Blackjack Rules, Bets, & Odds

Learn How to Play Blackjack

Blackjack is a popular offering in many casinos today. Just get a higher hand value than the dealer without going over twenty-one and you will win the game. But there are a few more blackjack rules and side bets to learn to fully maximize the experience. Read on to check its blackjack rules, bets and payouts below!

Play Blackjack at these online casinos:

BetRivers
1
96 score
$500 Cashback
1x Wagering
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21+ | Must be 21+ and present in NJ. Void Where Prohibited. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER. | Full T&C apply.

BetMGM
2
95 score
$1 000 Bonus
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21+ | 21+ years of age or older to wager. NJ only. All promotions are subject to qualification and eligibility requirements. Rewards issued as non-withdrawable site credit, unless otherwise provided in the applicable Terms. Please Gamble Responsibly. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. | Full T&C apply.

PartyCasino
3
94 score
$1 000 Bonus
15x Wagering
25 Freespins
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21+ | Must be 21+. NJ Only. All promotions are subject to qualification and eligibility requirements. Rewards issued as non-withdrawable site credit, unless otherwise provided in the applicable Terms. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. | Full T&C apply.

Borgata Online
4
91 score
$1 000 Bonus
15x Wagering
- Freespins
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21+ | 21+ years of age or older to wager. NJ only. All promotions are subject to qualification and eligibility requirements. Rewards issued as non-withdrawable site credit, unless otherwise provided in the applicable Terms. Please Gamble Responsibly. Gambling Problem? 1-800-GAMBLER. | Full T&C apply.

Caesars Palace Online Casino
5
89 score
$2 500 Bonus
15x Wagering
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21+ | Must be 21+ and physically present in MI, NJ, PA and WV only. New users and first deposit only. Must register using eligible promo code. Wager $25+ to receive 2,500 Reward Credits. Max. deposit-match bonus of $2,500. Minimum wagering within 7 days required to unlock bonuses. NJ bonuses apply to slot play only. Full terms and wagering requirements at Caesars Palace Online Casino . Void where prohibited. Know When To Stop Before You Start.® Gambling Problem? MI: Call the Michigan Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-270-7117; NJ, WV, PA (Affiliated with Harrah's Philadelphia): If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-AMBLER (1-800-426-2537) or WV: Visit 1-800-GAMBLER | Full T&C apply.

Ocean Online Casino
6
88 score
$1 200 Bonus
25x Wagering
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21+ | Enter Promo Code: WELCOME23. Must be in New Jersey and 21 or older. Must not be part of any exclusionary list. Bet with your head, not over it. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. | Full T&C apply.

How to play blackjack – Breakdown of a round 

1. Learn the Rules 

Unlike other casino games, online blackjack needs skill and knowledge of the rules. Check the general blackjack rules before hitting the tables. The rules, bets, and odds of each blackjack version available in New Jersey casinos should be understood.

2. Fund your Balance

Well, it is an obvious requirement that also requires some planning. Set a bankroll or budget and make a deposit using your preferred payment option.

3. Place your wager 

You can start placing bets after the funds are credited to your account. Depending on the blackjack regulations, the minimum bet can be $1.00 or even $10.00. VIP blackjack tables have more significant betting limits. Regardless of the table, only gamble what you can afford to lose!

4. The Dealer will now deal the cards

online live blackjack in NJ
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Once the bets are on the table, the casino dealer starts the round and deals the cards. In the blackjack rules, each player gets two cards, and the Dealer receives one, for now.

The dealer gave me Blackjack! 

The best hand is the blackjack, and if you need to watch out for the Dealer’s last card to know your payout. Check on step no. 6 for your next move.

The dealer gave me cards that triggered my side bet(s)! 

Congratulations on this stroke of luck since you have won a portion of your wager back. The blackjack game continues and lets us look at the next step.

5. Time to make a decision!

Now that you are familiar with the rules, card values, and odds, your next step is to evaluate your hand. Are you going to hit, stand, double, or split? The game proceeds or you end it immediately, depending on your decision.

Damn, I busted! 

Going bust is the worst thing that can happen on the table. It happens if your cards exceed twenty-one, and you exit the game.

Still in the race 

If the hand value is close to twenty-one and asked to stay, you are still in the game, and you need to play.

During play, you can rely on a few blackjack strategies to increase your chances of winning. For example, if you receive a pair of Aces or 8s, a tested method is to split these pairs and create two separate hands.

6. Dealer plays hand

Once all players in the game have made their decisions, the dealer then draws the last card, with the following four possible outcomes:

  1. The dealer busts: everyone still in the game won
  2. The value of your cards is lower than the dealer’s: you lost
  3. The value of your cards is equal to the dealer’s: you draw
  4. The value of your cards is higher than the dealer’s: you won”

7. Payouts

Depending on the hand values and your decision, you can get a specific payout.


Master the Rules & Odds of Blackjack 

Blackjack is a challenging yet rewarding game. The blackjack principles are simple to grasp, as is the split and double down techniques. But it also has variants with slightly varied betting rules, odds, and rewards. To win large at blackjack, you must master the controls.

The Objective 

In blackjack, your goal is to outwit the Dealer. The rules of blackjack state that you can win by collecting a twenty-one on the first two cards, forming a better hand than the dealer without exceeding twenty-one, or letting the Dealer surpass 21.

