Online Blackjack Singapore 2023: Best Sites, Basic Rules, and Strategies
Online blackjack in Singapore is perhaps one of the most popular casino games as it is a card game that requires both luck and skill. With different side bets and variants of the game, blackjack is a table game that offers its players much thrill and excitement.
In this guide, we take a look at the best online casinos to play online blackjack in Singapore, the basic rules of the game, and strategies that can help you make that win!
Top Online Casinos for Online Blackjack
Ranking The Top Online Casinos for Online Blackjack
Not all online casinos are equal. While some offer the best roulette or baccarat games, others like those listed above rank top for online blackjack games. When it comes to choosing the best online casinos for online blackjack, here are some of the factors we considered:
Blackjack Variants
There are many different blackjack variants available especially when it comes to online blackjack. When choosing an online casino, it would be worth looking for an operator that offers many different types of blackjack so you do not have to play the same game over and over again. Besides the different types available, be sure to watch out for the betting minimum and maximum so it fits into your gambling budget.
Live Blackjack
Live casino games featuring live dealers offer a more authentic casino experience as they stream in real time from a casino studio. This means that blackjack players will be playing with others at a real blackjack table without having to be physically present. If you are a fan of live blackjack, be sure to choose an operator that offers the game.
Blackjack Promotions
Although most online casinos offer generous welcome bonuses, be sure to read the fine print and choose operators that offer incentives specifically for blackjack games. These are often seen in special blackjack casinos or blackjack sites that mainly offer this game. Other casino bonuses to look out for include first deposit bonus or cash back rebates.
Online Casino Site
As each online casino is different, some sites can be more difficult to navigate. If you are one of those individuals who often have issues using online platforms, it may be worth looking for an operator that has an easy to use website.
Payment Options
Having many different payment options is definitely convenient as you can easily deposit or withdraw funds from your online casino account. When choosing the online casino you want, you should also consider their processing speeds, transaction fees, and limits.
Playing Blackjack: Getting Started
Blackjack is a game of both skill and luck. It is a great game that is relatively easy to learn, making it a good starting point for new players. The basic blackjack rules are to have your hand get as close to 21 points as possible without exceeding it. Each player plays against the banker. Those with a higher hand without exceeding the total of 21 wins.
The game starts with each player including the baker being dealt two cards: one face up card and one face down card . You can then decide if you want to draw extra cards. Once everyone is ready, players reveal their cards. Here are some terms you should know when playing blackjack:
- Hit – Requesting another card to add to your hand
- Stand – Remaining with the cards you currently have
- Double down – Doubling your bet after seeing the cards you have and getting another card
- Split – Splitting your two current cards into two separate hands. This means you will need to double your stake, one stake for each separate hand.
For a regular win, the payout is 1:1. However, when you get a blackjack, you get a payout of 3:2. A blackjack occurs when you get an ace and a card which has a value of 10. Depending on the online casino or blackjack variant you play, there may be different rules about this situation. Each operator will also have exciting side bets for you to try.
To get started playing blackjack online, all that is required is to sign up with an online casino of your choice, deposit some funds, and start betting!
Popular Blackjack Variants
As one of the most popular casino games, there are many blackjack variants available. While the basic rules for blackjack variations are largely the same, each version will have its own twists and unique regulations for the game. Some of the most well-known blackjack games include:
Spanish 21
One of the most popular blackjack variants, Spanish 21 is played with 48 cards instead of 52. This is due to the 4 of the 10 cards being removed, bringing the house edge to 2%. To compensate for this, players always win if they acquire a 21 as opposed to a tie when the dealer also acquires 21 points. This version of blackjack is also known as Pontoon in some parts of the world but with some notable exceptions.
| Traditional Blackjack | Spanish 21 | |
|---|---|---|
| Blackjack Payout | 3:2 or 6:5 | 3:2 |
| Player Blackjack | Pushes if dealer blackjacks | Player always wins |
| Player 21 | Pushes if dealer has 21 | Player always wins |
| Doubling Down | Only after initial two cards | Anytime |
| Bonus | N/A | Bonus for 5, 6, or 7 card hands |
Blackjack Switch
As the name suggests, Blackjack Switch is a variant that allows players to switch cards between two hands. Offered both in land-based and online casinos, the game is played with two hands and two equal bets per round. The switching option gives players a big advantage as it allows them to convert at least one hand into a much better hand.
However, there is a catch. To compensate for the player’s switching ability, all players’ hands push if the dealer’s hand is 22. Another would be that blackjacks pay even money. While some casinos offer even money after a switched blackjack, others will not pay until the dealer completes their hand.
