Is online blackjack rigged?

The short answer is no. Online blackjack is not rigged. That’s assuming you know where you’re playing. This article will give you the full picture of how online blackjack works, and how to make sure you’re at a table where the odds are exactly as they should be.

What does “rigged” actually mean?

When people ask ‘Is online blackjack rigged?’, what’s really being questioned is whether the game’s been set up or tampered with in a way that makes it impossible to come out on top. And it's a reasonable question if you want to play online blackjack for money, you don't want the odds stacked against you.

In gambling, this kind of thinking often comes from a series of sequences that plant a seed of doubt, like: 

• The dealer making 21 by pulling the exact cards needed right after showing 20
• Larger bets seeming to lose more often than smaller ones
• No visible shuffle or deck, which makes the process feel entirely computer-run
• Weak dealer hands suddenly turning around through exact draws.
• Multiple losses in a row despite strong starting hands.

Licensed vs. unlicensed casinos - why that distinction matters 

Playing at a licensed versus an unlicensed casino matters because the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) holds every operator to a standard. Let me explain.

All online blackjack sites operating under a UKGC licence must meet strict requirements to keep their credentials in place. For one, every game relies on Random Number Generators (RNGs). I’ll explain how that ensures fairness in a moment. But the key point is that every piece of software must be tested by accredited third-party organisations such as eCOGRA or iTech Labs, who specialise in verifying genuine randomness. They examine the code line by line to confirm outcomes are truly based on chance, with no hidden manipulation.

Then you’ve got the regular audits and inspections, where independent auditors comb through games, financial records, and technical logs for anything suspicious. 

Another big thing is transparency. Licensed gambling sites have to show payout percentages, so you can see how much goes back to players overall. Bwin Casino is a good example - they publish these reports every month on their System Fairness page, which is accessible from the website’s footer.

How RNGs work in blackjack  

An RNG is a computer algorithm built to generate sequences of numbers that never follow a predictable pattern. 

The first thing to get your head around when playing online blackjack is that, unless you’re on a live dealer game, there aren’t any actual cards being dealt. Instead, what you see on screen is determined by numbers running in the background. Each of the 52 cards in a standard deck is assigned a specific number, for example Ace of Spades = 1, Two of Spades = 2, and so forth.

When the blackjack software deals a card, what’s really happening behind the scenes is that it’s generating a random number and then using that to pick the next position from the virtual deck.

Let me give you an idea of how that works:

1. The system collects unpredictable input, combines it using cryptographic algorithms, and turns it into a seed that powers the RNG.
2. Once active, the RNG produces a continuous stream of pseudo-random numbers based on that seed.
3. At the exact moment a card needs to be drawn, the software asks the RNG for a random decimal number. Let’s say you get 0.374829. 
4. This figure is multiplied by the total number of cards remaining in the virtual deck. For example, if 52 cards remain, the calculation would be: 0.374829 × 52 ≈ 19.49.
5. The software then floors this number (rounds down to the nearest whole figure). So, 19.49 becomes 19. From there, it picks the 19th entry from the current pool of cards and displays it on screen.
6. That same card is taken out of the remaining pool for the rest of the hand. This keeps the odds fair and mirrors how the blackjack game is played.
7. Each additional card follows these exact steps until the round concludes.

What live dealer blackjack changes (and what it doesn’t) 

Moving over to live dealer blackjack introduces a completely different dynamic compared to standard online casino games. Instead of softwares and RNGs, you’re watching a real person handle the deck, load it into the shoe, and draw in full view every round. It’s the same process you’d expect at a land-based venue, only streamed live to your screen.

You’ve also got the added touch of other players at the table. Some formats, like Evolution’s Bet Stacker Blackjack and Easy Blackjack at Hello Casino, even share hands across multiple users.

Of course, regular audits are still in place, not to check code this time, but so independent reviewers can inspect game footage, logs, and session details to confirm the dealer’s sticking to procedure. The same goes for the equipment - tables, shoes, shufflers, even camera angles get a thorough once-over.

Can online blackjack be rigged? 

Yes, online blackjack can be rigged if you’re playing at an unlicensed online casino. That’s not to say every offshore site is rogue, but if a platform’s not under the UKGC (or at least a reputable regulator) you’ve got no way of knowing what standards they’re upholding. On top of that, it’s all too easy to end up on the wrong side of a scam.

Signs that an online blackjack casino is rigged

Aside from the lack of a proper licence, there are a few red flags you can keep an eye out for that might spell trouble:

• Promotions that promise guaranteed wins: Even though blackjack’s got one of the lowest house edges you’ll find in a casino, it’s still gambling at the end of the day. Any site promising a guaranteed profit is trying to mislead you.
• Pushy popups and fake urgency: If the homepage is plastered with countdown timers or popups shouting “Only 3 spots left!” or “Offer ends in 2 minutes,” that’s often a tactic to rush you in.
• Blackjack games with no named software provider: Trustworthy sites make it crystal clear who supplies their games. Look out for names like Evolution, Playtech, Pragmatic Play, and Games Global, so you know the software sticks to the right fairness standards.
• Game thumbnails that look generic or poorly designed: This links back to what I said above. Software providers often design and supply their own official artwork, including the thumbnail you see on the casino site. So, when the visuals look half-hearted, repeated, or blurry, it’s a sign that titles aren’t coming from reputable studios.
• Look for endorsements: Chances are, if the platform’s above board, you’ll find expert casino reviews analysing the site. Reddit and TrustPilot are also decent places to get a read on what’s what.

Responsible gambling with FIRST

You must be 18+ to gamble. Gambling is a form of entertainment, not a way to make money. Our tips and advice help you enjoy gambling, but there is always a chance a bet or casino game can lose.

Never bet more than you can afford to lose. Stop betting if you are angry, emotional or under the influence of alcohol.

Warning signs of problem gambling: chasing losses, betting money needed for bills, or feeling unable to stop.

Need help? Visit our responsible sports betting page or our responsible casino gambling page, or contact the support organisations listed below if you're struggling to control your gambling:

Gamblers Anonymous UK

BeGambleAware

GAMSTOP

National Gambling Support Network

Gamcare

NHS National Gambling Clinic

FAQs

Is online blackjack really random?

Yes, online blackjack can be genuinely random, but only if it’s powered by certified software. The randomness comes from a tested RNG that simulates card draws with cryptographic algorithms. Independent labs audit these systems regularly to make sure everything’s fair and there’s no funny business going on.

Is it better to play blackjack online or in person?

Whether it’s better to play blackjack online or in person really depends on what you enjoy the most. Online gives you instant access and usually lower stakes, whether that’s through standard RNG games or live dealer tables. Heading down to a brick-and-mortar casino, on the other hand, is more of an experience, with the physical presence and face-to-face interaction that comes with it. But in terms of safety and fairness, online blackjack’s just as reliable as the real thing.

Do people count cards on online blackjack?

People can’t really count cards on standard online blackjack because the virtual deck mixes things up after every hand. Live dealer games do use real shoes, but with frequent deck changes and continuous shuffling machines in play, card counting’s extremely difficult there too.

Can online blackjack dealers see you?

No, online blackjack dealers can’t see you. With live dealer games, the stream only goes one way. You can see the host on camera, but they’ve no access to your webcam or screen. Any interaction with the croupier or other players at the table happens through the chat box.

How do you know if online blackjack is rigged?

You can’t spot rigging just by looking at how the hands play out. The key is playing at licensed casinos and knowing exactly who’s behind the software. Also, make sure there’s an audit seal. Trustworthy gambling sites publish RTPs and use independently tested RNGs or stream real cards in live dealer games.