The above-mentioned variations are great options for those who wish to play online blackjack for real money in the UK. They provide a variety of gameplay features, a few of which are only available online. But how does each variant work exactly? Please have a look below, where we cover the basics of each game.
It is important to understand that each of the variations has its own specific niche and game style. Certain rules might be present in one title but missing in another. This requires changes to basic strategy to suit the rule set and some knowledge on your part.
Why Instant Play Blackjack?
Playing instant blackjack is a great way to gamble online. However, why should we choose RNG games over their live dealer counterparts? This is not an unreasonable question, and there are two sides to this story. You gain several excellent benefits by playing no download blackjack, but you also miss out on other viable options by doing so. Here is a brief rundown of the advantages and disadvantages of RNG blackjack:
✔️ Pros | ❌ Cons |
---|---|
Wide Array of Variations | Not as Immersive as Live Blackjack |
Available 24/7 | The Age of Some Games |
Playable on Slow Internet Connections | Inability to Count Cards |
Available on Mobile Devices | Older Games Becoming Unavailable |
Generally, the best blackjack casinos in the UK will offer both instant play and live blackjack. Therefore, you can enjoy both whenever you wish. We also have to consider that certain older games are being taken off the shelves. Since live blackjack is becoming ever more popular with the general player base, we may see instant play games slowly start disappearing.
Best Instant Blackjack Games
In the list below, we will have a brief look at some of the best no download blackjack games out there. Each mention will include a demo of the respective game and a brief overview of the key features. We believe that you will enjoy these games as much as we have.
Atlantic City Blackjack Gold – 99.65% RTP by Microgaming
Atlantic City is one of the major gambling hubs in the US and also the birthplace of a specific type of blackjack. Offering some of the most player-friendly rules out there, Atlantic City Blackjack Gold is a game that you should not pass on. Developed by Microgaming, this instant play blackjack version presents the game as it is featured in Atlantic City casinos.
Unlike some other variations on this list, Atlantic City Blackjack Gold does not rely on special features or intricate side bets to provide an enjoyable gaming experience. Instead, it does so through the sheer simplicity of its rules and how they make the game accessible to new and returning players. With an excellent RTP of 99.65%, Atlantic City Blackjack Gold is one of the best online blackjack options at your disposal.
Vegas Downtown Blackjack – 99.62% RTP by Microgaming
If you are after the Vegas experience, be sure to take note of this game. Microgaming has put in a lot of effort to bring you the Vegas Downtown treatment with this game, and it shows. Vegas Downtown Blackjack is a version of instant play blackjack worth your consideration.
With simplistic but beneficial rules, Vegas Downtown Blackjack can be played by both veterans and newcomers to the genre. It doesn’t deviate much from the traditional blackjack formula, using two 52-card decks and paying 3:2 for a blackjack hand. The 99.62% RTP makes this an incredible game in terms of pure odds.
Double Exposure Blackjack – 99.33% RTP by NetEnt
Double Exposure Blackjack is one of the most common instant blackjack options available on the Internet. The main feature of this game is that you can see both of the dealer’s cards. Naturally, this gives you some advantage when it comes to decision making. It takes away some of the uncertainty in making moves in blackjack, giving you better opportunities to win.
Of course, this advantage comes at the cost of other worthwhile rules, missing in this variation. For one, the blackjack payout is reduced to 1:1 from the traditional 3:2. Effectively, a blackjack hand is no longer anything special. Moreover, you will be offered no Insurance, nor will you have Surrender options. Essentially, you reduce the risk but remove certain advantages of traditional blackjack.
Perfect Pairs Blackjack – 99.51% RTP by FELT Gaming
Perfect Pairs Blackjack is another pillar of the no download blackjack online selection. The main draw of this game is found not within the base gameplay as other variations on this list, but instead in the form of the Perfect Pairs side bet. This optional wager is put down alongside the standard bet and concerns the hand you are dealt.
Depending on what two cards you get on the draw, you may end up winning a nice payout. Specifically, a pair, a coloured pair, and a same-suit pair will provide you with rewards of 6:1, 12:1, and 25:1, respectively. Winning this bet has more to do with luck than any personal blackjack expertise you may have.
Single Deck Blackjack – 99.59% by NetEnt
Few blackjack games are as beloved as NetEnt’s Single Deck Blackjack Professional. The downside of many instant blackjack games in the current era is that they use six or more decks in the shoe. Inevitably, this pushes the advantage in the casino’s favour and lowers your opportunity to make worthwhile moves.
Single Deck Blackjack, on the other hand, goes the other way and offers a game where you only play with 52 cards in the shoe. This makes calculating odds much easier and gives you a better idea about the outcome of a hand since there are only some many cards in the shoe. The only thing missing from this variation is a Surrender option and hitting on split Aces.
