Blackjack, also known as 21 is one of the most popular casino card games in Las Vegas. The rules on playing blackjack in Vegas are quite simple, which is a major reason for the game's enduring popularity. In Las Vegas casinos, blackjack is played on a semi-circular table, with the round portion of the table facing the players, and the straight edge side facing the dealer.
It's often the go-to game for beginner Las Vegas gamblers because basic blackjack strategies are easy to learn. In blackjack, players attempt to reach a score of 21—without exceeding it—before the dealer hits 17. You can win if you don't bust and your total is higher than the dealer cards. Hitting exactly 21 can mean even bigger winnings. One of the most popular places to go to play blackjack is Las Vegas – the casino capital of the world! Las Vegas is home to over 70 casinos that offer blackjack. Some of the most popular include Bally's, Caesar's Palace, the Bellagio, Luxor, MGM Grand, Harrah's, Excalibur, the Mirage and Circus Circus.Gamblers love Vegas not only because it offers some of the classiest casino gaming in.
There are usually five to seven seats at a table and every blackjack table will have the words, 'Insurance Pays 2 to 1', also, 'Dealer must Hit Soft 17' or 'Dealer Must Stand On All 17's'.
How to Play Blackjack in Vegas
Your goal is to draw cards with a value as close to 21 as possible without going over. A hand that goes over 21 is a bust or break . The players at a blackjack table do not play against each other, they play against the dealer. Each player only has to beat the dealer's hand.
Most casinos in Las Vegas provide two versions of Blackjack. Double Deck 21 and Multiple Deck 21. With Double Deck 21 the cards are dealt from the hand and with Multiple Deck 21, the cards are dealt from a box called the 'shoe'
Read about the differences in the two version below.
The object of Blackjack is to get a hand with a value as close to 21 as possible without going over.
This is accomplished in two ways:
Having a higher total than the dealer without exceeding 21;
Having a total of 21 or less when the dealer's total exceeds 21.
Vegas Blackjack Rules
Find an appropriate bet-limit table and place a bet by the chips in the designated area. The dealer begins the game. Depending on how many people are playing, the dealer will deal each player two cards. The dealer is also dealt two cards, one face up, and one face down.
You are then offered the opportunity to take more. If you would like another card, then you tap the table with your fingers or say 'hit me'. If you want to stay or 'stand' with what you have, then wave your hand horizontally over the table or simply tuck your cards underneath your bet.
The hand with the highest total wins as long as it doesn't exceed 21. A hand with a value over 21 is called a 'bust' or 'break' and it is an automatic loser.
- Cards 2 through 10 are counted at face value.
- The King, Queen and Jack count as 10
- An Ace's value is 11 unless this would cause the player to bust, in which case it is worth 1.
A hand in which an ace's value is counted as 11 is called a soft hand, because it cannot be busted if the player draws another card. When an ace is counted as one point, this is called a hard hand.
The best possible hand in Blackjack is a combination of an Ace with a 10-card or a face card. This is an automatic 21, when counting the Ace as an 11, and is called, 'Blackjack', or a Natural. It cannot be beaten, unless the dealer has the same, which would be a Push, a tie. In a push, the player receives the bet back.
Note:
The minimum bet is printed on a sign on the table and varies from casino to casino and from table to table. For example Minimum $5, Maximum $500.
Dealers play according to house rules for their table. Be aware that blackjack odds may vary from table to table. Feel free to ask the dealer for clarification.
Note:
Your opponent in blackjack is the dealer. Each player's goal is to beat the dealer by having the higher, unbusted hand. Note that if the player busts he loses, even if the dealer also busts. If both the player and the dealer have the same point value, it is called a 'push', and neither player nor dealer wins the hand. Each player has an independent game with the dealer, so it is possible for the dealer to lose to one player but still beat the other players in the same round.
Communicate your wish to stand or hit through hand signals.
Tap the table with your finger to indicate you want to hit.
Wave your hand horizontally to indicate you want to stand.
Announce your intention to surrender verbally. This allows you to abandon your hand and keep half your bet.
Switch your cell phones off. However If you must answer a call, step back from the table and make your conversation as brief as possible.
