Blackjack is a staple of the casino world, and a game as heavily associated with casino gaming as roulette and baccarat. Naturally, it has formed a big part of the modern online casino sector, and in the sophisticated Singapore online casino sector, there is an abundance of real money blackjack playing opportunities. If you enjoy blackjack or you just want to learn more, read the rest of our guide to find out how to play online blackjack in Singapore.
From the Romans to New Orleans: The History of Blackjack
Like many modern casino games, blackjack has a long and fascinating history. It has been suggested that a version of the game was played by the Romans, and it almost certainly featured in the famous novel Don Quixote at the beginning of the 18th century.
Known originally as ‘Vingt-et-un’ it became a big hit in the casinos of France and, as with roulette, spread from France to the French-influenced US city of New Orleans. The game was subsequently taken up by Las Vegas casinos and as casino gambling, both in its original form and later, in online form, spread, blackjack became popular all over the world.
How to Play Online Blackjack
One of the reasons for the spread of blackjack and its variants around the world is that the essence of the game is simple, and easy to follow, even if it is possible to develop many additional rules.
In a hand of blackjack, you are attempting to finish with a hand that is as close to 21 as possible, without going over 21. The game begins with you being dealt two cards, and the dealer also has two cards. Royal cards are worth 10, the cards 1-through-10 are worth their face value and the Ace can be worth one or eleven, according to the wishes of the player.
There are many variations on the basic game and rules around betting, but one of the advantages of playing real money blackjack online is that online versions of the game come with helpful instructions and guides that can be quickly accessed to find answers to any queries.
Is Online Blackjack Legal in Singapore?
Singapore, like many nations, has a strict, but outdated set of laws regulating gambling. Technically, it is heavily restricted, and there are no online casinos registered or regulated in Singapore. However, as in many other countries, the laws have not fully adjusted to the reality of online gambling.
The result is that many blackjack fans in Singapore are able to play their favourite casino game at overseas sites, which are fully regulated in other jurisdictions, and which provide Singapore currency and language support.
What to Look For in an Online Blackjack Site
It isn’t hard to find blackjack in all its varieties at online Singapore casinos, as it is one of the foundations of online casino platforms. But all casinos differ in their blackjack offering, with some offering a much better product than others. Here’s what to look out for:
Reputable Licensing
Everyone is concerned about online security and that applies to online casino gaming as much as any other aspect of life. A good rule when you’re looking for an online blackjack site is never to play at a site that is not regulated and licensed by a reputable gambling authority.
This is quite simply in order to protect your data and your financial information. Unlicensed sites are under no obligation to take their responsibilities seriously, and you will have no recourse to take action against them if they sell on or release your data. By contrast, sites that are regulated by reputable authorities such as the Curacao license have to follow strict rules on player protection.
Good Customer Support
Sometimes when you play at online gambling sites, things can go wrong, and in those situations, it is important to be able to call on reliable customer support.
At a minimum, you should focus on sites that provide a full range of contact options, including telephone, email and live chat. It can also sometimes be revealing to check out a site’s FAQ section. If an online casino site offers a comprehensive FAQ resource, that can often indicate that it takes the issue of customer service seriously.
Payment Options
Playing at online casino sites requires you to have easy access to payments using your preferred method and in the currencies of your choosing. There are many factors to consider while analysing a website’s banking options, but a good starting point is to opt for sites that provide SNG payments, minimal or no fees, and minimum and maximum withdrawal figures that are not too restrictive.
Live Online Blackjack in Singapore
The emergence of live internet blackjack in recent times has been one of the most intriguing developments in the history of this classic casino game. In the live version of the game, which was first made possible by pioneering developers like Evolution Gaming, blackjack games are live-streamed from a studio that has been designed to resemble a real-world casino.
Many blackjack players choose to play live online blackjack because it combines the ease and comfort of online gaming with a taste of the real atmosphere of a genuine casino. Live blackjack games feature actual blackjack tables staffed by real dealers, with whom players can interact, and some versions allow you to interact with your fellow players, further enhancing the feeling of a genuine casino while you play.
Conclusion
There are many different online blackjack variations available to Singapore casino players, and this kind of gambling can be a lot of fun. But it’s important to remember that casino gaming is never a reliable source of income or a fix for money issues.
Always make sure that you apply strict limits on the time and money you spend playing online blackjack, and make sure you never risk money that you cannot afford to lose. By taking care to control your online casino play, you can maximise your enjoyment while ensuring your safety.
Pandora Hughes has worked in the gambling industry for more than a decade, writing for numerous outlets, including Betfair, ESPN and Sporting Life. She writes features, news stories and guides covering all aspects of the online casino sector.
