Stake Original Blackjack takes classic online blackjack and refines it into a fast, transparent and highly competitive casino game. With an industry‑low house edge of just 0.57% (RTP 99.43%), provably fair technology and huge player activity every month, it is a standout choice for players who care about value and control.
This guide walks you through how the game works, its blackjack RTP and payouts, key odds and hand frequencies, practical strategy pointers, and how to get set up with fiat and crypto deposits — all with a focus on playing confidently and responsibly.
What Is Stake Original Blackjack?
Stake Original Blackjack is a digital, studio version of blackjack built by Stake as part of the Stake Originals table game lineup. Instead of a human dealer, the game is driven by a random number generator (RNG) backed by a provably fair system, so every card outcome can be verified as random and untampered.
It follows classic rules that blackjack players will recognize instantly: aim to get a hand total closer to 21 than the dealer without going bust. Standard hands pay 1:1, natural blackjacks pay 3:2, and insurance pays 2:1 when available.
The game is also one of the most active titles on the platform, regularly attracting:
- ~134,021,688 average monthly bets
- ~202,964 unique players per month
That combination of high traffic, low house edge and rapid hands makes Stake Original Blackjack a powerful focal point for anyone researching online blackjack, blackjack RTP and blackjack payouts.
Core Rules & Blackjack Payouts
Stake Original Blackjack sticks closely to standard casino blackjack rules, making it easy to transition from other tables. Here is what you need to know at a glance.
Objective of the Game
- Beat the dealer by having a hand total closer to 21 without going over.
- Ace counts as 1 or 11; face cards count as 10; other cards equal their pip value.
- A two‑card 21 (Ace + 10 / Ace + face card) is a natural blackjack.
Available Actions
- Hit– Take another card to increase your total.
- Stand– Take no more cards and lock in your current total.
- Split– If your first two cards are a pair (for example 5+5), you can split them into two separate hands with an extra bet equal to your original stake.
- Double– Double your bet after the initial deal in exchange for exactly one additional card on that hand.
- Insurance– When the dealer shows an Ace, you may place a side bet that the dealer has blackjack. If they do, the insurance pays 2:1.
Those core mechanics give you meaningful decisions every hand, which is why understanding strategy and odds has such a strong impact on your long‑term results.
Stake Original Blackjack Payout Table
| Outcome | Payout | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Win with a standard hand | 1:1 | Your total beats the dealer without either side having a natural blackjack. |
| Win with a natural blackjack | 3:2 | Two‑card 21 (Ace + 10 or face card) beats most other winning hands. |
| Insurance win | 2:1 | Dealer shows an Ace, you take insurance, and the dealer does have blackjack. |
| Push | Bet returned | Your final total equals the dealer's total. |
| Bust | Lose stake | Your hand exceeds 21 at any point. |
Because standard wins pay 1:1, it is easy to track your risk and reward per hand, especially when you are using a defined staking or bankroll strategy.
RTP, House Edge & Volatility
House Edge & RTP
One of the biggest reasons Stake Original Blackjack stands out in the online space is its exceptionally low house edge.
- House edge: 0.57%
- Return to player (RTP): 99.43%
This RTP represents the long‑term theoretical return when you play with correct strategy over a very large number of hands. It does not guarantee short‑term outcomes, but it does make blackjack one of the strongest value propositions in the casino when compared with many higher edge games.
Volatility: What to Expect Session to Session
As a 1:1 payout game with frequent decisions and relatively low edge, blackjack naturally sits around medium volatility in the casino landscape. Compared with many high‑volatility slots that can produce long dry spells and the occasional huge hit, Stake Original Blackjack tends to deliver:
- More frequent small wins and losses.
- Smoother bankroll swings over time, especially with conservative bet sizing.
- Opportunities to grind out value by combining smart decisions with the 99.43% RTP.
Your actual volatility will still depend on your bet size, whether you double and split aggressively, and how long your sessions are. But in general, blackjack offers a more controlled rhythm than many high‑variance casino games.
Blackjack Bust Odds: When a Hit Becomes Too Risky
Every time you are deciding whether to hit or stand, you are really weighing one number: your chance of busting if you take another card. Stake publishes clear bust‑probability data so you know exactly what you are risking at each total.
Chance of Busting on a Hit
| Current Hand Value | Chance of Busting if You Hit |
|---|---|
| 11 or less | 0% |
| 12 | 31% |
| 13 | 39% |
| 14 | 56% |
| 15 | 58% |
| 16 | 62% |
| 17 | 69% |
| 18 | 77% |
| 19 | 85% |
| 20 | 92% |
| 21 | 100% |
This simple table highlights why basic strategy often recommends being cautious from 16 upward:
- At 11 or less, you literally cannot bust, so hitting is always safe.
- By 16, you already bust 62% of the time when you hit.
