In Blackjack, the return to player (RTP) tells you how much money you can expect to win back over time. For example, an RTP of 99% means you’ll get $99 back for every $100 you wager.
If you want the best chance of winning, you’ll want to find tables that offer high RTP. In fact, some blackjack games can even offer an RTP of over 99.5%. However, not every game makes this information easy to find, especially in land-based casinos, which usually don’t share any details about payout percentages.
So, what do you do if there’s no clear RTP info? This guide will explain why RTP matters and how you can figure it out even when the casino doesn’t provide the numbers.
Why Does RTP Matter?
Blackjack has a reputation for being one of the higher-paying casino games. But that’s not always the case. If the rules are unfavorable, some blackjack games may offer an RTP of less than 97.5%. While this might sound okay compared to other games, it’s not great for a skill-based game like blackjack.
You don’t want to go through the effort of learning proper blackjack strategy only to end up with a lower payout. Instead, you should aim to play at tables where your skills are rewarded with a higher RTP.
Here’s how your long-term winnings can be affected by different RTP percentages:
Example 1:
- You bet $10,000 over a month.
- The RTP is 98%.
- You’re expected to win $9,800 back.
Example 2:
- You bet $10,000 over a month.
- The RTP is 99%.
- You’re expected to win $9,900 back.
Example 3:
- You bet $10,000 over a month.
- The RTP is 99.5%.
- You’re expected to win $9,950 back.
Even small differences in RTP can have a noticeable impact on your winnings, especially if you’re playing over a long period.
Key Blackjack Rules That Impact RTP
To figure out the RTP of a blackjack game on your own, you need to understand the rules. Different tables often have slightly different rule sets, which can affect your chances of winning.
Here are some key rules that have the biggest impact on the house edge and, ultimately, the RTP:
- 3:2 payout for a natural blackjack: Lowers the house edge by 1.39% compared to a 6:5 payout.
- Single deck games: Reduce the house edge by 0.47% compared to games with six decks.
- Double down on any two cards: Lowers the house edge by 0.25% compared to being able to double down only on 9 through 11.
- Dealer stands on a soft 17: Lowers the house edge by 0.2% compared to the dealer hitting on soft 17.
- Double down after splitting (DAS): Lowers the house edge by 0.17%.
- Re-splitting aces: Reduces the house edge by 0.08%.
- Late surrender: Lowers the house edge by 0.07%.
Using a Blackjack Calculator
Once you understand the rules, you’ll need to do some math to figure out the RTP. Fortunately, you don’t need to do it all manually—there are calculators available online that can make the process easier.
Many gambling websites offer blackjack rule calculators where you can input the rules from a specific table, and the tool will calculate the house edge for you.
Here’s an example of what you might enter into a blackjack calculator:
- 3:2 payout for a natural blackjack
- Eight decks
- Dealer stands on a soft 17
- Double down after splitting (DAS)
- Double down on 9 through 11
- Re-split up to four hands
- Re-splitting aces allowed
- No hitting after re-splitting aces
- No Surrender
Based on these rules, the house edge would be around 0.47%.
Using these calculators might seem complicated at first, but they’re fairly straightforward once you get the hang of it. You should be able to figure out the process in just a minute or two.
Tips for Figuring Out Unknown Rules
Ideally, you’ll know all the rules of the game and be able to easily input them into a calculator. But sometimes, especially at physical casinos, the rules may not be clear right away.
Instead of sitting around and trying to observe dozens of hands to figure out the rules, here are a few shortcuts to help you identify unknown rules:
- Ask the dealer: In most cases, the dealer will be able to clarify the house rules for the table you’re playing at.
- Check the signage: Some casinos display key rules on placards near the table, such as whether the dealer stands on a soft 17 or the payout for a natural blackjack.
- Do some online research: If you’re playing at a well-known casino or using a specific casino app, you can often find the rules listed on their website.