The Jersey Gypsy Doubles Down on Blackjack Online Sites

best blackjack sites

Welcome to our Jersey Gypsy column, where our resident travel reporter, Valentina, roams the globe in pursuit of stories.

Today’s edition: Valentina’s take on blackjack sites, with a spotlight on Ignition’s live blackjack.

As part of her most recent US travels, Valentina has been on a tour of the American Southwest. So far, she’s:

  • Checked out historic Dodger Stadium
  • Explored the magic of Universal Studios
  • Taken in the majesty of the Grand Canyon

Online Blackjack Sites I Liked

Ignition Best overall $3,000 welcome bonus
Super Slots Runner-up $6,000 + 100 free spins
Bovada Best live dealer action Up to $3,750
Lucky Creek Good choice for pros 600% match bonus
BetOnline Best for mobile 100 free spins
Wild Casino Fastest payouts $5,000 welcome bonus
Black Lotus Best for European blackjack 650% match bonus
Cafe Casino Cool VIP perks $2,500 welcome bonus
Bitstarz Top for crypto users 5 BTC offer

To keep things fair, I played a variety of both video and live dealer games at each site. I also deposited and cashed out using Bitcoin, as it’s accepted by all three casinos.

Scroll down for my complete overview of these sites (along with my recommendations). Or keep reading to hear more about my previous experience with blackjack.

If there’s one thing I know, it’s blackjack.

Ask any of my friends. I don’t have strong opinions on politics, fashion, or culture, but do you want to talk about hitting on a soft 16? How much time do you have?

And yes, I know all of the best brick-and-mortar blackjack casinos in the U.S. (in no particular order, it’s the Golden Nugget in Lake Charles, LA, Sam’s Town in Tunica, and any casino in Pennsylvania).

But I recently realized I have a bit of a blind spot in my blackjack education. Sure, I can tell you where to play in real life — but what about the best blackjack sites on the internet?

Honestly, I had no idea where to start, so I did what I always do in these situations — outsource the question to people like you. On a recent tour through the Southwest, I asked players in California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas their favorite spots for gambling online.

Playing blackjack is always fun, but playing blackjack from my favorite beach in California is ten times more fun.

The answers varied wildly, of course, but three kept showing up again and again: Ignition, Super Slots, and Bovada. It was clear that my online blackjack education should start at these three sites.

These sites were clearly the best…but which was the best of the best?

I didn’t know…but it was time to find out.

First Blackjack Site I Tried – Ignition

  • Games tested: 21 Burn Blackjack, Double Deck Blackjack, Perfect Pairs, Single Deck Blackjack, Live Dealer Blackjack
  • Hours spent testing: 3.5
  • Bonus claimed: 300% match up to $3,000
  • How I did: Up $25

Most online casinos nowadays are just glorified slots sites that have the occasional table game thrown in. That’s not the case with Ignition — it’s maybe the best all-around site on the internet.

Yes, you can play slots here. You can also play literally hundreds of blackjack games, dozens of roulette tables, or you can sit in their world-class poker room. It’s as close as you’ll get to a Vegas casino without buying a plane ticket.

One thing you should know in advance, though: the blackjack action is heavily weighted towards the live dealer section. There are a few dozen video blackjack tables, but the real stars are found elsewhere.

What I liked: 

The live dealers are as good as any I’ve found at a regular casino.

I tipped my hand a bit here, but the live dealer action at Ignition is second-to-none. The dealers are friendly, professional, and keep the games moving. Playing at a live table here is like playing at the best-run brick-and-mortar casino you’ve ever been to.

One of the best things about the live dealer section is the wide array of bet limits. You can play for as little as a buck a hand, or as much as $50k per deal (guess which one I did).

There’s also unlimited bet behind and little minigames you can play while you wait on everyone else; however, as a true blackjack purist, I prefer to watch other players and criticize their every move.

As for the video blackjack portion of the site, it’s solid but not spectacular. I do appreciate the fact that they have actual variety, rather than having a dozen of the same games, but I don’t think there’s anything here you can’t find elsewhere.

What I didn’t like: 

Those are NES-quality graphics right there.

Ignition’s welcome bonus is somewhat controversial in the gambling world, and for one simple reason: it’s split between the poker room and the casino. You can get up to $3,000 if you deposit with crypto ($2,000 with traditional methods), but you can only take half that to the blackjack tables.

It’s kind of a “worst of both worlds” offer. If you’re not a poker player, then half of that money is going to waste. If you are a poker player, you’ll likely resent having to leave the tables to play slots. It’s really only good for a specific kind of player.

As for the blackjack games, my only real issue is with the video options. The graphics are pretty pedestrian and the music is annoying, so you’re better off muting everything and providing your own soundtrack.

