What is the house edge on blackjack? For the RealTime Gaming versions with published figures, it's roughly 0.4% to 0.5%: third-party sources list Super 21 at 99.6% RTP and Suit 'Em Up Blackjack at 99.51%. Those numbers assume careful play on every hand, and side bets cost far more.
House edge is 100% minus RTP: Super 21 is listed at 99.6% (0.4% edge) and Suit 'Em Up at 99.51% (0.49%).
At $10 a hand, 100 hands is $1,000 wagered and costs about $4 to $5 on average at those edges.
Side bets raise the cost: Blackjack + Perfect Pairs is listed at 95.9% to 99.59%.
Published figures assume correct basic strategy; mistakes push your real edge higher.
Online RNG blackjack reshuffles every hand, so card counting doesn't apply.
Super 21 RTP
99.6% (PokerListings)
Suit 'Em Up Blackjack RTP
99.51% (SlotCatalog)
Perfect Pairs RTP range
95.9%–99.59% (GamesHub)
RTG standard Blackjack RTP
Not published
Card counting online
Not effective with RNG reshuffles
What is the house edge on blackjack? The quick answer
The house edge is the share of every dollar wagered that a game keeps on average over the long run. It's the flip side of RTP: a game with 99.6% RTP has a 0.4% house edge.
That puts blackjack among the cheapest games in the casino, but only when it's played well. The figures are theoretical, and real results over a session can swing far either way.
Blackjack house edge by RTG variant
Published returns for RTG blackjack games (third-party)
Game
Listed RTP
House edge
Rules noted in sources
Super 21
99.6%
0.4%
Six decks
Suit 'Em Up Blackjack
99.51% ("up to" per GamesHub)
0.49%
Dealer hits soft 17; blackjack pays 3:2; suited bonus side bet
Blackjack + Perfect Pairs
95.9%–99.59%
0.41%–4.1%
Perfect Pairs side bet up to 25:1; double on any two cards
Blackjack (standard)
Not published
Not published
Not published
Face Up 21, Match Play 21, Pontoon, Caribbean 21
Not published
Not published
Named as RTG games only
The wide Perfect Pairs range most likely reflects the difference between the main game and the side bet, though GamesHub doesn't break it down. Either way, the low end of the range, 95.9%, is worse than many slots. Read more on Super 21, Suit 'Em Up Blackjack and Blackjack + Perfect Pairs.
These RTPs come from third-party catalogs, not from RTG or the casinos. Check the game's help screen at your casino, and treat any figure as an estimate.
What the blackjack house edge costs you in dollars
Expected loss equals total amount wagered times the house edge. Total wagered is your bet size times the number of hands, not your bankroll, so a modest buy-in can put a lot of money through the game.
Expected cost of 100 hands at $10 ($1,000 wagered)
Game or bet
House edge
Expected loss per 100 hands
Per 500 hands
Super 21
0.4%
$4.00
$20.00
Suit 'Em Up Blackjack
0.49%
$4.90
$24.50
Perfect Pairs, low end
4.1%
$41.00
$205.00
European Roulette, for comparison
2.7%
$27.00
$135.00
A 97.5% RTP slot, for comparison
2.5%
$25.00
$125.00
The comparison rows use European Roulette's 97.3% RTP (GamesHub) and the 97.5% figure common among older RTG slots. Played well, the main blackjack bet costs a fraction of either. Doubling and splitting add extra money to some hands, so real totals wagered run a little higher than bets times hands.
How basic strategy lowers the house edge
Published blackjack returns assume you make the mathematically best play on every hand: when to hit, stand, double and split. That set of decisions is called basic strategy, and it's what keeps the edge near the figures above.
Playing by hunch, or copying the dealer's rules, raises the edge. Basic strategy can't remove it: the house still keeps a small share over time. Our blackjack basic strategy guide sets out the decisions, and how to play blackjack covers the rules first.
Open the game's rules screen and note the payout for blackjack, whether the dealer hits soft 17, and the number of decks.
Use a basic strategy chart that matches those rules.
Decline insurance and side bets unless you accept their higher cost.
Pick a bet size that gives you at least 100 hands from your session budget.
Keep your bet steady; raising it after losses doesn't change the edge.
Stop at your preset loss or time limit.
