How to Make Money in Blackjack | Beginner's Guide

Who doesn't want to make money while playing their favorite casino game? In the world of Blackjack, your next big payout could be just a hand away!

Unlike other games that rely solely on luck, the right Blackjack strategy can be the difference between losing all your money at the table or going home with a jackpot in your pocket. Luckily, Rivalry will guide you through the best ways to make money when playing Blackjack.

Is It Possible To Make Money Playing Blackjack?

Of course! If it wasn't possible to make cash from playing Blackjack, the industry would have died long ago. There must be a reason why players have come back to the game for centuries. The honest truth is that you can make money playing Blackjack, beating out the Dealer to get to 21 (or close to it). However, there's also a strong possibility you can also lose money playing the game.

The logical step to mitigate your losses is to cut the common mistakes many players make when betting on Blackjack. There are many things you can do to set yourself up for success when you play Blackjack, including choosing a trusted casino provider, utilizing casino bonuses, and employing solid strategies.

Like anything in life, though, it'll take time and experience to get better at playing Blackjack and start winning frequently. That's why you also need to consider Blackjack strategies, which can help you earn more money per round.

Setting Up For Success: Online Blackjack Edition

To make more money from playing Blackjack, setting yourself up for success is crucial. Whether you play Blackjack games at home or indulge in online casinos from the comfort of your home, there are some steps you can take to ensure your success. This involves choosing the right online casino -cough Rivalry.com -cough-, managing your bankroll effectively, and taking full advantage of casino bonuses and promotions

Choosing the Right Casino

Choosing a reputable casino is the foundation of your success in making money playing a Blackjack game. Any good casino will ensure fair play, lightning-fast payouts, and a secure environment for all your deposits. When selecting your chosen casino, you should consider the following:

• Licensing and Regulations: You should pick a casino licensed by a reputable and trusted authority. This way, you know the casino operator runs under strict guidelines to protect players. These casinos are also often audited for fairness and transparency, especially regarding player's personal details and financial information. For example, Rivalry is governed under the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission, so all betting here is entirely safe.
• Blackjack Variety: Look for an online site that offers a wide range of casino games, including different Blackjack variants. This not only keeps your experience enjoyable, but fresh, as you can employ strategies across different games. Rivalry offers the best live Blackjack experiences by Evolution Gaming.
• Software Providers: Reputable casino providers often have a wide range of software providers for their games, with respected casino partners like NetEnt and Evolution Gaming paving the way, both of which are available on Rivalry. Better software also means that trusted random number generators (RNGs) that aren't rigged and won't rip you off.
• Responsive Customer Support: If you encounter any issues while gaming, you'll want a casino with a responsible customer support line. Luckily, Rivalry's support team is available 24/7 to help with any questions. We also have a dedicated FAQ help center designed with popular questions in mind so you can solve any problems yourself and get back to the action.
• User Reviews: The best thing to consider when testing a new casino website is to check out reviews and feedback directly from users who have tried them! Check out Rivalry's Trustpilot rating and read reviews based on the experiences of hundreds of players.

Managing Your Bankroll

Take care of yourself (and your wallet) by setting a budget before engaging in any betting, especially when you play Blackjack online. Determine how much excess money you can afford to lose without affecting your financial well-being and daily life. For example, if you allocate $200 per month to use on any casino game, ensure this amount fits comfortably within your disposable income. This works out to $50 a week.

The next step is setting win/loss limits. You either do this via the in-game menu or manually set self-exclusion limits to freeze your account when you reach these limits. This stops you from chasing any losses or impulsively increasing bet size. Practicing disciplined gambling behaviors and taking regular breaks are the best ways to ensure success on the Blackjack table.

Try to avoid emotional betting and chasing losses where you can. If you're getting stressed, take a break. The Blackjack table will be there when, or if, you decide to come back. Our learning resource, Rivalry Academy, has guides to help you manage your betting behavior, learn how to read odds, and understand profitability.

