Blackjack Variants: How the Game Differs Around the World

Blackjack is one of the world’s most popular card games that anyone can play at land-based and online casinos, provided they are of legal age in their country.
Today, you can find a plethora of RNG (random number generator) and live dealer blackjack games from various market-leading online casino software providers and game development studios.
The two main types of blackjack that every other blackjack variant derives from are American blackjack, which is also commonly referred to as classic blackjack or standard blackjack, and European blackjack.
You also have Spanish blackjack, which is so-called because it uses a Spanish 48-card deck, but it can also be played using the French suited 52-card deck by removing the four ten-spot cards from the deck.
Without further ado, let’s take a closer look at blackjack variants.
What are the main blackjack variants?
Choosing which blackjack game to play can often seem overwhelming, especially when considering how many variants there are to choose from. However, all variants pretty much derive from these three, which you may be familiar with:
- American blackjack, also known as classic or standard blackjack
- European blackjack
- Spanish blackjack, also known as Spanish 21 or Pontoon
In the UK, European blackjack is one of the most popular variants, while American blackjack is also widely played. In the US, American blackjack is most popular with better odds than European blackjack.
The best blackjack sites will offer multiple variants, so it’s essential to consider the options before playing. Thankfully, the rules are broadly the same across all three variants, meaning that once you have learned how to play one of these three games, you’ll pick up the others quickly. All blackjack variants you come across are part of the same ‘21’ family of card games.
What’s the main difference between American and European blackjack?
The main difference between these two variants is essentially when the dealers receive their second card. For example, in American blackjack variants, the dealer’s hole card will always be dealt face-down before you can place your first bet.
In European blackjack games, the dealers will always receive their card after you have played your hand.
The main differences between most variants are the odds, side bet options, and how many hands you can play at a time (e.g., single or multi-hand blackjack, the latter of which usually allows you to play up to five individual hands per round).
RNG vs live dealer blackjack
Each of these games has its unique features, catering to different player preferences. RNG (not to be confused with the RNG esports team) blackjack uses software to simulate the dealing of cards, ensuring random outcomes with each hand. These games are available 24/7; they don’t require human interaction. They may be best for players who prefer to play at their own pace or want to practice strategy without the pressure of a live game.
Live dealer games involve a real human dealer in real-time, typically via video stream. This format is more immersive and aims to replicate the atmosphere of a physical casino. Live dealer games are ideal for players seeking social interaction and a more authentic blackjack experience. These games might also appeal to players who want the unpredictability of human dealers.
What other popular blackjack variants are worth checking out?
Once you have got to grips with American, European, or Spanish blackjack, you may decide that you want to try another variant.
In that case, some of the most famous online blackjack variants out there today are Atlantic City Blackjack, Double Deck Blackjack, Live Lightning Blackjack, Live Infinite Blackjack, and Live Blackjack Party, to name just a few.
Blackjack Switch is one of the most popular variants, where you play two hands and are allowed to swap the top cards to improve both hands. Super Fun 21 is a variant with a range of different rules, including the ability to double down on any number of cards.
Finding safe sites to play blackjack
When it comes to choosing an online casino for blackjack, there are a few factors players should consider.
Firstly (and most importantly) is to determine the legitimacy of the site. Legitimate online casinos will have a valid license for the country they’re operating in. The license information should be readily available on the casino’s website, so it’s always a good idea to check for a valid license before signing up.
A license ensures that an operator adheres to strict criteria set out by regulators. These allow players to play safe in the knowledge that their information is secure, the games they’re playing are fair and their deposits and withdrawals are protected.
It’s also vital for players to familiarize themselves with the safer gambling tools provided by online casinos. These range from stake and deposit limits, cooling off periods and self-exclusion tools.
The primary consideration when choosing somewhere to play online blackjack should always be safety. As such, checking the license and safer gambling support is a priority anywhere before signing up.
Final thoughts
The most important thing to remember before playing is to set a reasonable spending budget. Gambling responsibly these days is easier thanks to a range ‘safer gambling tools’ such as spending caps, session time reminders, deposit limits, and win/loss limits. Always learn the rules before playing, and, where possible, practice playing online blackjack in the free-play demo mode.

Elen Stelmakh is a creative individual dedicated to advancing gaming culture through articles and visual design. As a full-time EGamersWorld author and designer for a gaming website, Elen not only creates content but also infuses it with energy and creativity.







