How fair is blackjack as a game?

Despite its popularity, there are still people that ask; how fair is blackjack? Especially when played online. That’s what we’re going to explore in this article. 

Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games around the world. Whether you’re playing at a land-based or online casino, you can be sure of finding an array of blackjack games to enjoy. Part of what makes this game so popular is the fact that its odds are far more favorable than you’ll find with games such as roulette and slots. 

There’s no denying that slots are hugely popular too, but blackjack is a little different. That’s because it’s a game that requires skill. Slots are all about luck, but with blackjack, you can take actions that influence the outcome of the game.

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How fair is blackjack?

How fair is blackjack? – Considering the house edge in blackjack

When looking at the house edge, what this refers to is the statistical advantage that the casino has over the players. When you’re playing a game of blackjack, the dealer is there to represent the house, so the house edge refers to how likely it is that the dealer will beat you. The dealer gains some advantage as they are the last ones to make their move. They have seen what every player has done and so they know whether they can get away with being cautious, or if they need to play a little more aggressively.

Don’t let this advantage put you off though. Blackjack has one of the lowest house edges when compared to all other casino games. Generally, depending on the variant that you’re playing, it will sit at around 0.5%. Players can influence the house edge with how they play. They can get this down to 0 or, by making the wrong moves raise it all the way up to 2.

How fair is blackjack? – Considering the odds of winning at blackjack

When looking at how fair blackjack is, this is a game that has some of the best odds of winning out of all other casino games. When you take your place at the table, the chances of you winning are, on average, 42.22%. The chances of losing are a little higher, at 49.10%, and there’s an 8.48 chance of a tie. Of course, these averages are based on many thousands of hands of blackjack. When looking at the odds for each individual hand, things can get a little unpredictable.

Playing long-term helps to boost your chances of winning. It allows the chance to implement strategies and mix things up a little. This helps to even the odds out and to make the game that much more rewarding.

Do I need to worry about online blackjack being rigged?

This is a common question, and the answer is a reassuring no. Whether you’re playing online RNG blackjack, or at a live dealer site, you can be confident that the game isn’t rigged. Playing online is probably safer than playing at a land-based casino down to the fact that online casinos are so heavily regulated. Rigging a game of blackjack would cost an operator its license and see it going out of business.

There are some versions of blackjack that come across harder to win than others, and this can lead to people suspecting that they’re rigged. The truth is, there are just different rules that come into play, but everything is still above board.

Is there a strategy that I can use to win at blackjack more often?

By tapping into a solid blackjack strategy, you can increase your winning ways. The good news is that there’s something known as basic strategy that allows you to do just that. This strategy provides players with a set of rules to follow that tell them what action they should take in any given scenario.

This strategy is based on math and probability. When you follow it to the letter, you have the ability to lower the house edge and increase your chances of winning. The important thing is not to deviate based on a hunch. Yes, you may get lucky on occasion, but basic strategy is about the long-term game and, over time, you’ll find your winning frequency increase.

Do dealers try and fix blackjack?

Players may worry that dealers act in ways that skew the game against them. While you can never 100% say that there will never be a rouge dealer, the reality is that this is highly unlikely. Why? Well, the dealer just gets paid to do their job. They don’t get bonuses the more times that the house wins, so they really have no incentive to cheat.

A dealer will simply deal the cards as they come. They enter the game knowing that they already have the edge over the players.

Side bets are best avoided 

If you’re seeking a fair game of blackjack, steer clear of side bets. These aren’t fixed and there’s no cheating involved, it’s just that the odds are stacked heavily against you. Yes, these side bets add a degree of entertainment, and yes there are winners, but statistically, they’re bad news.

By avoiding these distractions, you can protect your bankroll and focus on the main game. This is where you have winning chances, not with the side bets.

How fair is blackjack? – Final thoughts

Many players have questioned the fairness of casino games, and it’s no different with blackjack. The good news is that this game is completely fair and offers great odds of winning. Unlike other games, blackjack even gives you the opportunity to tip the odds more in your favor. It takes work to get this right, but it’s certainly worth the effort.

The big takeaway here is that you can play blackjack in confidence, knowing that it’s not rigged. Casinos and dealers simply have no incentive to do this. They make their money from people playing. If it turns out that anything sinister is taking place, or even if there are suspicions, players would quickly turn away, finding another casino to play at. 

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