If it happens, the player goes ‘bust,’ and you don’t want that to happen.

Card Values 

Blackjack card values NJ
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The odds

House Edge - The odds of winning in blackjack varies depending on the number of decks of cards in play.
House Edge – The odds of winning in blackjack vary depending on the number of decks of cards in play.

The odds of winning in blackjack vary depending on the number of decks of cards in play.

As you can see, the house edge is more minor with fewer decks of cards in play. As more decks are used, the casino’s advantage increases. For example, the house advantage becomes 0.65% with eight decks in play. Keep in mind that this computation is based on a perfect basic strategy in online blackjack.

Important terms you need to know 

Mastery in the game means understanding a few widely used terms. Check the table below for a list of the most popular words used in this game.

TERMDEFINITION
BlackjackIt is the winning hand in the game on the first two cards, an Ace and any 10-value card.
Burn cardsThese are the cards discarded from the deck before the Dealer starts dealing the cards.
BustIt means that the card’s value exceeds twenty-one.
Cold deckIt is a deck that deals with a series of awful cards.
Double downThis means that you double your bet and get an extra card.
Double exposureThe Dealer’s first two cards are shown
HandIt refers to your cards used for betting.
HitTo take another card.
House edgeThis is the casino’s built-in advantage.
InsuranceIt is a side bet in blackjack awarded to the player if the Dealer’s upcard is an Ace.
PushIt happens if both the player’s and the Dealer’s hands have the same value.
Side betsThese are wagers you play on top of the best in the actual blackjack game.
SplitIf you have a pair of cards with the same value, like two Aces, you can split these into two hands.
StandTo stand means, you are already satisfied with the hand.

Understand all Side bets 

Side bets are extra wagers you can play in the blackjack game. These side bets are lucrative and exciting, and some have a higher house edge.

  1. Insurance

A side bet is offered to the players if the Dealer’s upcard is an Ace.

  1. Perfect Pairs

A popular side bet where the first two cards dealt with the player is a pair of cards with the same value.

Perfect Pair

Mixed pair 

Two cards of the same value but different colors and suits.

Colored pair 

The pairs are in the same color.

Perfect pair 

This is your regular pair of cards of the same value.

3. 21+3

This covers your first two cards and the upturned card of the Dealer. This also pays out in different ways depending on the cards.

21+3

Flush 

On this hand, all cards are suited.

Straight 

All three cards are in consecutive order.

Three of a kind 

Three cards of the same kind but not in the same suit.

Straight flush 

Three consecutive cards from the same suit.

Suited triple 

A popular side bet where you have three of the same cards.

4. Bet Behind 

In the blackjack rules, a player can also make a bet on the other player’s hand.

Bet Behind

5. Royal match 

This is another popular side bet that you can win if the first two cards are of the same suit or a Royal Match, like Queen and King of the same suit.

6. Over/under 13

It is a pair of side bets that win if the first two cards of the players will total over or other 13.

7. Super sevens 

This optional side bet based on the first three cards should be of the same color or suit.

8. Lucky ladies 

The idea behind this side bet is to collect a payout when collecting a 20-point hand.

9. Honey Bonus 

This side bet win based on the player’s first two cards and the Dealer’s up card.

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Play Evolutions Live Blackjack online.

Lucky 7 

This is an exciting side bet that you will be dealt one, two, or three 7s in a row beginning with the first card given to the player.

Lucky Lucky 

This is another side bet where your payout is based on the first two cards and the Dealers up card.

10. Top 3 

This is another optional promotional wager in blackjack used together with 21+3. The player gets enormous payouts for a straight flush, three of a kind, and three of a kind suit.

11. Hot 3 

This is a side bet you can play in Infinite Blackjack by Evolution Gaming.

12. Buster 

A side bet that allows you to win when the dealer busts.

13. Bust it 

You win this side bet if the dealer busts with three cards.

How to play Blackjack at live casinos.
Play Online Blackjack at Golden Nugget

Live casinos with the best blackjack side bets 

The blackjack game becomes more exciting in live dealer format with blackjack side bets. Here is a look at the top blackjack live casinos where you can enjoy the game.

CasinoStakesNumber of DecksBet BehindPerfect PairsInsuranceRating
Betway Casino$1 – $5,0008☑️☑️☑️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
888 Casino$1 – $5,000, with VIP tables8☑️☑️☑️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Borgata$1 – $5,0008☑️☑️☑️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
BetMGM$1 – $5,0008☑️☑️☑️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Blackjack Payouts 

For many players, the blackjack payouts are considered the game’s highlights. Yes, real money blackjack offers entertainment, but its real value is in the payouts for different hands and side bets.

If you are on it for the vast payouts, check out this table for the best payouts you can win on the blackjack tables.

TYPE OF WINPAYOUT
Blackjack served right awayx1.5 of your wager
Normal hand1:1 of your wager
After doubling your betx2 of you accumulated wager
After splitting1:1 for each hand
Doubled a hand after a splitx2 of your wager

Frequently Asked Questions

In online and live blackjack, your job is to get a higher card count than the dealer without going over twenty-one.
In real money blackjack, the best hand is a ‘blackjack’ where the value of the first two cards is exactly twenty-one.
These are the additional bets you can play aside from the normal bets played in each round.