Feel free to ask the dealer any questions you want regarding the rules.
It's customary to tip the dealer. To do so, simply place an extra bet in from of your original bet. If you win that bet, the dealer keeps it as a tip.
LasVegasHowTo Video
What are some blackjack basic strategies
The odds of winning can be improved by following blackjack basic strategy. Below are blackjacks basic strategies.
Stand on a hand of 17 or more
Never hit on 12, 13, 14, 15 or 16 when the dealer is showing 16 or less
Always split 8's
Double down on 11 if dealer is showing 17 or less
Four easy rules on when to hit and when to stand in Blackjack
- If your hand is 11 or less, always hit. You can't possibly bust, so the extra card will only help your hand.
- If your hand is 17 or greater, and the dealer is not showing a Seven or higher, always stand. The risk of busting if you hit is very high.
- If your hand is 12 to 16, and the dealer is showing an up card likely to bust, always stand. Although this is a weak hand, it will still win if the dealer busts.
Exception - If the dealer has a Two or a Three showing, hit if you have 12.
- If your hand is 12 to 16, and the dealer has a Seven or higher showing, always hit. The dealer is far more likely to get a better hand than yours unless you can improve it. There's a risk of busting, but in this case you have to take that risk.
Although basic blackjack strategies can get infinitely more complex, these four rules are the core of most of the strategies in use today.
Download Frank Scoblete's Lucky 13: A Simple Blackjack Basic Strategy
Blackjack offers the best odds if you take the time to learn the game. Blackjack house edge is about a .5 percent. Meaning, for every dollar you gamble, you'll lose only half a penny on average.
How To Play Blackjack New Vegas
Blackjack House Advantage and Expected Lose
| House Advantage | For Every $100 bet, the player can expect to lose | |
|---|---|---|
| Natural pays 3 to 2 | 0.5%-1.5% | 50c - $1.50 |
| Natural pays 6 to 5 | 2.0%-3.0% | 2.00 - $3.00 |
Cards are dealt from the hand
Everyone plays against the dealer
Players are dealt two cards face down
The dealer receives his first card face up and the second card face down
Player may draw as many cards are they want until you are close to 21 or until they 'bust'
The object of the game is to get as close as possible to 21 without going over 21.
Cards are dealt from a box called the 'Shoe'
Everyone plays against the dealer
Players are dealt two cards face up
The dealer receives his first card face up and the second card face down
Player may draw as many cards are they want until you are close to 21 or until they 'bust'
The object of the game is to get as close as possible to 21 without going over 21.
Players use hand signal to indicate a 'hit' or 'stand'
When the dealer has an Ace up, you have the option of taking 'insurance' against the dealer having 'Blackjack'.
If you don't have a 'Blackjack' you may ask the dealer to 'hit' you; meaning, you get another card. You may draw as many cards as you like (one at a time), but if you go over 21, you bust! In hand deck games, you must turn your cards face up on the table if you bust. If you do not want to 'hit', you may 'stand' by placing your cards face down under your bet. In shoe games, use your hand motion for another card, or wave off the dealer if you are standing.
After all players are satisfied with their hands, or have gone 'broke', the dealer turns the down card face up and stands or draws more cards as is necessary. The dealer must draw on hands totaling 16 or less and any soft 17.
If you are closer to 21 than the dealer, you win and are paid an amount equal to your original wager.
If your hand is less than the dealer's, you lose.
If the dealer's hand 'busts' or 'breaks', you win.
Ties are a stand-off or 'push' and your bet remains on the table.
If your initial two cards total 21,( this will happen if you are dealt an Ace with a 10, Jack, Queen or King), you have a blackjack or a natural. Blackjacks are paid 3 to 2 or up to 50% more than any other hand.
A hand totally 21 points, but having more than two cards, loses to a two-card backjack/natural hand.
Did you know...
The Sahara Hotel & Casino hosted the very first blackjack tournament in Las Vegas, back in 1978.
There are dozens of blackjack options in Las Vegas. The choices range from the number of decks dealt, whether double down after splitting, surrender and re-split aces are permitted, blackjack paying 3-2 or 6-5, as well as video blackjack and variants. We took to the Las Vegas Strip, downtown, and the entire locals market to find the best and worst games available.