Welcome Bonuses & Promotions

Many great online casinos offer their users various bonuses and promotions to attract and retain players. Sometimes, these promotions are casino-game-specific, while others can be used on anything available on the casino's website.

Here are a few examples of the bonuses you may come across at Rivalry, specifcally:

• Welcome Bonuses: Welcome Bonuses are available for newly registered players. These will often double your initial deposit. For example, Rivalry's welcome bonus doubles your first deposit up to a value of $100!
• Deposit Bonuses: These bonuses offer a set amount of bonus funds depending on how much you deposit. Of course, to get these sorts of promotions, you'll need to meet the minimum wagering guidelines.
• Free Spins Bonuses: While this isn't specifically helpful as a Blackjack strategy, you can sometimes play Live Blackjack or other variations to get up to 100 Free Spins for some of our slot offerings, like 777 Strike or Diamond Blitz.
• Cashback Bonuses: Some of our promotions are cashback bonuses! If you place a qualifying bet on a certain game, Rivalry will refund you a percentage of your losses so you can keep betting!
• Rivalry Token: For all the betting activity you engage in on Rivalry, you can earn NUTZ, which will later be convertible into the Rivalry Token, airdropped to users in Q4 of 2024. The Rivalry Token will be like any other cryptocurrency like BitCoin and even used to place more bets on Rivalry!

If you're tempted by any bonuses offered on Rivalry, check and fully understand the terms and conditions before placing any bets, including all wagering requirements, eligible games, and expiration dates. Ensure you also correctly enter the promo code in the required field before depositing cash into your account.

Basic Blackjack Terms

Regardless of how you play Blackjack, whether online at Rivalry or in a land-based casino, this table game has unique terms and language that regular Blackjack players know inside and out.

These are essential to know before you get into any Blackjack game and are key to understanding how the game works.

• Hit: The action of asking for one more card from the Dealer.
• Stand: When the player no longer wants new cards and is happy with their current hand.
• Split: An option for the player to split their hand if they hold two cards that are the same number, like two eights or two sixes, and play them as two separate hands rather than just one.
• Double: In addition to their initial bet, players can sometimes double their bet if they believe they have a strong hand.
• Bust: This is when a hand, either the players or the Dealers, goes over the sum of 21 in Blackjack. It essentially means "game over."
• Blackjack: When you hear Blackjack, a hand has reached the sum of 21, meaning they have won outright.
• Soft Hand: This means the player has a hand with an Ace, favoring their victory as they have two possible values. Aces can become an 11 or 1, depending on their current hand.
• Hard Hand: This is when the player has a hand without an Ace, meaning they have fewer combinations available to get Blackjack.

Best Blackjack Strategies

Mastering the basics is essential to consistently make money when playing Blackjack online. This involves understanding a basic Blackjack strategy chart and learning common strategies like card counting.

Blackjack Basic Strategy Chart

A basic strategy chart outlines the optimal move for every possible hand combination in Blackjack. These charts are developed through mathematical analysis to minimize the house edge. These moves are based on the Dealer's visible card and your hand total.

The Blackjack basic strategy chart can influence whether you Hit, Stand, Double Down, or Split. For example, if you have a hand total of 16 and the Dealer's upcard is 7, the chart will suggest that you Hit, although this may depend on whether you have a Soft Hand or a Hard Hand.

Here's examples of what a Blackjack basic strategy chart will say:

Only stand on 12 if the Dealer has 4, 5, or 6

The sum of 12 is a low hand for a player to Stand on, so you should only do so if the Dealer's upcard is low, like 4, 5, or 6, meaning they're unlikely to get close to 21.

Stand on 13 - 16 if the Dealer has a max of 16

Having a hand total between 13 and 16 in Blackjack is a common occurrence. Only stand on these values if the Dealer has a maximum upcard of 6. You'll need to Hit if the Dealer presents a hand that's higher than this.

