Is Online Blackjack Rigged?

If you've ever sat at a blackjack table or played blackjack online, you may have found yourself wondering whether the game is as fair as it claims to be. After all, when the dealer seems to hit 21 while you keep getting low-value cards, or when they draw picture after picture, it can feel like the odds are stacked against you. 

But are they? Or is it simply the nature of the game? Let's take a closer look at how online blackjack works and whether it's even possible for the game to be rigged.

Why Do People Think Online Blackjack Might Be Rigged?

One reason players can be suspicious of online blackjack is that it's harder to see what's going on behind the scenes compared to sitting at a physical table. 

In a traditional casino, you can watch the dealer shuffle the cards, cut the deck, and deal by hand. Online, however, there's no physical deck in front of you - just digital cards appearing on your screen. That can feel less transparent, especially when chances don't go your way. 

On top of that, blackjack is a game where the house always has a small edge. Even if you're playing perfect basic strategy, you're not guaranteed to win in the short term, and streaks of losses are possible over time. 

When those streaks happen, it's natural to look for patterns or suspect foul play. But the outcomes of regulated online blackjack games are just as fair and random as they are in any reputable land-based casino. 

If you're just starting out, you might also find the terminology a little confusing at first - from "insurance" to "soft hands." To help you get up to speed, we've put together a handy guide to blackjack terminology so you can feel more confident at the tables.

Can Online Blackjack Be Rigged?

If you're playing at a properly licensed and regulated online casino like Virgin Games, the answer is no, online blackjack cannot be rigged. 

That's because all regulated online blackjack games use something called a Random Number Generator (RNG) to deal cards. The RNG is a piece of software designed to simulate the randomness of shuffling and dealing a physical deck. 

For every card that's dealt to you, the RNG generates a random number, which corresponds to a card in the virtual deck. This happens in a split second, ensuring that no one - not even the casino - knows which card is coming next. 

At Virgin Games, all our online casino games are licensed and regulated by the Gambling Commission. That means the RNGs powering our games, including online blackjack, are tested and audited regularly by independent bodies to make sure they're completely fair and working exactly as they should.

How Does the RNG Work?

The RNG is designed to replicate the randomness you’d find in a real casino. Every time a card is dealt, the RNG selects it at random from the remaining cards in the virtual deck. 

It doesn't keep track of what's happened before, and it doesn't try to adjust outcomes based on whether you're winning or losing. It simply ensures that every card is chosen randomly and fairly. 

Independent testing labs check these RNGs to verify that the games can't be manipulated in favour of the casino, and that players get a fair chance on every hand. 

So even if it feels like the dealer has the chances in their favour sometimes, you can be sure it's just part of the natural swings of the game, and not because the software is working against you.

What About Live Dealer Blackjack?

Some players prefer to play blackjack in our live casino because it feels more like the real thing, and it's easy to see why. 

In live dealer blackjack, you're playing with a real, human dealer in a studio, using physical decks of cards. The game is streamed live, and you can see every shuffle, cut, and deal happening right in front of you. 

This offers extra reassurance that nothing is hidden and that everything is being dealt with fairly. And because live dealer blackjack is run by licensed and regulated providers, you're guaranteed the same fairness as you'd expect from our online blackjack games. 

Whether you prefer playing blackjack online or at a live table, you can trust that the outcomes are always random and fair, thanks to RNGs.

Why Do Losing Streaks Happen?

One of the biggest reasons players suspect blackjack might be rigged is that they may have experienced a series of losses in a row. 

But it's important to remember that blackjack is still a game of chance, even if it’s one where strategy can improve your odds. The house always has a small edge, and randomness means anything can happen. 

Even if you make all the right decisions, the cards might not go your way at a given time. That's just part of the game, and it's why it's important to only play what you can afford to lose and to see blackjack as entertainment, rather than a guaranteed way to make money.

How Can I Be Sure My Game Is Fair?

The best way to make sure you're playing a fair game of blackjack is to stick to licensed, reputable casinos. 

At Virgin Games, we're licensed and regulated by the Gambling Commission, and all our games use RNGs that are independently tested to ensure fairness. 

If you're ever unsure whether a site is legitimate, check for a license number from a recognised regulator. This is your guarantee that the games are tested and audited regularly, and that the operator is accountable to strict standards of fairness and player protection. 

And if you'd like to brush up on the rules of online blackjack before you play, we've put together a clear guide covering everything you need to know - from hand values to when to hit, stand, split or double down.

Online Blackjack Games to Try At Virgin Games

If you're ready to put your skills to the test, why not try one of our most popular online blackjack games? Here are a few to get you started: 

• Vegas Strip Blackjack: A fast-paced, classic version of the game, perfect for players who like a bit of Vegas flair. 
• Single Deck Blackjack: Featuring a single deck and classic rules; ideal for players looking for simplicity. Doubling down, insurance and splitting included. 
• Multihand Blackjack: You can play up to five hands in a single round; perfect for players looking to increase action and chance. 
• Live Blackjack: Experience the thrill of a real casino, join a live table with professional dealers, and interact with other players in real time.  

So, is online blackjack rigged? Not if you're playing at a regulated online casino like Virgin Games. Thanks to RNG technology, independent testing, and strict licensing requirements, online blackjack is just as fair and random as the games you'd play at a brick-and-mortar casino. 

Of course, there will be good nights and bad nights; that's part of what makes the game exciting. But whether you're playing our online blackjack games or, you can always trust that the cards you're dealt are completely down to chance. 

And if you're not quite ready to play for real money yet, you can also practice for free. Check out how to play free blackjack and get comfortable with the game before you stake a penny. 

Ready to put your skills to the test? Play fair and thrilling online blackjack at Virgin Games today and experience authentic casino action with real winning potential. Sign up now. 

All offers mentioned correct at the time of writing, but may be subject to change.