Cashback Blackjack Online Casinos

Stefan Weber

7 min read

Cashback Blackjack is an interesting twist on classic table game play, essentially taking the concept of surrender up a notch.

Originally created by Playtech as an RNG game, and later with a live casino version as well, it basically gives you the chance to get a refund on a bad hand - or one you perceive as losing after seeing the dealer's up card.

The main premise is, that with the click of the 'Cashback' button, you can instantly quit the game and get the cash back sum highlighted on the table. The amount of this payout, we'll just point out, depends on the strength of your hand. It could be more than you bet, but it could easily be less.

This feature gives the game an interesting tactical element and of course the possibility of exiting gracefully without losing your entire stake. Plus, it's got multiple side bet options, making it a very appealing variant for true gamblers in particular.

Table of Contents

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⏱The brands and bonuses above were last updated on 15. October, 2024. We test and check casinos regularly to provide up-to-date information. However, there may still be instances where there may be differences between a casino's newest offering and the listing on this site.

Cashback Blackjack Basics

The original Cashback Blackjack game is a special RNG multi-hand blackjack variant from Playtech. With classic online play, the game is run on software and the results are determined by a random number generator.

In 2020, Playtech in collaboration with Stoiximan/Betano took the thrills even further with a live casino version of the game. However, since this differs in some details from the original game, we're going to focus on the online RNG version here, and review the live version separately below.

The online version is played with six decks of 52 cards each. Before the game begins, a menu appears. Here, you must choose between four betting limits, starting at a table with a $0.01 to $100 range per hand, and going up to one with a $10 to $10,000 max limit.

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Important to know: The limits can be fully exploited without any restrictions on moves such as a split, double down, or insurance.

Once you've decided on a table limit, click 'Join'. The computerized dealer will then prompt you to 'Place your bets please', at which point you'll need to choose a bet amount within your chosen range to start the game.

You'll then be dealt two cards face up on the table. The dealer will also receive two cards, one face up (the so-called up card) and the other face down (known as the hole card).

The aim of the game is the same as in traditional blackjack: to achieve a score higher than the dealer's without going over 21. To accomplish this goal, different moves are available.

Which one you choose depends on the value of your cards, but also the dealer's up card. The recommended initial moves are no different from classic blackjack. In other words, up to this point, Cashback Blackjack follows the usual rules of the game.

But there's an extra button on the interface that makes things interesting here. Beyond 'Hit', 'Stand', 'Double', and 'Split', there's the one labelled 'Cashback'. And that option's the special thing about this game variant that gives it its name.

With it, you have the option of quitting the game or round , i.e. giving up a hand (since up to five hands can be played in parallel). In return, you're offered a certain cashback amount as a payout.

The amount of this cashback depends on the strength of your hand and the probability of winning. With strong hands, the payout can sometimes be even higher than your original stake, but less than what you'd ultimately win on the hand if you saw it through to the end. So that's really the quandary in your decision.

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The cashback button remains active as long as the hand is active. The amount displayed is dynamically adjusted with each move. This means that if you draw more cards or split your hand, the cashback amount is adjusted accordingly.

Remember, you don't have to use it. You can also simply finish your hand as usual, and opt for the standard showdown with the dealer instead.

By the way, in Cashback Blackjack, the dealer generally stands at 17 points and does not check their hidden hole card for a blackjack.

The settlement for all hands that were not relinquished via the 'Cashback' button follows the usual format of your own hand versus that of the dealer so that:

• If you have more points without going over 21, you'll receive double your wager as winnings, i.e. odds of 1:1.
• If you have a natural blackjack, the pay is 3:2.
• Insurance pays 2:1.
• If you and the dealer have the same value hand, then it's a push, and your stake is returned; nothing lost, nothing gained.

If the dealer wins, your bet goes to the casino, although there is one exception to this, thanks to the 10-Card Charlie rule. That is, if you manage not to bust with ten cards in your hand, then it doesn't matter what the dealer has - except for a blackjack. In this rare case you automatically win.

Rules and special features:

• You can choose between four table limits before starting the game
• Up to five hands can be played simultaneously
• Insurance is available on a dealer's ace up card
• Insurance can be applied to all hands
• Cashback is offered for every hand you're playing
• Each hand can be doubled once
• After splitting aces only one more card can be dealt
• Dealer does not check for blackjack
• Dealer stands on 17
• In the case of a tie, your stake will be refunded
• The 10-Card Charlie rule applies
• Side bets are available on a dealer pair, player pair (Perfect Pairs), and 21+3

Play Cashback Blackjack for Free Online

Since the cashback option adds a new dimension to the game, it can be a good idea to try it out first without any obligation. For this purpose, Playtech provides a demo version - which we've also embedded here - that allows you to play Cashback Blackjack for free. This includes the limit options mentioned that you choose at the beginning, as well as the unique 'Cashback' button so you get a true feel for the exceptional elements of the game.

