With a couple of key differences from “standard” variations of the game, European Blackjack is a truer reflection of how it’s played in land-based venues in Europe. We’ve found all the best online casinos for you to play at but, before we get into that, you’ll want to check out this page first: we cover everything from how to play the game through to rule differences, payouts and mobile offerings.
Adam VolzAssociate Gaming Specialist
Reason to play
Favors a conservative approach that cautious players will enjoy
Not too many rule changes from standard variations of blackjack
Evocative of the sleek and sophisticated experience in European venues
Adds a greater element of risk that players may find exciting
Basic strategy for this variant is pretty similar to standard blackjack
How to Play European Blackjack Online
Below we'll take you through European Blackjack step-by-step. If you're completely new to blackjack, we recommend you take a look at our how to play blackjack page to get used to the general rules first
STEP 1
Join a Suitable Table
As always, the aim of the game is to get as close as you can to 21 without exceeding it. Once you’ve placed your bets, you’ll receive your cards and the dealer will also deal two cards of their own.
STEP 2
Hit or Stand?
Look at your hand, possibly consulting basic strategy for European Blackjack in the process, to determine whether you want to hit (receive another card), stand (leave your hand as it is), double your bet or split your hand into more than one. Bear in mind that the dealer may still be concealing a blackjack.
STEP 3
Finish Up Your Hand
Eventually, the time will come that you’ve improved your hand as much as you possibly can. As long as that hand is equal to or under 21, you’ll remain in the game with a chance to win.
STEP 4
The Dealer Reveals Their Hand
Now the dealer will reveal their facedown card and, where appropriate, will hit the hand (but they can’t hit a soft 17 or higher). If your hand beats the value of theirs then you win the round!
Special Rules of European Blackjack Online
When it comes to European Blackjack vs American Blackjack, you won't find any huge differences in the basic rules. But as with any variant of the game, there are a few unique European Blackjack rules that you should know about before you wager any real money at the tables. In addition to those mentioned elsewhere on this page, you’ll want to be aware of the following:
Dealers do not check for blackjack when they’re showing an Ace or 10
Players can’t split 4s, 5s or 10-value cards
Dealer stands on soft 17, but always draws on 16
Players lose their total bet if the dealer has blackjack
Players can double down after splitting
Aces can be split but players only receive one additional card for each Ace
It’s possible to take insurance, which remains an ill-advised bet, but surrender is never allowed
Action
Winnings
Decks
6-8
Player win
1/1
Player Blackjack
3/2
Push?
Yes
Tied Blackjack
Push
Dealer Stands on ALL 17
Yes
Dealer Stands on soft 17
Yes
Insurance bet pays
2/1
Surrender bet
No
Split
Yes
Re-split
Yes
Expert Mode
n/a
Double Down
9, 10, 11
Multi-Hands
1-3
SIDE BET: A-J spades
n/a
SIDE BET: A-J any suit
n/a
SIDE BET: Two suited cards
n/a
SIDE BET: Any Pair
n/a
SIDE BET: 3-of-a-kind
n/a
SIDE BET: Red/Black Pair
-
SIDE BET: Colored Pair
-
SIDE BET: Perfect Pair
-
House Edge
0.4-1.%
Free European Blackjack Reference Charts - Get Yours!
Basic blackjack strategy looks pretty similar, but with a few tweaks, regardless of the variant you’re playing. Those differences, however small they might be, mean that it’s worth keeping our reference charts handy for an “at a glance” look at the best moves to make in certain situations that are specific to European Blackjack.
As time goes by, provided you spend a bit of time at the table, you’ll probably commit most information concerning when to hit or stand to memory. In the meantime, however, you can download our reference charts for free!
Pair splitting
Find out when to split your pair into two hands or keep it as it is.
Now we’ll take a quick look at some of the potential payouts available in European Blackjack, as well as how they stack up against those of other variations, to give you a better idea of which hands you’ll be trying to chase. Live Dealer European Blackjack may not be available absolutely everywhere, but it is more readily available than some other variants:
Blackjack Variants
Player Win (payout)
Player Blackjack (payout)
Live Dealer
Mobile
RTP
European
1/1
3/2
Yes
Yes
99.6%
Surrender
1/1
3/2
No
Yes
99.65%
Switch
1/1
1/1
No
Yes
99.87%
Atlantic City
1/1
3/2
Yes
Yes
99.6%
Perfect
1/1
3/2
No
Yes
99.58%
What Does European Blackjack Offer That Other Variants Don't?
The biggest difference between European Blackjack and many other variants is that the dealer is not able to peek at their hole card when Blackjack is a possibility. This means that, in any titles based on the European Blackjack variant, players will need a strong stomach if they plan to double or split when the dealer has an Ace or ten-value card showing.
Other Blackjack Variants You Can Play
Blackjack Surrender
An interesting variant that gives players the chance to fold a poor hand and lose only half of their initial bet
You should be in luck if you’re looking for the chance to play a mobile version of European Blackjack; online casino sites offer the game via both dedicated mobile apps and responsive versions of their main site on smartphones or tablets.
Whichever option you choose, you’ll be impressed by the job that the top casino software providers have done of translating European Blackjack to the smaller screen. In 2024, mobile games are looking better than ever before, and this game is no exception.
Because there’s a wide range of options available you should have no problem finding opportunities to play European Blackjack, whatever device(s) you use – there are games out there for iPhone and iPad, Android, etc.
European Blackjack Strategy Tips
Your style of play will, or at least it should, change depending on whether you’re playing a different variant or European Blackjack. Online casino fans would do well to consider the following when they sit down to enjoy this game:
Play Cautiously
Despite having a house edge that’s comparable with other blackjack variants, rule changes to European Blackjack mean that it favors players who are particularly careful with how and when they bet big
Think Carefully About Splitting (and Doubling)
If you have a very strong hand, such as two Aces, you might still consider splitting. Just keep an eye on whether the dealer’s face up card is hiding a possible unchecked Blackjack.
Insurance Is Still A Bad Bet
Although it might appear attractive, experts agree that insurance bets don’t work out often enough to make them worth taking advantage of. That’s as true here as it is in other variations of the game.
Give A Strategy A Go
As you know, memorizing strategy charts is the easiest way to increase your chances of making the right move. When playing at a land casino, card counting is also a great– although slightly more risky - way to up your odds of winning.
Where are the best places to play Blackjack European for real money?
If you’re new to the game or an experienced blackjack player looking to really perfect your skills, take some time to follow our handy how to play guide.
Our team of experts give you a sneak peek at the top secret blackjack tips you need to know about. Learn how to give yourself the best chances with these tips.
Done properly, counting cards is a clever way to lower the house edge in online blackjack. Use our blackjack card counting trainer to improve your skills, and odds.
Adam Volz is an online gambling expert who specialises in researching and writing content to help players find the best casino for them. Expect Adam to use his attention to detail and experience working in different markets worldwide to find the best online casino experiences around!