The OnlineUnitedStatesCasinos complete list below will help you find the game you're looking for and which tables to avoid. These include sections related to location and type of game.
Blackjack Casino & Table Locations
North Las Vegas Strip
Our Las Vegas blackjack surveys break the Strip into three sections. The North Strip blackjack survey includes all casinos from Treasure Island up to Stratosphere. The North end of the Las Vegas Strip houses a modest amount of blackjack tables, with roughly five tables at each casino, some with better rules than others.
Central Las Vegas Strip
The Central Strip survey includes all blackjack casinos from Planet Hollywood and Cosmopolitan up to Harrah's and Mirage. These casinos tend to offer higher limit tables with much better player rules. With Eleven casinos to choose from, they all offer a variety of good and bad blackjack tables.
South Las Vegas Strip
Our South Strip blackjack survey includes all casinos south of Harmon. This runs from Aria down to Mandalay Bay. These are some of the more popular casinos on the strip, offering blackjack players a lot more than just the gaming tables. The majority of blackjack games are 6 and 8 decks, with a few 2-deck high-roller tables available.
Downtown Las Vegas
Our downtown Las Vegas section lists all blackjack casinos on Fremont Street and anything within walking distance of it. This includes Downtown Grand, California, and Main Street Station. This is the 'old' part of Las Vegas, but you can often find some great action at the blackjack tables when downtown.
Locals / Off Strip Blackjack
The local blackjack survey includes any casino in the Las Vegas market that is not considered to be on the Strip or downtown. This ranges from Boulder Highway to Red Rock, and to properties that are within walking distance of Las Vegas Blvd. If you plan on playing blackjack at these casinos, be prepared to stay at the hotel overnight.
Las Vegas Blackjack Games
Single Deck Blackjack
There are only two single deck blackjack games in Las Vegas that pay 3-2. El Cortez offers a $5 game that permits double down on any two cards. Silverton has a single deck game that only has double down on 10 and 11. Neither permits double down after splitting. All other Las Vegas single deck blackjack games pay 6-5.
Double Deck Blackjack
The best blackjack games in Las Vegas casinos tend to be double deck. The best is at M Resort. It has a $50 minimum bet and stands on all 17s. Players may double down on any two cards and after splitting. This game also permits re-split aces. There are several casinos on the Las Vegas Strip that offer this game without re-split aces.
Six-Deck Blackjack
The best six-deck blackjack games in Las Vegas stand on all 17s. These great tables also have double down before and after splitting, surrender, and re-split aces. Treasure Island offers these tables for $25. For $50, players will find it at M Resort MGM Grand. Higher-end MGM properties have the game for $100.
Video Blackjack in Las Vegas
Vegas video blackjack was once a great way to get favorable rules for lower limits. Those days are over in Las Vegas. Most video blackjack machines pay 6-5 and you won't find much better odds around town. The exceptions are at The D and Venetian, where you can still find video blackjack games that pay 3-2.
Blackjack Variants
How Much Does It Cost To Play Blackjack In Vegas
Get a complete list of all blackjack variants dealt in Las Vegas. Games include Blackjack Switch, Free Bet Blackjack, and Super Fun 21. There are some interesting blackjack games that should be tried at least once, even if their rules and odds are not favorable, they may be entertaining to play.
The best possible hand in Blackjack is a combination of an Ace with a 10-card or a face card. This is an automatic 21, when counting the Ace as an 11, and is called, 'Blackjack', or a Natural. It cannot be beaten, unless the dealer has the same, which would be a Push, a tie. In a push, the player receives the bet back.
Note:
The minimum bet is printed on a sign on the table and varies from casino to casino and from table to table. For example Minimum $5, Maximum $500.
Dealers play according to house rules for their table. Be aware that blackjack odds may vary from table to table. Feel free to ask the dealer for clarification.
Note:
Your opponent in blackjack is the dealer. Each player's goal is to beat the dealer by having the higher, unbusted hand. Note that if the player busts he loses, even if the dealer also busts. If both the player and the dealer have the same point value, it is called a 'push', and neither player nor dealer wins the hand. Each player has an independent game with the dealer, so it is possible for the dealer to lose to one player but still beat the other players in the same round.