If you want to play for real winnings, you don't necessarily need to risk much mind you, as the lower limit is so minute, that really anyone should have the budget for a few rounds that way.

Cashback Blackjack Demo Mode

By pressing on "Play", I understand that I will be shown content from Playtech. Playtech

Play for Real Winnings at Lucky Dreams

Side Bets in Cashback Blackjack

Various side bets can be made in Cashback Blackjack. These are made and settled independently of the cashback option. So opting to get cashback does not affect them.

• Insurance: When the dealer has an ace as an up card, there is the option to take out insurance. If you're playing a single hand, simply click 'Accept' to activate. If playing with multiple hands, you can instead click 'Apply to All' to purchase insurance against a dealer blackjack for all of your active hands. Just note that insurance obviously incurs an additional fee.
• 21+3: This is a classic blackjack side bet with payouts for poker style hands formed with your first two cards and the dealer's face up card. The highest payout is 100:1 for a suited three-of-a-kind, with lesser but still impressive odds for a straight flush (40:1), three-of-a-kind (30:1), straight (10:1), and flush (5:1).
• Perfect Pairs: Another unique thing about Cashback Blackjack is that the Perfect Pairs side bet can be placed on either your hand, or the dealer's hand, with separate betting areas on the table for each of these options.

Cashback Blackjack as a Live Casino Game

Cashback Blackjack was originally developed as an RNG game, i.e. a computer-simulated variant played online between you and the computer. It still exists as such and remains popular, however in June 2020, it was joined by a live version of the game, also developed by Playtech. And we happen to be big fans.

In its live format, the game is played with an actual dealer in a classic casino atmosphere, around a table with real cards. You can be dealt in on the action, which is enjoyed in real time, streamed to your screen in excellent HD quality, for a lifelike effect.

The number of players that can be dealt in on a round of Cashback Blackjack Live is limitless. This means that there's room at the table for everyone. Just note, each participant plays the same hand, while making their own decisions.

Playtech's live version of Cashback Blackjack.MoreLess

Play now at Playzilla

In contrast to the original, this game is played with eight decks of cards, instead of six.

The other main difference is that in addition to the side bets mentioned (21+3, Perfect Pairs, and Insurance), three more are offered: Lucky Lucky, Top 3, and Buster Blackjack which has an astonishing top payout potential of 2,000:1.

Apart from that, the live version is similar to the original in terms of the cashback feature, as well as the recommended card playing strategy.

Differences Between Cashback Blackjack and Traditional Variants

Unlike some variants, the dealer has to stand on a 17 hand in Cashback Blackjack (that is, a hard 17 or a soft 17). But that's not completely unheard of in other game rules. So the difference there is extremely minor. The payouts are standard. The side bets, while numerous, are also available in many traditional games. And the recommended moves are quite similar.

The most important unique selling point is then in the obvious; and that is the 'Cashback' button.

That is, getting a refund on your hand is definitely a different twist not found prior to this Playtech creation. Sure there is occasionally an option to surrender in classic blackjack, but that's for a fixed amount, namely half your bet. However, in Cashback Blackjack the amount of the refund depends on the strength of your hand, so it can be way more worthwhile to consider, and fluctuate tremendously.

Strategy for Cashback Blackjack - How to Play Your Cards

The cashback feature gives this variant its own character. But it's not really a factor in how to play your cards.

Realistically, you should be using the same strategy as employed in standard versions, like European Blackjack. This means the decisive factor for your next move is always a matter of considering your cards dealt, combined with the up-card the dealer received.

The following table shows which moves are theoretically most effective. Luck, of course will always still play a part.

