Blackjack is a casino game that dates back to the 1700s when it was known as “vingt-et-un” by the French, and, alongside Roulette, it is one of the best-known casino games around. So, it should come as no surprise that blackjack has made a seamless transition to online casinos, with many games playable on mobile devices, too. If you are new to mobile Blackjack, our guide will explain exactly how to get started, outline the most popular online blackjack variants, and highlight the leading casinos to play blackjack online.
One of the main attractions of blackjack is its simplicity. While it can appear complicated to beginners, the rules are actually easy to learn. The basic idea is to comprise a hand that is equal to or as close as possible to the value of 21 without going ‘bust’.
You play against the dealer – other players can sit with you both in real-life and online – and start with two cards before potentially taking more along the way. You’ll need to combine the value of your cards to reach your total value. The value of each blackjack card is as follows:
In terms of how to play blackjack, each game uses a 52-card deck (Some other mobile blackjack variants may take advantage of additional decks) and they start with the dealer handing out two cards to each player face up, and then one card face-up and one card face-down to themselves. Based on your hand, you’ll need to decide whether to hit, stand, double down, split, or surrender:
After you have made your decision, the action switches to the dealer. Again, the rules here depend on the online blackjack variant. For example, in some cases, the dealer may have to hit on 16 or lower and stand on 17 or higher. At this point, the player’s score is compared to the dealer’s, with the aim being to get as close to 21 as possible, without going over this figure.
If your score is the same as the dealer’s, the hand will be pushed, meaning that no money is won or lost. If your hand is higher than the dealer’s, you win, but if the dealer’s hand is higher, you lose your bet. It’s also important to note that certain hand combinations can have immediate effects on the game. For example, if your first two cards consist of an ace and a ten-card (Jack, Queen or King), you’ve got a Blackjack or Natural, and you immediately win. Likewise, if the dealer has the combination, you immediately lose the bet.
As we mentioned above, the mobile blackjack rules will depend on the variant you are playing, which is why it is very important to read the rules beforehand.
When playing blackjack mobile, a small number of different bets are available. As well as simply betting on your own hand, additional wagers, known as side bets, can be placed.
The side bets available will depend on the variant of online blackjack being played and the mobile casino site. What’s more, it’s important to understand that you’ll only be able to place a side bet after wagering on your normal hand. Below are the most common side bets found when playing mobile blackjack:
Again, we have to stress that the side bets available will vary between games and that there are plenty of other blackjack side bets available.
What’s more, when learning how to play blackjack, some players believe it is important to develop some form of strategy to help them manage their bets or decide which actions to take during the game. While none guarantee that you will win, they may help, such as the sheet below compiled by Unibet.
Credit: Quick and Handy Live Blackjack Guide, Unibet.eu
However, you should note that the effectiveness of a blackjack strategy will vary depending on the game and variant being played and whether the game accepts side bets at all.
Blackjack tables all look fairly similar; they’re usually shaped as a semicircle with the players sitting at the arch and the dealer on the other end. While mobile blackjack is a little different, you’ll still sit at a table with betting circles and the game’s payout terms.
What’s more, with online blackjack, you should see a stack of chips at the bottom of the screen you can select from and place on the blackjack table to designate your bet. You’ll also have buttons for each corresponding blackjack action. However, you should note that the way these options are presented will differ between games.
Online blackjack has been available on mobile devices for a number of years now. However, whether you are using an iPhone or Android smartphone, it is important to fully understand how things work. The process may differ slightly based on the operating system you are using, but you can use the following step-by-step guide to get started:
That’s it! It’s incredibly easy to play blackjack online via smartphones, as long as you have a stable internet connection. Most mobile casinos offer a range of blackjack games, and the best casino sites for mobile blackjack offer a variety of responsible gambling tools to help you. Taking advantage of such tools and platforms will help to ensure that you bet responsibly at all times and can help prevent gambling-related harm.
