Most popular Blackjack variants
Blackjack is perhaps one of the most popular casino games you’ll find in Ontario online casinos. Our team compiled the following list of the most popular blackjack variants in order for you to get a good idea of what to expect when searching for blackjack games online.
1. American (Classic) Blackjack
American Blackjack, also known as Classic Blackjack, is the game you’ll find at almost every Ontario online casino. In the game, the blackjack dealer gets two cards, one of which is face-up, the other face-down.
If the card that is facing up turns out to be an ace, the dealer looks at the down card, and if that is what’s called a picture card or a ten, the game’s over.
2. European Blackjack
European Blackjack is another fan favourite in Ontario online casinos. Each European blackjack game has between 2 and 8 cards, excluding the Joker card. To win the game, players must get a hand that values up to 21 or close. The closer you are to 21, the better!
3. Vegas Strip Blackjack
Vegas Strip Blackjack is considered to have more non-restrictive rules when it comes to splitting, doubling and side bets. As the name suggests, it originates from Las Vegas. You need four standard decks to play. The main objective is to get a better hand than the dealer’s.
4. Progressive Blackjack
Progressive Blackjack is played by using 4 decks of cards, and you need to place a bet that will lead you to getting two cards that can combine with those of the dealer. This is so the player can get the jackpot payout, if the cards combine.
5. Atlantic City Blackjack
When you think of Atlantic City Blackjack, you think of low house edge. Just like almost every other blackjack variant, the objective of Atlantic City Blackjack is to get to 21 and not exceed it.
6. Multi-Hand Blackjack
Multi-Hand Blackjack is a variation of classic blackjack with one difference. You can play more than one hand at the same time during the same game.
7. Double Exposure Blackjack
In Double Exposure Blackjack, the dealer actually gets both cards facing up. This gives the advantage to the player. To balance this out, the player loses their bet if their hand matches with that of the dealer.
8. Single Deck Blackjack
If you’ve played Multi-Hand Blackjack, you can rest assured that Single Deck Blackjack rules are the same. Players get two cards, the dealer gets one facing up, and another one facing down. Then, each player has to choose between getting more cards or not, in order to hit 21 and not exceed it.
9. Blackjack Switch
If you want to change things up, Blackjack Switch is definitely the way to go. In this variant, players can trade cards between two hands. Two equal bets must be made, and the second card dealt to each hand, can be switched.
10. Super Fun 21
Super Fun 21 is played using 52 cards and as the name suggests, it’s pretty fun thanks to its easy going gameplay. In this variant, you win if you get 20 with an extra 6 cards, and players get a 2:1 payout if they get a 21 with an extra 5 cards.
11. Pontoon
In Pontoon, the objective is the same as most other variants, get close or to 21 without exceeding it. Players choose someone to be the banker, and the banker is the only player not allowed to see their card.
12. Perfect Pairs Blackjack
Perfect Pairs Blackjack gives players the opportunity to place an extra bet in case the first two cards that were dealt are a pair. This type of bet can only be made if the blackjack table, is a perfect pairs blackjack table!
13. Spanish 21
In Spanish 21, the game is played using 6 or 8 decks and are dealt two cards. The 10 cards are all removed from the decks. Just like other variants, players play until they reach or get close to 21.
Which Blackjack Variation should you choose?
With all of these blackjack variants available at Ontario online casinos, it’s no wonder that it’s so hard to choose. Well, that’s fine because we’re here to help you out. There are different aspects that you need to factor in when picking an Ontario blackjack variant.
You need to think about the rules, odds, bets, payouts, strategy, house edge, and whether you actually like the game.
Blackjack variants with the lowest house edge
When playing any online casino game at an Ontario online casino, make sure you know about the house edge. The lower it is, the better it is for you and your gaming experience.
So, here are the blackjack variants with the lowest house edge!
| Variant | House edge |
|---|---|
| European | 0.40% |
| Spanish 21 | 0.40% |
| Vegas Strip | 0.36% |
| Atlantic City | 0.35% |
| Double Exposure | 0.67% |
| Single Deck | 0.5% |
| Multi-Hand | 0.38% |
| Pontoon | 0.38% |
There you have it, the blackjack variants with the lowest house edge.
Blackjack variations that payout the most
Next up, is knowing which variants of blackjack payout the most. In first place, we have Spanish 21. This is because all the 10s are removed from the decks, which automatically raised the house edge. With the higher house edge, the game will make up for this with more liberal rules, which gives players the advantage!
In second place, we got Blackjack Switch. This is an obvious one thanks to the rule where you can switch cards with another player. This variant allows you to switch cards between two hands!
The best variants to try when you’re new to casino
If you’re a new player in Ontario, and you’re interested in trying out blackjack, it’s best to know which blackjack variants are the best to start off with at an Ontario online casino.
Try out Single Deck Blackjack and Super Fun 21!
Single Deck Blackjack – this game allows you to play using only one card at a time, so there’s no confusion. It would be ideal to start off with, so you can just focus on one card and on using the blackjack strategy you might have learned.
Super Fun 21 – this game doesn’t require a lot of strategy and the game play is super straightforward and basic. Keep in mind that this variant doesn’t have the best odds, but it’s still ideal for new players.
Types of Blackjack to play if you’re a pro
Honestly, if you’re a pro, you don’t need our team to tell you which blackjack variant to play. As a pro, you can choose whichever blackjack variants that intrigues you the most and start playing.
To become a pro, you must have logged in a lot of hours playing, so you know how the games go. Being experienced also means that you probably like switching from one game to another, so as to not get bored.
Refer back to the list at the top of the page to see what to play next!
Blackjack variations you should avoid
Ok so, just like anything else in this world, you’ll find fakes or dupes. You need to make sure you’re playing the real thing at your Ontario online casino. You may be asking yourself, “How do I know if it’s the real thing?”. Well, first off, make sure you’re playing at a legal and regulated Ontario online casino.
If not, you’re risking playing a game that is classified as illegitimate, meaning it hasn’t been audited by a third-party agency and the AGCO and/or IGO.
Any legal and regulated game must be found at an Ontario online casino with the seal of approval from the AGCO and/or IGO.
All the Variants in one place
This Blackjack Variants guide is here for you to use at any point while playing a blackjack variant online, or if you simply just want to learn more.
You have everything you need to know in one place including, types of variants, top tips and more! If you want to find out more about blackjack, make sure you read our other game guides to sharpen your blackjack knowledge.
One last reminder! Always play responsibly. Read our Responsible Gambling guide to learn more about how to play responsibly.
Frequently Asked Questions
