Master Blackjack Rules & Odds
Mastering the rules and odds of Blackjack at Ontario online casinos can be a little tricky but don’t worry. We’ve created this Blackjack rules guide to help you navigate through the game in a straightforward way.
Blackjack Objective
The whole point behind Blackjack is to draw cards that total up to 21 or close to 21. The game starts with you having two cards, and the dealer will also have another two. If, at any point during the game, you end up with a hand that’s valued at more than 21, you’ll go bust (you lose your bet). The same goes for when the dealer’s hand is closer to 21, you’ll also end up losing.
Before we start with Blackjack rules, here’s some more useful information.
Card Values in Blackjack
Now, it’s time to learn the values of your cards. Make sure you know these values by heart; if you don’t, you can always refer to this page until you do.
The Odds in Blackjack
The first thing you need to remember when it comes to the Odds in Blackjack is that it is all dependent on the number of decks played on the table. By becoming more familiar with the odds, you can create a more realistic outcome.
Here are some statistics that could help you out if you’re trying to figure out the odds of your game.
| Player’s Hand | Probability of the player busting |
|---|---|
| 11 or less | 0% |
| 12 | 31% |
| 13 | 39% |
| 14 | 56% |
| 15 | 58% |
| 16 | 62% |
| 17 | 69% |
| 18 | 77% |
| 19 | 85% |
| 20 | 92% |
| 21 | 100% |
| Dealer’s Card | Probability for the dealer to bust if he stands on 17 | Probability for the dealer to bust if he has to call on 17 |
|---|---|---|
| Ace | 17% | 20% |
| 2 | 35% | 36% |
| 3 | 37% | 38% |
| 4 | 40% | 40% |
| 5 | 42% | 42% |
| 6 | 42% | 44% |
| 7 | 26% | 26% |
| 8 | 24% | 24% |
| 9 | 23% | 23% |
| 10 | 23% | 23% |
Blackjack House Edge
The House Edge is the advantage the online casinos have over you. It’s the percentage of the winnings that will go back to the venue over a period of time.
Blackjack is known to have one of the lowest House Edge percentages out of all online casino games, so that’s a huge bonus for Ontario players! Of course, this depends on the number of decks being played.
Another plus is that online blackjack games have some of the highest RTPs. Many of them range between 98% to over 99%!
Blackjack Moves
The best moves in blackjack are the classic ones. We have all the details in our handy Blackjack strategy guide. You can explore the best moves in one place. Here’s a snippet of what to expect in that guide.
Hit
The Hit move is there to let the dealer and the other players know that you want to take another card from the dealer.
Stand
Stand means you’re not taking any more cards during the game.
Split Pairs
This happens when you have two cards of the same value and split them into two hands. By doing this, you can get an extra card for each hand.
Double Down
This is where you double the bet in exchange for standing after getting one more card from the dealer.
Bust
To bust means you lost your bet.
Blackjack Payout rules
Blackjack payouts are also subject to blackjack rules, just like anything else. These practical details will help you prepare for any potential payouts.
If you won:
- With a Blackjack card served on the spot, you’ll win x1.5 of your original wager.
- Using a normal hand, you’ll get 1:1 of your original wager.
- After doubling down or doubling your bet, you’ll win x2 of your collected wager.
- After you split your cards, you’ll win 1:1 for each hand.
- After doubling your hand right after a split and win, your winnings will be two-fold (x2).
Understand all the side bets in blackjack
Blackjack has a lot of side bets, and in this section of the guide, we’re going to go through the ones you’re most likely to come across and make. Side bets are a type of additional bets that you make as the game progresses. You need to remember that side bets are made not on the merit of your skills but rather on chance.
Before we move on to understanding all of these blackjack side bets, you need to keep in mind any casino blackjack rules that are in place at your preferred online casinos.
Insurance
Most of the time, Insurance bets require you to wager half of your original bet. If you do win using this side bet, you’ll get a 2:1 payout.
Perfect Pairs
All bets are based on the player’s cards. If you get any of the following results, it will pay out.
- Mixed pair – two of the same value but different suit and colour
- Coloured pair – two of the same value and the same colour
- Perfect pair – two of the same card
21+3
During the 21+3 side bet, the cards involved are the two player cards and the upward-facing dealer card. With this side bet, you can win if these outcomes occur.