Rules that change the blackjack house edge
Small rule differences move the edge, which is why two blackjack tables can cost different amounts. The ones to check first:
Blackjack payout. At 3:2, a $10 natural pays $15. At 6:5 it pays $12. Suit 'Em Up Blackjack pays 3:2, per its listed features.
Dealer on soft 17. Suit 'Em Up has the dealer hit soft 17, a rule that slightly favors the house.
Doubling rules. Blackjack + Perfect Pairs allows doubling on any two cards, which helps the player.
Number of decks. Super 21 uses six decks, according to PokerListings.
Side bets. Suited bonus and Perfect Pairs pay more per hit but carry higher edges than the main game.
Side bets and insurance: where the edge jumps
Side bets are the expensive corner of blackjack. Perfect Pairs pays up to 25:1 for a perfect pair, and Suit 'Em Up's suited bonus pays up to 60:1 for suited aces, per GamesHub. Big payouts like these come with a much higher edge than the main hand.
Insurance, offered when the dealer shows an ace, is also a separate wager. Its cost isn't published for RTG games, so treat it as a side bet. See insurance and what Perfect Pairs is.
Card counting and betting systems online
Card counting is a historical technique for live games dealt from a shoe. Online RNG blackjack reshuffles every hand, so there's nothing to track and counting doesn't apply. Our page on whether you can count cards online explains the theory and the history.
Betting systems don't change the edge either. Doubling after each loss, as in Martingale, means a short losing streak demands huge bets: starting at $10, six losses in a row require a $640 seventh bet, with $630 already lost. See is Martingale a good strategy.
Blackjack and casino bonuses
Low-edge games are the reason casinos limit them under bonuses. Silver Oak's own new-member page lists 60x wagering for blackjack and video poker against 30x for its main playthrough, and third-party reviews report 60x (bonus plus deposit) for blackjack at Royal Ace against 30x on slots. SlotoCash's terms exclude table games from bonus play by default.
So don't plan to clear a welcome bonus on blackjack. Bonuses are slot-focused; table games are often excluded or weighted lower, so read the terms before you play. See bonus game weighting and the best bonus for blackjack.
Online blackjack in the USA: what the law says
Real-money online blackjack is licensed only in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, West Virginia, Delaware, Connecticut and Rhode Island. Elsewhere, the sites offering RTG blackjack to Americans are offshore and not licensed by any US state, so no state regulator checks the game, protects your balance or handles complaints.
Federal law targets payment processing for unlawful internet gambling, not the player's bet, and state law decides what's allowed where you live. Read offshore casino legality and more answers in the questions hub.
Online blackjack casinos: offers via our links
We list these three because each has published evidence of blackjack games or blackjack terms; two original picks had none in our sources. They are offshore, not licensed or regulated by any US state, so check your state's law first. We earn a commission through these links, and the order is commercial.
Planet 7 Casino: $2,750 Welcome Bonus + 45 Free Spins, via our link (new players, 21+ or 18+ where allowed, terms apply). Third-party reviews report code WELCOME200 (200%) with 30x (bonus plus deposit) on slots and a $1,000 max cashout, and a $30 card or $5 Bitcoin Lightning minimum. Suit 'Em Up Blackjack is reported in its lobby. The Michigan Gaming Control Board named Planet 7 in an April 9, 2025 release (opens in a new tab).
Silver Oak Casino: $2,500 Welcome Bonus + 50 Free Spins, via our link (new players, 21+ or 18+ where allowed, terms apply). Its own site advertises a $10,000 match over ten deposits; the new-member page (opens in a new tab) says 30x but the terms say 40x on slots, with 60x on blackjack and video poker, so check current terms. Deposits start at $30 and the page lists no max withdrawal. Silver Oak also lists a blackjack bonus among its promotions. Michigan named Silver Oak on April 9, 2025.
Royal Ace Casino: $2,500 Welcome Bonus + 35 Free Spins, via our link (new players, 21+ or 18+ where allowed, terms apply). Third-party reviews disagree: LCB (opens in a new tab) reports 200% up to $4,000 at 30x on slots and 60x on blackjack with a 10x-deposit max cashout, while another reviewer reports 250% up to $2,500 plus 35 spins.
The terms on screen at sign-up are the ones that apply. Free spins and bonuses are slot-focused, and table games are often excluded or weighted lower. Read the Planet 7, Silver Oak and Royal Ace reviews, or see our best blackjack casinos.
