How to Play Blackjack in Canada

Blackjack is the most popular casino game in Canada. Whether you are playing at a land casino or looking for a quality blackjack online Canada experience, knowledge of the rules and order of the game will give you a good advantage and make you more confident at the table.

Though there are several variations of blackjack, the most common format you’ll find in Canadian casinos is played with 6 or 8 decks of cards using a plastic dealing shoe. Single and double-deck games still exist, but they’re less common and often reserved for high-limit rooms or specific casino promotions.

In this tutorial, we're going to guide you through the standard 6-deck version of blackjack — perfect for beginners and social players.

Major Stages of a Blackjack Game:

  • Buying Chips
  • Placing Your Bet
  • Dealing Cards
  • Player's Action
  • Dealer's Action
  • Payout


1. Buying Chips

In Canadian casinos, you cannot place bets in cash directly at the table. You'll need to convert your cash to chips instead.

Here's how:

  • Walk over to a table and place your money fiat on the felt — never give it directly to the dealer.
  • The dealer will lay out the cash in front of the security cameras.
  • A supervisor (also referred to as the pit boss) will verify the amount.
  • The dealer will rake out your chips and push them over to you.

Once you've been given your chips, you're in to play.

2. Putting Down Your Bet

To begin a round, place your chips in the relevant betting circle (typically a square or a casino icon on the felt).

The table lists each table's minimum and maximum betting limits prominently — typically in the vicinity of $10–$25 at most casinos in provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, or Alberta. Ensure you check prior to sitting.

3. Dealing the Cards

Once all bets are placed:

  • Each player is dealt two face-up cards.
  • The dealer receives one face-up and one face-down card.

Your mission? Get as near 21 as possible without crossing it — and beat the dealer's hand.

4. Player's Turn

From the left (the "first base"), the dealer will wait for each player to take their turn.

If your first two cards total 21 (an Ace and a 10-value card), that’s a blackjack — congrats! You’ll receive a 3:2 payout, unless the dealer also has blackjack (which results in a tie or “push”).

If no one has blackjack, it’s time to make decisions using hand signals (not words — cameras need to record your actions).

Here are your options:

  • Hit: Tap the table to request another card.
  • Stand: Move your hand to the side to keep your current hand.
  • Double Down: Double your initial bet and get only one extra card.
  • Split: If you have a pair, you can split them into two hands with a further bet.
  • Surrender: In some casinos, you can surrender your hand early and lose only half of your bet.

 Note: Most Canadian casinos allow "double for less" — but mathematically, it is rarely a smart play. Double all the way if you are going to double.

5. Dealer's Turn

Once everyone has made up their minds what to do, the dealer reveals their hidden card.

Strict casino dealer rules apply:

  • Must take a hit on 16 or less.
  • Must stand on 17 or more (even on soft 17 — Ace + 6).

6. Payout

When the dealer is finished:

  • If your hand is closer to 21 than the dealer's — you win! (1:1 payout)
  • If you are given blackjack — 3:2 payout.
  • If you push the dealer — it's a push, your money back.
  • If the dealer or you go over 21 — you lose your bet.

Last Tips for Playing Blackjack in Canada:

  • Learn basic strategy — even a cheat sheet is allowed in some casinos!
  • Don't play on your phone — it's against the rules.
  • Drink sensibly — dealers can refuse to play with you if you're obviously drunk.