BANGKOK (AP) — China threatened “serious consequences” Friday after the U.S. Navy sailed a destroyer around the disputed Paracel Islands in the South China Sea for the second day in a row, in a move Beijing claimed was a violation of its sovereignty and security.

The warning comes amid growing tensions between China and the United States in the region, as Washington pushes back at Beijing’s growingly assertive posture in the South China Sea, a strategic waterway it claims virtually in its entirety.

On Thursday, after the U.S. sailed the USS Milius guided-missile destroyer near the Paracel Islands, China said its navy and air force had forced the American vessel away, a claim the U.S. military denied.

The U.S. on Friday sailed the ship again in the vicinity of the islands, which are occupied by China but also claimed by Taiwan and Vietnam, as part of what it called a “freedom of navigation operation” challenging requirements from all three nations requiring either advance notification or permission before a military vessel sails by.

“Unlawful and sweeping maritime claims in the South China Sea pose a serious threat to the freedom of the seas, including the freedoms of navigation and overflight, free trade and unimpeded commerce, and freedom of economic opportunity for South China Sea littoral nations,” said U.S. 7th Fleet spokesman Lt. j.g. Luka Bakic in an emailed statement.

“The United States challenges excessive maritime claims around the world regardless of the identity of the claimant,” Bakic added.

China’s Ministry of National Defense responded by accusing the U.S. of “undermining the peace and stability of the South China Sea” with its actions.

“The act of the U.S. military seriously violated China’s sovereignty and security, severely breached international laws, and is more ironclad evidence of the U.S. pursuing navigation hegemony and militarizing the South China Sea,” ministry spokesman Tan Kefei said. “We solemnly request that the US. immediately stop such actions of provocation, otherwise it will bear the serious consequences of unexpected incidents caused by this.”

He said China would take “all necessary measures” to ensure its security but did not elaborate.

Like its statement on the Thursday incident, China again said it drove the American ship away from the islands, which are in the South China Sea a few hundred kilometers (miles) off the coast of Vietnam and the Chinese province of Hainan.

Both sides said their actions were justified under international law.

Bakic told The Associated Press that the ship “was not driven away” and “continued on to conduct routine maritime security operations in international waters” after concluding its mission near the Paracel Islands.

“The operation reflects our commitment to uphold freedom of navigation and lawful uses of the sea for all nations,” he said. “The United States will continue to fly, sail, and operate wherever international law allows, as Milius did today.”

The U.S. has no South China Sea claims itself, but has deployed Naval and Air Force assets for decades to patrol the strategic waterway, through which around $5 trillion in global trade transits each year and which holds highly valuable fish stocks and undersea mineral resources.

A United Nations-backed arbitration tribunal ruled in 2016 that the historical claim from China on the waters had no legal basis under the 1982 U.N. Convention on the Law of the Seas, and Washington maintains that freedom of navigation and overflight of the waterway are in the American national interest.

U.S. forces currently operate in the South China Sea daily, and have been present for more than a century. China regularly responds angrily, accusing the U.S. of meddling in Asian affairs and impinging upon its sovereignty.

China’s claims have frequently brought it into conflict with other nations in the region as well, and Filipino diplomats were expected to unleash a slew of protests on Friday over China’s recent targeting of a Philippine coast guard ship with a powerful military laser and other aggressive behavior.

_____

Find more AP Asia-Pacific coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/asia-pacific

Copyright
© 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.

OTTAWA, Ontario (AP) — President Joe Biden is headed to Canada on Thursday for talks with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on several of the world’s most difficult challenges: the war in Ukraine, climate change, trade, mass migration and an increasingly assertive China.

Two important agreements appeared to be in hand before Biden even departed Washington. Canada will escalate its timeline for military upgrades to the North American Aerospace Defense Command and the two nations have reached an agreement to update rules for migrants seeking asylum, according to U.S. and Canadian officials. The officials were not authorized to comment publicly and request anonymity.

The migration deal eliminates a loophole under existing rules that will allow both countries to turn away asylum seekers at the countries’ borders. The loophole resulted in thousands of migrants annually crossing into Canada from the U.S. at a non-official checkpoint, enabling them to stay in the country as they seek asylum instead of letting the process play out while staying in the U.S.

As part of the agreement, Canada is expected to announce that 15,000 migrants from the Western Hemisphere will be given slots to apply to enter the country, according to the Canadian official.

The new policy applies to people without U.S. or Canadian citizenship who are caught within 14 days of crossing the border between the two countries, said a Biden administration official who was not authorized to publicly discuss the agreement and spoke on condition of anonymity.

The visit comes as the Biden administration has made strengthening its friendship with Canada a priority over the past two years. Both sides see the meetings in the capital of Ottawa as an opportunity to set plans for the future.

National security and air defenses are top of mind, after a recent Chinese spy balloon floating over North America with newfound urgency on Canada’s plans to update its radar systems and recent purchase of F-35 jets. Canada has agreed to an accelerated timeline for spending billions more on military upgrades for NORAD, which monitors the skies above the continent, according to the senior Canadian government official.

Canada announced last year it is investing $3.8 billion (Canadian $4.9 billion) over the next six years to modernize NORAD radar systems and billions more years later, but David Cohen, the U.S. ambassador to Canada, has said the current threat climate calls for earlier investment.