Free Bet Blackjack
Invented by Geoff Hall, Free Bet Blackjack is a variant where the dealer pays to match your double downs and pair splits. Played with a different number of decks, In this variant, players get to make free doubles and free splits. If the dealer wins, the player loses their original bet while in a tie, the player gets their bet back.
In the event the player wins, the player is paid for the original wager and an amount equal to it. Since this gives the player a 6% advantage, there is a push 22 rule where a dealer’s bust hand of 22 will push or tie with the player.
Super Fun 21
Usually a single deck blackjack game, Super Fun 21 is a variant that allows doubling, surrender, pair splitting, and resplits. Other benefits to the player include player blackjack beats dealer, player hand that totals 21 with 5 or more cards pay 2:1, and more.
Despite the many advantages, the casino neutralizes them by ensuring that player blackjacks are paid even money. This results in about a 1% house edge against a basic strategy, making it one of the best online blackjack variants to play.
Stadium Blackjack
One of the newer ways to play blackjack consists of up to 44 player terminals, each player bets on their own terminal and the results are determined by a live dealer using community cards. What makes this variant unique is that all active players start with the same starting hand.
Due to the community card being distributed, players could have a different final hand at the end of the round. For a player blackjack, some pay 6:5 while others pay 3:2. The betting limits are also usually lower compared to traditional blackjack games.
Online Blackjack vs Live Blackjack
Many players ask about the differences between online blackjack and live blackjack. To keep it simple, live blackjack is a type of online blackjack. Here are the similarities and differences of both:
Accessibility
When people talk about online blackjack, they are often implying electronic versions of blackjack. Both online blackjack and live blackjack games are available online, easily accessed via any mobile device. With electronic versions, you may be able to play free blackjack games while most, if not all live blackjack games require monetary commitment.
Dealers
Since online blackjack are electronic versions of the game, there is no dealer. Instead, the outcome of the game is based on a random number generator (RNG). Meanwhile, live dealer blackjack games feature a human dealer who functions just like any dealer at a land-based casino.
Atmosphere
Online blackjack games being electronic, do not offer much of an authentic casino atmosphere. This is in contrast with live blackjack games which feature human dealers that stream in real time from a casino studio, offering the most authentic casino experience.
Focus
Electronic versions of blackjack often require less focus. Meanwhile, live table games such as live blackjack opens the potential for players to become distracted as it is a game where a degree of skill is required.
Choices
As blackjack becomes more popular, game developers are creating many more different variants of blackjack games. Not all of these games do well in live blackjack. This means that there are often more different blackjack games available in electronic blackjack instead of live games.
Online Blackjack Strategies and Tips
Since blackjack is a game of both skill and chance, there are some strategies players can use to gain an edge over the casino. Some of the best blackjack strategies include:
Blackjack Cheat Sheet
Beginners or even experienced bettors will benefit from using a blackjack cheat sheet as it shows you the best steps to take in different situations. These strategy charts are easily available online and allows you to make a decision based on the current card total. Since you are playing online, having a cheat sheet to refer to at all times would be a great advantage.
Card Counting
You may have seen card counting used in movies or TV shows. If you can count cards, it would be a great advantage. In fact, it has even been banned in land-based casinos. However, since many online casinos use up to eight decks of cards for blackjack games, card counting may prove to be too challenging.
Betting Systems
Betting systems like the Martingale system or D’Alembert system help players to make a logical choice when wagering. This basic blackjack strategy is used to determine how much players should stake in the next round depending on the current round’s outcome.
Split Strategy
In this blackjack strategy, players follow the 1-3-2-6 sequence when wagering. This means that you are betting the relevant amount based on the sequence recommended. The size of the bet increases only if you win.
Conclusion
There are many great options if you want to play online blackjack in Singapore. Be sure to choose a reputable and legitimate provider as it guarantees your safety as a player and ensures that you have the best gameplay. Remember to pace your bankroll and gamble only what you can afford to lose.
FAQs
Can you play blackjack online for real money?
Yes, most if not all live blackjack games are real money blackjack games. There are also many online blackjack games where you can wager your funds to win real money. Note that free online blackjack games does not pay real money when you win.
Is online blackjack trustworthy?
It depends on the online casino you choose to play with. By choosing a legitimate and licensed operator, your online blackjack games are trustworthy as their games are regulated by third party companies that check if they are fair and honest for the players.
Is online blackjack legal?
Online blackjack games are legal through licensed operators. However, Singapore’s recent updated regulation has deemed that all online gambling activities are not legal, leading to the authorities blocking off illegal websites, payments, and advertisements. Many players have since turned to using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for many of their games.
