Dealing blackjack in a casino is both an art and a responsibility. In 2025, the rules remain largely traditional, but professionalism, attention to detail, and clear knowledge of the game are more important than ever. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you deal blackjack confidently and accurately in a casino environment.
Understanding the Basics
Blackjack, also known as 21, is a card game where players compete against the dealer, aiming to get a hand total closest to 21 without going over. Number cards are worth their face value, face cards (J, Q, K) are worth 10, and Aces are worth 1 or 11.
Standard Casino Rules in 2025
- Blackjack pays 3:2
- Dealer hits on soft 17 (a hand with an Ace counted as 11)
- Players may split pairs (usually up to 3 times)
- Doubling down is allowed on any two cards
- Insurance is offered when the dealer’s upcard is an Ace
- No surrender unless specified by house rules
Step-by-Step Guide to Dealing Blackjack
- Prepare the Table
- Shuffle six or eight decks of cards using a shuffling machine or manually.
- Load them into the shoe (a device that holds the cards).
- Place the cut card randomly into the last 15% of the stack.
- Welcome Players
- Greet the players courteously.
- Ensure everyone has placed their bets in the designated betting circle.
- Deal the Cards
- Deal two cards face-up to each player, starting from your left.
- Deal one card face-up to yourself and one face-down (the hole card).
- Announce any natural blackjacks and pay out immediately unless the dealer also has an Ace or a 10-value card.
- Player Decisions
- Move clockwise, offering each player the option to hit, stand, double down, split, or surrender (if allowed).
- Deal additional cards as requested.
- Bust the hand if a player’s total exceeds 21.
- Dealer’s Turn
- Reveal your hole card.
- Hit until reaching 17 or higher (house rules apply).
- If the dealer busts, all remaining players win.
- Settle Bets
- Pay winning hands and collect chips from losing hands.
- Push if the player and dealer have the same total.