The loophole in the U.S.-Canada migration rules allowed thousands of migrants to cross into Canada from the U.S. at a non-official checkpoint, enabling them to stay in the country as they seek asylum instead of letting the process play out while staying in the U.S.

A quirk in a 2002 agreement between the U.S. and Canada says people seeking asylum must apply in the first country they arrive in. Migrants who go to an official crossing are returned to the U.S. and told to apply there. But those who arrive in Canada at a location other than a port of entry are allowed to stay and request protection, as has been happening on Roxham Road between Champlain, New York, and Quebec.

More than 39,000 claims were filed in 2022 by people who were intercepted by Canadian police, the vast majority of them in Quebec and at Roxham Road.

The broadened focus of Biden’s visit represents an evolution of a friendship between the two countries that exceeds 150 years. The emphasis had more frequently been on issues like trade that had defined relations between the two countries, which share a 5,525-mile border.

“This visit is about taking stock of what we’ve done, where we are and what we need to prioritize for for the future,” said John Kirby, a spokesman for the White House National Security Council. “We’re going to talk about our two democracies stepping up to meet the challenges of our time.”

There will still be an emphasis on trade, yet Canada and the U.S. see the partnership as crucial in supporting Ukraine against Russia’s invasion, reducing their dependence on Chinese goods and shifting toward cleaner energy sources amid the planetary damage caused by burning fossil fuels.

The leaders are also expected to discuss tapping critical minerals that will enable the production of electric vehicles, and military and economic commitments at a moment that observers say is the most dangerous since World War II. Chinese President Xi Jinping this week visited Russian President Vladimir Putin, pledging to deepen their economic ties in ways that could help fund Putin’s ongoing war to take Ukraine.

“The United States is coming with big strategic issues on their mind,” said Vincent Rigby, a former national security adviser to Trudeau. “It’s a world where they’re looking to allies to help.”

The ties between the two countries are without parallel. Trade between the U.S. and Canada totaled an estimated record of $950 billion (Canadian $1.3 trillion) in 2022. Each day, about 400,000 people cross the world’s longest international border, and about 800,000 Canadian citizens live in the United States. There is close cooperation on defense, border security and law enforcement, and a vast overlap in culture, traditions and pastimes.

Biden will address Parliament and Trudeau will host him for a state dinner Friday evening. It is Biden’s first visit to Canada since he became president, but Trudeau also gave Biden a state dinner when he was vice president in December 2016 just before Donald Trump took office.

“It didn’t need to have happened. It was an incredibly well timed and wise investment on the prime minister’s part to do that and I think it’s paid dividends,” said Bruce Heyman, who was U.S. ambassador to Canada at the time.

Last year, Canada was exempted from the subsidy restrictions for electric vehicles in Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act. Heyman calls it a huge win for Canada. The European Union hasn’t received the same preferential treatment.

Senior Canadian government officials said this week in a call with reporters that Trudeau will ask for more inclusions in the Inflation Reduction Act and said meeting face to face with the U.S. president about bilateral issues is critical for Canada.

Biden has used his foreign trips to reestablish the U.S. as a global leader that’s willing to listen to and work together with its partners, even as his administration has embraced an industrial strategy that is about reviving U.S. manufacturing and the middle class.

The trip comes after the president’s visit last month to the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv and Poland and as the 2024 U.S. election is heating up with the expectation that Biden will formally announce his plans to seek reelection.

One Canadian official noted that President Barack Obama didn’t stay overnight when he visited and Canada’s government is pleased that Biden will. Trump never visited Canada for bilateral meetings, his only appearance being a G-7 summit after which he and White House aides assailed Trudeau as a “weak” and dishonest” back-stabber. Trump threatened to scrap the North American Free Trade Agreement before eventually renegotiating it. “I think that Trudeau’s biggest ask is that Biden win the next election,” said historian Robert Bothwell. “Everything else is subordinate to that.” The NORAD partnership was in the spotlight recently when NORAD tracked a suspected Chinese spy balloon that passed over the two countries before being shot down over the coast of South Carolina. A U.S. fighter jet later shot down an unidentified flying object in Canadian airspace.

The British, Australians and Japanese are all investing more in defense given the threats posed by Beijing and Moscow, and the U.S. expects its northern neighbor to do its part. Canada has long faced calls to increase its defense spending to 2% of its gross domestic product, the agreed-upon target by NATO members. Ottawa spends about 1.2% now. Canada announced in January it will purchase 88 F-35 fighter jets but at the time of the announcement said the first four don’t arrive for another three years. The U.S. is also pushing Canada to lead an international force in Haiti but Canada’s top military official has suggested he doesn’t have the capacity.

___

Associated Press writer Colleen Long in Washington contributed to this report.

Copyright
© 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.

Blackjack is one of the most played games of all time, and the bet real money blackjack apps make it convenient for players to get their fix. Blackjack can be played on all sorts of mobile devices and operating systems – although Android and iOS are clearly the two juggernauts here.

This page will review the best blackjack real money apps to help you decide where your journey should go next and what bonuses are waiting for you.

