This chapter will teach players how to play blackjack at online casinos. Then, we will work through various elements of playing online blackjack, including getting started, the rules of blackjack, assessing different types of blackjack games, and the value of online casino promotional offers. Finally, we'll discuss how live blackjack games work and explore the history of online gambling in greater detail.

Where it all Began: The History of Online Gambling

The world's first online gambling platform went live in 1995. Initially, it was an online poker platform, and since then, the industry has expanded at a frenzied pace. Today, you can find online casinos offering various games, including bingo, keno, scratch cards, lottery games, sports betting, baccarat, roulette, slots, and blackjack.

In the United States, there has been significant discussion about the legality of online gambling. The 1971 Wire Act designated all interstate wagers over the telephone illegal. Given that online gambling was nowhere on the radar in the 1970s, there was no specific mention of online gambling in the 1971 Wire Act. Fast forward to 2006. Congress passed the UIGEA (Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act) into law. There is a widespread misconception about what UIGEA is all about; it doesn't prohibit online gambling. The UIGEA makes it illegal for financial institutions, banks, online payment institutions, and credit card providers to transfer funds between people in the US and online gambling sites. By cutting off the money supply, gambling activity cannot take place. Owing to the UIGEA, many foreign-based gambling sites stopped accepting US players. In recent years, a growing chorus of states across the US has implemented legislation to permit online gambling for players in the state. These include the following:

* Delaware – 2012
* New Jersey – 2013
* Nevada – 2013 (only poker)

In the Garden State (New Jersey), Visa and MasterCard approve online gambling transactions. The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (NJDGE) states that 'Internet gambling has proven reliable and transparent thanks to technology that keeps most outsiders from gambling illegally.' Several other US states are considering similar legislation to permit in-state online gambling activity. To date, many US states now offer some other form of Internet gambling for legal-age players (21+). These include New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Nevada, Michigan, and many others.

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES

How Safe Are Online Blackjack Games?

Since most blackjack sites are listed offshore with little or no oversight, are they above board? Can players trust them? When online gambling kicked off in the 1990s, there was substantial hacking, cheating, and misconduct with poker sites. It usually took place in the form of cooperation between players. This cheating was directed against other players or the poker room in question.

Sometimes, players use cheating software. Hacking into an online poker room involved:

* Accessing valuable information stored on the servers – player names.
* Addresses.
* Banking information.
* Playing information, etcetera.

These days, the world's premier online gambling sites utilize sophisticated encryption protocols, specialized protection software, and outside auditors to ensure the safety and fairness of game outcomes.

How Do Online Gambling Sites Work?

Most online gambling sites use third-party software to provide their games and platforms. The industry-leading gaming software providers include Evolution Gaming, Microgaming, Playtech, NetEnt, Cryptologic, Aristocrat, Play'N GO, Skillzzgaming, Authentic Gaming, and others. Feel free to run a quick Google search for reviews of software companies, including ratings and player feedback.

Tips for Getting Started with Online Gambling

First things first, a computer and reliable Internet access are needed for any online gambling. Next, register an account with a reputable online casino. Account registration typically includes completing an application form and inputting personal information. Next, deposit funds into your account using the available payment actions. Always read pertinent information related to the site, including a thorough revision of your money transfer options. Take note of minimum deposit amount, welcome bonuses, promotional offers, playthrough requirements, et cetera.

The minimum deposit amount at many online gambling sites is relatively low to keep it affordable for all players. Equally important are withdrawals. Learn how to withdraw funds from your account and how long it will take to process those withdrawals. Sometimes, it may be necessary to download online gambling software, particularly in the US, where geolocation software is required to validate your physical address. Details of software downloads are available on site. Today, most online gambling sites permit browser-based gaming using HTML 5 functionality. Create a secure username/password combination to access your account.

Types of Online Blackjack Games

The software providers present players with a digital rendering of a blackjack table – this is a computer-generated image of a blackjack table with playing cards, chips, and actions. There are multiple variants of blackjack games, including single deck blackjack & multi-deck blackjack. Players can enjoy popular titles like Classic Blackjack, Vegas Strip Blackjack, Atlantic City Blackjack, Pontoon, Blackjack Switch, and scores of others. Each game is played according to a unique set of rules.

Overall, the objective of blackjack is clear: Beat the dealer's hand total without exceeding 21. As a player, you should always familiarise yourself with the rules for each specific blackjack game. When using a basic blackjack strategy, it's also worth knowing the house edge. Bet placement is easy – use your mouse to click on your preferred chip size. With your bet highlighted, click the deal button. Once the cards are dealt, you have various playing options. These include Hit, Stand, Split, Double, or Insurance.

Tip #1 - Blackjack rules vary from website to website. I recommend that you note the rules of play, then use the House Edge calculator on-site posted on the Wizard of Odds Blackjack page. Enter the number of decks in play, enter the blackjack rules being used, and determine the house edge. (Please read Chapter 1.5 for insights into reducing the house edge in Blackjack games.)

Tip #2 – Always use the appropriate playing strategy when playing blackjack online. When playing six-deck blackjack games with S17, Das, and Surrender, it's essential to use the proper blackjack strategy for those rules. Check out chapter 3 of the blackjack playing rules for more details on blackjack strategy charts.

Can You Count Cards with Online Blackjack?

