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Online Blackjack in Michigan
Blackjack is an undeniable crowd favorite in casinos all over the United States. Whenever you encounter a casino offering table games, you can guarantee that blackjack will be among the options available.
The scenario remains unchanged in Michigan’s casinos, as most establishments in the state provide blackjack options. Moreover, residents of Michigan now have the opportunity to access a wide range of online blackjack games through different online casinos within the state. Additionally, there are also live dealer blackjack games available online that are broadcasted from studios located within Michigan.
If you happen to be a blackjack enthusiast residing in the Great Lake State, then you have arrived at the perfect destination. This website serves as the ultimate hub for acquiring comprehensive knowledge about the most popular card game in the region. We provide extensive information on the rules and strategies of blackjack, the best locations to indulge in this thrilling game, and, most importantly, how to maximize your winnings by taking advantage of incredible blackjack bonuses.
Best blackjack casinos in Michigan
Is blackjack legal in Michigan?
Certainly! Both tribal and commercial casinos throughout the state allow the playing of blackjack, making it a legal game.
Legal blackjack has been accessible in Michigan for almost forty years, with the introduction of the first blackjack tables in 1984. These tables were located on the tribal lands of seven Native American groups within the state. The tribes involved in this matter were:
- Bay Mills Indian Band
- The Ottawa and Chippewa tribes form the Grand Traverse Band.
- Keweenaw Bay Indian Council
- The Chippewa Indians Band of Sault Ste. Marie
- Hannahville Potawatomi
- Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe
- The Lac Vieux Desert Band of Chippewa Indians residing near Lake Superior.
At that moment, the tables lacked any legal support, but the winds of change had already started to stir. After four years, the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988 emerged, granting federally recognized tribes the opportunity for legal gambling on their properties.
Until 1993, these seven casinos persevered, albeit with uncertainty. However, in that significant year, all seven tribes achieved a successful agreement with the state, transforming their operations into fully legal establishments.
In 1996, the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act was passed by the Michigan Legislature after three years. This act established the Michigan Gaming Control Board and granted it the power to grant licenses for commercial casinos within the state. The rules set forth by the MGCB explicitly state that blackjack is among the approved games that can be offered at the licensed member establishments.
Currently, the state of Michigan boasts a total of 26 comprehensive casinos, encompassing three commercial casinos situated within the Detroit area. A majority of these establishments offer blackjack as one of their available games across various locations throughout the state.
Real money vs. free blackjack
It is evident that the majority of blackjack players in Michigan are interested in playing the game for real money. To be honest, while blackjack is enjoyable, it loses its charm quickly without the element of risk.
Many Michigan gambling sites offer free demo versions of online blackjack games, allowing players to play without any cost. In these versions, players are provided with $1,000 in free chips and can access most of the game functions to try out.
Please note that free blackjack is solely accessible for automated games. If a website provides live dealer games, you will only be able to observe the gameplay.
When you’re prepared to start playing seriously, the initial step is to refer to this page. Here, you’ll find exclusive new player bonuses for these sites that are frequently unavailable elsewhere.
The no deposit casino bonus is one of the most frequently offered bonuses you will come across. It entails the online casino providing you with free money to explore their site. Although the no deposit bonus money is indeed legitimate, it is typically in the form of site credit and can only be used for playing purposes.
If you ever require additional funds, simply make a deposit into your new casino account at the physical location. Don’t forget to consult with us, as online casinos often offer bonuses that match a percentage of your deposit. These bonuses can go up to 100% of your deposit, so it would be foolish to pass up on a perfect dollar-for-dollar match.
There are multiple ways to make a deposit, such as using a credit card or an electronic check. Online casinos strive to provide a wide range of deposit options to accommodate different financial situations. Therefore, you should be able to find a method that suits your needs.
No matter where your account funds come from, it’s essential to be smart while playing online. The fast pace of the game results in quick occurrences, whether positive or negative, unlike live games.
Learning and implementing basic strategy when playing is essential. While it may appear limiting, following the steps outlined in a basic strategy chart has been proven statistically superior to any other choice. By disregarding these recommendations, you are only further enhancing the casino’s advantage.
If your objective is to maximize your chances of winning, it is advisable to steer clear of most alternative versions or additional bets apart from standard blackjack. Typically, they do not offer favorable terms for you.
In conclusion, it is crucial to note that every game comes with its individual set of rules, and it is advisable to seek out those that offer the most advantageous prospects. Therefore, it is recommended to carefully examine each game’s guidelines concerning doubling down, splitting, and the dealer’s actions on a soft 17. Ideally, the desired scenario would involve the ability to double down on any card pair, unlimited opportunities for splitting, and the dealer standing on soft 17s instead of hitting.
