, live blackjack tables may have minimum bets that can range from $1 to $50, depending on the table.

For example, all VIP blackjack tables from Evolution require a minimum bet of $50.

In comparison, software-based blackjack offers more flexibility in terms of betting limits, with some games starting as low as $0.10 or $1. This makes it more affordable for players who want to try their luck on a smaller budget. The house edge can vary slightly depending on the game’s rules, but it’s often similar to live blackjack, so around 0.5%.

Fairness and RTP (return to player)

With live blackjack, there are 6-deck or 8-deck shoes used and cards are dealt physically, so the game is less predictable. Card counting is possible (though it’s not encouraged), and that can slightly alter the RTP, which is typically around 99%.

However, due to the live nature of the game, the element of human error or bias is minimized, and there’s the added benefit of video streams to ensure fairness.

And, if we look at online blackjack, it uses random number generators (RNGs) to shuffle cards and create outcomes. RNGs are regularly tested for fairness by independent auditors. The RTP usually ranges between 99% and 99.8%, depending on the game type.

The downside is that card-counting strategies don’t work here, as the deck is shuffled after every hand.

Accessibility

While it’s immersive and provides a real casino experience, live blackjack can be harder to access. Crypto players may need to stick to certain schedules, and the number of available tables is limited.

Plus, if you’re new to blackjack, there’s no demo mode, which might make learning a bit more challenging.

That's why online blackjack wins on accessibility. You can play it at any time, at any pace, and even find free demo games. Digital blackjack also allows you to use strategy cards or play slowly to develop your skills. It’s easy to find a seat, and there’s no need to wait for other players.

Live Blackjack

Pros

Cons

Immersive, real casino experience

Higher betting limits

Social interaction with dealers and players

Slower game pace

Card counting may be possible

Limited table availability

Online Blackjack

Pros

Cons

Faster rounds

Less social interaction

Lower betting limits

No card counting

24/7 availability

Lacks live dealer experience

Tips for playing blackjack

When it comes to blackjack, the core strategies remain the same whether you're playing the live or RNG version. However, there are a few key differences between the two formats that can affect your approach.

In live blackjack, you have the opportunity to observe the real cards being dealt. This allows for more advanced techniques like card counting, though it’s not recommended unless you're a pro, and some casinos even monitor for it.

On the other hand, software-based blackjack uses random number generators (RNGs) to simulate card shuffling. Regardless of the platform, always follow basic strategy and avoid side bets, as they tend to carry a much higher house edge.

One thing to keep in mind for both types of blackjack is the importance of setting a betting limit and playing responsibly.

There’s no surefire way to guarantee a win, and the house always has an edge in the long run. So, the best way to increase your chances of success is to play smart, not chase wins, and listen to my tips for playing blackjack.

Best blackjack strategies

The best blackjack strategies focus on making the most mathematically advantageous decisions based on your hand and the dealer's up-card, something you can’t use in dice games. Let me walk you through some strategies that work for me.

Basic strategy

The basic strategy can significantly reduce the house edge, and it's not as complicated as it may initially sound. Here, we will focus on things like when to hit, stand, double down, or split based on your hand and the dealer’s up card.

To explain this in the best way possible, here’s a table with all the cases laid out:

Your hand	Dealer's hand
Hard	2 to 6	7 to A
4 to 8	Hit	Hit
9	Double	Hit
10 or 11	Double	Double if more than dealer
12 to 16	Stand	Hit
17 to 21	Stand	Stand

Meanwhile, if you have a soft hand:

Your hand	Dealer's hand
Soft (Ace + card)	2 to 6	7 to A
13 to 15	Hit	Hit
16 to 18	Double	Hit
19 to 21	Stand	Stand

Now, while following these basic strategies doesn’t mean you’ll always win, it gives you a solid foundation for making the best choices in each situation.

Martingale betting

The Martingale system is a popular but risky betting strategy often used in blackjack. The core idea behind it is simple: after each loss, you double your bet. The theory is that eventually, you’ll win a hand, and when you do, your win will cover all your previous losses - and then some.

