Play Blackjack Online In Canada 2024
Blackjack is among the top 5 table games in Canada, and numerous casinos offer its different versions to online players. Casino of the Kings team has tested over fifty casinos to help you find the best online blackjack games in Canada. We’ll share our findings, tips on how to play, the most popular variants, and more.
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Origin of Blackjack Game
Blackjack is a popular casino card game where players must try to beat the dealer by getting their hand total as close to 21 as possible without going over. The game’s popularity stems from its incredibly low house edge and the level of player involvement it offers.
The game is believed to have originated in Europe in the early 17th century, but some historians speculate that it dates back to the Roman Empire. Originally called vingt-et-un, or twenty-one, the rules have largely stayed the same in the 400 years since its conception.
It’s rumoured that the game changed its name to blackjack thanks to a bonus payout offered by American casinos. Players who were dealt the aces of spades and a black jack would receive a 10-1 payout. This payout attracted many new players to the game, and the name “blackjack” became a popular shorthand that has stuck around ever since.
During the development of online casinos, many software providers chose to create games that offer online blackjack for real money in Canada. These games are played with virtual cards that are dealt automatically, offering the potential for a higher number of hands per hour. A random number generator determines the results of these games.
Best Online Blackjack Casinos in Canada 2024
We have collected a list of top online blackjack casinos in Canada that earned our respect and trust over the years.
Features | Casino | Welcome Bonus |
Best selection of blackjack variations | JackpotCity | C$1,600 + 10 daily FS |
Best blackjack bonus | Wonaco | 100% up to C$750 + 200 FS |
Top live blackjack library | Friday | 100% up to $1000 + 50 FS |
Best banking options | Dolly | C$1,500 deposit bonus |
Biggest welcome package | Stay | C$5,000 + 300 FS |
50+ blackjack games | Lemon | 100% up to C$300 + 100 FS |
Best live dealer blackjack selection | Richard | C$1,000 + 200 FS |
How We Rate the Best Casinos for Online Blackjack in Canada
To ensure we produce only the very best recommendations, we conduct a thorough review process of each Canadian blackjack online casino. We evaluate and rate a variety of different features in each review, such as:
Licence & Security
Licensed casinos must meet a high standard of fairness and security best practices and are subject to regular audits. We also evaluate each site’s security features and player safety measures. Our team recommends only those casino brands that exceed all categories so that your online blackjack sessions are secure.
Canadian Friendly
Blackjack Game Variations
Good Bonuses for Blackjack Players
Mobile Accessibility
Basic Blackjack Rules
Part of the appeal of online blackjack is its simplicity. The rules are easy to pick up, even for beginners. Within a few hands, you can be playing like an expert.
If you’re completely new to playing online blackjack in Canada for real money, here is an overview of the game’s basic rules.
- The aim is to beat the dealer’s hand by getting as close to 21 without going over.
- If your hand total exceeds 21, your hand is “bust,” and you lose your bet.
- Each card is worth their face value; picture cards are worth 10, and aces are worth 1 or 11.
- You win automatically if you are dealt a “blackjack” – an ace and a 10-value card. Your payout will be 6/5, 3/2, or 2/1, depending on the game’s rules.
- Players have 5 potential options: hit, stand, split, double, and surrender.
- Once you’ve made your final action, the dealer plays their hand according to the game’s rules.
- After both hands have been played, the scores are compared.
- If you have the highest hand total, you win your bet.
- If the dealer has the highest hand total, you lose your bet.
- If you and the dealer have the same hand, the hand is a “push,” and you are refunded your bet.
How to Play Blackjack at Online Casino
Now that you understand the rules, let’s examine the game’s mechanics. Here’s a step-by-step guide for beginners to get started playing their first blackjack hand.
- Pick a blackjack real money casino we recommend.
- Browse the list of blackjack games and choose one that you’d like to play.
- Click on the icon to load the game.
- Read through the rules by pressing the “i” button. Learn how the dealer plays their hand, the blackjack payouts, and other key features.
- Use the chip icons at the bottom of the screen to select your bet size.
- Place your bets by clicking in the rectangular betting area on the interactive game board.
- Click the Deal button to start the hand.
- Make your actions by clicking the buttons at the bottom of the screen.
Once you’ve decided to stand or if your hand is bust, the dealer will play their hand. If you bet the dealer, your bet will be automatically paid out at a rate of 1:1.
Understanding Blackjack House Edge
One of blackjack’s biggest appeals is its low house edge. Blackjack online offers one of the lowest house edges in the casino. With perfect play, the house edge can be as low as 0.5%, meaning that, on average, you’ll receive back $99.50 for every $100 you bet.
However, the average house edge will vary depending on how you play. If you consistently make poor decisions, the house edge will increase. This is why it’s important to play basic strategy.
The basic strategy is the most accurate way to play blackjack online in Canada and allows you to reduce the house edge to around 0.5% if implemented perfectly.
Jordan ConroyCasino expert
Variations of Online Blackjack Games
Over the years, software developers have created hundreds of different online blackjack variants that build on the gameplay of the original. Each option offers a unique twist or rule, changing the way the game is played and creating a more exciting product.
Many online casinos offer a variety of blackjack variants for different player preferences. To help you find your favourite, we’ve explored the most popular variations of online blackjack in the table below.