Hard HandSoft HandPairs

	Dealer's Up Card
Player's Hand		2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	Ace
	4	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H
	5	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H
	6	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H
	7	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H
	8	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H
	9	H	DD	DD	DD	DD	H	H	H	H	H
	10	DD	DD	DD	DD	DD	DD	DD	DD	H	H
	11	DD	DD	DD	DD	DD	DD	DD	DD	H	H
	12	H	H	S	S	S	H	H	H	H	H
	13	S	S	S	S	S	H	H	H	H	H
	14	S	S	S	S	S	H	H	H	H	H
	15	S	S	S	S	S	H	H	H	H	H
	16	S	S	S	S	S	H	H	H	H	H
	17-21	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S

	Dealer's Up Card
Player's Hand		2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	Ace
	A,2	H	H	H	DD	DD	H	H	H	H	H
	A,3	H	H	H	DD	DD	H	H	H	H	H
	A,4	H	H	DD	DD	DD	H	H	H	H	H
	A,5	H	H	DD	DD	DD	H	H	H	H	H
	A,6	H	DD	DD	DD	DD	H	H	H	H	H
	A,7	S	DD	DD	DD	DD	S	S	H	H	H
	A,8	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S
	A,9	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S
	A,10	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S

	Dealer's Up Card
Player's Hand		2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	Ace
	2,2	H	H	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp	H	H	H	H
	3,3	H	H	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp	H	H	H	H
	4,4	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H	H
	5,5	DD	DD	DD	DD	DD	DD	DD	DD	H	H
	6,6	H	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp	H	H	H	H	H
	7,7	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp	H	H	H	H
	8,8	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp	H	H
	9,9	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp	S	Sp	Sp	S	S
	10,10	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S
	A,A	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp	Sp

Legende: H = hit, S = stand, Sp = split, DD = double down / Note: face cards also count as 10 value.

Remember, Cashback Blackjack is a digital version of the game, so you're not under any time pressure to make your decision. There's also nothing wrong with printing out the strategy chart or keeping it in a separate browser tab so that you can consult it while playing.

It's also important to understand that this basic strategy table doesn't cover the topic of cashback, and when to execute that option. Our thoughts on when and whether it's worth accepting can be found below.

Tips & Tricks for Using the Blackjack Cashback Feature

Basically, the cashback function offers an alternative to continuing to play on an iffy hand. What may sound like a great feature is, however, not necessarily recommended from a mathematical point of view. It's a casino game after all. And no matter how generous it paints itself, the house will always win over time. There's no trick to getting around that.

As such, it's important to remember that the cashback amount offered is always less than the actual expected value of a hand (as in how much you would receive if you actually won).

However, the top winning potential isn't always of prime concern. Sometimes it's also a question of how much money you're risking, and whether you're willing to accept the potential loss after seeing the dealer's up card, or would prefer at least some guarantee of return.

• This means that in a situation where, for example, you have bet a relatively high sum, you can still save at least some money with the cashback feature if you have a bad hand.
• While on the flip side, if you have a good hand, the function allows you to secure a win early on, albeit a smaller one. This avoids the risk of losing the hand after all.

When crunching the numbers, it turns out that mathematically it is the wrong decision in the long run. But it can still be "right" for the individual player in the short term, on a single hand.

Other than that, a common tip is to follow basic blackjack strategy to make better decisions, and manage your bankroll carefully to avoid significant losses.

How Useful Is the Cashback Function? This Is What the Math Says

Every hand - that is, your own specific hand taking into account the dealer's up card - has an expected value. Simply put, this is the average that the player wins or loses per hand played. If the expected value is negative, then they lose money in the long run; if it's positive, then they'll win in the long run.

For example, an expected value of -0.25 means that for every dollar wagered, 25 cents will go to the casino in the long term. Conversely, an expected value of +0.25 means that for every dollar wagered, 25 cents will be won. However, this is a matter of statistics, so while true over the course of time, it won't relate to every individual hand played, which is essentially addressed on its own.

To help you better visualize, here are some examples that demonstrate how strictly speaking - as in mathematically speaking - the cashback offer isn't worth taking:

Player's cards	Up card	Cashback offer ($1 bet)	Expected value for the hand	Expected payout
		$0.66	-0.324567	$0.67
		$0.52	-0.463626	$0.53
		$0.83	-0.151658	$0.84
		$1.58	+0.617527	$1.61
		$0.74	-0.238659	$0.76
		$0.35	-0.638917	$0.36
		$0.99	+0.015341	$1.01
		$1.15	+0.353456	$1.35
		$1.41	+0.438046	$1.43
		$0.78	-0.206708	$0.79

Notes on this table: The expected value and the expected payout apply under the condition that optimal play is made, or the optimal game decision is made according to the basic strategy. The numbers in the table are rounded up for negative values and rounded down for positive values to show that even if you're confident about the cashback, continuing to play would be the right decision.