- At 20, the bust chance shoots up to 92%, making a hit almost always a bad idea.
Combining these bust odds with what the dealer is showing is the foundation of profitable blackjack decision‑making.
Two‑Card Hand Frequencies: How Often Naturals Really Happen
Stake also provides data on how often different types of two‑card hands appear. This helps set realistic expectations about blackjack payouts and when you are most likely to face strategic decisions.
Two‑Card Count Frequency
| Two‑Card Hand Category | Frequency |
|---|---|
| No Bust (low totals that cannot bust on the next hit) | 26.50% |
| Decision Hands (1 – 16) | 38.7% |
| Hard Standing Hands (17 – 20) | 30% |
| Natural 21 (Blackjack) | 4.8% |
A few important takeaways:
- Decision hands (1–16) appear about 38.7% of the time, which means more than a third of your initial deals require an active choice to hit, stand, double or split.
- Natural blackjacks only appear around 4.8% of the time, confirming they are a valuable but relatively rare bonus.
- Hard standing hands (17–20) arrive roughly 30% of the time, where basic strategy often leans toward standing, depending on the dealer's card.
Understanding these frequencies helps you focus your study: maximize your edge on the common decision hands instead of obsessing over rare situations.
Practical Basic Strategy: Simple Rules That Add Real Value
You do not need to memorize an entire strategy chart to get most of the benefit that blackjack skill offers. By combining Stake's odds data with a few timeless principles, you can meaningfully improve your results compared with guessing.
Core Strategy Guidelines
- Stand on 17 or higher in most situations. The bust odds from 17 upward are high enough that hitting is usually too risky, especially against dealer upcards that are not very strong.
- Be extra cautious from 15 and 16. With bust odds of 58% and 62% respectively, you should usually only hit these totals when the dealer is showing a strong card (7 through Ace) and your alternative is to lose often to a higher dealer total.
- Always split Aces and Eights. Splitting Aces gives you two shots at a strong hand built around an 11, and splitting Eights converts a weak 16 into two potentially winning hands.
- Avoid splitting Tens. A total of 20 already has a very high chance of winning. Breaking it up usually reduces your expectation, even if it looks tempting.
- Remember you only receive one card after doubling. Because double down locks you to a single extra card, it works best on totals such as 9, 10 or 11 where many outcomes leave you with a strong final hand.
- Respect the dealer's upcard. When the dealer shows 7 through Ace, expect a stronger final hand and consider playing more aggressively. Against 2 through 6, the dealer is more likely to bust, which makes standing on middling totals more attractive.
These rules will not turn blackjack into a guaranteed win — it is still a game of chance — but they drastically reduce costly mistakes and help you get closer to the advertised 99.43% RTP.
Table Limits & Managing Your Stakes
Stake Original Blackjack is designed to accommodate a wide range of bankrolls and play styles. Within the Stake casino environment, you can choose bet sizes that match your risk tolerance, whether you prefer low‑stakes grinding or higher‑stakes sessions.
When choosing your limits, keep these practical principles in mind:
- Size bets as a small fraction of your bankroll. Many players keep their base bet to a small percentage of their total playing funds to weather short losing streaks without stress.
- Be mindful with doubles and splits. Because these actions increase the amount at risk on a single round, they should fit into your overall staking plan, not be used impulsively.
- Avoid chasing losses by raising stakes too quickly. Even with a low house edge, outcomes remain random and short‑term swings can be sharp.
Blackjack's combination of clear payouts and adjustable limits makes it ideal for players who want more control over session length and volatility than purely luck‑based games can offer.
Deposits, Currencies & Crypto Options
One of Stake's strengths is the flexibility it offers in how you fund your account for blackjack. You can choose between a variety of local currencies and a strong roster of cryptocurrencies, and you can view your balance in multiple denominations for easier bankroll tracking.
Supported Local Currencies
At the time of writing, Stake accepts deposits in several local currencies, including:
- ARS (Argentine Peso)
- CLP (Chilean Peso)
- CAD (Canadian Dollar)
- BRL (Brazilian Real)
- JPY (Japanese Yen)
- INR (Indian Rupee)
- TRY (Turkish Lira)
- PEN (Peruvian Sol)
Depending on your region, you may also have tailored guides on depositing with these currencies and others, such as Mexican Peso, Vietnamese Dong or USD in specific jurisdictions. Availability can vary by location and regulation.
Crypto Deposits for Blackjack
If you prefer playing blackjack with digital assets, Stake supports an extensive list of cryptocurrencies, including major coins such as:
- BTC (Bitcoin)
- ETH (Ethereum)
- USDT (Tether)
- EOS
- DOGE (Dogecoin)
- LTC (Litecoin)
- SOL (Solana)
- TRX (Tron)
- And additional supported coins depending on current listings.