Online blackjack variations
Online or live, blackjack primarily remains the same game with a few distinctions setting real money online blackjack apart from its live version.
Live blackjack in the US is guaranteed to follow the rules of American blackjack. Consequently, dealers will distribute two cards to themselves and subsequently verify if they possess a blackjack.
Online platforms may offer European blackjack, a variation that is not commonly available in live situations in the US. In this version, the dealer holds off on dealing their second down card until the players have completed their actions.
In addition, you are also likely to come across several other variations when browsing online. These may consist of:
- Play multiple hands at the same time with Multihand Blackjack, with the option to play up to five hands simultaneously.
- In Free Bet Blackjack, players can split and double down without any additional cost, but it’s worth noting that the dealer’s hand of 22 results in a push.
- Introducing Blackjack X-Change: Modify your hand by swapping any card, and either spend money to discard unfavorable cards or earn money by replacing desirable ones.
- Blazing 7’s Blackjack features a progressive side bet that rewards you with payouts for every 7 card you obtain in your hand.
It would be an oversight not to acknowledge the live dealer blackjack games, which have gained immense popularity. These highly sought-after games provide players with the opportunity to observe and engage with a real dealer who oversees a genuine blackjack game happening in real-time.
The setting of the play is a specially designed studio located either within or nearby the physical casino. Alongside actively participating in a live blackjack game, players have the opportunity to engage in conversations with both the dealer and fellow players at the same table. This highly engaging experience has become immensely popular among online blackjack enthusiasts due to its immersive nature.
How to play blackjack online
Due to its simplicity, Blackjack has become the most favored game in casinos.
In a typical game of blackjack, you receive a pair of cards. The way these cards are shown, either face down or face up, depends on the specific variant being played and whether you are playing with other individuals.
The dealer is dealt two cards, but only one of them is revealed face up.
In the game of blackjack, every numbered card corresponds to its printed number. Face cards, on the other hand, are all valued at ten. As for aces, they have the flexibility to be counted as either 11 or one, and this determination can change as the hand unfolds.
When you receive your cards, the initial step is to calculate their values by adding them together. The sum should fall within the range of two to 21.
Afterwards, you can choose to either request an additional card from the dealer (“hit”) or keep your current cards (“stand”). The objective is typically to gather a combination of cards that totals as close to 21 as you can.
If the total value of your cards exceeds 21 at any moment, your hand is considered bust, leading to an automatic loss of the bet. Nonetheless, the dealer also has the chance to draw cards, and the same rule applies to them as well.
The outcome of winning a hand of blackjack is dependent on how your hand measures up against the dealer’s hand. You emerge victorious if your hand surpasses the dealer’s hand, yet remains below 21, OR if your hand is below 21 while the dealer exceeds this limit.
A hand of cards totaling 21 is referred to as a blackjack. If the dealer does not also have a blackjack (meaning they do not draw to a 21), then a blackjack results in an instant victory.
Basic blackjack strategy
Countless books have been dedicated to explaining the most effective approach to playing blackjack. In fact, a method called basic strategy has been established, which guides players on the appropriate strategy to employ in any imaginable situation.
Casinos are usually willing to provide a card that can assist you in following basic strategy. However, even if you play perfectly, you will still have a small statistical disadvantage against the house, and the casinos are content with maintaining a (roughly) 0.5% advantage. This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t utilize basic strategy, but it’s important to recognize that it is not infallible or a guarantee for sustained success in the long run.
While playing, the value of your hand is undeniably significant. Nonetheless, it is equally crucial, if not more so, to take into account the dealer’s upcard due to the potential worth of their face-down card.
Based on statistics, it is highly probable that the hidden card holds a value of 10. This is because 10s, jacks, queens, and kings share the same value. Consequently, it is logical to include 10 in the calculation of the dealer’s hand value by adding it to their upcard.
Generally, dealers are required to remain on 17s or above, unless they have a “soft” 17 which includes an ace. In such cases, the dealer’s action of either standing or hitting depends on the specific rules established by the house. These rules regarding soft 17s are typically displayed on the blackjack table’s felt.
If the dealer’s upcard falls within the range of 2 to 6, it is definite that the dealer must draw at least one card. Additionally, if the other card happens to be a 10 or face card, the assured draw will introduce the possibility of exceeding the limit and going bust.
Alternatively, if the card is a 7 or higher, your objective would be to approach 21 as closely as you can. This is because the dealer has the potential to remain with their current hand of two cards.
Doubling down is a crucial tactic in blackjack that can significantly enhance your gameplay. By opting to double your bet, you can acquire an additional card, irrespective of its worth. Whenever you possess a hand value of 10 or 11, especially when the dealer’s facing card falls within the range of 2 to 6, executing a double down can prove to be a lucrative move.
