Just published!
Two new pages on CasinoLabRat.com may be of interest to our UK and US readers.
BEST UK-OWNED CASINOS
CasinoLabRat.com gets lots of enquiries from UK based Casino Players wanting a great online casino that is UK owned and offers safe, fun and potentially profitable gambling. Several of our test team are UK residents including a Geordie and a Scot.
Here’s a link to a new page of fact sheets on the top 5 online casinos that are UK owned and specially cater to British players who wish to run accounts in pounds sterling GBP.
BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR USA RESIDENTS
Our team of casino testers includes members based in California, Maryland, Florida and Hawaii and so we know that US casino players have a different set of challenges in deciding where to play their blackjack, slots or roulette. CasinoLabRat.com gets lots of enquiries from US Players concerned about the number of online casinos that no longer accept residents of the USA due to the recent US anti-gambling legislation changes.
Here’s a link to page of fact sheets on the top 4 online casinos that still welcome USA players. It may help you make your mind up where to play. It also includes an update on Payments Options for US players.
January 21st, 2007
If you were around in the sixties you’d have been playing blackjack with a single deck, the dealer would stand on soft 17, and doubling would be allowed on any of the first 2 cards. Heaven.
Nowadays we are used to playing with 2 decks (and the house edge increases by 0.3%), four decks (increases to 0.5%) and even six decks (0.6%) or at some casinos eight decks…
If we then consider that doubling down is restricted to 9, 10 and 11, the house has gained another 0.1%. As a dealer’s blackjack beats yours, we’re now down a further 0.1%. Add no re-splitting and you’ve lost another 0.1% to the house.
Is it really worth playing?
Well, yes – and no. Whether you’re playing at an online casino or in-the-flesh if you play tight and follow a few golden rules you should be able to level up the game. But remember – quit while you are winning or you’ll plough it all back in!
HOUSE RULES
First learn the rules and proper strategy – these can vary from one casino to another. Never (and we mean ever!) play at a casino that does not disclose the basic information you need in order to make informed blackjack decisions. Read the HELP, FAQ or contact the casino support team for details – it is your right to know!
NUMBER OF DECKS
The more decks used, the greater the house advantage – so look out for low deck games. (Single deck games are available at Blackjack Ballroom Casino)
SOFT 17
You have an edge when the dealer stands with a soft 17 (say, for example an Ace and a 6)
DOUBLE DOWN
Limitations on what combinations a player can double-down on increases the house advantage. In some games players can only double down on a 10 or 11, and not after splitting.
SPLITTING
In some games players are not allowed to re-split cards (i.e. splitting after a split) or re-split Aces.
DEALER PEEK
In most US Casinos the blackjack dealer checks for blackjack when the up-card is an Ace or a 10 that is to your advantage.
TIP: Avoid the blackjack insurance bet like the plague as there is a house advantage of 5-8%! (This is where an Ace is showing you bet the dealer will hit a blackjack at 2/1)
WHERE TO PLAY ONLINE?
Blackjack Ballroom has 34 Blackjack games variants available – including 5 single deck games and the ultra-realistic Microgaming Gold Series Blackjack in both single-hand and multi-hand versions. Licensed in Kahnawake, Canada, this online casino is well worth a look. US based players are still welcomed from 11 States.
For UK and European blackjack enthusiasts we regard BetFred Casino as the best Playtech-based online casino. .
Click here for fact sheets on the top 8 online casinos we recommend for Blackjack.
January 21st, 2007