Communicate your wish to stand or hit through hand signals.
Tap the table with your finger to indicate you want to hit.
Wave your hand horizontally to indicate you want to stand.
Announce your intention to surrender verbally. This allows you to abandon your hand and keep half your bet.
Switch your cell phones off. However If you must answer a call, step back from the table and make your conversation as brief as possible.
Feel free to ask the dealer any questions you want regarding the rules.
It's customary to tip the dealer. To do so, simply place an extra bet in from of your original bet. If you win that bet, the dealer keeps it as a tip.
LasVegasHowTo Video
What are some blackjack basic strategies
The odds of winning can be improved by following blackjack basic strategy. Below are blackjacks basic strategies.
Stand on a hand of 17 or more
Never hit on 12, 13, 14, 15 or 16 when the dealer is showing 16 or less
Always split 8's
Double down on 11 if dealer is showing 17 or less
Four easy rules on when to hit and when to stand in Blackjack
- If your hand is 11 or less, always hit. You can't possibly bust, so the extra card will only help your hand.
- If your hand is 17 or greater, and the dealer is not showing a Seven or higher, always stand. The risk of busting if you hit is very high.
- If your hand is 12 to 16, and the dealer is showing an up card likely to bust, always stand. Although this is a weak hand, it will still win if the dealer busts.
Exception - If the dealer has a Two or a Three showing, hit if you have 12.
- If your hand is 12 to 16, and the dealer has a Seven or higher showing, always hit. The dealer is far more likely to get a better hand than yours unless you can improve it. There's a risk of busting, but in this case you have to take that risk.
Although basic blackjack strategies can get infinitely more complex, these four rules are the core of most of the strategies in use today.
Download Frank Scoblete's Lucky 13: A Simple Blackjack Basic Strategy
Blackjack offers the best odds if you take the time to learn the game. Blackjack house edge is about a .5 percent. Meaning, for every dollar you gamble, you'll lose only half a penny on average.
How To Play Blackjack New Vegas
Blackjack House Advantage and Expected Lose
| House Advantage | For Every $100 bet, the player can expect to lose | |
|---|---|---|
| Natural pays 3 to 2 | 0.5%-1.5% | 50c - $1.50 |
| Natural pays 6 to 5 | 2.0%-3.0% | 2.00 - $3.00 |
Cards are dealt from the hand
Everyone plays against the dealer
Players are dealt two cards face down
The dealer receives his first card face up and the second card face down
Player may draw as many cards are they want until you are close to 21 or until they 'bust'
The object of the game is to get as close as possible to 21 without going over 21.
Cards are dealt from a box called the 'Shoe'
Everyone plays against the dealer
Players are dealt two cards face up
The dealer receives his first card face up and the second card face down
Player may draw as many cards are they want until you are close to 21 or until they 'bust'
The object of the game is to get as close as possible to 21 without going over 21.
Players use hand signal to indicate a 'hit' or 'stand'
When the dealer has an Ace up, you have the option of taking 'insurance' against the dealer having 'Blackjack'.
If you don't have a 'Blackjack' you may ask the dealer to 'hit' you; meaning, you get another card. You may draw as many cards as you like (one at a time), but if you go over 21, you bust! In hand deck games, you must turn your cards face up on the table if you bust. If you do not want to 'hit', you may 'stand' by placing your cards face down under your bet. In shoe games, use your hand motion for another card, or wave off the dealer if you are standing.
After all players are satisfied with their hands, or have gone 'broke', the dealer turns the down card face up and stands or draws more cards as is necessary. The dealer must draw on hands totaling 16 or less and any soft 17.
If you are closer to 21 than the dealer, you win and are paid an amount equal to your original wager.
If your hand is less than the dealer's, you lose.
If the dealer's hand 'busts' or 'breaks', you win.
Ties are a stand-off or 'push' and your bet remains on the table.
If your initial two cards total 21,( this will happen if you are dealt an Ace with a 10, Jack, Queen or King), you have a blackjack or a natural. Blackjacks are paid 3 to 2 or up to 50% more than any other hand.
