Blackjack is one of the most popular card games found in casinos around the world; but how do gamblers in Las Vegas play it?

Unlike other casino games, where everything depends on sheer luck, blackjack is a game where players are required to apply basic strategy and use card counting systems to beat the dealer and lower the house edge. This is what makes it so popular among skilled players who prefer to play for profit, not just for fun.

If you’re a fan of the game, you probably already know that there are many blackjack rule variations out there. Each casino uses its own rules, and it’s recommended that you study them carefully before heading there for a night of heavy gambling.

Being such a famous gambling destination, Las Vegas has its own style in everything. Even in blackjack. Known as Vegas strip blackjack, this variant can be played in casinos up and down the strip. Software developers Microgaming and Real Time Gaming also offer this type of game on online blackjack sites.

Why Vegas, anyway?

There are so many good places where you can gamble nowadays. So why would you go with old Las Vegas as your top choice?

This popular gambling destination is visited by millions of tourists every year. While not all of them are there for the unique gambling experience, you can’t argue with the numbers: Las Vegas is the most popular destination for players around the world.

The Las Vegas Strip is where it all happens. Tourists passing through here will be greeted by the famous “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign. The Strip is home to 15 of the 25 world’s largest hotels. This is the best place for tourists looking for 24/7 gaming and entertainment.

But the main argument in favor of this popular destination is the large number of casinos. There are more than 100 gambling venues in the city, offering an overwhelming selection of games. And if you’re looking for a great place to play blackjack, you’ll have several options both on the Strip and in downtown Vegas.

Basic Vegas strip blackjack rules

The first thing you need to know about playing blackjack in Las Vegas is that the rules are a little bit different here. Vegas Strip Blackjack is a special variation found only in Sin City or online and while the basic rules are the same, there are a few minor details you should know about.

The game is usually played with four 52-card decks. Cards 2 to 10 are worth their face value, face cards are worth 10 points and aces are worth 1 or 11. Blackjack pays 3:2 and insurance pays 2:1.

Once the cards are dealt, players have the following options: split up to 3 hands, double down on any two cards (just once), double down after splitting, split aces once or take insurance. Split aces valued at 21 are not considered blackjacks, but paid even money. Ties are pushes, with original bets being returned to the player and surrendering is not allowed. The dealer will peek for blackjacks when holding an ace or 10-point card and stand on all 17s.

These are the basic rules of Vegas strip blackjack, but the number of decks, payouts, minimum and maximum bet, as well as the house edge may vary, depending on the casino you play at.

What to look for before heading to the casino

So where is the best place to play blackjack on the Vegas strip? You certainly have a lot of options to choose from. Luckily, the Internet is an endless source of valuable information and it will help you find out everything you need to know.

The main things you have to keep an eye out for are the house edge and minimum bet. The first thing you have to consider is how much you can afford to wager on each hand. Then you should look for a casino that offers the lowest house edge possible, for that amount.

Generally, the house edge is lower when your minimum bet is higher, meaning that you have to spend a significant amount of money in order to win big. The number of decks is also important, because you’re going to have to learn and apply the correct strategy chart. It’s also important if you’re going to count cards.

With Vegas having so many casinos it won’t be too difficult to find a casino that fits all your needs. Just remember: what happens in Vegas, stay in Vegas; but don’t forget to apply these rules to make sure you don’t leave all of your money there too.