Blackjack variation | Unique Features | House edge |
Surrender | Depending on the variant, players can “early surrender” or “late surrender.” This allows them to take back half their bet before or after the dealer checks for blackjack. |
~0.40% |
Switch | Players are dealt two hands and can swap the second card between hands. | ~0.58% |
Atlantic City | Players have the option to a late surrender. Dealer stands on soft 17. Players can double after splitting. |
~0.36% |
European | The dealer only gives themself one card to start the hand – the second card is dealt after all other players complete their turn. | ~0.62% |
Vegas Strip | Players can double down on any of their first two starting cards. Dealer stands on soft 17 Players can split multiple times. |
~0.34% |
Spanish 21 | A deck of 48 cards is used with the 10s removed. Players can surrender after doubling down. Bonus payouts are given for specific hand combinations |
~0.40% |
Pontoon | Players are dealt 1 card face down before placing their bets. Bonus payouts are given for specific hand combinations Some variations have no dealer upcard. Some variations use 48-card decks with the 10s removed. |
~0.40% |
Multi-Hand | Players can play multiple hands at once by placing bets in adjacent bet boxes. | ~0.50% |
Live Dealer | The game is played using real-life dealers and professional equipment. The video feed is live-streamed to the player, allowing them to be on the game in real time. | ~0.50% |
Blackjack Online Canada Tips
Here are some useful tips for improving your online blackjack experience.
- Use a Basic Strategy Card. The best way to minimize the house edge is by playing a basic strategy. It can be hard to remember exactly how to play each hand, so using a basic strategy card allows you to make the best decision at each point.
- Play For Free. Playing demo versions of blackjack allows you to get up to speed with the rules and mechanics of the game without risking your own money. It also gives you the chance to practice your basic strategy in a risk-free environment.
- Set A Budget. When you make the jump to blackjack for real money, we recommend creating a dedicated gambling budget and sticking to it. By setting aside money that you can afford to lose, you’re able to enjoy the game without worrying about the result.
- Play Low Stakes. By betting a small percentage of your bankroll, you reduce the risk of going broke. In a high RTP game such as blackjack, it would take a seriously unlucky run of cards to lose your entire bankroll if you only bet 1-2% per hand.
I suggest newbie players stay calm and avoid emotional betting. Blackjack online for real money is a strategic game that requires focus. You’re more likely to make impulsive choices if you feel frustrated or overly excited.
Jordan ConroyCasino expert
Playing Real Money Blackjack vs Free Games
Many Canadian casinos allow you to play demo versions of blackjack and play blackjack online for real money. Here is the comparison of both blackjack options.
Real money blackjack online | Free online blackjack |
Offers the potential for real money wins. | Comes with zero risk of losing money. |
Gives you access to casino bonuses and promotions. | Allows you to learn strategy in a risk-free environment. |
Comes with a risk of losing real money. | Lacks the possibility of winning real money. |
Gives you access to live dealer games with a professional setup. | Does not give you access to live dealer games. |
Responsible Gambling at Online Blackjack Casinos
Our team at Casino of the Kings is dedicated to keeping our readers safe when gambling online; part of how we do this is by only recommending casinos that have adequate responsible gambling tools. While testing each casino, our experts look for these features and test them on their accounts to ensure they work.
All of the top Canadian online casinos that we’ve reviewed offer a variety of tools, such as deposit limits, loss limits, wagering limits, timeouts, and reality checks. These tools either limit your access to online gambling or help you take frequent breaks, allowing you to manage your habits effectively. Many sites will also ask you to provide proof of funds when making large deposits or exceeding your established betting patterns to help ensure you’re not betting beyond your means.
If you want to learn more about responsible gambling and its impact, find access to resources on your casino’s safer gambling page. Here, you’ll find links to responsible gambling organizations and tips on setting up and using the site’s player protection tools.
Jordan ConroyCasino expert
Final Thoughts on Blackjack Online Game
Online blackjack is a fun and interactive card game found at nearly every Canadian casino. The game’s low house edge and strategic gameplay make it appealing to new and experienced players, and the selection of different variants means there’s always an interesting take to enjoy. Before you join a blackjack casino, check out our expert’s detailed and honest reviews to find the best options in Canada.
FAQ
- Is it legal and safe to play blackjack online?
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Yes, it is legal and safe to play blackjack online in Canada through licensed offshore casinos, particularly those licensed by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission or Malta Gaming Commission. In Ontario, players can also enjoy blackjack legally through provincially regulated platforms overseen by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO).
- What is insurance in blackjack?
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Insurance is a side bet offered when the dealer's upcard is an Ace. It costs half your original bet and pays 2:1 if the dealer has blackjack.
- What does double down mean in blackjack?
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This means doubling your initial bet after seeing your first two cards, but you can only receive one more card. It's typically best when holding 10 or 11, as you have a good chance of hitting a strong hand.
- How many decks are used in blackjack?
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Most online blackjack games use 6-8 decks shuffled together in a "shoe." Some variants use fewer decks, with single-deck games being rare but offering slightly better odds for players.
- Where can I play blackjack online in Canada?
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Look for licensed online casinos that legally serve Canadian players, focusing on sites regulated by trusted authorities. Choose platforms that offer CAD deposits, secure banking methods, and positive player reviews for a safe gaming experience.