21+3 Blackjack – 99.51% RTP by FELT Gaming
Ever wonder what happens when you mix the rules of blackjack and poker together? Well, you get 21+3 Blackjack. Named for its side bet, this game allows you to use the dealer’s up card and your own hand to squeeze a little extra cash from the house.
The way it works is quite simple. When you place a 21+3 bet, you take the dealer’s upcard and your own hand to see what poker combinations you can form. The minimum qualifying hand is a Flush which comes with a payout of 5:1. If you manage to get a Suited Three-of-a-Kind, the house will have to fork over 100:1. Much like Perfect Pairs, the 21+3 side bet is based on luck.
Pontoon – 99.64% RTP by Playtech
While this game might sound strange at first, do not be mistaken, Pontoon is blackjack at its core. Specifically, Pontoon by Playtech is a great example of how well this game can perform online. So, what’s great about it? Pontoon is probably the most intricate variation of instant play blackjack that you will find on the Internet.
Both dealer cards are drawn facedown and only revealed until you stand on your own hand. Moreover, you will have to hit until you have a total of 15 or more. Due to this rule, Pontoon allows you to automatically win if you get five cards without busting. Additionally, a traditional blackjack hand – called a Pontoon here – will give you a payout of 2:1. This is higher than the usual 3:2 of traditional blackjack games and will give you a higher win margin.
21 Duel Blackjack – 99.38% RTP by Playtech
21 Duel Blackjack presents a compelling variation of no download blackjack brought to us by industry leader Playtech. With wide betting limits and an entertaining gameplay loop, 21 Duel Blackjack is an excellent game for any seasoned blackjack player. This variation presents an interesting combination of blackjack and certain poker features.
Specifically, you place an ante bet and are dealt two cards – one face up, the other face down. At the same time, the game will deal two communal cards. You get to choose which of the two will make the best combination with your available hand. After this, you can either pick one communal card and continue with the second bet or fold your hand and lose the initial wager. Much like in traditional blackjack, the idea is to get your hand as close to 21 as possible without going over.
21 Duel Blackjack also comes with side bet options, if you wish to indulge yourself. Specifically, forming a three of a kind will provide you with a 20:1 payout. If you manage to get a pair of any kind, you get to bring in 3:1.
Blackjack Surrender – 99.66% RTP by Playtech
Instant blackjack, in general, has some very player-friendly rules, which contribute to the high RTP and overall entertainment value of the game. Blackjack Surrender by Playtech is a great example of what happens when you add even more moves that work in your favour.
The namesake of this game is the surrender rule available whenever the dealer checks for a blackjack. This happens when they are dealt an Ace or a 10-value card. If you choose to take the surrender, you will be able to take back half of your bet, forfeiting the other half. Before the surrender option becomes available, the game will offer you insurance. Generally, this is considered a bad move since the odds are against you.
The surrender rule pushes the odds in your favour and allows you to mitigate losses. Effectively, the impact on your bottom line will be reduced, thereby enabling you to keep playing for longer until you reached your desired goals. Blackjack Surrender comes with an above-average RTP value of 99.66%, which is even better than the typical blackjack no download game on the Internet.
Progressive Blackjack
While blackjack is not typically associated with progressive jackpots, it doesn’t always have to be this way. Consider Playtech’s Progressive Blackjack. This game takes the tried and tested formula of blackjack and enhances it with an enticing jackpot. This creates a worthwhile experience for both individuals who simply wish to play blackjack and those who want to push their luck a little further.
The jackpot can be won by placing a side bet alongside your normal wager. The game will form combinations using the cards in your hand and those of the dealer. If the combined hand has any combination of Aces, you win a corresponding prize. The highest payout goes up to 5000:1 and is awarded when you get four suited Aces.
Top No Download Blackjack Software Developers
Having read about the top ten online blackjack no download options, you might be wondering where to start. In truth, each game has its share of special features and brings something interesting to the table. The variations presented above all have something to contribute. Therefore, it will be on you to choose the right game for you.
That said, it is often a good practice to separate titles by their developers. The odds are that if you like a game from a given company, you will also enjoy their other titles, as well. With that in mind, here are the top blackjack no download software providers:
Each of these blackjack games was chosen because it offers something special. Be it excellent rules or worthwhile gameplay features, you can be certain that you will have a good time. Ultimately, it will fall on you to decide what to play. Therefore, we recommend that you try out these variations in free play mode to see if you enjoy them before committing real money.
FAQ About Instant Play Blackjack
If you still have questions about online blackjack, please take a look at the FAQ section below. We have presented the most important questions on the topic, along with answers to help you gain a better understanding. We hope that after this, you will be fully prepared to play blackjack on the Internet.