The Best 10 Real Money Blackjack Mobile Games

 We compared every legitimate US-facing casino that offers blackjack apps and found these to be the best:

• Wild Casino – The Champion Among Blackjack Apps in the US
• Las Atlantis – The Embodiment of Innovation and Quality
• Bovada – The Right Choice for Newcomers
• Lucky Block – A Crypto Blackjack Paradise That’s Hard to Compete With
• BC.Game – The Most Modern Payment Methods to Play Blackjack
• MyBookie – A Perfect Mix Between Blackjack and Sports Betting
• BetOnline – A Blackjack Bag Full of Surprises
• El Royale – The Perfect Customer Support for US Players
• BUSR – The Most US-Feeling Blackjack And Sports Betting Site
• Super Slots – The Full Range of Blackjack Adventure

2023 Reviews of the Best Real Money Blackjack Apps

We’ll walk you through our favorite blackjack app recommendations for real cash. You can use the reviews to determine which gambling site matches your expectations and needs:

1. Wild Casino – An All-Around Blackjack Treat for Americans in 2023

Wild Casino topped the list not only due to its extensive blackjack game selection but also due to its cutting-edge design and mobile-friendliness. Wild Casino should be at the top of any when it comes down to real money blackjack. In fact, Wild Casino offers games with up to $20,000 bets per hand – which is fantastic for high rollers.

Unique to Wild Casino is a plethora of blackjack games, including but not limited to Pirate 21, Single Deck Blackjack, Super 7 Blackjack, 21 Burn Blackjack, American Blackjack, and many more. 

As a new player at Wild Casino, you’ll be eligible for a substantial bonus. First-time depositors who use the bonus code can get a 250% bonus of up to $1,000. You’ll get an extra $5,000 over the course of your next four deposits, with a 35x wagering requirement on the whole thing. 

The extra money can be used at any blackjack table, which is a huge plus. Unfortunately, only 5% of profits will count toward the wagering contribution. All things considered, the smartphone blackjack options at Wild Casino are the best in the United States.

Pros

• Blackjack tables with up to $20,000 bets per hand
• Instant withdrawals
• A generous variety of blackjack games
• Awesome bonuses and bonus codes

Cons

• Blackjack only contributes 5% to the wagering contribution

2. Las Atlantis – A New Blackjack App That Focuses on Quality 

In 2020, the virtual doorways opened to Las Atlantis. The blackjack app offers customers a new and exciting gambling experience with its alluring undersea motif. With over 250 games available, the variety may seem short, although it’s packed with quality.

The fact that the Las Atlantis smartphone software works with both Android and iOS devices is a major selling point. The blackjack app is simple to use and navigate, making it convenient for gamers to access their content even when away from home. On top of that, the app’s gorgeous visuals and intuitive interface transport players into action like never before.

The blackjack games at Las Atlantis are given a lot of love and care, and the casino offers a wide range of blackjack games. Blackjack variants such as European Blackjack, Perfect Pairs, and Suit ‘Em Up are available to players. 

Pros

• One of the best casino apps in the US
• New provider with innovative features
• US-focuses
• Fully licensed in Curacao

Cons

• Not a lot of live dealer games

3. Bovada – A Fantastic Blackjack App for Newcomers in the US

If you prefer playing blackjack online, Bovada Casino has 8 options in a special section. 10 live dealer blackjack decks are also available for those who prefer a more authentic gambling experience. 

Bovada’s welcome bonuses can be worth $3,000 using the bonus code. Compared to other mobile blackjack real money apps, the 25x wagering requirement is relatively low. You can fund your account using a variety of methods, including credit/debit cards and digital coins like Bitcoin.

The most remarkable portion is that the overall wagering requirement is only 25x. In addition, 10% is added for certain blackjack games. Live blackjack games are not included in the 5% wagering contribution, but Single Deck and Double Deck Blackjack are.

Pros

• The quickest withdrawals possible
• Low wagering requirements (25x)
• Up to 18 blackjack games
• Free demo games

Cons

• There’s a fee for credit card payments

4. Lucky Block – The Perfect Blackjack Adventure for Apps & Crypto Fans

Despite Lucky Block being still pretty new, it’s already competing with the industry’s heavy hitters for blackjack players.

There are excellent games from industry leaders like Evolution Gaming, Pragmatic Play Live, and 80 more, regardless of whether you prefer playing standard table versions, heading to the live casino to play Speed or Free Bet Blackjack, or relaxing with Blackjack Grand or Fortune in the VIP room. 

All of the games can be played on any device, whether it be a desktop computer or a mobile phone, thanks to the mobile-friendly website Lucky Block has created. 

In addition to blackjack and other table games, there are more than 6,000 games to choose from. Lucky Block also provides sports enthusiasts with a top-notch bookmaker. You can fund your account with various cryptocurrencies to grab a generous 200% casino welcome bonus.

Pros

• 6,000+ casino games from top providers
• Instant play and casino blackjack app
• Amazing variety of blackjack games
• $10,000 welcome bonus with crypto

Cons

• Only cryptocurrencies are accepted

5. BC.Game – A Blackjack Staple with 1,000+ Casino Games in the US

BC.Game launched in 2017; since then, it has become one of the most well-known online casinos in the United States. Numerous players seeking a lively and entertaining gambling experience have been drawn to its extensive game library, user-friendly interface, and emphasis on blackjack. 

BC.Game offers a wide variety of games to suit the tastes of its users, as the site hosts over a thousand titles. Famous software developers like Evolution Gaming, NetEnt, and Microgaming run the games, guaranteeing high standards and a pleasant experience. 