Hit when your sum is 11

If your total sum is 11, you should always Hit. This is because even if you don't get a 10, there's still a good chance you'll get a high-value card pushing you closer to that golden 21 and winning the round.

Hit if you have an Ace and a 6

This is an oddly specific situation, but an Ace and a 6 is one of the best possible combinations in Blackjack. The best decision is to Hit, as you can count on luck to get a number from 1 to 4 to give you Blackjack. A 10-value card is also helpful in this scenario.

Never split a pair of 10s

A pair of 10s is a strong hand, although rare. The sum of these values is obviously 20, putting you close to a natural Blackjack. It's better to stick it out with this hand than try to Split it and try your luck with two separate hands.

This cheat chart strategy is not usually welcome at land-based casinos. However, with online casino providers like Rivalry, you can do whatever you want, as it's from the comfort of your home. You can even pick your nose if you want - we won't judge!

As time goes on and you use the Blackjack strategy chart more, you'll begin to memorize the different combinations and actions you can take. For example, if your total hand is 17 or more, you should always Stand to prevent from going bust and losing the whole game.

Card Counting

It's a well-known fact that counting cards is the best Blackjack strategy out there. However, it only works best in land-based casinos where only one deck is used. In online Blackjack games, several decks are usually used, making counting cards more difficult and harder to memorize.

Regardless, counting cards involves tracking the ratio of high to low cards left in the deck and making informed wagers based on that information. High cards (10s, face cards, and Aces) benefit the player the most, while low cards (2-6) favor the Dealer more.

The Hi-Lo system is one of the most popular card counting methods, assigning a value of +1 to low cards and -1 to high cards. Neutral cards (7-9) are counted as zero. At the beginning of a game or when the decks are shuffled manually or via continuous shuffle machines, your value begins at zero. Adjust your running count based on the Hi-Lo values as each card is dealt to you and the Dealer.

• If a low card is dealt, add 1 to your running count
• If a high card is dealt, subtract 1 from your running count
• If a neutral card is dealt, your count remains the same

In games with multiple decks, convert your running count into the true count to get an accurate measure. The true count is the running count divided by the remaining decks. For example, if your running count is +4 and 2 decks are left, your true count is +2.

Once all the cards have been dealt, it's time to make your bet. If your true count remains positive, it indicates a higher proportion of high cards left in the deck, which is advantageous to you. We'd suggest increasing your bet size here and Hitting if you have a low hand.

When your count is negative or zero, we suggest keeping the minimum bet amount, as the deck may be in the Dealer's favor. Be aware it is harder to count cards in online Blackjack as these games use multiple decks, whereas land-based casinos tend to use one deck.

Betting Systems

As well as counting cards, you can utilize some well-established betting strategies when trying to make a living playing Blackjack and manage your money. These strategies can work across many games, not just Blackjack.

Martingale System

The Martingale Betting Strategy is a well-known hack used when gambling on any casino game. It involves doubling your bet after each loss to recover previous losses with one single win. While this is an effective system for risk-takers, it carries a high potential for significant losses, requiring a beefy bankroll at your disposal.

Paroli System

The Paroli System, aka the reverse Martingale, involves doubling your bets after each win. This progressive betting strategy among Blackjack players aims to capitalize on winning streaks while mitigating losses.

1-3-2-6 Betting System

The system is for more advanced Blackjack players, as it involves adjusting your bet size according to a specific sequence: 1 unit, 3 units, 2 units, and 6 units. You increase your bet after each win and reset to 1 unit after a loss. For example, you can start with $2 and then lose. Your next bet will be 3 x $2, which is $6. If you lose again, your next bet will be 2 x $6, for $12, and so on.

With these betting strategies, players should be mindful that most online Blackjack cards rely on RNG and luck. It is entirely possible that you could go on a 10-round loss streak, without a single win. Take these betting strategies with a pinch of salt and always practice responsible gambling.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

The Blackjack table isn't just a game; it's psychological warfare. As such, there are common pitfalls and mistakes to avoid when playing to stop yourself from getting swept up in the thrill of gambling.

