Ultimate Guide to Bitcoin and Crypto Blackjack

Blackjack is a game of skill where each player’s decision matters. Its rules may be easy to learn, but it may take a while to master the game. The main objective is straightforward: you should beat the dealer by getting as close to 21 as possible without exceeding it. 

But let’s start from the beginning. To help you understand how the game works, we’ll introduce you to the betting options blackjack offers.

Main Bet

Also known as an ante, the main bet is a mandatory wager you must make to play the game. Crypto blackjack games support a wide betting range, starting at a mere $0.10 or $0.50 in RNG-operated variants and at $1 in live dealer versions of the game. At exclusive live blackjack tables, minimum bets are set higher, starting at $50.

Double Down

Once you receive the initial two cards, you have two options: Hit or Stand. However, in some cases, you can also use Double Down if you believe that one card can help you beat the dealer’s hand. For instance, if you have a hard 9, 10 or 11 or soft 16, 17 or 18. So, by doubling down, you double your stake and get exactly one card that determines the total value of your hand.

Split

Another reason to raise your main bet is having two cards of the same ranking. You can split them and play two separate hands, each worth the original bet you’ve placed. By doing so, you have twice as many chances to win. The best cards to split are 8s and Aces while splitting 10s is not recommended as they already make up a strong hand.  

Insurance

The most controversial option in blackjack, insurance, becomes available when the dealer’s face-up card is an Ace. Although it may seem to protect your main bet, insurance actually drains your bankroll. So, how does it work? 

To use insurance, you must invest half of your original bet. If the dealer has a blackjack, you win 2:1 on the insurance bet and lose your original bet. Let’s say that your main bet is $1. Then, your insurance bet must be $0.50. 

If the dealer has a blackjack, you will win $1 on insurance and lose $1. But, if there’s no blackjack, you can still lose your original bet and the insurance bet, meaning you’ll have $1.50 less in your bankroll.

Side Bets

Blackjack side bets come in many formats and are available in most games. You can play them optionally to try your luck at winning higher payouts. Some blackjack variants offer side bets that can earn you a progressive blackjack.

You should know that these bets are luck-based and have a higher house edge. Therefore, they are more suitable for players who like to take risks. Read on to learn more about the side bets available in the most popular blackjack variations.

Any blackjack game you can play with Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies is considered crypto blackjack. As such, crypto blackjack does not differ in terms of gameplay from the game you play with fiat currencies. We have checked the best blackjack casinos, and here’s a breakdown of the best game variants you can play with digital currencies.

Multihand Blackjack Pro

As its title indicates, this blackjack variant allows you to play three hands simultaneously. Brought to you by BGaming, Multihand Blackjack Pro is popular because of its low house edge of 0.6%. It uses 6 decks, and a natural pays 3:2. 

Besides the main bet, players can play the Bonus Bet, which pays up to 101x if the first two cards are Jacks of spades. BitStarz is one of the crypto casinos where you can play Multihand Blackjack Pro online.

Blackjack Surrender

This is a variant of a classic blackjack game where you can get half of your bet back if you give up on your hand instead of hitting or standing. The Platipus version of the game lets you play up to 5 hands at the same time and place two side bets – Player’s Pair and 21+3. Insurance is available as well. 

A blackjack pays 3:2, while the maximum payout is 100:1 for a suited three-of-a-kind on the 21+3 bet. The game also uses the 7-card Charlie rule, allowing you to create a 7-card hand without busting and win unless the dealer has a natural.

European Blackjack

This is one of the standard variations of blackjack, played with 6 decks and paying 3:2 for a natural. Many providers offer European Blackjack as a multihand game, with numbers of hands being 3 or 5. 

Some versions let you play side bets, like Player’s Pair and 21+3. With the optimal strategy, this game has a high RTP of 99.58%. 

American Blackjack

Another common blackjack variant at crypto casinos is American Blackjack. Unlike in European Blackjack, where the dealer receives a single card before the player makes their decisions, in American Blackjack, the dealer is immediately dealt two cards, one face-up and the other face-down.

The Betsoft version of the game we have played at Roobet Casino offers no bells and whistles. It’s all about the main bet and basic features, with insurance on the side if you don’t believe you can beat the dealer.