More Blackjack Tips & Tricks

Cashback Blackjack FAQs

1. What is meant by "cashback" in the blackjack casino game of that name?
2. What amount will be paid out if I use the cashback function?
3. What is the difference between the cashback feature and a blackjack surrender?
4. Can I play side bets in Cashback Blackjack?
5. Is there a viable betting system for Cashback Blackjack?

1. What is meant by "cashback" in the blackjack casino game of that name?

Cashback in the context of this game means a refund, as in the option to quit early and essentially sell your hand back.

If you quit the game by pushing the 'Cashback' button, you'll receive a specific cashback amount, which is a portion of your stake or multiple of it. The amount fluctuates, but generally the rule is: the higher the probability of winning your hand, the greater this payout will be.

Mathematically speaking, it's not worth accepting the cashback offer, because it's always below the actual expected value of the hand. So only do so if you really think you're going to lose and want to recoup at least something.

2. What amount will be paid out if I use the cashback function?

The amount of the cashback offer always depends on the strength of your own hand, or more specifically your own cards in relation to the dealer's visible card. It is based on the probability of winning and therefore on the expected value of the hand.

The higher the likelihood of you actually winning, the higher this amount will be in order to tempt you to take it, rather than choosing to play out your hand to the end versus the dealer, and potentially winning more.

3. What is the difference between the cashback feature and a blackjack surrender?

Both options allow you to give up your hand if you think you have a poor chance of winning. In both cases, you'll receive a certain amount of money when doing so. But there are differences.

The first difference is availability. The option to surrender is available in a relatively large number of blackjack variants, and is therefore a standard part of the rules. That is, for players, it is one of several moves from which they can regularly choose. In contrast, the cashback feature is a unique Playtech creation, and is only available in games with its name.

There are also differences in practical application. For example, when you surrender a fixed amount is always refunded; that is, half your stake. With cashback, however, the amount is tailored to the individual case and depends on your hand. The stronger your hand, the higher the cashback offer - even to an amount that exceeds your stake value!

In addition, you can usually only surrender as long as you have just your first two cards, and haven't made any further moves. The cashback feature, on the other hand, remains active even after you've drawn more cards or split. The cashback amount of course is then adjusted to each new constellation, or each new hand, and you then again have the option to decide whether to choose the payout or continue playing.

4. Can I play side bets in Cashback Blackjack?

The option of placing side bets is most certainly available with this variant. You can bet on 21+3 or on Perfect Pairs, in this case gambling on whether the player or the dealer have a pair in their hand. These are two very popular side bets with high levels of payouts, though as you know, a significant house edge to match, so consider your bankroll in making them.

Additionally, the live Cashback Blackjack game has even more side bets to choose from. With six in total they cover 21+3, Dealer Pair, Player Pair, Lucky Lucky, Buster Blackjack, and Top 3.

For the exact odds offered on any of these side bets, you can always refer to the paytable which can be viewed at any time from the game's 'Help' section (accessed from the top right corner of your screen when you're playing).

5. Is there a viable betting system for Cashback Blackjack?

Experience has shown that the common blackjack systems are not effective here. There are many reasons for this, including the fact that most gambling systems were developed for other types of games, mostly roulette, so they're not necessarily relevant to blackjack play in general, even if some use them.

Instead, with Cashback Blackjack, to improve your odds, we recommend using the basic game strategy to play out your hand, and not accepting the cashback offer, even when it seems tempting.

Cashback Blackjack Summary

Cashback Blackjack is a variant of the classic table game that offers players the unique opportunity to cash out their hand before it's over.

The decision of whether to accept or decline the cashback offer is entirely up to you - depending on your gut feeling, the strength of your hand, and the dealer's up card. This feature and the side bet options together add an extra dimension of strategy and excitement to the game, which is undeniably entertaining.

And since the rules of Cashback Blackjack are similar to those of classic blackjack, it's super easy to pick up. Plus, the table limits accommodate any budget, high or low.

All and all this makes for a fun and engaging variant of the game with universal appeal.

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Cashback Blackjack was tested and reviewed by Stefan Weber

I'm lucky enough to have found both my job and my calling on the internet. As the online marketing manager for a major sportsbook, I began in the online gambling business over a decade ago. The business has been good to me and I love the dynamics of the industry. A blackjack enthusiast myself, I try to provide articles that combine practicalities with the strategic elegance of the game in a way that both rookies and experienced players can appreciate. And when I can, I like to spend my free time on live streaming platforms such as Twitch and Kick.