Online blackjack has exploded in popularity over the last few years. With so many variants available, which one is right for you? This article compares four of the most popular online blackjack games in 2025 based on rules, house edge, and special features.
Classic Blackjack
Classic blackjack likely needs no introduction. Offered on the Spinbit NZ website, it sticks closest to the rules you’d find at a land-based casino blackjack table.
- Rules: Uses 8 decks. Dealer stands on soft 17. Blackjack pays 3 to 2. Doubles allowed on any first two cards.
- House Edge: Under 0.5% with optimal basic strategy
- Features: None. As the name suggests, this is no-frills blackjack focused entirely on the core game.
With simple rules and the lowest house edge, classic blackjack is a go-to game for blackjack purists.
The lack of special features also makes it perfect for beginners who want to learn basic strategy without any confusing extras.
Blackjack Switch
Blackjack Switch adds a unique twist not found in any land-based casinos. Players are dealt two hands and can switch the second card between them to form better combinations.
- Rules:Uses 6–8 decks. Dealer stands on soft 17. Blackjack pays 1 to 1.
- House Edge: Around 0.8%
- Features: Switch – Trade second card between hands. Super Match – Wins bonus payout for initial 3-card hand totaling 20.
Being able to switch cards between hands adds substantial excitement and decision-making compared to regular blackjack. Just beware the super match side bet has a very high house edge.
Double Exposure Blackjack
Double exposure blackjack deals both of the dealer’s cards face up, heavily shifting the odds back in the player’s favor.
- Rules: Uses 8 decks. Dealer stands on soft 17. Blackjack pays 1 to 1. The player automatically loses on dealer blackjack.
- House Edge: Around 0.5%
- Features: Dealer’s cards exposed – See all dealer cards from the start.
Seeing both dealer cards is a dream for advantage players and card counters. But the lack of dealer blackjack payout and automatic player losses on dealer blackjacks bumps the house edge back up – though still under 1% with perfect play.
Blackjack Surrender
Blackjack surrender adds the option to forfeit half your bet and fold your hand on your first two cards. This protects you from potentially losing your full bet when dealt a very bad hand.
- Rules: Uses 6 decks. Dealer stands on soft 17.
- House Edge: Under 0.4%
- Features: Surrender – Forfeit half your bet and fold a potentially bad hand.
Having the surrender option reduces the house edge since you can opt out of hands more likely to lose.
This tweak gives blackjack surrender one of the lowest house edges of any online blackjack game.
| Game | Decks Used | Dealer Soft 17 | Blackjack Payout | House Edge | Special Features |
| Classic | 8 | Stands | 3:2 | <0.5% | None |
| Switch | 6–8 | Stands | 1:1 | ~0.8% | Switch, Super Match |
| Double Exposure | 8 | Stands | 1:1 | ~0.5% | Exposed dealer cards |
| Surrender | 6 | Stands | 3:2 | <0.4% | Surrender |
Finding the Right Online Blackjack Game
The “ideal” blackjack game comes down to your priorities and playing style. Classic blackjack is ideal if you’re learning basic strategy or want simple rules. Blackjack switch and double exposure add excitement through their unique gameplay twists. And blackjack surrender has one of the lowest house edges available.
Most online casinos offer a variety of the great blackjack variants covered here. So mix up your play to find the one ideal suited to your tastes. Just be sure to learn the specific basic strategy for whichever game you’re playing to keep the house edge low and maximize your potential winnings.