Sounds good, right? Well, it has potential, but it's not right for everyone.

Here’s an example:

You start with a $5 bet, and you lose. No big deal, right? You then double your bet to $10. If you lose again, you double it to $20, and so on. After a few losses, your bet can grow quite large. The idea is that your next win will cover all the losses and give you a nice profit.

However, a warning - this strategy is better suited for high rollers. Losing streaks do happen, and without a big bankroll, you could quickly run out of money before your luck turns around. It’s a high-risk, high-reward approach, so play with caution.

Winning streak betting

For the risk-takers out there, this strategy is a positive-progression approach that goes in the opposite direction of the Martingale system. Instead of doubling your bet after each loss, you do so after every win. So basically, this strategy lets you ride the wave when the shoe is running hot.

Here’s how it works:

If you start with a $5 bet and win, you double it to $10 on the next hand. If you lose, you stay at $10 until you win again, and then you double it up. The goal here is to take advantage of winning streaks and maximize your gains while you’re on a roll.

But, heads up - this strategy can quickly escalate the size of your bets, and if you’re not careful, you could end up losing a large sum of money on one bad hand. Like the Martingale, this is a strategy better suited for players with deep pockets.

Steady wins the race

Not everyone is into high-risk bets, and I get it. So, if you're more of a "let's take it easy" type, this strategy is perfect for you. It's all about consistency: you stick with the same bet size the entire time you play, no matter the outcome.

This slow and steady approach helps to limit big losses because you always know exactly what you're putting on the table. It’s easy to plan your session ahead of time, and the steady nature of this strategy appeals to regular players who prefer not to chase losses.

Best blackjack games to try

When it comes to blackjack, the game you choose can make all the difference in your experience. So, I’ve come up with the top 5 list, based on gameplay, special effects, and the overall feeling.

Blackjack Pontoon by Betsoft

Feature	Details
Provider	Betsoft
RTP	99.62%
Decks	6 to 8
Payouts	Pontoon: 2:1, Five-Card Trick: 2:1, Regular Win: 1:1
Minimum Bet	$0.25
Maximum Bet	$100
Special Features	Dealer's cards face-down, must hit below 15, Sweet 16 side bet

Pontoon is often called a variation of Blackjack, but it has some key differences that make it stand out even more. Betsoft’s version of Pontoon Blackjack sticks to the classic format with smooth gameplay and slightly different payouts.

Okay, cool, but how does it differ from standard blackjack? The biggest change is that the dealer’s cards are dealt face-down, keeping the suspense high. There’s also no "stand" option if your hand is below 15, forcing you to hit. And unlike in regular blackjack, all ties go to the dealer, which makes the game riskier, but also more rewarding.

About the payouts and other features:

Pontoon (21 with two cards) – Pays 2:1, even after a split.
Five-card trick (five cards without busting) – Pays 2:1.
Regular wins (15-20 points) – Pays even money.
Sweet 16 side bet: Pays 1:1 for totals between 16-21 or hands with an Ace, and 2:1 for two Aces.

Despite players losing ties, the game has a 99.62% RTP. If you’re looking for a fresh twist on 21, then Betsoft Pontoon is worth checking out!

Lightning Blackjack by Evolution

Feature	Details
Provider	Evolution
RTP	99.56%
Decks	Multiple
Payouts	Blackjack: 3:2, Regular Win: 1:1, Multipliers up to 25x
Minimum Bet	$1
Maximum Bet	$25,000
Special Features	Live dealer, multipliers (2x-25x) on consecutive wins, lightning fee required

Now, let’s switch things with one live blackjack variant. This game is actually a classic blackjack with an added thrilling twist with multiplier payouts. Played on a live casino table with a dealer, this version offers players the chance to win up to 25x their bet by winning consecutive hands.

To qualify for the multiplier, you’ll need to pay a lightning fee each round. The fee is your initial bet, as multipliers are applied only if you win consecutive hands. The multiplier can range from 2x to 25x, depending on your hand's value and the outcome of consecutive wins.

