| Updated: September 25, 2025There is hardly another card game as popular as blackjack, so much so that it has become an inseparable part of the portfolios of both brick-and-mortar and virtual casinos. The card game has turned into a casino mainstay for a variety of reasons, and its relatively straightforward rules and action-packed gameplay are what keep most players glued to the blackjack tables. The low house edge and the ability to reduce it even further add to the appeal of this casino classic.
Although the origins of the game are still the subject of heated debate, most experts agree that it was introduced back in the 1700s. Given blackjack’s long history, it makes sense that numerous variants of the classic game have been developed. Atlantic City Blackjack is among the most sought-after versions and continues to captivate gambling enthusiasts from all corners of the globe even today.
The game has recently gained even more traction, and the number of software developers adding variants of the classic to their gaming suites is steadily rising. Let’s take a closer look at the rules of this variant and explore the options available to players who want to enjoy it online.
Rules and Fundamental Principles of Atlantic City Blackjack
It is hardly surprising that Atlantic City Blackjack is immensely popular among players, as no other variant of the classic card game offers such player-friendly rules. The aim of the game and the way cards are valued are exactly the same as in other blackjack versions. Once again, players face the dealer and try to get as close to 21 as possible without going over.
Players who want to master Atlantic City Blackjack should remember that the dealer initially receives one face-down (hole) card and one face-up card. What truly distinguishes this variant is that the dealer is allowed to “peek” at the hole card. This rule benefits players because if the dealer has blackjack, they lose only their initial stake and not any feature bets.
Another important detail is that eight standard decks of 52 cards are typically used. Still, the game has several nuances that players should understand fully before wagering real money.
Doubling Down in Atlantic City Blackjack
Splitting in Atlantic City Blackjack Late Surrender and Insurance Bet in Atlantic City Blackjack Dealer Standing Rules in Atlantic City BlackjackDoubling Down in Atlantic City Blackjack
The rules of Atlantic City Blackjack are much more favorable to players than those of most other blackjack variants, and the ability to double down on almost any hand total proves it. In addition, players can double down after they split their hand, which is another significant advantage. However, they should keep in mind that doubling down is permitted only on the player’s initial two cards.
European Blackjack is different; there, players may double down only when their hand totals 9 through 11. Some casinos are even stricter, allowing the option only on totals of 10 or 11.
Splitting in Atlantic City Blackjack
When it comes to splitting pairs, players will certainly appreciate how relaxed the rules of Atlantic City Blackjack are. While playing, they can use the split option up to three times, meaning no more than four hands can be in play simultaneously. One of the greatest perks of this variant is that players may split almost any two cards of the same face value. However, Aces are an exception and can be split only once.
If you split ten-valued cards and then receive an Ace, your new hand will total 21, but it will not be treated as a natural blackjack. When you split Aces, you will receive only one additional card per Ace.
Naturally, rules can differ from one casino or software provider to another, so players should always study the specific ruleset carefully.
Late Surrender and Insurance Bet in Atlantic City Blackjack
Most Atlantic City Blackjack variants give players access to the late-surrender option, which further reduces the house edge. This means a player may give up the hand only when the dealer’s face-up card is a ten-value card or an Ace and the dealer has already checked for blackjack. If that happens, the round ends immediately.
However, the surrender rule should not be overused. Contrary to popular belief, invoking this option does not increase a player’s potential payouts; instead, it should be employed cautiously to avoid discarding profitable hands.
Consider surrendering when you hold a hard 16 and the dealer shows 9, 10, or Ace, or when you have 15 against the dealer’s 10.
When Atlantic City Blackjack was first introduced, players could use an early-surrender option. That rule is now largely extinct; today, surrender is allowed only after the dealer peeks at the hole card. Because early surrender is much more advantageous for players, it is rarely offered.
Dealer Standing Rules in Atlantic City Blackjack
One critical rule players should note is that the dealer must always stand on soft 17s. A soft hand contains an Ace that can count as either 1 or 11. The flexibility an Ace provides generally works in the player’s favor because it effectively lowers the house edge.
As mentioned, the dealer’s peek for a natural blackjack is also advantageous to players; if the dealer has blackjack, the round ends immediately, preventing additional losses.
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House Edge and RTP of Atlantic City Blackjack
The rules described above can vary slightly from one blackjack variant to another, and as you might expect, these differences affect the house edge and the returns players can anticipate.
House Edge for Odds of 6 to 5 House Edge for Odds of 3 to 2 Rules That Decrease the House EdgeHouse Edge for Odds of 6 to 5
Be aware that the house edge increases sharply when blackjack pays 6 to 5 instead of the standard 3 to 2. If you sit at a table offering a 6-to-5 payout, take it as a warning that your expected profit will be lower.
