Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games. In all significant casinos, thousands of players compete daily in this game. In countries of the former Soviet Union, blackjack is not so prevalent, but it still has many fans.
In previous years, blackjack was offered only in land-based casinos. But then online casinos appeared, allowing you to play numerous games without getting up from your computer. Moreover, the prohibition of gambling in many countries made online casinos the only place where you can enjoy this game.
Both types have advantages and disadvantages, which is why each has its fans and opponents. Let's look at the main aspects that will help you choose if you are still hesitating about which of them to prefer.
Real Blackjack Benefits
Of course, playing in brick-and-mortar casinos is a remarkable experience for every fan of gambling games. No matter how much effort creators of online casinos put into them, they will unlikely be able to recreate the atmosphere of the best land-based casinos. They may have carefully designed interior and game rules and come up with many bonuses - still, it will not make the feeling experienced by all visitors of real clubs.
In real-life casinos, you can control almost the entire gameplay.
Cards are shuffled before your eyes, and you can ask for viewing videos in case of a dispute. You also know that the game is not programmed, and you have all the mathematical chances of winning.
Of course, the fairness of reputable online casinos is verified, but this issue causes much debate.
Virtual blackjack rules can be more unprofitable to players than in real casinos. It is seen in the rules for doubling, splitting, etc. For example, many online casinos do not allow surrender.
Many players prefer land-based casinos because of social factors.
They like to play with a real dealer, surrounded by other users they can talk with and discuss what is happening at the table, boasting a win or lamenting the loss. Virtual blackjack seems unbearably dull in this regard.
Of course, do not play online blackjack with card counting in blackjack. The deck is shuffled after each hand, so counting is meaningless. The only opportunity to apply their skills is in real casinos.
Real Blackjack Drawbacks
Needless to say that blackjack in land-based casinos also has disadvantages. Such clubs are not available in all regions. In many countries, the gambling business is either prohibited or restricted to certain areas, and traveling to those zones is pretty tricky. It is no secret that some big players even fly thousands of miles to get their dose of adrenaline. It increases the cost of the game and makes it less available.
It is also easy for beginners to start playing blackjack at internet casinos. Offline clubs usually do not allow testing blackjack for free. The learning process can cost you too much. In online casinos, you can play blackjack in demo mode.
The social aspect of many real casinos can also testify against them. Playing next to other customers can be pretty unpleasant if they swear, smoke, drink, and eat at the tables.
Even casino employees may not be quite hospitable. Some dealers burn cards, shuffle cards without showing their presence, cut off large parts of the decks in the show, etc. If the pit boss suspects you to be a card counter, he can drive you out of the club.
Online Blackjack Benefits
But do not think virtual blackjack is entirely devoid of advantages compared to the real version. It also has many benefits that provide its worldwide popularity.
As mentioned above, internet casino blackjack is the only option in countries where gambling is prohibited.
Fans living away from the real casinos also play it. It saves players from transportation costs, spending money on expensive drinks and meals, and tipping dealers who may be hard to refuse in land-based casinos.
The process can be stopped and resumed when playing online blackjack at any moment. At any time, you can get up for pressing matters. In short, this is a very convenient way to play blackjack.
- Virtual blackjack gives plenty of practice.
- It allows for learning basic strategies.
- It gives you more confidence in the game for money.
Any beginner can safely play on conditional chips, try all advice of professionals, and personally verify the reliability or unreliability of certain judgments. At the same time, no one is rushed; no one will climb with tips and taunt committed mistakes.
Moreover, not all players constantly have enough cash to play blackjack for money. And in real casinos, there are no low bet limits as on gambling websites.
So, by playing blackjack online, you can achieve high professionalism without spending money and only start playing for money.
Online Blackjack Drawbacks
The biggest drawback of virtual blackjack is the lack of a specific casino atmosphere that can not be achieved on a computer monitor. You can have neighbors at the table but still get no feeling of the atmosphere.
Also, there are frequent restrictions on the rules of online blackjack.
Card counting is unsuitable for this game because all cards are used in every round. They are not stored in the discard tray. Therefore, any system of card counting is useless.
Many players do not trust virtual blackjack because it is impossible to trace the whole process of the game. Availability of all the cards, honesty of their distribution, and other aspects are outside your control.
Summary
Summarizing the pros and cons of both versions of the game, we can say that online blackjack is suitable for beginners and those without the opportunity to go to a real casino. It is utterly useless for card counters. The rest of the fans of this game should independently decide where to play blackjack. It depends on personal preference and your type of character.