Card counting is a highly effective technique employed by certain blackjack players. Essentially, card counters utilize mnemonic strategies to identify moments when the probability of drawing valuable hands is heightened. Subsequently, they capitalize on this advantageous situation by increasing their bets.
Counting cards skillfully allows a player to completely nullify the advantage held by the house, thus tipping the odds in their favor. An iconic example of this is seen in a group of students and professors from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology who managed to amass millions of dollars by employing expert card counting techniques at different casinos.
It goes without saying that casinos strongly disapprove of this strategy and have implemented numerous preventive measures. These measures involve discarding a face-down card before each hand (referred to as “burning” a card), using a larger number of decks in play, and shuffling earlier and more frequently than usual. In the event that these actions fail to deter the card counter, the casino may ultimately prohibit them from playing blackjack on the premises.
Understanding the split, insurance and side bets
One can come across several other types of bets or features that are commonly found in numerous blackjack games. The initial one among these is referred to as the split.
In the game of blackjack, if you receive two cards of the same value, you have the opportunity to split your hand into two separate hands by placing an additional betting unit in front of you. The dealer will then deal a card to each of the new hands. This allows you to utilize all the options available to you as you did before. It is commonly accepted among blackjack players that splitting aces and eights is always beneficial, while splitting 10s is never advisable.
In addition, the dealer may present you with the chance to buy insurance occasionally. This opportunity arises when the dealer’s upcard is an ace, indicating a genuine risk of the dealer having blackjack and resulting in everyone’s loss.
If you opt for insurance, you will place a bet equal to half of your current bet. In the event that the dealer has blackjack, insurance will pay out at a rate of 2 to 1, resulting in a break-even situation for you.
The decision to participate in insurance, splitting, or doubling down is subjective and dependent on individual blackjack players. It is up to you to determine whether these choices are logical for your own circumstances.
Online blackjack vs. live blackjack
Blackjack stands as a highly recognized casino game across the globe, with a widespread comprehension of its mechanics even among individuals who do not partake in gambling.
Nonetheless, their exposure primarily revolves around live blackjack, with online blackjack exhibiting distinct variations in several aspects.
The primary distinction lies in the pace of gameplay. Online games, irrespective of their genre, operate at a faster speed compared to live games as there is no need for physical manipulation of objects. Consequently, when playing blackjack online, you can expect to engage in a significantly larger number of hands within a given time frame compared to playing live.
Additionally, when playing online, you are presented with a greater opportunity to explore a diverse range of game variations. Unlike physical casinos that require a human dealer to oversee the games, online platforms can offer numerous versions without the constraints of manpower or physical space. While many of these variations may only differ slightly in terms of rules or additional side bets, it is still enjoyable to have a plethora of options available.
Furthermore, the online betting limits are significantly lower compared to those in live casinos. Nowadays, finding a game in a live casino with a minimum bet below $10 is challenging, and it can even be higher depending on the time and season. Conversely, various online blackjack sites offer games for less than a dollar per hand, making it a more favorable choice for budget gambling.
You don’t need to be concerned about finding a seat either. Online players will always have an available spot, even in the most sought-after games and tables.
Counting cards in online blackjack is ultimately unfeasible. The incorporation of advanced technology allows online blackjack games to reshuffle the deck following every hand, effectively nullifying any potential advantage that card counters may seek to obtain.
Michigan blackjack rules
Nearly two dozen operators own Michigan’s 26 casinos, most of which are located on tribal lands and operate under individual agreements with the state of Michigan.
There will never be a universally standardized approach to managing blackjack games across all properties. Each location is expected to have its unique variations and methods of conducting business.
Nevertheless, the following rules are generally implemented universally in most cases.
- Blackjacks are rewarded with a payout of 3 to 2. Although there are a few properties that seem to offer the option of 6 to 5 payouts, both MGM Grand and Soaring Eagle locations also provide games with a 3 to 2 payout.
- The majority of games typically employ six decks, although there are occasional variations that utilize five decks. At MotorCity Casino, however, there are games available that employ eight decks. Additionally, you may encounter a few opportunities to play with a single deck.
- You have the opportunity to double down on any two cards. Additionally, you may discover other possibilities for doubling, such as any three, any four, or even redoubling.
- The majority of casinos require dealers to draw an additional card when they have a soft 17, although there are a few exceptions.
- Typically, surrendering is not permitted, except for a few casinos in Michigan where you can surrender half of your bet to minimize losses. However, the majority of blackjack casinos in Michigan always go to showdown, without any exceptions.