A hand totally 21 points, but having more than two cards, loses to a two-card backjack/natural hand.
Did you know...
The Sahara Hotel & Casino hosted the very first blackjack tournament in Las Vegas, back in 1978.
There are dozens of blackjack options in Las Vegas. The choices range from the number of decks dealt, whether double down after splitting, surrender and re-split aces are permitted, blackjack paying 3-2 or 6-5, as well as video blackjack and variants. We took to the Las Vegas Strip, downtown, and the entire locals market to find the best and worst games available.
The OnlineUnitedStatesCasinos complete list below will help you find the game you're looking for and which tables to avoid. These include sections related to location and type of game.
Blackjack Casino & Table Locations
North Las Vegas Strip
Our Las Vegas blackjack surveys break the Strip into three sections. The North Strip blackjack survey includes all casinos from Treasure Island up to Stratosphere. The North end of the Las Vegas Strip houses a modest amount of blackjack tables, with roughly five tables at each casino, some with better rules than others.
Central Las Vegas Strip
The Central Strip survey includes all blackjack casinos from Planet Hollywood and Cosmopolitan up to Harrah's and Mirage. These casinos tend to offer higher limit tables with much better player rules. With Eleven casinos to choose from, they all offer a variety of good and bad blackjack tables.
South Las Vegas Strip
Our South Strip blackjack survey includes all casinos south of Harmon. This runs from Aria down to Mandalay Bay. These are some of the more popular casinos on the strip, offering blackjack players a lot more than just the gaming tables. The majority of blackjack games are 6 and 8 decks, with a few 2-deck high-roller tables available.
Downtown Las Vegas
Our downtown Las Vegas section lists all blackjack casinos on Fremont Street and anything within walking distance of it. This includes Downtown Grand, California, and Main Street Station. This is the 'old' part of Las Vegas, but you can often find some great action at the blackjack tables when downtown.
Locals / Off Strip Blackjack
The local blackjack survey includes any casino in the Las Vegas market that is not considered to be on the Strip or downtown. This ranges from Boulder Highway to Red Rock, and to properties that are within walking distance of Las Vegas Blvd. If you plan on playing blackjack at these casinos, be prepared to stay at the hotel overnight.
Las Vegas Blackjack Games
Single Deck Blackjack
There are only two single deck blackjack games in Las Vegas that pay 3-2. El Cortez offers a $5 game that permits double down on any two cards. Silverton has a single deck game that only has double down on 10 and 11. Neither permits double down after splitting. All other Las Vegas single deck blackjack games pay 6-5.
Double Deck Blackjack
The best blackjack games in Las Vegas casinos tend to be double deck. The best is at M Resort. It has a $50 minimum bet and stands on all 17s. Players may double down on any two cards and after splitting. This game also permits re-split aces. There are several casinos on the Las Vegas Strip that offer this game without re-split aces.
Six-Deck Blackjack
The best six-deck blackjack games in Las Vegas stand on all 17s. These great tables also have double down before and after splitting, surrender, and re-split aces. Treasure Island offers these tables for $25. For $50, players will find it at M Resort MGM Grand. Higher-end MGM properties have the game for $100.
Video Blackjack in Las Vegas
Vegas video blackjack was once a great way to get favorable rules for lower limits. Those days are over in Las Vegas. Most video blackjack machines pay 6-5 and you won't find much better odds around town. The exceptions are at The D and Venetian, where you can still find video blackjack games that pay 3-2.
Blackjack Variants
How Much Does It Cost To Play Blackjack In Vegas
Get a complete list of all blackjack variants dealt in Las Vegas. Games include Blackjack Switch, Free Bet Blackjack, and Super Fun 21. There are some interesting blackjack games that should be tried at least once, even if their rules and odds are not favorable, they may be entertaining to play.
Contact the Vegas Survey Team
If you have updates about Las Vegas casino blackjack games, online blackjack for real money or any comments regarding the exclusive survey contact us at @OUSC_Official or send us an email at [email protected].
Some house edge information in the blackjack survey was determined by using the Wizard of Odds Blackjack Calculator.
