When you’re looking for an exciting tables game, need a virtual shot of fun, or want to go 1:1 against a live dealer, you’re in luck. With online Blackjack, you can be King or Queen of your own table anytime, playing for real money right on your smartphone, tablet or desktop anywhere you are in Connecticut. Or enjoy the excitement of casino play 24/7 without leaving home.
Why is Online Blackjack so Popular?
It’s a simple game of math with straightforward rules that’s easy to play and a lot of fun. And with hundreds of versions of Blackjack available online, it’s mega-fun. Many fans think it gives you the best odds of winning out of all the games at a casino. Blackjack has been around for a long time, dating back to the 1760s in France where it is called Vingt-et-Un or 21, and hitting its stride out in Las Vegas in the 60s here in the U.S.
Perks of playing online Blackjack:
You play at your own speed, with no time limit. No matter what you wager, you earn bonuses and points through online rewards programs. There’s always an available seat. So many games to choose from.
Rule #1: Have Fun
The more you play online, the better a feel you’ll get for the cards. Considered a game of chance and probability, every hand between you and the dealer is a digital duel to see who gets to 21 first. The screen looks just like you’re sitting at a Blackjack table (even though you’re in your sweats, lounging by the pool, drinking coffee in a cafe.) To start, make your bet with a digital chip by clicking your mouse or tapping the screen. The cards are automatically shuffled and selected using Random Number Generators (RNG). Typically, 6 to 8 decks are used.
Online Blackjack is a numbers game:
- Cards 2 through 10 equal their number or pip value; 2 = two, 8 = eight.
- An Ace can be counted as 1 or 11, depending on what helps your hand.
- The King, Queen, and Jack (face cards) all carry the value of 10.
The goal: To beat the dealer with a card value of 21, or close, without going over or “Bust.”
You win: If the dealer’s card value is less than yours or over 21.
Some Blackjack Basics:
Dealer gives you two cards, both face up. Remember, the dealer always plays last (whether single or multi-hand play), placing one card up, and one card (hold) down. Your choices to select on screen are:
- Stand: You keep the two cards you’re dealt and play that hand.
- Hit: You ask the dealer to “hit” you with a card, one at a time, until you decide to stand or go bust (over 21).
- Double down: You think you can beat the dealer with just one more card (and get only one), and double down on your initial bet.
- Split: You are dealt a pair and split the cards to play two separate hands, and double your bet.
- Insurance: If the dealer’s up card is an Ace, you place an insurance bet that their down card is worth 10 and they have Blackjack. Usually pays 2:1.
- Surrender: You don’t like your first two cards and think your chances of winning are bad. You fold and keep half your bet.
What your hand means:
- (Natural) Blackjack: A hand of two cards totaling 21; an Ace and a 10-card. The dealer peeks at the hold or down card if the first card is an Ace or 10-card. If both total 21, it’s Blackjack. Dealer wins and the hand is over. If you have Blackjack, the house pays 3:2, so a $100 bet returns $150. All other bets pay even money.
- Soft Hand: A hand of two cards, with an Ace that can count as 1 or 11.
- Hard Hand: A hand of two cards, with no Ace.
- Push: When your hand totals the same as the dealer’s hand, nobody wins.
Rule #2: Know the Rules Before You Bet
Every game of Online Blackjack has a different set of rules based on the casino, game and the cards in your hand. But most follow the same rules as the classic card game and dictate when to hit, stand, split, or double down. The dealer draws if their hand is 16 or less, and stands when the total is between 17 and 21. Look for a rules tab in the game to tell you what you need to know. And before you go online, before you even place a wager, always set a limit on your play.
Variation is the Name of the Game
Whether you’re a beginner or advanced player, choose from a wide selection of online Blackjack games at MoheganSunCasino.com and on the Mohegan app. From classic Blackjack to multi-hand play, and live dealer games, there’s something for everyone:
- Standard Blackjack: This is the basic (gold standard) game of 21.
- Live Dealer Blackjack: Live table play 24/7 with a real casino dealer, streamed to your device from a broadcast studio.
- Multi-Hand Blackjack: Test your luck by playing more than one hand at a time.
- Blackjack Classic with Side Bets: Make an additional side bet that awards extra cash based on cards you’re holding, ie: two hearts, a pair of Queens, 777.
- Blazing 7s Blackjack: Optional side bets based on the number of 7s you are dealt and linked to a progressive jackpot network. Pot increases until someone wins it.
Live Dealer Online Blackjack: Real-time Play 24/7
The dealer is live, the action is real, the stakes are high. And the table is always open. Talk about a win-win. With Live Dealer Blackjack, there’s no limit on the number of open seats and you’re virtually in the casino with other online players. You place digital bets and click to hit, stand, double down, or split. The pace might slow a bit as everyone has their own style, not to mention bankrolls they’re keeping tabs on. And while it’s great to play on-the-go on your smartphone or tablet, bumping up the excitement to a bigger desktop monitor or laptop brings the floor experience that much closer to home.
How to Enhance Your Play
While there’s a lot of luck involved, many online players follow the “Basic Strategy” of Blackjack: a set of rules that tell you the best move you can make for any given hand. If you’re new to online Blackjack, here’s a Basic Strategy Card that can help keep you more informed for a better experience.
Are You Game?
Just download the Mohegan Sun Online Casino app for phone and tablet at Google Play and Apple App stores or play on desktop at MoheganSunCasino.com. Pick your game, place your bet, play your hand, and say “Hit me!” Or not.
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Meg Schutte is a Mohegan Digital contributor.