Blackjack FAQ: Answers to Online Blackjack Questions

Online blackjack is not only a fun game for gamblers of all types, but it also offers some of the best odds in the casino, making it a favorite among smart players around the world. Of course, there are a lot of unique questions and issues associated with online gambling. If you're unsure about some aspect of online blackjack, the questions below are likely to provide most of the answers you've been looking for!

How do I Install the Software?

Installing online casino software is as simple as visiting the casino site of your choice. At many casinos, there are now two or three different ways to access the casino and begin playing online blackjack. Which one you choose depends on what is most convenient for you.

The traditional installation method is to download casino software and install it on your computer. This is as simple as clicking the download button and then running the file after it is downloaded. At the casino website, you may also see a link for an "instant play" casino that can be accessed directly in your web browser. This version of the software allows you to access blackjack and other games without any downloads required, making it perfect for when you're on the go, or if you simply don't want casino software on your computer.

Finally, you may also be able to play blackjack from the convenience of your mobile device. Many online casinos now offer a mobile version that can be accessed from most mobile phones and tablet devices. While the game selection in these mobile casinos is limited, blackjack is almost always included among the games available.

Do I Have to Play for Real Money?

At just about any online casino, you'll have the option of playing for either real money or play money. This means that you're welcome to play without risking any real money for as long as you like. This can be a great way to test out various blackjack games without committing any of your money before you're sure what games you'd like to play.

What Kind of Blackjack Variants Can I Play?

There are two different classes of blackjack variants available to players. First, there are the games that are still considered proper blackjack, but have slightly different rules. For instance, you may see difference in the number of decks in the shoe, whether a game offers early or late surrender, or if players are allowed to double down on all hands or just on 9, 10 and 11.

There are also games that are different from traditional blackjack, but have some of the same basic structure. For instance, games like Super Fun 21, Double Exposure, and Blackjack Switch all use some of the elements of blackjack, but have a number of changes to basic gameplay that make strategy for them entirely different than traditional blackjack.

How do the Major Blackjack Variants Differ?

The payouts, rules, and strategies for all major blackjack variants can differ greatly. In Spanish 21, for instance, there are several new rules in the player's favor (such as the ability to surrender after doubling down, players always winning on 21, and several special hands paying out at higher than normal odds) in exchange for the fact that the tens are taken out of the deck, which helps the dealer.

Meanwhile, Super Fun 21 gives players a number of ways to win, like the ability to double after any number of cards and winning instantly if a player makes a hand of six cards or more. However, blackjacks only pay even money, which is a major concession.

Another major blackjack variant is Blackjack Switch, in which the player is dealt two hands and has the option to swap card between the two hands in order to improve both. However, blackjacks once again pay only even money, and a dealer 22 actually pushes against any player hand except for a blackjack.

How Old Do I have to be to Play Online Blackjack?

The precise answer to this question will depend both on the laws of your country and the rules of casino you want to play in. However, most of the time a good rule of thumb is that you'll need to be 18 years old in order to participate in online gambling, including online blackjack. Some countries instead set the legal gambling age at 21, including many states in the USA. Most nations fit somewhere in the 18-21 range, though there are exceptions. As always, you'll want to check with your local laws to be sure about when you are legally allowed to participate in internet gambling.

What Deposit Options Can I Use?

There are dozens of unique deposit options that can be used to play online gambling. These can roughly be divided into a few main categories, such as credit cards and debit cards, which are among the most popular options for most players. Another popular choice is the direct bank transfer, which sees money go directly from your bank account to the online casino of your choice.

If you'll be playing at a number of different online gambling sites, you may want to get an account at an e-wallet site. These sites, like Neteller, Skrill, and (at some casinos) PayPal make it easy to manage your money, moving balances from site to site or depositing and withdrawing whenever you like.

Are There Bonuses for Blackjack Players?

Yes, there are bonuses for blackjack players at most online casinos – though they may not be the same bonuses available to slots players. Since blackjack has a lower house edge than most online gambling games, casino sites are a little stingier about the bonuses they're willing to give out to their blackjack players.

That means that you'll want to look for special blackjack bonuses when you sign up for a new casino site. These bonuses will allow you to play blackjack to clear a bonus, as opposed to other bonuses that may not allow you to play blackjack. If you're unsure what bonus is right or you, be sure to check the terms and conditions of the casino's main bonus: blackjack may be allowed with that bonus, even if it won't clear the bonus as quickly as some other games would.

Is it Legal to Play Online Blackjack?

In almost all cases, the answer to this question is yes. There are very few jurisdictions where there are laws against players participating in internet gambling, including online blackjack. Even in places where people often refer to online gambling as being "illegal," those laws generally are targeted at companies providing the online gambling – not the players participating in the games. As always, we recommend checking with your local laws if you are unsure about the status of online gambling in your country.

Do I have to Pay Taxes on my Blackjack Winnings?

The answer to this question will vary from nation to nation, but in most cases, the answer is likely no. In many countries, like Australia and the UK, no gambling winnings are taxable; in countries like Canada, only winnings of professional gamblers are taxable, and blackjack players are unlikely to meet this standard.

However, it's important to know your local tax laws, as some nations (such as the United States and some European countries) will expect you to report all gambling winnings as taxable income. In some European nations, the location of the casino site is important, too – if it is located in the European Economic Area, your winnings may be exempt from taxation.

Can I Play Blackjack with a Live Dealer?

One of the latest innovations in online gambling is the introduction of live dealer games – online casino games that feature a live video stream with a real human dealer dealing physical cards. Blackjack is one of the most popular of all live dealer games, and is offered by many online casinos in a live dealer format.

Live dealer blackjack helps bring some of the social elements back to online blackjack, as well as the look and feel that can only come with a real table and cards. The only downside to these games is that you'll need to play for real money – most casinos don't offer a player money version of their live dealer games, probably because they are more expensive for the online casinos to operate.