Blackjack FAQ

If you're new to blackjack, you might feel unsure about where to begin. This article addresses the most frequently asked questions about the game to help you get started.

Is blackjack all about luck, or does skill matter?

Unlike most casino games, blackjack allows players to influence the outcome through their decisions. It is not purely a game of chance. Knowing the basic strategy and card counting gives skilled players a long-term edge over those who rely on luck alone. This shows that blackjack rewards skill as much as luck.

Is it safe to deposit money into an online casino?

Yes, as long as you choose a licensed and reputable casino. Trusted sites use encryption to protect your data and offer secure payment options like credit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers. Always check for proper regulation and good player reviews before depositing.

What's the best casino for real money blackjack?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer, since each casino has its own features, bonuses, and game selection. The best choice depends on what you value most, such as fast withdrawals, large welcome bonuses, live dealer options, or mobile support. Once you know your priorities, it becomes easier to choose a casino that matches your needs. Below, we've listed some of the top online casinos based on our research and player reviews.

Best Real Money Blackjack Casinos (USA)

• Secure
• Licensed
• Fast Withdrawals

Rank	Casino		Welcome Bonus	USA	Play
		BoVegas Casino	$5500 Welcome Pack		Play Now
2		Cherry Gold Casino	$2700 Welcome Pack		Play Now
3		CasinoMax	$10,000 +100 Free Spins		Play Now
4		Cherry Jackpot	$3000 Welcome Pack		Play Now

How do I know the game will be fair?

Fairness is guaranteed when you play at reputable and licensed online casinos. These casinos use certified random number generators (RNGs) to ensure all game outcomes are truly random and unbiased. Independent testing agencies regularly audit their games to confirm that everything meets industry standards. Trusted casinos also display certifications from recognized regulatory bodies, giving you full transparency. As long as you stick to well-established and properly regulated platforms, you can trust that the games are fair.

What's the best blackjack strategy?

While the casino always has a small built-in advantage, using a solid blackjack strategy can greatly reduce the house edge. Learning the basic strategy helps you make the right decision in every situation, improving your odds over time. On our site, you'll find clear guides to the basic strategy and overviews of popular betting systems. You can follow these strategies or adapt them to your style. Before playing for real money, it's a good idea to practice with our free blackjack games to build confidence and sharpen your skills.

Can you see the dealer's hole card in online blackjack?

Except in a variant called Double Exposure, the dealer's hole card is always hidden. This is what makes blackjack a game of uncertainty. The basic strategy assumes the dealer's face-down card is a ten, and you should play accordingly. Some programs claim to reveal the hole card during online play, but they are often scams or malware. Using such tools can get you banned or even reported for cheating.

Should you always double down on 11?

If you're a beginner and not counting cards, doubling on 11 is usually the right move. Tens are the most common cards in the deck, giving you a strong chance to hit 21. However, skilled card counters may skip doubling if the count is negative and simply take a hit instead.

Why shouldn't you split tens in blackjack?

Technically, you can, but it's one of the worst mistakes you can make. A pair of tens gives you 20, which is almost unbeatable. Splitting risks turning a strong hand into two weaker ones and may even help the dealer win a hand they would have busted on. Other players won't appreciate it, and you'll likely face their frustration.

Can I count cards in online blackjack?

Not effectively. Most online blackjack games use a random number generator (RNG), which reshuffles the virtual deck after every hand. This makes card counting useless, since there's no deck memory. Card counting only works in games with real physical cards, such as those found at live dealer tables.

Does card counting work in real casinos?

Yes, but with limitations. Card counting can give you a small edge when there are more high cards left in the deck, but the advantage is not guaranteed. It requires focus, discipline, and a good understanding of the system. Before trying it in a casino, we recommend studying detailed guides to fully understand how card counting works and when it can be effective.

Will I get caught counting cards in a real casino?

It's possible, but not certain. Casinos have staff trained to spot counters, but if you stay discreet, you might avoid detection. One mistake, though, can get you banned and added to a database shared by other casinos. Returning after a ban can result in trespassing charges. Use common sense, keep sessions short, and avoid suspicious betting patterns. In Atlantic City, counting is legal, but casinos may counter it by shuffling early or cutting the deck short.

What's the catch with online casino bonuses?

There is no hidden trap, but bonuses always come with wagering requirements. These rules must be met before you can withdraw any bonus-related winnings, and they can be difficult to clear. Blackjack usually counts less toward meeting these requirements, since it gives players better odds. So if you take a bonus just to play blackjack, you might find it hard to cash out. Luckily, accepting a bonus is optional. If you do, make sure to read the terms carefully before you start playing.

Did someone really bet $1,000,000 on a single blackjack hand at the Horseshoe Casino?

Not quite. In the early 1980s, William Lee Bergstrom tested the Horseshoe's open-limit policy by betting $777,777 in cash on a single craps roll — and won. He returned with even bigger bets, but in 1984 he brought $1 million, lost it, and later died by suicide. While this didn't happen at a blackjack table, the story remains a cautionary tale about the dangers of high-stakes gambling.

Any final advice?

Enjoy the game. If you're not having fun, it's not worth playing. The same applies to anything else. Blackjack shouldn't be your main source of income. It's better to treat it as a hobby or a side activity, since the swings are too unpredictable for consistent profits.