What is Blackjack RTP and How Does It Work?
Read on to find out what blackjack RTP means to players, how it differs from other casino games and how it affects them. We will also debunk common myths, give you tips on how to improve your Return to Player and much more.
Understanding RTP in Blackjack
The RTP meaning refers to a percentage that shows how much money you can expect to get back from your bets over time. It is usually between 99% and 99.7%, so this is one of the highest-paying casino games.
For example, a percentage of 99.5% means that for every £100 you bet, you can expect to get back an average of £99.50 back. This does not mean that you will always win that much. A Return to Player is just an estimate based on a lot of bets of many players. Most of them actually lose more than 0.5%; RTP is based on perfect play. This means no mistakes and following basic strategy every time. If you play randomly or make bad decisions, the actual percentage will be much lower.
Not all games have the same Return to Player. The rules can make all the difference. Here is what to look for:
- Number of Decks: Fewer decks (like single-deck blackjack) give you better odds. More decks mean slightly lower RTP.
- Dealer on Soft 17: It is higher when the dealer stands on soft 17. If they hit, your odds are lower.
- Payout Ratios: A 3:2 payout refers to a natural win, so if the game pays 6:5 when a blackjack rolls, your RTP will drop significantly.
- Double Down Rules: The more flexible the better for experienced players. If you can double down on any two cards, it is good. However, too much freedom can be risky for beginners.
- Surrender Option: Some games allow you to fold and get half your bet back if you do not like your hand. This increases the percentage.
Check out the table below to see how blackjack’s RTP compares to other casino games.
| Casino Game | RTP | What Affects an RTP | Best Strategy for Newcomers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blackjack | 99.5% | Rules of the game (number of decks, doubling down, splitting, etc.) | Basic strategy, playing a traditional 3:2 payout game for a natural win |
| Roulette | Up to 97.3% | Number of zero, which affects the house edge | Choosing European or French roulette, avoiding multiple number inside bets as their house edge is higher, placing outside bets |
| Slots | 92–99% | RNG settings | Selection of high RTP slots (over 97%) with lower volatility |
| Baccarat | Up to 98.94% | Bet types and their house edges | Betting on the Banker |
What is the Average RTP in Blackjack Variants?
The RTP in blackjack depends on the version you are playing. As mentioned, different rules can increase or decrease your chances of winning. Here is a simple breakdown of five games to try out:
- Single Deck (99.75%): This is one of the best versions. However, many casinos change the payout to 6:5 instead of 3:2, which lowers the RTP.
- Spanish 21 (99.63%): All 10 value cards are removed, but it includes bonus payouts, late surrender and always wins in Blackjack.
- European (99.6%): The number of decks varies, and the dealer stands on a soft 17, which helps the player. There’s no hole card, so you can take a bigger risk since the dealer checks for blackjack after you make your move.
- American (99.4%): Played with six to eight decks of playing cards. The player can’t increase their bet in a bad situation because if the dealer has blackjack, the round ends immediately and the player loses right away (unless they also have blackjack).
- Switch (99.4%): You play two hands and can swap the top cards between them. However, if the dealer ends up with 22, the round is a push (tie) for all players except those with a natural blackjack. This rule gives the casino an advantage and increases the house edge.
How to Improve Your RTP in Blackjack?
The 99%+ RTP is only possible if you use the right strategy. If you make random or poor decisions, the casino’s advantage increases, and your Return to Player drops. The good news? By using clever strategies, you can increase your RTP and get as close to 99% as possible. Here are some key tips to help you:
It tells you the best move for every situation: whether to hit, stand, split or double down. Memorise it or keep it handy as you play.
Look for those that favour the player: fewer decks; 3:2 payout; dealer stands on soft 17 (better for players than hitting).
Never make an insurance bet unless you are counting cards. Also, avoid side bets such as perfect pairs or 21+3. They usually have a high house edge and lower your RTP.
Set loss limits and never chase losses. Remember that this does not change the house edge. Bigger bets with no advantage just risk more money.
Does House Edge Affect RTP in Blackjack?
Essentially, they are two sides of the same coin:
- What Is RTP? The average amount a player can expect to win back on their bets over time.
- What Is House Edge? The average profit the casino expects to make on a player’s bets over time.
The relationship between the two is simple:
Return to Player = 100% – House Edge
For example, if a game has a house edge of 2%, the RTP would be as follows:
Return to Player = 100% – 2% = 98%.
This means that, on average, players can expect to receive £98 back for every £100 wagered.
Common Myths About RTP in Blackjack
There are a lot of misconceptions about the RTP of blackjack that can lead to poor decisions. Let’s clear up some of the most common myths and set the record straight.
It helps to show how a game will perform over time, but your results in a single session will always be unpredictable.
Different versions have different rules that can raise or lower the RTP. Even small rule changes can shift the house edge and affect your long-term chances of winning.
Mostly, betting systems only affect how you manage your money and do not improve your odds. The best way to reduce the house edge is to use the basic strategy, not to change the size of your bets.
They can offer big payouts, but they usually have a higher house edge. This means that they lower your overall RTP. If you want the best returns, stick to the main game.
The ultimate goal is to beat the dealer’s hand without going over 21. You do not always have to hit because your hand is not close to 21. Sometimes the smarter move is to stand on a lower total.
Some players think this is a great move because it gives them two chances to hit 21. But it is one of the worst plays you can make. A pair of tens gives you 20 — one of the strongest hands in the game. Splitting them weakens your position.
What You Need to Remember
RTP in gambling has the following meaning: it shows how much money a blackjack game will pay back over time. With 98-99.5%, this game has some of the best odds in the casino — but only if you play it right. However, the RTP is not the same for all games. Things like the number of decks, dealer rules, payout ratios and more can change it.