Playing Blackjack At Online Casinos

All online casinos offer at least one form of Blackjack. Learning how to win at Blackjack can be difficult if you play variations other than classic Blackjack. It seems like most casinos online have their own unique Blackjack game. Many of these games offer special side bets and deviate from the standard Blackjack rules in one way or another. The house edge between these Blackjack games and their side bets can deviate considerably. Classic Blackjack has a house edge usually ranging from .28% to .5% and some games are lower and some higher. In this post I will take a look at some of the most popular Blackjack games available at online casinos and how they stack up against regular Blackjack.

Perfect Pairs Blackjack

This Blackjack game is virtually identical to classic Blackjack. It basically just includes a side bet option. The perfect pair’s side bet typically offers three payouts: any pair, same color pair and same suit pair. The payouts will vary from casino to casino depending on how many decks are being used, or simulated in the case of online casinos. On average the payouts are 5:1, 10:1 and 30:1, respectively.  The house edge for this side bet will typically range from 3% to 8% so at bests you are looking at the same odds as Roulette bet at a European Roulette table. At worst you are looking at the same odds as a Pair Plus bet at a 3-Card Poker table. This Blackjack side bet is far from the worst but you are much better off simply avoiding this side bet.

Pontoon Blackjack

Pontoon Blackjack is available at just about every online casino. This variation is significantly different from regular Blackjack. The rules are different and there is a side bet option. In Pontoon the tens are removed from the deck. This puts the player at a big disadvantage but players are compensated in other ways. One example would be getting paid bonuses if you have 5, 6 or 7 cards without busting. The house edge for Pontoon can be as low as .34% so it can offer better odds than traditional Blackjack depending on the casino. The Sweet 16 side bet in Pontoon has three payouts. The house edge for this side bet is roughly 2.5% so you will receive a better return by sticking to regular bets.

Crazy Blackjack

Crazy Blackjack is not widely available but it has an amazing side bet. Unfortunately I do not have any info on the house edge for these bets but the massive payouts are enough for most Blackjack players. This side bet has a fixed cost of $1 and is based on 3 cards. Here is an overview of the major side bet options available in Crazy Blackjack:

• Any three 7′s – A pair of 7′s in Crazy Blackjack is more exciting than receiving a Blackjack. If you placed the side bet and you draw for a third 7 you will win $1,500.
• Three Spade 7′s – Crazy Blackjack has an insanely high Blackjack payout. You will win $150,000 if you catch three Spade 7′s. Typically only slot machines have jackpots this large.