If you’re a fan of mobile blackjack, BC.Game’s website has a special area just for you, with several variations. Blackjack with a live player offers a more genuine and exciting gambling experience. The casino clearly puts a premium on blackjack, as evidenced by the wide variety of the game, thereby drawing fans of the strategy card game.

Pros

• One of the best crypto casinos for blackjack
• Fully licensed by Curacao eGaming
• All of the best software providers
• Amazing blackjack live dealer games

Cons

• The site can only be accessed using VPN

6. MyBookie – What Sports Fans Should Try Out When They’re Looking for Blackjack

Since 2014, MyBookie has established itself as one of the best places to gamble online thanks to its wide variety of games, convenient mobile app, and special emphasis on blackjack.

With a betting license issued by the government of Curacao, players can feel at ease knowing their information is protected when gambling with MyBookie. There are more than 200 games available at the casino, including slots, card games, video poker, and more. All types of players can discover games that fit their needs and ability levels among these options.

MyBookie’s primary emphasis on blackjack is one of the site’s most notable features. You can play European Blackjack, Pontoon, or Perfect Pairs, just to name a few of the many exciting variants available to blackjack fans. The live dealer games are a must-play since MyBookie has done a great job on the amazingly easy gameplay and navigation.

Pros

• Good game selection
• Especial focus on blackjack games
• Very easy to use blackjack app
• Fully licensed and secure site

Cons

• Not many withdrawal methods

7. BetOnline – Sports, Crypto, and Tons of Blackjack Excitement

The bonuses, promos, and tournaments at BetOnline’s blackjack tables are among the US sites. Play any of their HD casino games from the comfort of your mobile device thanks to their website’s flexible design. With such enticing features for the user, it’s easy to see why BetOnline made it into our top 10 list.

There are a lot of people who play at mobile casinos because they offer live dealers. 4 unique gambling games are available, each with at least three variants. Betsoft and Fresh Deck Studios developed live and online games, respectively.

When you sign up for BetOnline and make your first three deposits, you’ll be eligible for a welcome bonus worth up to $1,000. The cryptocurrency market is not excluded from this convenience. 

Even though the minimum deposit is $50, you can use your bonus funds to play blackjack at any of their games or live casino tables. The wagering requirements are 30x.

Pros

• Plenty to choose from in the games section
• $1,000 welcome bonus
• Great deposit method selection
• 30x wagering requirement

Cons

8. El Royale – The Best Service & Support on the Go in the US

Numerous exciting blackjack games are accessible at El Royale app. The many blackjack variations available are Classic Blackjack, Perfect Pairs Blackjack, and Face Up 21. They all have a high RTP and can be played quickly, even on a mobile device.

At El Royale, you can play blackjack with bets as low as $1, making it ideal for newcomers who want to test the waters without risking too much of their money.

The website offers live blackjack if you’re looking for a more realistic casino experience. The visuals are top-notch, as is typical of games developed by top companies like Evolution Gaming, and they’ve been naturally enhanced for a fantastic mobile experience.

Because of the many deposit bonuses available, this site is among the best places to play blackjack online. To give just one illustration, you can get a cryptocurrency bonus of up to $20,000. 

Pros

• $20,000 crypto bonus
• Online and live dealer blackjack games
• Low limits to play blackjack
• Some of the best software providers

Cons

• The welcome bonus focuses too much on crypto

9. BUSR – A North American-Looking Juggernaut in Blackjack and More

BUSR was founded in 2020 and has since amazed American players with its thrilling selection of games and intuitive interface. 

This casino, which is licensed and controlled by the government of Curacao, has demonstrated time and time again to be a reliable and safe option for those who enjoy gaming online.

BUSR’s app provides the same polished mobile experience as the PC edition. The app is compatible with iOS and Android devices, so users can play their beloved gambling games whenever and wherever they like. 

The flexible design and user-friendly UI guarantee the seamless operation of even the most action-packed games on your mobile device.

Pros

• Great casino and sportsbook
• Instant withdrawals in the US
• User-friendly blackjack app
• Fully licensed and regulated

Cons

• Restricted in multiple countries

10. SuperSlots – The Full Range of Blackjack Variations in the US

This website provides a fantastic blackjack experience, with 13 variations, including standard multi-hand and American blackjack and more unusual choices like Super 7 and Pirate 21. They also provide live blackjack decks for those who prefer to play in a more social setting.

Blackjack app games have buy-ins ranging from $10 for casual players to $2,500 for high rollers. Email and live chat with customer service reps are accessible around the clock, every day of the year. 

SuperSlots stands out from other blackjack apps thanks to its exceptional promos. When new users register and make deposits using any of their 20+ payment methods, they are eligible for a welcome bonus worth up to $6,000. This wagering requirement is set at 35x and can be met by playing any blackjack game other than live dealer blackjack.

Pros

• 13 blackjack games
• $6,000 welcome bonus in the US
• Full-on customer support for players
• Big range of limits when playing blackjack

Cons

FAQ – Real Money Blackjack Apps 2023

Where can I find the best blackjack real money apps?

Currently, blackjack apps are becoming a huge deal within the iGaming industry. Therefore, Wild Casino, Bovada, and Lucky Block provide an unparalleled app experience on all mobile platforms.