Given the popularity of mobile blackjack, it should come as no surprise that software developers are constantly working on creating and launching new variants of the classic casino game. Featuring enhanced gameplay and modern features, the following are some of the variants to look out for, which differ from classic blackjack in many ways:
As you would expect, there are additional variants of blackjack available but we believe those we listed are the best and most popular. Not all mobile casinos will offer these variants, so please check the casino beforehand if you’re looking for a specific variant.
Replicating the experience of a real-life casino, live blackjack is available to mobile players too. For those unaware, live casino games feature real-life dealers that are streamed to you over the internet and can be interacted with. Like with basic online blackjack, there are different variants of live blackjack, each of which uses state-of-the-art technology to provide you with a superior experience.
The exact rules and gameplay will depend on which live blackjack game you select, but some common titles include:
And there are plenty more. Many of the variations above don’t change the rules much and are simply there to change how you interact with the dealer and other players. However, you’ll also find some of the other variations of blackjack that we listed above, such as Cashback Blackjack and Turbo Blackjack, amongst others.
If you are looking to play mobile blackjack games, there are hundreds of blackjack mobile casinos to select from. However, some are better than others, which is why we’ve compiled a list of the very best mobile blackjack casinos and their UK casino bonus, each of which holds a licence from the Gambling Commission, making them 100% safe to play at in the UK. The blackjack casinos are:
The blackjack casinos listed above should more than meet your needs when it comes to playing online blackjack. However, if you are looking for something a little different, our expanded list of mobile casino reviews offers detailed information on which other operators offer mobile blackjack.
When playing blackjack online, you may find yourself in a position to take advantage of casino promotions, which can offer you cash to use on blackjack games. There are different types of promotions available, and more information on each can be found below:
The most common type of blackjack promotion is a matched deposit, which as the name suggests, requires a deposit to qualify. The casino in question will match the amount by 100% in most cases, but 50%, 150%, and 200% bonuses are also available on some sites. Bonus funds can be used on selected games, which include blackjack in most cases unless otherwise stated. Terms and conditions apply to these bonuses, including wagering requirements, expiry dates, payment restrictions, and maximum winnings.
Some blackjack mobile casinos may offer no deposit bonuses up to a maximum of £5 or £10 or in the form of no deposit mobile casino free spins. No financial investment is required, which is why so many gamers enjoy these blackjack promotions. However, no deposit bonuses have become increasingly difficult to find, so don’t expect to claim them often.
Many blackjack mobile casinos now provide players with a range of live casino promotions, which are credited in the same way as traditional deposit bonuses but can only be used on live casino games. Many mobile casinos previously offered this live blackjack promotion but like many others, this has become less common in recent months.
When you play blackjack online, there are some terms that may be unfamiliar. So, before getting started, it’s important to ensure that you fully understand the following terminology which can be used in games:
We hope our terminology guide for blackjack helps you familiarise yourself with the game, regardless of whether you’re playing online or off.
By now, you should have a much clearer idea of how to play mobile blackjack and why the game is so appealing; it’s entertaining, convenient, and can be highly rewarding. The fact that blackjack can be played on mobile without issue makes the game incredibly accessible, allowing you to play anywhere and at any time. What’s more, there are dozens of variants for you to try, so if you become accustomed to the original game, you can play something else that mixes things up.
If the above isn’t enough, mobile-friendly blackjack games are incredibly common across the UK mobile casino industry, and you’ll be able to find games at most gambling operators. Just make sure to read our reviews and play only at UK-licensed mobile casinos for the best possible experience.
Mobile blackjack can be played on smartphones and tablet devices. Games can be accessed via your mobile browser, as well as through dedicated casino apps. Simply register an account, deposit funds, and start playing.
Yes! Promotions available to use on blackjack are common online today, given the popularity of the casino game. Our recommended casinos all offer a welcome bonus, which you should be able to use on blackjack games. Meanwhile, ongoing promotions are also found for other games.
Yes. Our top-ranked casinos are all licensed and regulated by the Gambling Commission, making them completely safe to play in the United Kingdom. They also feature state-of-the-art security tools, including SSL encryption and firewalls.
A number of mobile blackjack variants are available today. Whether you are looking for video or live games, there is something to meet your needs. European, American, Perfect Pairs, and blackjack VIP are among the most popular variants.