Or just head over to the live dealer tables. It’s what I did.

Check out Ignition for yourself

Next Blackjack Site on the Docket — Super Slots

  • Games tested: Dragon Blackjack Guaranteed Multiplier, 22 Blackjack Free Bet, Lightning Jack, Blackjack Duel, Early Payout Blackjack
  • Hours spent testing: 4
  • Bonus claimed: $6,000 welcome package
  • How I did: down $75

I know, I know — when you think “blackjack,” the first thing that comes to your mind is a site called “Super Slots.”

You’ll have to forgive the name, though. While this is a great slots site, they’re also hiding one of the best collections of blackjack tables I’ve found anywhere.

And unlike Ignition, it’s pretty evenly split between live dealer games and video titles. There are also a handful of exclusive video titles here, which is always a good sign in my opinion.

What I liked: 

That little volatility lightning bolt has saved me lots of money.

As I mentioned above, the video options here are better than what you’ll find at Ignition. There are 23 options in all, including several jackpot games — a nice bonus for big-money chasers.

Many of their exclusive games are worth checking out; my favorite was Blackjack Duel, which offers an innovative twist on the classic game. You don’t have to go in blind, either, as each game has a handy preview screen that comes complete with description and a volatility indicator. It’s a smart addition that I wish more sites would copy.

My favorite aspect of the site, however, has to be the blackjack tourneys. There’s a $1500 blackjack tournament that runs regularly, and you get cash bonuses depending on how you fare (plus you keep what you win, of course).

For someone who may have a bit of a competitive streak, this sort of feature is the best kind of trouble.

What I didn’t like: 

The Holiday Inn called…it wants its carpet back.

While Ignition does a good job of mimicking the Vegas experience with their live dealer tables, the vibe is much more underwhelming at Super Slots. You can clearly tell there are a bunch of tables crammed together in some dingy warehouse somewhere.

This doesn’t affect the action, of course (and the dealers are great), but it does detract from the ambiance.

Also, while the welcome bonus is generous ($6,000), it’s also a bit deceptive, as that money is divvied up over six deposits. You’ll get more bang for your buck at Ignition, even after sacrificing half of it to the poker room.

Check out Super Slots

The Final Contender – Bovada

  • Games tested: VIP Blackjack, Early Payout Blackjack, Pirate 21, Perfect Pairs, Zappit Blackjack
  • Hours spent testing: 2
  • Bonus claimed: $3,750 crypto welcome bonus
  • How I did: Up $15

Although most people know it primarily as a sportsbook, Bovada quietly has one of the best blackjack libraries in the business. It’s also the only site I know of that can rival Ignition in terms of live dealer experience.

There are 15 video blackjack options to go with 42 live dealer tables, at stakes ranging from $.50 per hand all the way up to $50k. You can also play variations like Pirate 21, European Blackjack, and Zappit Blackjack.

As with Ignition, there’s good variety here — it feels like every game is actually different, rather than the same table with different felt every time.

What I liked: 

Is this what being a high roller feels like?

The live dealer blackjack is stellar here as well, and it actually feels very cozy and private — like you have your own private room in a casino.

Take the pic above. It’s a clean, classy environment, with just the dealer on the screen. I can’t see 15 other tables, or runners going back and forth bringing new decks to the dealers. It’s actually quite relaxing (which can be dangerous — it’s easy to forget you’re betting real money here!).

The video tables won’t wow you with their graphics or soundtracks, but I didn’t find them grating, either. Just normal blackjack, which is honestly all I want most of the time.

Also, most of their tables are 3:2 blackjack, which is refreshing. You get better odds at these games than you do at 6:5 tables, so naturally most casinos are switching to the latter option. It’s nice to know there are still a few sites out there willing to give players a fair shake.

Oh, and one last thing: I think the bonus here is the best you’ll find among the three sites as well. Crypto players can get a 125% match up to $3,750, whereas everyone else gets a 100% match up to $3,000.

It is divided up into three parts, but that’s better than the six Super Slots asks you to deal with.

What I didn’t like: 

What is that color? Periwinkle? Cerulean?

While I said I don’t mind the graphics on the video tables, that doesn’t mean they couldn’t stand to be improved. My biggest complaint is most tables have this pale blue felt that’s hard to see, especially on a mobile device.

It doesn’t cause a ton of trouble once you start playing — you can still see the cards just fine — but if you’re checking out a new game, it can be difficult to tell what all your options are.

The customer support can stand a major overhaul as well. If you want to talk to a real person, you have to go through their help library, indicate that it wasn’t actually helpful, and then deal with a bot before you reach a representative. Not great if you have a pressing issue.

See the blackjack at Bovada

My Verdict: So Who Truly Has the Best Blackjack Online?