To cut a long story short, no. The rationale behind this is that after every hand dealt in blackjack, most blackjack sites automatically shuffle the cards—this automatic shuffling invalidates all card counting attempts. But from time to time, you may come across an online casino that offers multi-deck blackjack and a cut card. The issue is as follows: most blackjack sites deal half of the cards before reshuffling them. Therefore, it's important to carefully read the rules of play and on-site instructions regarding when cards will be reshuffled.

If the online blackjack casino reshuffles cards after half of the cards have been dealt, card counting comes into play. It's a rarity that a blackjack casino will deal more than half of the cards. A 50% cut gives players a slight edge with card counting. Provided the playing rules are fair, you can gain an advantage this way. For further information on deck penetration – how many cards to the dealer is dealt – and how it affects your edge, please refer to chapter 10.10.

Tip #3 – Use composition-dependent basic blackjack playing strategy

I've discussed composition-dependent playing strategy in my book in chapter 5.1. This is a unique playing strategy based on the composition of cards in your hand, not just the total value of the cards in your hand. Refer to the Wizard of Odds blackjack page appendage for a detailed discussion of composition-based, colour-coded blackjack playing strategy. You can whittle down the house edge by using the strategy table. Be advised that this particular strategy table (composition-dependent strategy) is complex and differs considerably from the total-hand dependent blackjack strategy table you're probably used to using. Whenever you play blackjack games online, there is always sufficient time to assess the strategy table to evaluate the best method of play for the composition of cards you're holding.

How to Play Live Blackjack Games

Players tend to enjoy an authentic casino experience. That's why live blackjack games are so popular. These are played with real dealers, in real-time, via uninterrupted Internet feeds. Sophisticated technology ensures that players can go head-to-head against dealers in real-time. The cards are shuffled and dealt just as they would be in a bricks-and-mortar casino. First, the dealer waits for players to place bets. Then, the cards are dealt face-up on the table. An interactive user interface displays bet sizes and cards dealt. Players make betting decisions based on their pocket cards and the dealer's up card.

Live blackjack games mimic bricks-and-mortar blackjack games in every way. The software for these live casino games are provided by fully licensed software companies such as NetEnt Live, Evolution Live Casino, or Authentic Live Casino games. The casino games stream via an uninterrupted feed directly to players' screens. At 888casino Canada, you can choose from a wide array of blackjack games, courtesy of Evolution Gaming's live blackjack games selection. The games stream directly from the studio; no download is needed.

Native language dealers (English and French for Canadians) stand by to deal you in, pay your winnings, and explain the rules. Live blackjack streams to your PC, Mac, or mobile screen from the studio. You can download and install the mobile app from the Google Play Store for Android or the App Store for iPhone and iPad devices. Players don't need to wait for open positions at the table – it's easy to simply join a game and play real money blackjack in real-time. However, it's important to have a thorough grasp of blackjack rules, betting strategy, house edge, bonuses and promotional offers, and deck penetration before getting started with real money gaming.

Quick Summary

If you want to play blackjack online (including live blackjack games), you should do the following:

* Only play blackjack at a reputable online casino. Conduct the necessary research to ensure credibility.
* Your chosen blackjack site should be fully licensed and audited by third-party companies, preferably by a blackjack authority.
* Always do some research to ensure that you know who owns the online gambling site, and find out as much as you can about the owners.
* Make sure to understand how funds can be deposited and withdrawn.
* It's a good idea to minimize costs by checking for transfer fees from the online gambling site for deposits and withdrawals.
* Verify that there is 24/7 customer support via toll-free telephone. Call the number before signing up. If they are unresponsive or too busy to respond to you, don't register.
* Be sure to scan the new player welcome bonuses. Then read the T&C of these offers. Ask support when the bonus funds will be transferred to your account.
* Always get maximum leverage from the Player Rewards Program.
* Be sure you understand the playing rules and house edge of each blackjack game before you get started.
* Play with basic blackjack strategy at all times. You can reduce the house edge to a minimum using a composition-dependent blackjack strategy.
* If the gambling site offers multi-deck games of blackjack, then try to find out when the cards are shuffled (50% deck penetration or more), as this will tell you if card counting is possible.
* Be sure you understand the procedure for complaints and problem resolution.

Remember This

* You can play blackjack in demo mode (for free) or for real money at online casinos.
* There are many advantages to playing online blackjack, notably comfort, convenience, and cost-effectiveness. The rules are better suited to players, and the welcome bonuses of plenty generous.
* The biggest disadvantage of playing online blackjack is the lengthy cashout process. The absence of a local agency can hinder dispute resolution and fair games.
* Always conduct the necessary research before you register an online casino. Make sure that it is fully licensed, regulated, and audited by reputable third-party authorities.
* Your chosen online casino should have 24-hour customer support (toll-free) with professional customer service representatives. Support is available to you via email, live chat, telephone, and an online contact form.
* Check the variety of deposit options currently available to you.
* Check the variety of withdrawal options currently available to you. Be sure you understand how long each method will take to process.
* Always compare different online casino bonuses and promotional offers. Equally important are the terms and conditions associated with these welcome bonuses.
* Familiarise yourself with the house edge and the playing rules for each specific blackjack variant.
* Use the basic blackjack strategy when you play blackjack online. The composition-based basic blackjack strategy reduces the house edge to a minimal amount.
* The majority of online gambling sites shuffle their blackjack decks after each hand has been played. This makes it virtually impossible to count cards. Certain online casinos use 6 and 8 decks of cards and a cut card. You should always determine the deck penetration and whether it's in your interest to count cards.
* Live dealer blackjack games mimic bricks and mortar blackjack as closely as possible.

Written by Henry Tamburin Ph.D.