The Difference Between American And European Online Blackjack

Added: October 1, 2015

Australian online casinos offer both American and European versions of blackjack. There are a few different American online blackjack variants like Vegas Strip Blackjack and Atlantic City Blackjack. European Blackjack is a standard version. The main difference between the American and European is the way that the dealer’s cards are dealt.

In the American variants of blackjack the dealer deals himself two cards, one of which is face up and the other is face down. The face down card is called the hole card. In the European version the dealer deals himself only the one face up card. The hole card is not dealt. Hence this version is known as a 'no hole card' variation. This is not a cosmetic difference but has effect on the gameplay and strategy.

In the American versions the hole card comes into play immediately if the dealer's face up card is an ace or a ten value card. Before you make your first move the dealer checks for blackjack. If the dealer has a blackjack then you lose your wager, unless you too are dealt a blackjack. In this event your bet pushes. If the dealer does not have a blackjack then you play out your hand. In European Blackjack the player starts playing his hand, irrespective of the rank of the dealer’s face up card. Only after you stand or bust, the dealer will deal his second card and check for blackjack.

This difference becomes material if you want to split hands or double down. In both cases you have to place a second wager equal to your original wager. In European Blackjack you will have to take this decision before the dealer checks for blackjack. If you place the additional split or double down wager, and the dealer gets a blackjack, then you lose the additional wagers as well. In the American blackjack variants you will know whether the dealer has a blackjack before you have to place the additional wagers for split and double down. So when the dealer has a blackjack, you will be prevented from placing and therefore losing the additional wagers.

Therefore the American variants of online blackjack offer slightly higher average returns to the player. If you play blackjack for long stretches or high stakes, this difference becomes material. When you play European Blackjack you should be less aggressive in making split and double down moves as compared to when you play American blackjack games.