Ad21+ (18+ where allowed). Ranked by us in a commercial order; we earn commission from these links. Advertiser disclosure
Chosen because each has published evidence of blackjack games or blackjack terms. All are offshore and not licensed by any US state. 21+ (18+ where allowed); terms apply.
Planet 7 Casino#5 on our listRealTime Gaming slots
Published terms (reported): Third-party reviews report a 200% match with code WELCOME200; the casino site could not be checked directly. Eligible games: Slots (reported).
Who runs it: License not shown; third parties report Costa Rica or none. Regulator notes: Named in a Michigan Gaming Control Board cease-and-desist release, April 9, 2025.
21+ (18+ where allowed). New players. Min deposit $30 (reported). Wagering 30x deposit + bonus (reported). Max cashout: $1,000 (reported). Withdrawal cap $2,500 / week (reported). Terms source: reported. Terms apply. Offer checked October 28, 2026.
Silver Oak Casino#4 on our listBonus on 10 deposits
Published terms (casino terms): Silver Oak advertises a 100% match on each of its first ten deposits (up to $10,000 in total) with codes SILVEROAK1–10. Eligible games: Slots, keno, scratch cards (table games at 60x; many games excluded).
Who runs it: Primrose Media Limited, licensed in Anjouan (its terms). Regulator notes: Named in a Michigan Gaming Control Board cease-and-desist release, April 9, 2025.
21+ (18+ where allowed). New players. Min deposit $30. Wagering 30x on the offer page; 40x in the terms. Max cashout: None stated. Withdrawal cap From $2,500 / week. Terms source: casino terms. Terms apply. Offer checked October 28, 2026.
Royal Ace Casino#6 on our listSlots and specialty games
Published terms (reported): Third-party reviews disagree on the package (200% up to $4,000, or 250% up to $2,500 + 35 spins); the casino site could not be checked directly. Eligible games: Slots and specialty games (reported).
Who runs it: License not shown; third parties report Costa Rica or none. Regulator notes: Third parties report it does not accept Ohio players.
21+ (18+ where allowed). New players. Min deposit $30 (reported). Wagering 30x deposit + bonus on slots (reported). Max cashout: 10x deposit (reported). Withdrawal cap $2,500 / week (reported). Terms source: reported. Terms apply. Offer checked October 28, 2026.
These casinos are offshore operators. They are not licensed or regulated by any US state, and state consumer protections do not apply. Check the law in your state before you play. Terms marked “reported” come from third-party reviews; the terms shown at sign-up apply.
21+ (18+ where allowed). Every casino game has a built-in house edge, so over time you should expect to lose what you stake. Set a budget before you play and stop when it’s gone: responsible gambling tools and free help. Gambling problem? Call or text 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738).
Frequently asked questions
How low is the blackjack house edge with basic strategy?
For RTG games with published figures, it's about 0.4% to 0.5%. Third-party sources list Super 21 at 99.6% RTP and Suit 'Em Up Blackjack at 99.51%, and those returns assume correct play on every hand. Mistakes raise the edge, and side bets raise it much more. Our house edge explained guide shows how to turn any RTP into a dollar cost.
Is blackjack the lowest house edge game?
It's among the lowest when played with basic strategy. In published RTG figures, Super 21 at 99.6% sits alongside Jacks or Better video poker at 99.54%, both well ahead of European Roulette at 97.3% and most slots. Even so, the house keeps an edge on every game. Compare options in what is the best casino game to win.
How much do you lose per hour playing blackjack?
It depends on bet size, hands played and the edge. Expected loss is total wagered times the house edge, so 100 hands at $10, or $1,000 wagered, costs about $4 at a 0.4% edge. Hands per hour vary by device and pace, so count hands rather than minutes. Results swing widely in the short run; see bankroll management.
Does a 6:5 blackjack payout matter?
Yes. At 3:2, a $10 blackjack pays $15, while at 6:5 it pays $12, so you collect $3 less every time you're dealt a natural. That raises the house edge noticeably. Suit 'Em Up Blackjack lists a 3:2 payout. Always check the rules screen before playing; our how to play blackjack guide explains each rule's role.
Can card counting lower the house edge on online blackjack?
No. Online RNG blackjack shuffles a fresh deck for every hand, so there's no remaining shoe to track. Card counting belongs to live, shoe-dealt games and is best treated as history and theory. Live dealer games work differently, but none of the casinos on this page are reported to offer live dealer tables. See blackjack card counting online.
