The battle between the two most popular classic casino games has been going on for many years. Learn about the differences and similarities between blackjack and roulette to help you make the right decision.
Whether you fancy classic table games or not, you probably have heard or read about blackjack and roulette. These two games are the most popular brands in any online and brick-and-mortar casino. Both games boast of a thrilling experience and huge potential payouts. However, blackjack and roulette tables have significant differences you can spot even if you are a beginner. These differences are what make these games stand out from each other. You can play these games either in fun mode or for real money like other games. Let's find out which one of these two games is worth your time. Or should you opt for both of them?
Online Blackjack Overview
Blackjack has a long-standing history as it is estimated to have been invented in the early 1700s. Its origins date back to France, where it was known as vingt-en-un or 21. This card-based game may feature a single deck or have multiple decks. Blackjack can be played by one person up to 7 people per table and a dealer. The dealer is in charge of the game and represents the house or casino. Getting a hand close to 21 gives you a win-a-blackjack game; however, it requires a great amount of skill and luck.
Before placing bets, you need to know the different blackjack cards and their value. Ace cards can be equal to 1 or 11, and all face cards (Jacks, Queens and Kings) are worth 10 points. The rest of the remaining cards are counted at face value. Blackjack is the highest-ranking hand, and it features an ace with a 10 point card, and it pays 3 to 2. All other winnings in the game are awarded as 1 to 1.
Every blackjack game round starts with placing bets that meet the minimum requirements. Then every player and the dealer gets two cards. However, one of the dealer's cards is placed facing down and the other facing up. Players have a few bet options to make at this point, such as:
- Hit: Hitting means asking for another card from the dealer.
- Stand: It means maintaining your hand as it is.
- Double Down: It means you can double your bet, but you accept to get only one card for the rest of the game.
- Split means dividing a pair into two cards of the same value.
- Surrender: You can surrender to keep half of your bet and end the round if you don't like your initial cards.
- Insurance: A player can take insurance if the dealer has an ace. If the dealer has a blackjack, this bet payout ratio is 2 to 1.
Odds In Online Blackjack
Many people find blackjack attractive because of the decent odds of winning. Players can use an optimal strategy to lower the house edge to as little as 0.5%. Moreover, players are in control of odds since they can base on the information from their cards and the dealer's face-up card to make conclusions.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Blackjack
Every casino game has some advantages and disadvantages, and blackjack is not an exception. Here are some points we've highlighted in a standard blackjack game:
Advantages
- Blackjack involves an amount of skill and luck, which is lacking in most casino games.
- Players can reduce the house edge by an optimal strategy.
- Straightforward gameplay and simple rules.
- Numerous variations of online blackjack games.
- Online casinos offer free and real money blackjack games.
Disadvantages
- Blackjack payouts are either double of your stake or your stake plus 1.5x the stake.
- It can be boring if played for a long time.
- Limited opportunities for professional blackjack players.
Online Roulette Overview
Roulette is a simple luck-based table game. Unlike blackjack, you cannot use a strategy to lower the house edge in roulette. A roulette game comprises a table, a wheel, a ball, and a dealer. Players bet on the outcome of a spinning wheel. The wheel features colored and numbered boxes, and players predict where the ball will settle after spinning. Apart from the advantage play, roulette is purely based on chance. Online roulette tables use random number generator (RNG) software to ensure fair game payouts and randomly generate. There are two main types of roulette bets - outside bets and inside bets.
Outside Bets
They include:
- Red or Black bet
- Odd or Even bet
- High or Low bet
- Column bet
- Dozen bet
Inside Bets
They include:
- Straight-up bet
- Split bet
- Street bet
- Four number bet
- Five number bet
- Line bet
Special Bets
Some versions of roulette come with special bets like:
- La Partage bet
- En Prison bet
Odds In Online Roulette
Odds in roulette vary depending on the version you are playing. A European roulette table comes with a single zero, and the American roulette version has two zeros. For example, if you bet on red or black in American roulette, you have a 47.4% chance of winning with a payout of 1:1, and the European version has a 48.6% probability of winning. The distinguishing thing about roulette is how high the payouts can be. Though American roulette offers a payout as high as 35 to 1, it comes with a high house edge of 5.26%. The house edge in European roulette is 2.70%. To calculate the odds of winning in roulette, you must determine the probability; then you apply this formula:
Odds of Winning = Probability of Winning /(1-Probability of Winning).
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Roulette Online
Similar to blackjack, you will experience some pros and cons when you play roulette online. They include:
Advantages
- Roulette comes with a vast range of betting options, including special wagers.
- Pretty straightforward gameplay making it perfect for beginners.
- The odds of winning in roulette are higher than in other games.
- The advantage play gives players a higher edge than any other casino game.
Disadvantages
- Numerous bets and payouts can be confusing to new players.
- Sometimes spins and games can be infrequent.
Comparing Blackjack And Roulette Games
Though blackjack and roulette have differences, these two games have some similarities too. Here is how we compare the two games:
Social Aspect
Experienced punters will agree that the social aspect is higher in blackjack than roulette games. Blackjack players are more relaxed than those at roulette tables.
House Edge
The house edge in blackjack for newbie players is around 2%. But with an optimal strategy, players can reduce the house edge to up to 0.50%. This edge is much lower than any other game like poker and slots.
Gameplay
Roulette games are designed to give players an adrenaline rush. Besides, this game is easy to understand, and it is highly recommended for beginners. On the other hand, blackjack delivers an exciting experience. However, it requires a skilled individual ready to master the strategy chart.
Risk Control
The numerous betting options in roulette give players control over any risk. In blackjack, players must wait for the cards to be dealt with to determine the risks. However, you need good money management skills to profit at roulette tables.
Number of Players
There is no limit to how many people can join a roulette. Some land-based casinos arrange tables around roulette tables while others allow players to stand. In blackjack, a table can accommodate a maximum of seven players. If there is a high demand for the game, casinos are allowed to add more tables but not exceed the number of players.
Theoretical Percentage (RTP)
European roulette's theoretical return to player (RTP) is 97.30% and 94.75% for American roulette. A standard blackjack game has an RTP of 99.54%, which is higher than any roulette game.
Which Game to Choose?
We have highlighted different strengths and weaknesses for online blackjack and table games to help you choose wisely. You need to consider several factors when it comes to decision-making, including the number of bets, payouts, odds, and much more.
We highly recommend roulette if you fancy a game with many bets and high payouts. You either win even money or lose your original bet with this game. Other options you can make include even money bets where you wager on 2 to 1 odds.
Being successful in blackjack requires understanding optimal strategy and knowing how to play each hand based on the dealer's face-up card. This information is vital and must be at your fingertips at all times.
Conclusion
When comparing Blackjack and Roulette, many people focus on the house edge. However, there are many factors that make these games unique. Also, you need to pick a reliable and trusted online casino to try out both games before deciding the best option. An excellent online casino must be fully licensed and regulated by recognized authorities. Gamble responsibly.