After nearly 10 grueling hours sweating over blackjack tables, I needed a massage and a drink. Unfortunately, I didn’t win enough to pay for either, so my only option was to finish this article — and that meant picking a winner.

Here’s how the sites stacked up in my opinion:

Best Video Blackjack: Super Slots

The games at Super Slots looked and played better than the ones at the other two sites, and they also had true variety — a rarity among today’s casinos.

I especially liked the fact that they have jackpot tables. Why should slots players be the only ones who get to chase big paydays?

Speaking of which, the tourneys here are a ton of fun as well. As long as you don’t care about interacting with a real human, Super Slots is the way to go.

Best Live Dealer Blackjack: (tie) Ignition and Bovada

It’s too close to call in this category. I truly love the experience at both sites, although they are a bit different.

Ignition’s live dealer games are very glitzy and glamorous — it truly feels like a social situation. If you want to experience the hustle and bustle of a casino without leaving your home, head to Ignition.

On the other hand, Bovada’s tables are very quiet and intimate, like you have the whole casino to yourself. I’ve never experienced anything like it in real life, but I can see the appeal it must have to high rollers.

The dealers are friendly and professional at both spots, and you can find plenty of games at each. Ultimately, this is a matter of personal preference.

Best Overall: Bovada

As I said above, the live dealer tables here are incredible, but their video tables aren’t far behind the ones at Super Slots, either. It’s the best overall blackjack experience you’ll find on the web.

I also feel like the bonus at Bovada is better than what you’ll get at the other two sites. Not only is it a lot of cash (up to $3,750), but it’s relatively easy to earn.

Now, I’m not saying this to put down Ignition or Super Slots; they’d both still be in my top 3. Just saying that, if I was forced to pick one place to play blackjack online for the rest of my life, Bovada would get the nod.

In-Depth Comparison of 3 Blackjack Websites I Tested

Wondering about the reasoning behind my rankings and how I found the best blackjack casino sites for this guide? I created three ranking categories: blackjack variety, bonuses, and mobile compatibility, and compared the sites based on these factors to select the top options.

Blackjack Games Comparison

casino games comparisonFor blackjack, Ignition takes the lead with 42 live dealer games and 13 non-live options. There’s plenty to choose from, whether I want to sit down at a live table or play a quicker round on my own.

Super Slots is a close second with 24 live dealer games and 23 non-live options. It’s a solid choice, especially if you prefer non-live blackjack, but I feel like Ignition just offers more variety.

Bovada also has 42 live dealer tables, but they have a couple more video options than Ignition. Not enough to make a huge difference, but worth noting all the same.

Bonuses Comparison

Ignition takes the lead again with a 300% match up to $3,000 and a reasonable 25x wagering requirement. It’s not too overwhelming, and the variety of eligible games (slots, blackjack, roulette) makes it easy to meet those requirements without much hassle.

Again, though, half of that money is reserved for the poker room, which may be a problem for pure blackjack players.

Super Slots offers a solid $6,000 welcome pack, but the 40x wagering requirement makes it a bit tougher to unlock. It’s still a great option if you’re playing a lot of slots or blackjack, but it’s not as easy to clear as Ignition.

New players at Bovada can get up to $3,750 over three deposits if they use crypto to fund their accounts. The wagering requirements are just 25x on the first deposit, although they go up to 50x on the subsequent two.

Overall, I think Bovada gives the most value to blackjack players. I also like Ignition’s bonus, but if you don’t play poker then it’s just a $1,500 value, which drops it somewhat in my estimation.

Mobile Compatibility

I also checked the mobile compatibility of these best online blackjack websites. All three sites are quite similar in this area – Ignition and Bovada support 100% of their blackjack games on smartphones, with Super Slots close behind at 95%.

I’ve used similar ranking categories to select Canadian casinos with the fastest payouts, often processed in a few minutes.

My Advice for Beginners

If you’re new to the best online blackjack sites, make sure to stick to non-live games at first. That will help you get comfortable with the blackjack rules and strategy.

Just like in a real casino, live games involve other players, and it can feel a bit overwhelming. Non-live versions give you time to think and make decisions without pressure.

Also, take advantage of the demo versions available on many sites. When I first started out, I spent a lot of time playing for free before I felt ready to bet real money. It’s a great way to learn without any risk.

Lastly, don’t get caught up in fancy side bets early on – stick to the main game until you’ve got a solid grip on how it works.

Info Guide to the Best Blackjack Sites

There Are Tons of Different Blackjack Games

There are many blackjack variants you can explore at the best blackjack sites and the one you go for entirely depends on your preferences.

I personally prefer European Blackjack because it gives players a better chance with its rules. The dealer only receives one card face up until players complete their hands, allowing me to make more informed decisions.