Staying disciplined is the cornerstone of successful Blackjack play. Once you have learned the basic and advanced strategies, it's crucial to stick to them consistently. Deviating from your established routine because of an emotional response or other factors can lead to poor decisions and significant losses.

Gambling can evoke strong emotions, especially after a long winning streak or losing streak. Either way, emotional decision-making can lead to chasing losses or making impulsive bets to try your luck even further. There are some techniques you can employ to maintain control over your emotions:

• Pre-Game Prep: Before beginning to play Blackjack, you should set clear goals and limits for your session, including win and loss limits. You can set self-exclusion via your account settings to automatically stop gameplay when you reach your specified limits.
• Taking Breaks: Regularly step away from playing Blackjack to clear your mind and avoid getting swept away.
• Time Limits: In the same realm, you can limit the time spent in Blackjack games to prevent fatigue and getting overly stressed.
• Self-Reflection: After your gaming session, take some time to reflect upon your gameplay, noting any instances where you deviated from your strategy and why. You can then implement changes to your routine the next time you sit down to play online Blackjack.

While some degrees of skill and strategy play a part in Blackjack, you must also recognize that luck and RNG are also factors. This variance means that even professional players will experience losing streaks at some stage.

The most successful Blackjack players are the ones who focus on their long-term success rather than the outcomes of individual sessions. By consistently playing, applying your tried-and-tested strategies, and managing your bankroll, you can weather the storm of short-term losses and benefit from massive winnings in the long run.

You should set realistic expectations for your Blackjack game. Understand that making a living playing Blackjack requires patience, practice, and discipline. Expecting quick wins can lead to frustration and poor decision-making. Instead, aim for steady, small wins rather than large, immediate payouts.

Ready to play?

Making money playing Blackjack is possible if you know what you're doing and understand the game. By learning the right strategies, picking a trusted casino operator, and managing your bankroll wisely, you can boost your chances of winning by a large margin.

The best advice we can give you whenever you're playing Blackjack is to keep cool. It's easy to get caught up in the excitement, but sticking to your game plan will pay off in the long run. Luck will always play a role in Blackjack, no matter your skill level. Always focus on the bigger picture, and don't chase your losses.

Remember to gamble responsibly, keep learning, and good luck! May the odds be ever in your favor on the Blackjack tables, whether you're playing online or at a casino in Las Vegas.

Play Blackjack at Rivalry!

FAQs related to making money playing Blackjack

Here are some frequently asked questions about Blackjack strategies and how to win money playing Blackjack games.

Is it possible to count cards in Blackjack?

Yes, but in online Blackjack, counting cards is difficult due to the multiple decks used in virtual versions. It also requires a great deal of memorization to be effective.

How to win at Blackjack?

To win at Blackjack, players must reach 21 or the closest sum to it without going bust, aka over 21, and beat the Dealer. To do this, players will count the numerical value of their cards and Aces, which can be worth one or 11, depending on their overall hand.

What is the best basic strategy for beginners to Blackjack?

The most effective basic strategy for Blackjack is to use a cheat sheet or strategy chart. This tells you the ideal decisions you should make based on what's happening in the game. For example, if your hand is 17 and the Dealer's upcard is 4 or lower, you should Stand as your hand is more likely to win.

We hope that these Blackjack strategies will help you earn more money while playing Blackjack on our website. We know that in the game of 21 online, card counting is difficult, so we have only suggested the best strategies for you to start using.

In addition to the best Blackjack strategies and methods, our news blog also features some great casino tips and tricks for specific games

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Finally, it's worth noting that these tips and tricks can apply to more games, like Roulette, Poker, and Baccarat, all of which are available on Casino.exe, featuring the best games on the Internet. What are you waiting for? Create a Rivalry account today and see why we're the home of all things betting.