What should a good real money blackjack app offer?

A good blackjack real money app should offer a variety of games, security measures, bonuses, payment methods, and also alternatives to blackjack such as slots, roulette, or poker.

Is there a way for me to play blackjack on my phone for real money?

We guarantee that all the blackjack games available at our top-rated online casinos are compatible with your mobile device. You can play at almost any time and from any location thanks to most online casinos’ excellent casino app experience.

How much real money can I win when playing blackjack on a mobile app?

If you’re looking for a top-tier blackjack game that pays out, look no further than Wild Casino. Wild Casino is your best bet if you’re looking for a smartphone blackjack site. However, Lucky Block and Bovada are also excellent alternatives.

How We Rank & Choose the Best Real Money Blackjack Apps in the US

Now that you’ve had a chance to review our list of the top 10 best real money blackjack apps in the US, we’ll review the criteria we use to determine our rankings. If you are a beginner or you would like to increase your knowledge, read the  advice on best blackjack sites on B2C.

Blackjack Versions & Variety

Blackjack is among the most played games at the world’s top casinos. Mobile casinos put in a lot of work to provide players with a wide variety of blackjack games. So, naturally, we’re looking for casinos that offer a wide variety of games.

Mobile Gaming

We start by exploring the mobile apps that allow players to bet real money. Then, we judge blackjack apps based on how simple it is to make a bet, how intuitive the interface is, and how the blackjack deck is laid out.

Promos, Bonuses, and Rewards

We advise new blackjack players to use the casino’s welcome offer and bonus codes. You can sharpen your abilities by playing more games with the extra cash. In terms of blackjack bonuses, Lucky Block offers the greatest deal, with a maximum bonus of $10,000.

Full Safety

With real money at stake, the app’s protection is vital. To protect your blackjack wins, every casino site we looked at used industry-standard encryption technology.

Customer Support

Knowing you can contact someone for assistance if you run into trouble or have concerns is comforting. To ensure that you can get help quickly and easily if you need it, we check the customer service of real money blackjack apps.

The Legal Aspect of Blackjack Real Money Apps in the US

Each US jurisdiction has its own set of laws about online gaming. In only 6 states (New Jersey, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Michigan, and of course, Nevada) are gambling apps that let you win real money allowed. As long as the app has been approved by the state’s gambling authority, playing blackjack with real money is allowed.

Although some states have outlawed the use of real money blackjack apps, those who choose to play at overseas casinos outside the United States and thus outside the purview of state gaming laws can do so without fear of legal repercussions. 

All smartphone blackjack apps we tested accepted real money bets from players in the United States, as they are based outside of the country. The operators of offshore gambling sites are legally obligated to keep participants’ personal details private.

Signing Up for an Account at a Real Money Blackjack App 2023

Now we’ll walk you through the steps of signing up for a gambling app where you can win real cash. We’ll use Wild Casino as an illustration, but it’s standard procedure.

1. The Sign-Up Process

The first step is to visit their site from your mobile device, where you’ll see the “Join Now” icon displayed prominently in the screen’s center, just as shown above.

2. Filling Out the Registration Form

If you click the “Join Now” option, the next step is to complete the account details form and then select the “Create Account” button, which is a little further down the page.

3. The Verification 

To verify your email address, the site will send one to the one you entered. Contact Wild Casino’s customer service if you don’t see the verification notification in your mailbox.

4. Deposit & Bonuses

You must make a first deposit if you want to play blackjack for real money. When you do, you should take advantage of the welcome bonus, worth as much as $5,000. 

If you’re ready to commit, click the “Deposit” button and then select a funding option to continue. We deposited $100,000 and $20 using Bitcoin, but these limits can be lower or higher depending on your needs.

5. Start Enjoying Some Mind-Blowing Apps!

The casino’s main website will load after you make a deposit. On this page, the “Blackjack” and “Live Casino” options are located in the center of the screen. You can now enjoy blackjack like never before.

How to Get Started at a Mobile Blackjack Casino in the US

Blackjack’s widespread appeal stems from the fact that, even if you’ve never played before, you can quickly learn the basics and start having fun. 

In blackjack, players try to get as near to the number 21 without going over it. All ten-value cards (Jack, Queen, King) have the same value, 10, and trumps can be either 1 or 11 points, depending on the situation.

You start the game by receiving two cards face down. You have the option of keeping these cards or drawing more. But if you get more than 21, you’re out of the round.

To win at blackjack, you need only beat the dealer’s hand total without going over 21. After you decide, the dealer will do the same, and if you have a higher score than the dealer without surpassing 21, you win. 

Below, we’ll go over the fundamentals of playing blackjack on a mobile device, but the gameplay is identical to that on a desktop computer.

1. Choose the best blackjack app or casino for you.
2. Open your favourite blackjack game.
3. You’ll receive your hand of cards from the dealer.
4. You can “hit,” “stand,” “double down,” or “split” as your next move.
5. After everyone has made their decisions, the dealer will play their “hidden card” and decide whether to hit or hold based on the strength of their hand.
6. If the final result of your cards is higher or hasn’t busted, you’ll win against the dealer.
7. You can immediately make your next bet after your wins have been deposited into your account.

