What are the Highest Value Online Blackjack Iterations

Posted by Harry Kane on Tuesday, July 27, 2021

While table games only account for approximately 15% of the total iGaming GGY in the UK (slots currently account for more than two-thirds of this revenue), there’s no doubt that titles such as blackjack remains incredibly popular amongst UK players.

In fact, this game has enjoyed something of a resurgence in the digital age, thanks largely to its underlying element of skill and the sheer number of iterations that are now available online.

Here, we’ll discuss the highest value blackjack variations, while asking what makes them so popular in the marketplace.

1. Bonus Blackjack by 1×2 Gaming

Interestingly, there are actually several variations of ‘Bonus Blackjack’, with the version powered by 1×2 Gaming one the most appealing.

The reason for this is simple; as it boasts one of the lowest house edges you will come across when browsing virtual blackjack games, with this coming in at just 0.18%. Incredibly, this translates into an average return-to-player (RTP) rate of 99.82%, which means that you can expect to recoup more than £0.99 for every £1 wagered through the game.

From a visual perspective, this game also boasts a classy and stylish design, with the contributing to a superior online casino experience that helps to propel blackjack in the digital age.

The 1×2 Gaming iterations utilises six decks in total, the rules dictate that the dealer has to stand on a soft 17 (this affords players a critical advantage against the dealer). Not only this, but it’s also possible to double down on any two cards and after a split, making it possible to increase your initial bet where applicable and potentially boost your chances of winning.

While there’s no surrender rule in play here, the dealer peeks for a natural during this version of the game, creating the potential to minimise losses for all players involved.

The payout for a blackjack is the standard 3-to-2, which sits well with the incredibly low house edge and the overall quality of gameplay on offer when playing Bonus Blackjack.

2. Single Deck Blackjack by Cryptologic

Most online blackjack iterations feature multiple decks, and while this adds depth to the overall gameplay it gradually diminishes your chances of winning and causes the house edge to rise incrementally.

This at least partially explains why ‘Single Deck Blackjack’ is such a high-value and popular game, as it utilises just one deck of cards and optimises your chances of winning with every hand that you’re drawn.

This also amplifies the element of skill and strategy that can be deployed when playing blackjack, particularly if you’re an experienced practitioner and retain a strong numerical ability.

Of course, some single deck blackjack iterations are known to compensate for a reduce house edge by introducing additional rules that are in favour of the dealer. This is why the Single Deck iteration by Cryptologic is established as one of the best options in the market, as it retains a low and competitive house edge of 0.21% alongside a raft of player-friendly rules.

For example, the dealer is compelled to hit on a soft 17, while there’s a dealer peak for a natural and you can double down on any total of two cards during gameplay.

However, the rules don’t allow players to double after a split, while you can only make use of a single split of a pair. Aces cannot be resplit, either, while no provision has been made for the popular surrender rule.

Despite this, the fundamental nature of this Single Deck Blackjack iteration and its core rule combine to create an incredibly popular game, and one that can deliver optimised returns to players over an extended period of time.

3. Atlantic City Blackjack by Microgaming

Next on our list is Atlantic City Blackjack, which is a popular Microgaming title that has been popularised by brick-and-mortar casinos throughout New Jersey.

Like 1×2 Bonus Blackjack games, this iteration boasts an elegant and visually impressive design, which has been specifically developed to make you feel as though you’re betting in an Atlantic City Casino.

This instantly transcends the typical iGaming experience, by bridging the gap between corporeal gambling and the fast-growing, digital alternative.

This game’s rules are also considered to be genuinely user-friendly, with the dealer forced to stand on a soft 17 and a mandatory peek for a blackjack (which can improve your chance of winning and minimise losses respectively).

You can also double on any total, including a total of more than two cards if the hand allows. Not only this, but doubling down after a split is also allowed (you can split up to three times in total), creating a scenario where you can boost your returns considerably.

There’s also a surrender option, so while you cannot resplit aces at any point during your hand, this blackjack iteration is highly rewarding and particularly appealing to novice players. This is augmented by a house edge of 0.35%, creating an average RTP rate of 99.65%.

4. Blackjack Surrender by Playtech

Blackjack Surrender may well be the most popular online iteration in the modern age, with this made available by a number of software providers.

However, the best version has been conceived and designed by Playtech, which also boasts a house edge of 0.35% and a competitive RTP rate over time.

Playtech have also taken care to deliver an elegant and classy gaming experience, which once again looks to replicate what you would expect in a high-end, brick-and-mortar gambling establishment.

As for the rules in play, these tend to be favourable to individual players rather than the dealer. For example, the dealer is required to stand on a soft 17, while they’ll have to peek for a blackjack when holding an Ace of a ten-valued card. You can also double on any two cards, so there’s plenty to get behind as either a novice or a seasoned player.

These rules also more than compensate for the fundamental nature of Blackjack Surrender, which features six decks and prevents you from resplitting aces. It’s this balance of features that contributes to a low house edge, which further capitalises on blackjack’s status as a player-friendly game.

You’ll also benefit from an optimal blackjack payout of 3-to-2, while the utilisation of the surrender rule (as the name suggests) helps you to minimise potential losses when dealing with difficult hands.