- Flush – all cards are suited
- Straight – all cards consecutive
- Three of a kind – not the same suit
- Straight flush – consecutive cards same suit
- Suited triple – three of the same card
Bet Behind
In this side bet, you can wager on the outcome of someone else’s hand. If this ends up in the player winning that hand, you’ll double your wager!
Royal match
When you have suited King and Queen cards, you’ll receive a 25:1 payout, while any suited player cards will pay 5:2.
Over/under 13
If you manage to predict the value of another player’s cards as over or under 13, you’ll get an even payout.
Super sevens
If you have a seven or more than one seven in your dealt cards, you can utilize this side bet. These are your possible outcomes.
- One seven – 3:1
- Two unsuited sevens – 50:1
- Two suited sevens – 100:1
Lucky ladies
The Lucky Ladies side bet pays out if your cards total up to 20. Your possible outcomes will be as follows.
- Unsuited 20 – 4:1
- Suited 20 – 10:1
- Matched 20 – 25:1
- 2 Queen of Hearts – 200:1
Honey Bonus
In the Honey Bonus, you win by having the dealer’s upward-facing card, and your two cards make up a 3-card poker hand. This is very similar to the 21+3 side bet, but in this one, you can win if your two first cards form a same-suit blackjack.
Hot 3
This side bet is the total of your first two cards, and the dealer’s upward-facing card combined is either 19, 20 or 21.
Buster
To win using the Buster side bet, the dealer has to bust. If this happens, the player will win according to how many cards are needed to bust.
How to play blackjack – Breakdown of a round
We’ve given you the information on the objective of the game, the odds, the card values, house edge, moves, payouts and side bets. Now it’s time to go through each step of how to play.
Step 1: Fund your Balance
Head over to your online casino account and select a payment method. This is crucial if you want to start playing. Once you do that and your settings are selected, it’s time for the next step.
Step 2: Place your wager
Every game has a minimum and maximum bet. This will be dependent on the table you’re playing at, but you can easily find that out through the information section of the game.
This part is where you need to remain responsible and don’t bet what you cannot afford to lose. It’s super important to stay within your limits. Learn more about responsible gambling on our page.
Step 3: The Dealer will now deal the cards
Right after everyone puts in the wagers for the game, the dealer will begin dealing the cards. Every player in the game will get two cards, and the dealer will deal one card for themselves.
The dealer gave me a Blackjack!
If this happens, consider yourself lucky because this is the strongest hand in the game! Sit back and watch the dealer until they draw their last card to find out what you won. If this is your scenario, go ahead and jump to step 6.
The dealer gave me cards that triggered my side bet(s)!
This is another possible scenario you might find yourself in. When this happens, the player automatically wins some of their money back, but of course, it doesn’t stop there.
Step 4: Time to make a decision!
Now’s the time to consider your chances of winning using popular blackjack strategies. Decide whether you want to stay, hit, double or split your bets. Take this time to learn about these strategies to improve your chances of winning in the future.
Oh no, I busted!
Nobody wants this, but don’t worry too much about it because it’s normal in the game. For instance, if you chose to hit and now the total of your cards exceeds 21, you lost. The next step is to wait until the next round.
Still in the race
When the total of your cards combined is close to 21, and you choose to stay, that means you’re still in the game.
Step 5: Dealer plays hand
This part of the game is the part you cannot control. After everyone on the table has made their last bets, the dealer will draw their last card. When this occurs, here’s what may come your way.
- Dealer goes bust, and every player still in the game, wins.
- Value of your cards is lower than the dealer’s means you’ll lose.
- It’s a draw if your cards and the dealer’s card are equal.
- You win if your cards have a higher value than the dealer’s.
Step 6: Collect your winnings and repeat the process!
The next part is collecting your winnings, and if you want, you can play all over again. Remember to brush up on the possible payouts.
Do you think you’ve mastered the game?
Whether the answer to that question is yes or no, we still think a straightforward guide is helpful to you. Understanding blackjack rules is essential for anyone looking to play the game. You can enhance your chances of winning by familiarizing yourself with the objective, card values, and basic gameplay.
Before we go, always keep in mind the importance of responsible gambling and setting limits for yourself. With these rules in mind, you can enjoy the thrilling game of blackjack!
Frequently Asked Questions
