Blackjack, often called “21,” has long been a favourite among casino-goers, known for its blend of skill, strategy, and chance. With the rise of online gambling, players now have the option to enjoy this classic game from the comfort of their homes. But a question frequently arises: Is online blackjack more profitable than its traditional counterpart?

Appeal of online blackjack

Online blackjack has gained immense popularity in recent years, and for good reason. As noted in her latest blog post, renowned gambling expert Sarah Thompson points out that online blackjack offers several advantages that can potentially increase profitability for players.

 Lower overhead costs

One of the most significant advantages of online blackjack is the lower overhead costs for operators. Online casinos don’t need to maintain physical premises, employ as many staff, or deal with the same level of operational costs as traditional casinos. This often translates to better odds and payouts for players. Many online blackjack games offer a higher Return to Player (RTP) percentage compared to their land-based counterparts. While traditional casinos typically offer blackjack games with an RTP of around 98%, it’s not uncommon to find online blackjack games with an RTP of 99% or higher.

Convenience and speed of play

Playing online blackjack from home eliminates travel costs and allows you to play at your own pace. You can take your time making decisions without feeling pressured by other players or the dealer. This can lead to more thoughtful play and better outcomes. Additionally, online blackjack games typically move faster than traditional games. You can play more hands per hour, which can increase your earning potential if you’re a skilled player with a solid strategy.

Case for traditional blackjack

While online blackjack has its merits, traditional blackjack in brick-and-mortar casinos still holds several advantages that can make it more profitable for certain players.

Card counting opportunities

One of the most significant advantages of traditional blackjack is the opportunity to count cards. This strategy, while not illegal, is frowned upon by casinos and is virtually impossible in online games where the deck is shuffled after each hand. Skilled card counters can gain a significant edge over the house, making traditional blackjack more profitable for those who have mastered this technique. However, it’s worth noting that casinos are adept at spotting card counters and may ask suspected counters to leave.

Social interaction and tell reading

Traditional blackjack allows players to interact with the dealer and other players at the table. For skilled players, this interaction can provide valuable information. Reading “tells” from the dealer or other players can inform your betting and playing decisions, potentially increasing your profitability.

Comps and perks

Land-based casinos often offer complimentary items or services (“comps”) to regular players. These can include free meals, hotel stays, show tickets or other perks. While these don’t directly increase your gambling profits, they can add value to your overall casino experience and offset some of your expenses.

Skill level and strategy

Blackjack is a game of skill as well as chance. Your profitability in both online and traditional blackjack will largely depend on your understanding of basic strategy and your ability to make the right decisions consistently. Online players have the advantage of being able to use strategy charts without the fear of disapproval from other players or casino staff. However, this ease of reference is balanced by the faster pace of online play, which can lead to more decisions (and potentially more mistakes) per hour.