Blackjack UK
You and the dealer each try to get closer to 21 without going over.
- House edge0.5%
- RTP99.5%
- SkillYes
- Pace60/hr
By Ryan Jessop. Last checked .
Key takeaways
- House edge: around 0.5%.
- Best bet: a 3 to 2 table, played with basic strategy.
- Avoid: insurance, side bets and 6 to 5 tables.
- Skill involved: yes.
AnswerYou and the dealer each try to get closer to 21 without going over. It is the one common casino game where your decisions change the price. The best bet is a 3 to 2 table, played with basic strategy.
How blackjack works
- Place a bet.
- You and the dealer receive two cards; one of the dealer's is face up.
- Hit, stand, double or split.
- The dealer draws to 17.
- Closer to 21 wins; blackjack pays 3 to 2.
Bets and house edge
| Bet | Pays | House edge |
|---|---|---|
| Main hand, basic strategy, 3 to 2 | 1 to 1; 3 to 2 for blackjack | Around 0.5% |
| Main hand, played by instinct | As above | About 2% |
| Main hand at a 6 to 5 table | 6 to 5 for blackjack | About 2% with good play |
| Insurance | 2 to 1 | About 7% |
| Side bets | Varies | Often 3% to 10% or more |
Best and worst bets
Best
A 3 to 2 table, played with basic strategy.
Avoid
Insurance, side bets and 6 to 5 tables.
Variants
Classic, European and Atlantic City rules differ in small ways that move the edge by tenths of a point: whether the dealer hits soft 17, when you may double, whether you can surrender. Novelty versions with side bets or changed payouts usually cost more. Live lobbies also offer 'infinite' tables with unlimited seats and standard rules.
More on blackjack
What an hour costs
| Stake | Rounds an hour | Staked | Average cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| £1 | About 60 | £60 | £0.3 |
| £2 | About 60 | £120 | £0.6 |
| £5 | About 60 | £300 | £1.5 |
At a house edge of 0.5%. A long-run average; any one hour can differ widely.
Three things to know
- Check the blackjack payout before sitting.
- Use a strategy chart; online, nobody minds.
- Never take insurance.
Blackjack and bonuses
Typical contribution to bonus wagering: 0% to 20%. None of the five welcome offers we list is cleared on blackjack.
Where to play
All five are compared on where to play casino games.
All five, by report. Live dealer versions are covered on live casino.
| Casino | Games | Live studios | Games score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Casumo | 3,500+ games | Evolution, Pragmatic Play and Playtech, plus Casumo-branded tables | 9.0/10 |
| Coral | 2,000+ games (some reports put it far higher) | Evolution, Playtech and Pragmatic Play | 8.5/10 |
| Ladbrokes | 2,000+ games | Evolution, Playtech and Pragmatic Play; around 100 live tables reported | 8.5/10 |
| PlayOJO | 2,000+ games (reports range to 7,000 and above) | Evolution, with other studios reported | 8.5/10 |
| 10bet | 2,000+ games (reports range from 1,200) | Evolution and Pragmatic Play | 8.0/10 |
More games: Baccarat UK, Craps UK, Casino poker games UK and Live game shows UK.
Rankings, strategy and casinos: Best odds casino games, Best live casino games, House edge explained, Blackjack basic strategy and Coral Casino games review.
Go further: Live blackjack UK, Megaways slots UK and How to play blackjack.
House edges and RTPs are standard published figures for common rules, and are long-run averages. Offer terms dated 5 October 2026. How we check. 18+. Free help: 0808 8020 133 or safer gambling.
Frequently asked questions
What is the house edge in blackjack?
Around 0.5%.
What is the best bet in blackjack?
A 3 to 2 table, played with basic strategy.
Is blackjack a game of skill?
Partly: your decisions change the house edge.
Can I use a bonus on blackjack?
Rarely; table and live games usually count little or nothing.