House Edge for Odds of 3 to 2
For example, if the blackjack variant you are playing pays the usual 3 to 2 and you win a $5 bet, your payout will be $7.50. Under a 6-to-5 structure, the same win would pay only $6. Although this difference may seem minor, it becomes significant over time.
Rules That Decrease the House Edge
The low house edge is one reason Atlantic City Blackjack attracts so much attention. While the edge in standard blackjack variants is about 0.5%, Atlantic City rules usually push it even lower.
When used correctly, late surrender can reduce the house edge by roughly 0.07%. Re-splitting Aces trims another 0.08%.
That benefit is partially offset by the rule that lets players split hands up to three times, which adds about 0.01% back to the house edge.
As noted earlier, the dealer must stand on soft 17s, shaving off an additional 0.22%. The freedom to double down on any two cards lowers the edge by about 0.25%, and being able to double after a split reduces it by another 0.17%.
If an Atlantic City Blackjack game follows all these rules, the house edge hovers around 0.39%. Because rule sets can vary from one casino to another, players should always review the specifics before wagering real money.
Best Atlantic City Blackjack Variants to Enjoy Online
Blackjack is a staple in most software providers’ portfolios, giving players access to numerous variants with attention-grabbing twists. The following versions of the classic game are prime examples.
Atlantic City Blackjack by Red Rake Atlantic City Blackjack Gold by Microgaming Multi-Hand Atlantic City Blackjack by Microgaming Atlantic City Blackjack by Cryptologic Atlantic City Blackjack by iSoftBetAtlantic City Blackjack by Red Rake
Red Rake is celebrated not only for its slots but also for its table games, and its version of Atlantic City Blackjack is definitely worth a look. This multi-hand blackjack title lets players wager on up to four hands simultaneously. The game uses eight standard decks that are re-shuffled before every round.
The visuals are striking, and the ambient background sounds help players forget they are betting online. Standard payouts apply, and when the dealer’s hand totals 17, no further moves are taken. Players can double down on any two cards, even after a split.
To add extra excitement, Red Rake has included a 21+3 side bet that can pay up to 100 to 1 based on the first hand’s cards. Before diving in, note that the game’s RTP sits at 99.54%.
Atlantic City Blackjack Gold by Microgaming
Microgaming is among the most renowned developers of table and card games, and its portfolio features numerous blackjack variants. The Gold Series edition of Atlantic City Blackjack is one of the standout choices. Its payouts and dealer-standing rules mirror those of most other online Atlantic City Blackjack games.
The table’s realistic design and sleek interface immediately catch the eye. Players may surrender on their first two cards provided the dealer does not have blackjack. Although they may double down after a split, this option is available only on the first two cards of any hand.
Splitting is permitted when the player receives cards of identical value, and it can be used up to three times to create a maximum of four hands. Splitting Aces yields just one additional card per Ace.
An insurance bet is also available whenever the dealer’s face-up card is an Ace.
Multi-Hand Atlantic City Blackjack by Microgaming
Microgaming’s Multi-hand Atlantic City Blackjack lets players choose from various chip denominations and decide whether to play one to five hands simultaneously. The game stands out with its crystal-clear visuals and smooth graphics – hallmarks of the studio’s work.
According to the rules, the dealer must stand on all 17s. The game is dealt from eight decks and offers an RTP of 99.65%.
Splitting should feel familiar: Aces may be split only once, while other pairs can be split up to three times, allowing for as many as four hands.
The double-down option is available on the initial two cards or after a split. When the dealer shows an Ace, players may take insurance, which pays 2 to 1 and does not apply to subsequent hands.
A surrender option is also offered, but only when no additional cards have been dealt and the dealer does not have blackjack.
Atlantic City Blackjack by Cryptologic
Cryptologic also caters to fans of the Atlantic City ruleset. The user-friendly interface can be customized so every betting session feels comfortable. The game is played with eight standard decks, and experienced players will appreciate the ability to wager on up to five hands at once.
A major perk is that double downs are unrestricted and remain available even after a split. As with other versions, players may split any two cards of equal value – even after an initial split.
Unlike some providers, Cryptologic allows only one split per hand, but players are free to split ten-valued cards if they wish.
If a player believes the current hand is unlikely to win, they may surrender, provided the dealer has already checked for blackjack.
Atlantic City Blackjack by iSoftBet
Atlantic City Blackjack by iSoftBet is another compelling choice, boasting lifelike visuals and an intuitive design that performs flawlessly on any device. Its authentic gameplay and low house edge quickly draw players in.
The game uses eight standard decks and accommodates all bankroll sizes with a wide range of chip denominations.
Players should note that the dealer must stand on all 17s and draw to 16. The surrender option is available on the first two cards unless the dealer has blackjack, while insurance is offered whenever the dealer’s upcard is an Ace.
When splitting, players may control up to four hands at once; Aces, however, can be split only once.