The Most Popular US Blackjack Games in 2023

The variety of blackjack games available in apps that allow users to play for real money is one way to keep players interested. At Wild Casino, there are 14 different blackjack variations to pick from. However, these 5 are the most common ones:

1. American Blackjack

In the American version of blackjack, the player always has two cards available, one showing and one hidden. However, when playing European blackjack, the dealer only reveals their hole card once all players have decided whether to hit (accept another card) or stand (stay with their current total). 

2. Single Deck Blackjack

In a blackjack game, you want your hand total to be as nearly 21 as feasible without going over. After receiving their initial two cards, players must determine whether or not to hit. When playing single-deck blackjack, there is only one standard 52-card deck in play, as opposed to several in multi-deck blackjack.

3. European Blackjack

European blackjack is a popular variant where the dealer receives only one card before players decide whether to hit or stand. The dealer in American blackjack is dealt two cards instead of one. Wild Casino and Bovada provide European blackjack for smartphone gaming.

4. Multi-Deck Blackjack

Multi-deck blackjack, in which two or more decks of cards are combined and mixed, is definitely a very popular blackjack game is almost all online casinos. This is different from traditional blackjack, which uses a single card. More decks give more chances to receive a face card or an ace.

5. Super 7 Blackjack

Super 7 blackjack is an excellent variation for those who want a bit more action. Bets can be made on the side in this variant, and a player will be dealt a 7 of the same card. If you win, you could return as much as $5,000 for your initial bet. For instance, super 7 Blackjack can be played at Wild Casino and MyBookie.

Live Dealer Games at Real Money Blackjack Apps

Playing live blackjack on your mobile device at reputable apps like Wild Casino, Big Spin Casino, and Bovada is the next best thing to being in Sin City. 

Playing live blackjack allows you to interact with an actual dealer via video stream, just like sitting at a table with them. You can also invite other players from around the globe to join your party.

Due to the game’s social nature, live blackjack games can be more entertaining than their online counterparts. 

Free Blackjack Games on US Casino Apps

Unlike other blackjack apps that force you to bet real money, the casinos listed here can be accessed entirely free from your mobile device. This way, you can practice and improve your gambling abilities without risking your money.

Signing up for an account at a gambling site like Bovada or Lucky Block is quick and painless and costs you nothing. 

Even the most seasoned professionals can occasionally benefit from a little brushing up on their abilities, so this is an excellent tool for everyone. Remember, you can only improve at blackjack by actively playing it and understanding it.

Blackjack Apps: How to Win for Real Money

For real money blackjack apps, our team has studied numerous different strategies and guidelines and will now present the 5 most useful and easy-to-remember ones. No matter what you’re using, from a mobile phone to a desktop computer, these blackjack techniques will help you win more often.

1. When to “Double Down” in Blackjack

If your first two cards add up to 11, you should “double down” because there’s a good possibility you’ll be given a 10 next.

2. Split in Blackjack

The game aims to get as close to 21 as possible, without going over. Therefore, split Aces and 8s. Keep your pairs together if they are worth 10 or 5 points each. Instead, keep the two 5 in the deck and strike, increasing your odds of getting 20. There’s no point in taking any more risks; just stand with the two face cards worth 20 points each.

3. When to Change the Bets

If you’re on a winning run (three hands or more), increasing your bet size while it lasts is smart. If you lose again, however, it is time to reduce your bet size. Too many players make the common error of staying in the game for too long before taking their winnings.

4. Sticking to the Blackjack Strategy

When your hand value comes up to 12 or more, you should not choose to hit if the dealer reveals a card with a value between 2 and 6. If the dealer is hiding a 10, the total value of his or her hand will be 16, and the dealer should get another 10 in most cases.

If the dealer reveals a 7 through 10 or a face card, you should continue to hit until your hand totals 17. Although it may be tempting to stand on a soft 16, the fundamental blackjack strategy book recommends hitting on a 16.

5. Benefiting from VIP & Loyal Programs

Join the casino’s loyalty club. As you continue to gamble, you will collect points that can be exchanged for cash or other rewards in the future. The casinos’ point systems depend on how much time you spend gambling and how much money you bet. Those are the only two requirements for receiving the prize, regardless of whether you win or lose.

The Bonuses at Real Money Blackjack Apps 2023

Your money is the most crucial element when it comes to how long you can play blackjack. We will now go over the various available bo to help you get the most out of your mobile blackjack sessions:

Welcome Bonus

When you join a mobile casino and make your first deposit, the casino may reward you with a welcome bonus. When looking for blackjack software that lets you play for real money, you’ll find a plethora of different signup bonuses to pick from.

For instance, new players at Wild Casino can receive a bonus of up to $5,000. El Royale, on the other hand, doubles your initial crypto deposit up to $20,000. Please be aware that El Royale’s welcome bonus requires a minimum deposit of $1,000, making it more suitable for high rollers.

Regular Promotions

Regular promotions are common for online casinos to reward loyal customers. Reload bonuses on specific days, cashback, no deposit bonuses, and more are just a few promos available to existing customers. 

No Deposit Bonuses

An online casino’s “no deposit bonus” is a bonus you receive before making a deposit, regardless of whether you intend to invest. 

As a form of a customer retention strategy, no deposit bonuses can be found at some casinos and are sometimes even used as the reward fund for competitions featuring games like blackjack.

Free Spins

If you’re looking for a bonus you can use while playing blackjack for real money, free spins aren’t it. However, some welcome packages include free spins. This means you can take one turn on a specific slot machine for free.