Infinite Blackjack

In crypto casinos, live blackjack is as popular as in standard online casinos. Hence, players can choose from various options from established providers. Evolution blackjack games are naturally among the most played ones, with Infinite Blackjack being one of them. 

Unlike most live blackjack variants with a limited number of seats, Infinite Blackjack accepts an unlimited number of players. At the same time, it has favorable rules and a high RTP of 99.47. The 6-card Charlie rule is in play, and four side bets are available: Any Pair, 21+3, Bust It and Hot 3. The Bust It bet can pay up to 250:1 if the dealer busts with 8 or more cards.

Truth be told, basic payouts in blackjack are not mind-blowing. In the best-case scenario, you can win 3:2 in the main game, provided you create a blackjack, also known as a natural, worth 21. So, you need a 10-point card and an Ace to win that.

If you beat the dealer with a hand closer to 21 without exceeding it, you’ll win 1:1. In this case, you get your original stake back and the same amount on top.

However, these payouts should not discourage you. Blackjack is a game of skill, and, as such, it lets you make decisions that can affect the outcome. If you use the optimal strategy, you’ll benefit from a low house edge, usually below 1%. In other words, the blackjack RTP is high, meaning that you have excellent odds of winning.

On the other hand, we have side bets that may seem attractive at first, offering payouts of up to 250 times the bet. However, if you take a closer look, you’ll understand why these can be detrimental to your bankroll. As mentioned earlier, side bets are luck-based, meaning you can’t do anything to win. Also, they have steep house edges, which clearly indicates they are risky.

Playing casino games with cryptocurrencies has many benefits, starting with fast transactions that incur lower fees. Crypto blackjack is no exception, so here’s a list of other reasons to go for it.

Improved Privacy

Blackjack players who want to keep a low profile should consider joining crypto casinos. Although crypto transactions may not be 100% anonymous, they are usually pseudonymous and, as such, protect your privacy.

Provably Fair Gaming

Some crypto blackjack games are provably fair, meaning you can check whether the rounds you have played have random outcomes. If you have ever been suspicious about the fairness of RNG-operated games, blockchain-based blackjack is a perfect fit for you.

Bonuses and Promotions

Crypto casinos offer various incentives, with some of them being tailored for blackjack enthusiasts. Blackjack bonuses can come in the form of welcome or reload bonuses you can use to play your favorite games longer. You may also participate in tournaments or challenges on selected blackjack variants and win prizes in addition to regular payouts. 

No Boundaries

Crypto blackjack casinos accept players from the four corners of the world. So, if you live in a territory where online gambling is not regulated or online casinos are prohibited, you should consider playing crypto blackjack.

As you know, there are two sides to every coin. This crypto blackjack guide wouldn’t be complete without listing the downsides of this form of entertainment.

• Lack of regulation: Although all crypto blackjack sites we recommend are licensed, the lack of a clear legal framework for crypto gambling and cryptocurrencies in general can pose a risk for players, especially when it comes to customer protection.  
• Volatility of cryptocurrencies: Digital currencies can be extremely volatile, with their prices fluctuating and affecting the real value of your funds.
• Irreversible transactions: Once you complete a crypto transaction, there’s no going back, so make sure to enter valid addresses and amounts.

Still not sure whether BTC blackjack is the right choice for you? Our Casinofinder experts and blackjack enthusiasts are here to help you make the proper decision for you.

We’ve already shared a few tips for successively playing crypto blackjack, like when to double down and split. Here are a few more that can help.

• Always stand on a hard 17: If you have a hard 17 or any total higher than 17, you should stand regardless of the dealer’s face-up card.
• Stand on a 12 if the dealer has a weak card: When the dealer’s face-up card is 4, 5 or 6 and your total is 12, you should stand. The same goes if the dealer has a card worth 2 through 6, and you have a total of 13 to 16. 
• Surrender on a 16: If the dealer has a 9, 10 or Ace and you have a total of 16, surrender when possible. 
• Never use insurance: Insurance is considered one of the worst bets at online casinos, so we warn you once again, please don’t use it.