You can move crypto into your Stake account directly from your own wallet or by purchasing it via integrated third‑party services such as Mesh, Moonpay or subject to regional availability and compliance.
For longer‑term bankroll management, Stake offers a Vault feature to store funds securely between sessions, alongside a dedicated crypto security guide to help you keep your deposits safe.
Live & Studio Blackjack Variants on Stake
Stake Original Blackjack anchors a wider blackjack portfolio that covers both RNG‑driven studio games and immersive live‑dealer tables. This lets you choose the experience that best fits your mood and device.
Stake Original Blackjack (Studio)
- Instant dealing and rapid hands for high‑volume play.
- Provably fair RNG ensuring transparent, verifiable results.
- Ideal for strategy practice, grind sessions and testing different betting systems.
Live Blackjack Variants
Beyond the original, Stake offers several live and first‑person blackjack options from leading providers, including titles such as:
- Blackjack Live by Evolution
- Blackjack Live by Pragmatic Play
- Blackjack Live by Live88
- First Person Blackjack by Evolution
- Lightning Blackjack by Evolution
These live and hybrid games provide human dealers, real‑time video streams and often unique twists like side bets or boosted payouts, while still letting you apply the same core strategy you use in Stake Original Blackjack.
Responsible Gambling: Keeping Blackjack Fun & Under Control
Even with a great blackjack RTP and skill‑based decision‑making, blackjack is still gambling. The key to long‑term enjoyment is to treat it as paid entertainment and keep your play within clear personal limits. Stake builds responsible‑gambling tools and guidance directly into its ecosystem.
Stake Smart & Bankroll Tools
- Stake Smart guidelines to help you recognize risky patterns and maintain healthy play habits.
- A monthly budget calculator so you can decide how much of your disposable income you are comfortable allocating to gaming.
- A betting limit guide to help you set personal limits that match your finances and risk tolerance.
On top of that, you can always choose to take breaks, step down your bet size or pause play altogether if sessions stop feeling enjoyable.
Live Support Availability
If you ever run into issues with deposits, withdrawals or account settings, Stake provides live customer support staffed by real agents. They can help answer questions about blackjack, payments, security and responsible‑gaming tools, and direct you to further resources if needed.
Remember: the goal is to make blackjack an engaging, social and strategic experience, not a source of financial pressure. If you find it difficult to stick to your own limits, consider using formal account tools or seeking independent support.
FAQ: Stake Original Blackjack & Online Blackjack Essentials
What is the RTP of Stake Original Blackjack?
Stake Original Blackjack has a theoretical RTP of 99.43%, corresponding to a house edge of 0.57% when played with correct strategy. This makes it one of the most player‑friendly casino games available.
How do blackjack payouts work on Stake?
Payouts follow classic rules: a normal winning hand pays 1:1, a natural blackjack pays 3:2, and an insurance bet (taken when the dealer shows an Ace and then reveals a blackjack) pays 2:1. Pushes return your stake.
How often will I get a natural blackjack?
Based on Stake's two‑card hand data, natural 21 appears about 4.8% of the time. That is roughly once every 21 hands on average, although actual short‑term results can vary significantly.
Is Stake Original Blackjack rigged?
The game uses a provably fair RNG, meaning card sequences are generated randomly and can be verified for integrity. The casino's edge comes from the transparent rules and payouts, not from manipulating individual outcomes. Every hand can still win or lose independently.
Can I count cards in Stake Original Blackjack?
No. Because Stake Original Blackjack is an RNG‑based, digital game rather than a finite physical shoe, traditional card counting methods do not apply. Each hand is effectively dealt from a fresh, virtual deck, so the underlying probabilities stay consistent over time.
What currencies can I use to play blackjack on Stake?
Stake supports a mix of local fiat currencies such as CAD, BRL, JPY, INR, TRY, ARS, CLP and PEN, along with popular cryptocurrencies like BTC, ETH, USDT, EOS, DOGE, LTC, SOL, TRX and others. Availability can depend on your country and regulatory environment.
How can I maximize my chances of success?
While you can never remove the element of luck, you can tilt the odds closer to the 99.43% RTP by:
- Following basic strategy (stand on most 17+ hands, split Aces and Eights, and double in mathematically favorable spots).
- Understanding bust odds so you know when hitting is too dangerous.
- Managing your bankroll with small, consistent stakes instead of reacting emotionally to wins and losses.
- Playing only with money you can comfortably afford to lose.
Combined, these habits help you get maximum entertainment and value out of Stake Original Blackjack while keeping full control over your experience.
Bottom line: Stake Original Blackjack blends classic casino gameplay, a provably fair system, a standout 99.43% RTP and flexible deposit options in both local currencies and crypto. If you are exploring online blackjack and care about both excitement and long‑term value, it is a compelling game to learn, master and enjoy — especially when paired with responsible bankroll management and solid basic strategy.