The best way to get people interested in a new slot machine is to offer them free spins, which can come as part of signup bonuses or ongoing promos at mobile casinos. That’s fantastic because you can try the game for free before committing any real cash.

Top Payment Methods at Real Money Blackjack Apps in the US

Another important aspect is whether or not the gaming site you’re considering betting at accepts your preferred deposit and withdrawal method. These days, most online casinos provide the same payment methods. Here, we’ll go over the most popular methods of depositing funds into the top blackjack apps with real money:

Betting with Cryptocurrencies

The availability of cryptocurrency betting choices is quickly gaining favor among online casinos and their clientele. That’s fantastic news because crypto coins typically have the quickest processing times for deposits and withdrawals. 

Additionally, there are typically no charges associated with receiving cryptocurrency payments. Here’s a closer look into the two most popular cryptocurrencies:

• Bitcoin: The most widely accepted cryptocurrency in casinos is Bitcoin. Some even go so far as to provide bonuses for using Bitcoin to make initial deposits. If you sign up at El Royale Casino, you can receive a bonus worth up to $20,000.
• Ethereum: More and more online casinos are taking Ethereum, and many feature blackjack games. Wild Casino and Lucky Block are two choices if you’re searching for a blackjack ETH casino.

Betting with e-Wallets

Many payment options are available at mobile casinos featuring blackjack apps for real money, with e-Wallets being the number one choice. It’s quick, secure, and typically doesn’t cost anything extra.

Skrill, Neteller, PayPal, and ecoPayz are the most common e-wallets for US online casinos. Checking a casino’s specific policy before signing up for an account is recommended, but in general, these techniques are accepted by all casinos.

Betting with Traditional Methods

Top US gaming sites typically accept a wide variety of popular deposit methods, including bank transfers, credit cards, debit cards, cash, and more. But before you choose a betting site, you should check to see if they accept traditional methods.

These payment methods typically incur extra costs, take longer to process withdrawals, and even longer to process deposits. You should choose the method that makes you feel most at ease, but we suggest considering the other choices if you can do so.

How to Turn Any Casino into a Blackjack Casino App in the US

Here’s a quick walkthrough into turning any site into a blackjack app for your phone that allows you to play for real money:

1. Open the Casino Website on Your Browser

To get started, you’ll need Safari on a mobile device. Start Safari and go to a site for one of the online casinos whose games you want to adapt for mobile use.

2. Click on the Menu

Select the square symbol with an upward-facing arrow to access the drop-down option. The Safari browser’s options are displayed here.

3. Add it to Your Home Screen

You should see something like the image above, complete with a “Add to Home Screen” option.

4. Give it a Name!

The time has come for you to give your app a name. If you don’t choose a name, the default names keep put. Now you can play on the go!

Conclusion – The Best Real Money Blackjack Apps in the US

After reviewing the top blackjack casinos and apps, we decided on Wild Casino as the best option for playing blackjack for real money on a mobile device. Following the instructions above, you can add Wild Casino as an icon to your home screen and use it just like any other casino app, including a real money blackjack app.

Several excellent blackjack apps are available for real money to play on mobile devices. Wild Casino stood out from the other casinos because of its dedication to catering to players of all stripes. They offer 14 kinds of blackjack and 10 live games, with betting limits ranging from $1 to $20,000.

However, almost all 10 real money blackjack apps meet nearly all of our criteria. They allow players from the United States to sign up quickly, give a generous welcome bonus of up to $5,000, accept multiple payment methods, and have a responsive customer service team. 

Almost everyone has a dream list of things they want to do in their time here on planet Earth. Whether written in stone or stored in memory, part of the human experience is wanting to achieve goals that make us happy and make us feel like we’re on top of the world. 

You probably have some ideas already: skydiving, visiting famous landmarks across the world, traveling extensively, seeing the Northern Lights, volunteering abroad, and learning a new skill are some of the most common bucket list ideas. 

However, maybe you’ve already done all the cliché stuff (which doesn’t make it any less meaningful to experience), and want something more unique. Or perhaps, you want to avoid the beaten path and carve your own way as you check things off a bucket list that’s unique to you.

If you’ve been wracking your brain for unique bucket list ideas and just can’t seem to crack through, we’ve got your back. Whether you’re a serious adrenaline-seeker, explorer, relaxation connoisseur, hobby collector, or experience collector, there’s something out there for you that won’t be on any other top 10 list.

Bucket List Ideas at a Glance:

Travel Bucket List Ideas
Adventure Bucket List Ideas
World Travel Bucket List Ideas
Family Travel Bucket List Ideas
Summer Bucket List Ideas
Fall Bucket List Ideas
Winter Bucket List Ideas
Spring Bucket List Ideas
Bucket List Ideas For Someone Specific
Bucket List Ideas Before 30
Bucket List Ideas For Couples
Bucket List Ideas For Retirement
Bucket List Ideas For 50-Year-Olds
Solo Bucket List Ideas