When you visit different places, you might come across various side bets and options as well. It is important to note that side bets are generally not advisable wagers, but if you are enjoying yourself, feel free to give them a try. A few examples of side bets that you may come across are:
- Perfect Pairs
- Trilux BJ
- Lucky George Dealer Envy
- High Tie
- Super 4
Odds and house edge on blackjack
Throughout our discussion, we briefly touched upon the concept of the house edge or house advantage in blackjack. However, it would be beneficial to revisit and delve deeper into its precise meaning.
The house edge represents the portion of each bet that the casino anticipates retaining, and consequently, the portion you anticipate losing. For instance, if a game has a 5% house edge, the casino foresees holding onto $5 out of every $100 you bet.
One of the reasons why Blackjack is so popular is because it has one of the lowest house edges in the entire gambling industry. The casino doesn’t anticipate making more than 1% profit from your bets in the long run. In simpler terms, it’s quite common to have some luck and either win or end up with no significant loss while playing Blackjack.
The following is a compilation of the various house edges in a typical blackjack game, distinguished by the number of decks employed. Bear in mind that these percentages rely on your flawless execution of basic strategy during gameplay. Any deviations from this strategy will increase the likelihood of losing.
These are the standard house edges for blackjack games:
- One deck: 0.17%
- Two decks: 0.46%
- Four decks: 0.60%
- Six decks: 0.64%
- Eight decks: 0.66%
Keep in mind that most of the different variations you encounter tend to favor the casino. Therefore, exercise caution when encountering anything that appears unfamiliar or unconventional and is labeled as “blackjack.”
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Michigan blackjack tables near you
After learning about all the blackjack opportunities in Michigan, you must be eager to start playing some hands. Fortunately, given the abundance of options in the state, there is likely a nearby casino where you can enjoy a game of blackjack with a short drive.
In general, Michigan’s casinos are grouped into four main regions. Nevertheless, if you reside outside of these areas, it is advisable to refer to the final section of the list. This section includes alternative locations that may be able to accommodate you.
Detroit
- The address for Greektown Casino Hotel is 555 E. Lafayette St., Detroit, MI 48226.
- The address for MGM Grand Detroit is 1777 3rd Ave., Detroit, MI 48226.
- The address for MotorCity Casino Hotel is 2901 Grand River Ave., Detroit, MI 48201.
SW Michigan/Kalamazoo
- The address for Firekeepers Casino and Hotel is 11177 E. Michigan Ave., Battle Creek, MI 49014.
- The address for Four Winds Dowagiac is 58700 M-51, Dowagiac, MI 49047.
- The address for Four Winds Hartford is 68600 Red Arrow Highway in Hartford, MI 49057.
- The address for Four Winds New Buffalo is 11111 Wilson Road, New Buffalo, MI 49117.
- Gun Lake Casino is located at 1123 129th Ave., Wayland, MI 49348.
NE Michigan/Eastern Upper Peninsula
- The address for Bay Mills Resort & Casino is 11386 W. Lakeshore Drive, Brimley, MI 49715.
- The address for Kewadin Casino is N7761 Candy Cane Lane, Christmas, MI 49862.
- The address for Kewadin Casino is located on N. 3 Mile Road in Hessel, MI 49745.
- The address for Kewadin Casino is 5630 W., US-2, Manistique, MI 49854.
- The address for Kewadin Casino, Hotel, and Convention Center is 2186 Shunk Road, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783.
- The address for Kewadin Shores Casino & Hotel is 3015 Mackinac Trail, St. Ignace, MI 49781.
- The address for Kings Club Casino is 12140 W. Lakeshore Dr., Brimley, MI 49715.
- The address for Leelanau Sands Casino is 2521 N. West Bay Shore Drive, Peshawbestown, MI 49682.
- The address for Little River Casino Resort is located on Government Center Drive in Manistee, MI 49660.
- The address for Odawa Casino in Petoskey, MI is 1760 Lears Road, Petoskey, MI 49770.
- The address for Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel is 7741 M-72, Williamsburg, MI 49690.
Western Upper Peninsula
- The address for Ojibwa Casino is 16449 Michigan Ave., Baraga, MI 49908.
- The address for Ojibwa Casino is 105 Acre Trail, Marquette, MI 49855.
- The address for Island Resort & Casino is W. 399 US-2, Harris, MI 49845.
- The address for Northern Waters Casino is N5384 US-45 in Watersmeet, MI 49969.
Other properties
- The address for Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort is 6800 Soaring Eagle Blvd., Mount Pleasant, MI 48858.
Before you set off to any of these properties, it is important to call in advance. The operating hours and availability can change quickly, and you wouldn’t want your trip to be in vain. Nonetheless, there should be a nearby option in Michigan where you can enjoy a great game of blackjack. Give it a try!