American Blackjack has its appeal with the dealer getting two cards, but I find it can create a more cautious atmosphere due to the dealer’s potential strong hand. I also enjoy Spanish 21 for its flexibility, like the option to surrender after doubling down.

You Have Many Choices When It Comes to Banking Methods

Payment options available at the best online blackjack sites are similar to those at regular online casinos, whether you’re playing from Canada, the US, or somewhere else. You’ll come across debit/credit cards, e-wallets, and cryptocurrencies.

Again, the option you choose depends on your preferences. For fast withdrawals and high cashout limits, digital currencies are the best choice. If you don’t own cryptocurrencies yet, consider opting for e-wallets instead.

Don’t Forget Those Blackjack Bonuses

Welcome bonuses are the most common type of promotion for blackjack games. However, I’ve learned that table games usually contribute a smaller percentage toward the rollover requirements compared to slots or other casino games.

At some online blackjack sites, you can also take advantage of reload offers, cashbacks, and referral programs. Just don’t forget to read the fine print.

Ready to Play Blackjack Online for Real Money?

There’s a lot to love about playing blackjack online. I played at three of the top sites and I can assure you, they feature some of the highest payout games, a huge choice of blackjack styles, and some neat bonuses to help you play more for less.

All three of the sites I tried — Ignition, Super Slots, and Bovada — were fantastic, and it’s easy to see why they’re generally considered the cream of the crop. If you put a gun to my head, though, I’d have to give Bovada the slightest of edges over the other two.

You can’t really go wrong with any of those sites, though, so give them all a spin and see which one you like best. After all, when it comes to playing blackjack, the only mistake is playing at a site that isn’t fun (and splitting tens — don’t ever let me catch you doing that).

Best Blackjack Sites – FAQs

I’ve helped a few novice blackjack players navigate the world of online casinos before, and they all seem to ask the same questions. Here are the most common things I get asked:

What’s the Best Online Blackjack Site?

Bovada is the best online blackjack site for real money that I’ve tried. It has an excellent choice of games, a great mobile site, and fast payouts.

Can I Play Online Blackjack for Real Money?

Yes, you can play blackjack online for real money. All you need to do is sign up at your favorite site, make a deposit, and win. After that, the casino will let you withdraw your funds with one of the supported payment options.

Are Online Blackjack Games Rigged?

No, it’s illegal to rig real money online blackjack and reputable casinos don’t ever do that (at least the ones on my list). In fact, blackjack is one of the fairest casino games, thanks to its high average payouts.

Can You Play Online Blackjack Games on a Mobile Device?

Yes, modern casinos offer mobile blackjack that’s just as good as any you’ll find on a desktop computer. Each of the sites on this list has been optimized for mobile use, allowing you to get in the game on the go.

Can You Use a Strategy Card While Playing Blackjack?

Absolutely, using a strategy card is totally allowed. In fact, I encourage it, as it can help you make the mathematically correct decision every time.

Which Blackjack Site Has the Best Bonuses?

I like Bovada’s bonus, which is $3,750 over three deposits for crypto users. Super Slots has a bigger offer at $6,000, but you’ll have to make six deposits to earn it all. Ignition’s is listed at $3,000, but half of that is reserved for the poker room, so it’s really only a $1,500 offer. Still, it’s remarkably easy to earn.

 

DISCLAIMER: The information on this site is for entertainment purposes only. While online gambling can be fun, you should always wager what you can afford to lose.

If you think you may have a gambling problem, it’s crucial to call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700 and seek help from an advisor. All gambling sites and guides are for those who are 21+ only.

Casino sites listed in our reviews might not be accessible in your region. As a result, it’s necessary to check local laws and regulations to see whether online gambling is legal or not.

For resources free gambling addiction resources, visit these organizations:

Valentina Lopez
Valentina Lopez
Born and raised in Florida, Valentina soon realized that she was in possession of a boundless gypsy soul. While traveling the globe and experiencing other cultures is her calling, her true passion lies in bringing people closer together and helping them realize that the entire planet is just one big community. That passion, along with her love for the written word, made travel reporting a natural fit for Valentina. She enjoys nothing more than diving headlong into obscure cultures and communities, learning their stories, and then sharing those stories with the world. Of course, she also has her hobbies. These include exploring caves and coral reefs with her well-worn scuba gear, navigating backroads in search of hidden geocaches, and immersing herself in the nightlife of whichever locale she happens to be in at the time. (She also has a real weakness for games of chance, but that’s not the sort of thing you include in a biography…) As our resident travel reporter, Valentina is committed to bringing the culture of the world directly to your doorstep. Whether her writing inspires your next adventure or just puts a few faces to the unfamiliar, we hope her experiences and exploits light a spark of curiosity and exploration in your heart as well.
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