The game follows the standard blackjack rules, where you aim to beat the dealer with a hand closest to 21 without going over. Winning payouts are 1:1 for regular hands and 3:2 for blackjack.

If you win consecutive hands, the multiplier kicks in, potentially boosting your payout significantly. With a minimum bet of $1 and a maximum of $25,000, you can really try any given strategy here. The RTP of 99.56% and low house edge make Lightning Blackjack a fun choice.

Super 7 Blackjack by BetSoft

Feature	Details
Provider	BetSoft
RTP	99.50%
Decks	6
Payouts	Blackjack: 3:2, Regular Win: 1:1
Minimum Bet	$1
Maximum Bet	$100
Side Bet	Super 7 - up to 5,000:1 payout
Special Features	Multi-hand (up to 3 hands), double after split, fast gameplay

Let’s start with one software-based classic - Super 7 Blackjack. Developed by BetSoft, this game is a fun and fast-paced multi-hand blackjack game where you can play up to 3 hands simultaneously.

Each hand is played independently against the dealer. The game uses 6 decks of cards and features fast gameplay. The RTP is standard, sitting around 99.5%.

One of the coolest features of Super 7 Blackjack is the Super 7 side bet. This gives you the chance to win up to 5,000:1! You can place a side bet ranging from $1 to $100, and if you draw the first three sevens of the same suit, you hit the jackpot.

The game also lets you double your bets pretty freely even after splitting, which is a nice touch.

Single Deck Blackjack by Play’n GO

Feature	Details
Provider	Play'n GO
RTP	98.74%
Decks	1
Payouts	Blackjack: 6:5, Regular Win: 1:1, Insurance: 2:1
Minimum Bet	$0.5
Maximum Bet	$50

Single Deck Blackjack by Play’n GO is a no-nonsense take on classic blackjack. If you’re tired of fancy side bets and just want a pure game of 21, this is the one to play. With smooth animations and modern visuals, this software-based version of the loved classic nails it.

As the name suggests, it’s played with a single deck, which gives players an edge compared to multi-deck games. The payouts, however, are a bit of a mixed bag. Regular wins pay even money, and insurance pays 2:1, but blackjack only pays 6:5 instead of the usual 3:2.

The house edge is slightly increased, but with an RTP of 98.74%, it’s still a solid choice. As for the betting range, this game really keeps it cool for low rollers - minimum wagers are $0.5 and maximum are $50.

Final pick: Multihand Blackjack by Pragmatic Play

Feature	Details
Provider	Pragmatic Play
RTP	99.51%
Decks	8
Payouts	Blackjack: 3:2, Regular Win: 1:1, Insurance: 2:1
Minimum Bet	$1
Maximum Bet	$50
Special Features	Play multiple hands, Fast Play Mode, Rebet button

If you love classic Blackjack but feel it lacks action, Multihand Blackjack by Pragmatic Play is the perfect pick for you, as it lets you play multiple hands at the same time.

On top of that, Multihand Blackjack is played with eight decks of 52 cards. Players can bet anywhere between $1 and $50 per hand, and if you want to boost your winnings, the double down option allows you to do just that.

The game also features Fast Play Mode which lets you adjust the speed of each round for a quicker and more streamlined experience.

Now, when it comes to payouts, this blackjack pays 3:2, staying true to the classic game. If the dealer shows an Ace, you can take an insurance bet, which pays 2:1. Regular wins follow the standard even money (1:1) payout.

With a 99.51% RTP, Multihand Blackjack is one of the best options for blackjack fans who want a game with a strong winning potential.

Author: Aleksa Radulovic

Updated March 25, 2025

As an iGaming writer, I'm the guy you turn to when you need something researched and put on paper with a clear tone in an easy-to-read manner. I hold a law school degree from the University of Belgrade, Serbia, so I embraced the opportunity to merge my law instincts with the crypto-gambling sector.