How much higher is the edge on blackjack side bets?
Higher than the main game. GamesHub lists Blackjack + Perfect Pairs at 95.9% to 99.59%, so at the low end the edge is about 4.1%, roughly ten times Super 21's. Suit 'Em Up's suited bonus pays up to 60:1, but its separate edge isn't published. If you want the cheapest play, skip side bets. See what Suit 'Em Up Blackjack is.
Can I clear a casino bonus playing blackjack?
Usually not easily. Bonus terms tend to exclude blackjack or count it at a much higher multiple. Silver Oak lists 60x for blackjack versus 30x for its main playthrough, and SlotoCash excludes table games by default. Using blackjack where it's barred can void bonus winnings. Bonuses are slot-focused, so read the terms; see what games count toward wagering.
Which US states license online blackjack?
State-licensed online blackjack exists only in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, West Virginia, Delaware, Connecticut and Rhode Island. Elsewhere, sites offering blackjack are offshore and not licensed by any US state, and your state's law decides what's allowed. Michigan's regulator has issued cease-and-desist letters to offshore operators, including Planet 7 and Silver Oak. See which states allow online casinos.
What is the house edge on Super 21 blackjack?
Super 21 has the lowest published blackjack house edge among RTG games, about 0.4%, based on the 99.6% RTP PokerListings lists. That works out to roughly $4 lost per $1,000 wagered on average, assuming the right decision on every hand. PokerListings also says the game uses six decks, but its other rule changes aren't detailed in our sources, so read the rules screen and use a strategy built for those rules. Standard basic strategy charts may not fit exactly. See our Super 21 game page and what is the best casino game to win.
Does the dealer hitting soft 17 raise the blackjack house edge?
Yes, a dealer who hits soft 17 slightly raises the house edge compared with a dealer who stands, because the dealer gets an extra chance to improve a weak hand. RTG's Suit 'Em Up Blackjack uses the hit-soft-17 rule, and it's still listed at 99.51%, so the effect is small next to mistakes or side bets. It also changes a few basic strategy plays, so pick a chart that matches. Our soft hand glossary entry and blackjack basic strategy guide explain the details.
What is the house edge on blackjack at Planet 7?
Planet 7 doesn't publish house edges, but Blockonomi reports Suit 'Em Up Blackjack in its lobby, and that game is listed at 99.51% RTP, a house edge of about 0.49%. At $10 a hand, 100 hands cost about $4.90 on average with good play. Planet 7's welcome offer is slot-focused: third-party reviews report 30x (bonus plus deposit) on slots, so don't plan to clear it on blackjack. Planet 7 is offshore, and Michigan's regulator named it on April 9, 2025. See Planet 7 table games and the Planet 7 review.
Is clearing a Royal Ace bonus on blackjack at 60x cheaper than slots at 30x?
On average it can be, though Royal Ace's terms come from third-party reviews and the max cashout still applies. Take a $100 deposit with a $100 bonus. At a reported 60x (bonus plus deposit) for blackjack, you'd wager $12,000; at a 0.49% edge (Suit 'Em Up's listed figure, used as an example), the expected cost is about $58.80. At 30x on a 97.5% slot, you'd wager $6,000 at a 2.5% edge, about $150. The blackjack route takes twice the betting time, and a reported max cashout of 10x the deposit caps winnings. Read the Royal Ace welcome bonus page and game weighting explained.
How long will $100 last at online blackjack?
At $5 a hand, $100 covers 20 losing hands in a row, but with normal wins and losses it usually stretches much further. Over 100 hands you'd wager $500, and at Suit 'Em Up's 0.49% house edge the expected loss is only about $2.45. The real risk is short-run swings, not the edge: doubling and splitting put more on some hands, and a losing streak can drain $100 quickly. Choose a bet that gives you at least 100 hands. See what is a good bankroll and our gambling budget guide.
Is online blackjack legal in Delaware?
Yes, Delaware licenses online casino games, including blackjack, through the Delaware Lottery, with play offered by Delaware Park, Bally's Dover and Harrington on the BetRivers platform for players 21 and over. The state says real-money games from unlicensed operators violate its constitution, penal code and the Delaware Gaming Competitiveness Act of 2012, and tells residents to play only at authorized Delaware casinos. Our offshore partners aren't among them. Players in Wilmington or Dover can read our Delaware online casinos guide and state gambling regulators.
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