Blackjack is a timeless casino classic; a game of quick wit and steadfast decisions. It is the first choice of discerning gamblers with a keen awareness of high probabilities. Very few games present such appealing odds. Members of Ontario’s iGaming community who understand these odds, and what it takes to achieve them, will appreciate the information we’ve compiled here.
This page is dedicated to legal, locally licensed online and mobile casinos with blackjack games in Ontario. We break down the market, step by step, to show you which gambling sites are available, and the full variety of RNG and live dealer blackjack games on their menus. As dedicated supporters of safe and secure eCheck deposits, we also go the extra mile to denote which websites support eCheck payments. It is a job we undertake with great passion, as our entire team of writers and editors are actual players, just like you.
Ontario Legal Online Blackjack Games – Why So Many?
If you’re familiar with online blackjack, you know just how varied the assortment of games can be. There are so many rules that can apply within a single game. Number of decks, dealer peek, 5/6/7 card Charlie, payout for blackjack, when a player can double, split, hit and resplit aces – the list goes on and on. Alter just one of these rules, and you get a whole new strain of blackjack.
Each change in the rules can cause an alteration in the game’s payout percentage, as well. This percentage is a depiction of the game’s theoretical return to player, or RTP for short. That is, the amount of money a player wagers that they can expect to win back, over a long period of time. The higher the percentage, the better. An RTP of 99.54% is a typically good rate. Anything higher is great, while anything under 99% is not worth your time.
RNG vs Live Dealer Blackjack
In today’s technological age, it would be capricious of us not to highlight this topic. Online blackjack games come in two basic formats. They are RNG-based and live dealer tables.
The first and most common is RNG blackjack. RNG stands for Random Number Generator, which relates to the way game results are tallied. RNG blackjack games are 100% computer generated. An RNG algorithm determines the shuffle of the deck before hands are dealt. Imagine a very long strain of random numbers, constantly revolving at break-neck speed on a wheel. The moment you press the Deal button, the wheel stops. Every group of numbers that results defines the placement of cards. In this way, every hand is as random and unpredictable as playing with a real deck of well-shuffled cards.
The second category is the more popular version of live dealer blackjack games. These are real games, with real dealers, using real cards. They are streamed live over high-speed connections, delivering a real-time experience directly to your computer or mobile device. In most cases, players are able to communicate with the dealer and one another as they play. It is the closest thing to visiting a real casino, without actually doing so.
What About RTP – Does it Matter?
Oh yes, RTP is very important. It stands for Return to Player, and is a representation of how much money players can expect to win, according to how much they bet. An RTP of 100% would be equal, meaning you can expect to win back exactly what you’re putting into it. Over 100% would be a profit (i.e. win more than you bet). Of course, we never see a blackjack RTP of 100% or more. Casinos would be crazy to offer such a game. Instead, they’re mostly 99.xx%.
To achieve a game’s advertised RTP, you must make the right decisions at all times. A “perfect strategy”, so it’s called. Don’t be deterred by that description. The word “perfect” is a daunting one, but it means the same as “basic strategy”. Basic is a lot easier to wrap your head around. And you can easily find basic strategy charts for every blackjack variant known to man. Follow it religiously, and in the long term, you’ll hit that RTP.
Wait. If you achieve an RTP of 99.50%, won’t you be losing money?
Yes – yes, you will. As I said, casinos would be crazy to set an RTP that lets basic strategy players win. They’re happy to let you win most of your money back, though. And that’s one reason blackjack is so very popular at casinos. The other reason is that the smartest players – the professionals of the gambling world – know that it’s possible to slide that RTP just above the 100% mark with special tactics, like card counting.
Card Counting in Online Blackjack
Is it a thing? Yes and no. You can count cards all you want, but depending on the game and format, it may do you no good. The first rule of thumb…
- Card counting doesn’t work in RNG blackjack games.
RNG software imposes one critical, static rule. The digital deck is reshuffled after each and every hand. So even those single-deck blackjack games every pro loves won’t get you a higher RTP by counting. As for live dealer games…
- Card counting is only moderately effective in live blackjack.
Live casinos aim to deliver an experience just like that of a land-based casino. Real dealers, real cards, real people playing together. You can see the shoe right there on the table. Usually, you’ll see the cut card in the shoe, as well, and it’s always placed at or before 50%. This makes it possible to count cards, but not particularly effective.
It’s worth noting that most land casinos use the same method, inserting a cut card at or before 50% depth to reduce the efficacy of counting. At least with live online blackjack games, you aren’t being watched like a hawk, and there’s no hulking security guard who may literally throw you out for getting caught.
Ontario Casinos with Blackjack and eCheck Support
Ontario is home to a growing list of legal iGaming sites where players can enjoy blackjack with peace of mind. These casinos are licensed by iGaming Ontario (iGO), ensuring compliance with provincial laws and responsible gambling standards. When it comes to banking, a few of them also support secure eCheck or EFT options—ideal for players who prefer traditional bank-based deposits.
- BetMGM Ontario: Offers a wide range of live blackjack tables, including exclusive lounges. Accepts Interac and some EFT-based deposit methods.
- NorthStar Bets: Ontario-owned and operated. Focus on Canadian favorites and supports secure bank transfers through major Canadian banks.
- Luxury Casino: Known for low-limit blackjack and mobile-first features. eCheck is the second most popular deposit option at Casino Rewards brands.
Blackjack Tips for Ontario Players
If you’re new to blackjack or just want to brush up on strategy, Ontario players have several resources at their disposal. Here are a few tips to help you stretch your bankroll and improve your odds:
- Learn the rules of the variant you’re playing: Always check the table info or paytable. Even small rule changes can affect the house edge.
- Use a basic strategy chart: Especially for multi-deck games with standard rules. These charts are widely available and easy to follow.
- Start with lower stakes: Live blackjack tables often start at $5 or $10 per hand. This lets you get comfortable without a huge upfront investment.
- Stick to legal, regulated sites: Ontario’s iGaming framework exists for your safety—take advantage of it.
Final Thoughts – Blackjack in Ontario Is Better Than Ever
Whether you’re playing for real money or just learning the ropes, Ontario’s legal online blackjack market has something for everyone. Between secure banking options like eCheck and a broad variety of RNG and live dealer games, you can now enjoy a safe, authentic casino experience from the comfort of home.
If you’re seeking a secure and reliable blackjack experience, sticking with iGO-licensed platforms and using well-established payment methods is the smart way to play.
