As the name suggests, European Blackjack is what you'll find in almost all the land-based casinos throughout Europe. In terms of differences, there are very few when compared to the original game. One great aspect is the fact that you'll be able to find this version at just about any real money online casinos. Here at CasinoTop, we do all the groundwork to make things that much easier for you. Check out our list of recommended casinos to make sure you're choosing a safe and trustworthy site.
The game is played in much the same way as original blackjack so you'll have no trouble making the transition. Here’s a look at the step by step process when starting out.
Initially you'll need to choose the right casino, this won't be hard as most sites have the game available and you can select one from our list that accepts American players.
After choosing the casino, take a seat at one of the tables and place your first bet.
After all bets are placed, the dealer will begin handing out cards to all the players from left to right.
Once all players have received their hands and checked their cards, you'll need to decide whether you're going to hit (take another card), stick (stay with the cards you have) or double your bet. Should you have a pair, it’s usually a good idea to split as this gives you double the chance of beating the dealer.
When you're satisfied with your hand and have not gone bust, declare that you're finished. Depending on what the dealer has after revealing their hand, you'll either come out with the win or not. This signals the end of the round and winnings are paid out.
When it comes to playing blackjack online, there are a variety of different forms of the game. They are all relatively similar in the way they are played. There are a few differences which change it up just a little which is why you'll always need to familiarize yourself with that particular version in order to get the most out of your experience.
Here are some of the rule changes you'll find when playing European Blackjack online:
Numerous online casinos will offer players the chance to play European blackjack for free. If this is your first time playing this variation of the game, it is highly recommended that you use this free play. Not only will you get a better understanding of the game, but you'll also be able to hone your skills and test out strategies you may have heard of.
Playing for free is a wonderful way to enjoy the game without the risk of losing money. However, if you want to experience the thrill and excitement of winning real money, you'll need to play for real money.
Similarly to how the rules of blackjack maintain the same structure across variants, Blackjack strategies are followed in the same way except for a few minor adjustments based on the variant you’re choosing to play. While these adjustments might be small and seasoned players could understand them right away, new players might need more time to adjust to the nuances. As such., we have provided reference charts to help new players make the right moves at the right times.
In time, most players get used to the rules and strategies that needed to win but for those just beginning the blackjack journey, we suggest making use of our free charts to help you along.
Find out what happens when you split your pair into two separate hands.
learn how to make the most of the flexible value of an Ace.
Discover the best moves when you have an inflexible hand.
Now that we’ve covered basic gameplay, reference charts and told you a bit more about European blackjack, we can move on to more specific details such as potential payouts, RTPs and live dealer functionality at our top-rated online casinos in Canada. For comparison purposes we have shared the details of all variants so you can choose the variant of blackjack that suits you, your skill level and your bankroll best:
Blackjack Variants | Player Win (payout) | Player Blackjack (payout) | Live Dealer | Mobile | RTP |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
European | 1/1 | 3/2 | Yes | Yes | 99.6% |
Surrender | 1/1 | 3/2 | No | Yes | 99.65% |
Switch | 1/1 | 1/1 | No | Yes | 99.87% |
Atlantic City | 1/1 | 3/2 | Yes | Yes | 99.6% |
Perfect | 1/1 | 3/2 | No | Yes | 99.58% |
Nowadays, most players will be hard pressed when it comes to finding the time to make the trip to your nearest land-based casino. Even if you do make it there, there’s no guarantee that there’ll be a seat available at the table. This is exactly why more and more players are choosing to play their favorite blackjack games online.
Thanks to the advancements in technology and software, almost all online casinos are fully mobile compatible. This ensures that using a mobile device will provide you with the same experience as those using a desktop. In some cases, you'll be required to download and install the casino’s software in order to enjoy the full complement of games. With that being said, there are loads of online sites that have made their games playable instantly.
No matter where you are or what time it is, online casinos will be available to use whenever you've got some free time on your hands. Check out our list of recommended casinos to ensure you're playing at a completely safe and secure site.
Here is a version of the classic game that is definitely more exciting than some of the others. The mere fact that the dealer is not able to check whether they have blackjack puts a lot more pressure on players as they'll never know whether the dealer has an Ace up their sleeve. Here are a few pointers to keep in mind when playing this variation of an iconic card game.
You know now that you'll never know if the dealer has an Ace in their hand, this alone should remind players that betting big even when they think they have it in the bag is always a risky move. Consider smaller bets and only when you're sure you have a winning hand should you go large.
Yet another risky maneuver thanks to the dealer face down card being a complete mystery to players. Deciding whether to split Aces could go either way in this case. It will always be a tough call but hey, aren't you here for the thrill of it anyway.
The only way you're going to be able to definitely increase your odds against the house is by getting lucky. However, that doesn't mean you can’t help your odds just a little. Make sure you're familiar with all the bet types and rules of the game, check top player strategies and note what the chances are of cards appearing. Card counting is yet another way to help get yourself an edge, but keep in mind that with numerous decks in play, it may not be as easy as you think.
You will learn all the ins and outs of blackjack with this guide. If you are merely researching to start playing blackjack or if you have been playing for years and want to hone your skill.
While the local casino won’t like it, nothing is stopping you from doing it at home. If you learn how to do it with our guide then it’ll help you bring down the house edge and increase your chances of winning.
We have brought together some of the best tips to help you during your Blackjack journey and help you win a little more, more often with this handy guide.
Things get really interesting in this guide that brings you strategies to use in blackjack which are mathematically accurate. The guide will show you the theory and how to use it during your gameplay.
This page has been reviewed by Reza Shojaei, a pioneer in iGaming with over 15 years of experience. As the founder of CasinoTop.com and Value Marketing, he specializes in market analysis, player safety, and regulatory compliance. Reza’s collaborations with top operators and regulators reflect his commitment to fairness and innovation in online gambling.