Thursday through Saturday: DC History Conference at MLK Library

For 49 years, the DC History Conference has provided a platform for those looking to explore and better understand the complexities of Washington and its past, present, and future; a key step to furthering the District’s self-rule. In 1973, when D.C. scholars found themselves facing a lack of opportunity to present their academic work, they created their own. Speaking with City Paper, Laura Hagood Executive Director of the DC History Center and Maren Orchard, its program manager, note that the event was not always as open as it now strives to be. Presenting speakers previously only came from the academic sector. But today, the conference features a more diverse lineup of presentations from other spaces: community organizers, educators, and local creatives. Hagood says the conference has wandered a bit in past years, but witnessing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the messages behind the Black Lives Matter movement forced them to reset. This year, she says, they aimed to make the conference a community-focused event. And by moving the event to the MLK Jr. Library downtown, organizers hope to facilitate this shift. The newly renovated library—including its impressive, historical People’s Archive and its exhibit, Up from the People: Protest and Change in D.C—presented the perfect opportunity for DCHC to collaborate with the library, along with Humanities DC. The event hopes to shed light on D.C.’s over-200-year fight for self-governance, and communicate Washingtonian’s frustrations that they remain disenfranchised. By looking at the history of the struggle, Hagood says, we can begin to understand the current moment and how to grow from here. The three-day event opens on March 23, with the Letitia Woods Brown Lecture from Dr. Tamika Nunley, author of At the Threshold of Liberty: Women, Slavery, and Shifting Identities in Washington, D.C. and associate professor of history at Cornell University. (Walk-ins welcome.) Hagood says the keynote is a powerful work on Black women’s freedom and liberty in D.C., highlighting the activists who helped achieve Home Rule, while spotlighting the lack of progress gained since its enactment. The sessions that follow will feature conversations, encounters, and passion projects from “a community that does great work year round for the city they love.” Next year, to celebrate DCHC’s 50th anniversary, organizers will work to “supersize” the event. But for now, the more than 100 presentations across 25 sessions will suffice. The DC History Conference runs March 23 through 25 at the MLK Memorial Library, 901 G St. NW. conference.dchistory.org. Free. (Online registration has closed, but attendees can register in person when they arrive.) —Camila Bailey

Friday and Saturday: SheROCKS at Capital Turnaround

After almost a decade of successfully sold-out events, SheROCKS is coming back to celebrate its 10-year anniversary. On Friday and Saturday, the event—which focuses on supporting emerging women artists and entrepreneurs, and helping women thrive in the entertainment and business industries—celebrates its own achievement with a weekend packed with a series of inspiring talks, business workshops, brunches, and mixers. This year, the organization is also honoring Global STEM Ambassador Rhonda Vetere as Woman of the Year along with other women who’ve made significant strides within their own, mostly male-dominated industries, such as photography, film, and fashion. The two-day event is a great occasion to gather new tips and tricks to help further your career. But it doesn’t have to be so serious all the time. A weekend at SheROCKS also promises a lot of fun. Attendees of the event (hosted by Raro Lae, co-host of 93.9 WKYS’ The Breakdown) are guaranteed swag bags, participation in giveaways, gourmet baked treats, food from celebrity Chef Jaye and SOFull Catering, a chance to watch a screening of Ma’s Kitchen by filmmaker Debbie Vu (the 2023 recipient of SheROCKS’ Filmmaker of the Year award), and music performances, too. If you are the type of person who loves to mix their business with pleasure, this event is perfect! SheROCKS’ runs March 24 and 25. at Capital Turnaround, 700 M St. SE. sherocksevent.com. $35–$65. —Nahawi Hoop 

Sunday: Extended Play at Mess Hall

Nothing says winter’s over like an afternoon dance party. But that’s not the only reason why I’m excited about the inaugural Extended Play, hosted and promoted by DJs Samantha Francesca and Martín Miguel along with Bass Support. “Samantha and I had a desire to do mindful dance music programming in a new space, and we ultimately decided that we wanted a venue that wasn’t a D.C. club,” Miguel tells City Paper. “The reality is that dance clubs in D.C. are not always an enjoyable experience for people, particularly women, so throwing an event for which we’d have full control of the environment and experience was appealing.” Extended Play, which takes over a loading dock on Sunday afternoon with headliner Kai Alcé—a pioneer of Atlanta’s house music scene—has a simple code of conduct: Be respectful, meaning no song requests (you’re paying to see these DJs do what they do best, so trust them), no nonconsensual touching, and no hate speech or bigotry. Simple, really. But aside from making it a safe space for all, the promoters want the party to help the city’s dance music scene return to its pre-COVID height. If all goes well, Extended Play will be extended into a monthly party with a new guest DJ every time. “We want to pull from the deep pool of Black, Latino, AAPI, and LGBTQ talent here in the U.S. and have a healthy mix of OGs and exciting new names,” says Miguel, who will open along with Francesca before Alcé takes over. Miguel, known for DJing house, disco, and Afro-Latin jazz/funk, has hosted numerous parties over the past nine years and was one of Eighteenth Street Lounge’s resident DJs from 2014 to 2020, among other accolades. Miguel calls Francesca “one of the best house music DJs in D.C.” The party will be covered from the elements but open air for lingering COVID concerns. Expect food truck vendors Kam and 46 to be on-site serving up Hawaiian and Filipino food. Extended Play runs from 2 to 8 p.m. on March 26 at Mess Hall, 703 Edgewood St. NE. ra.co. $22.85–$45.70. —Sarah Marloff 

Wednesday and Thursday: Ballet Flamenco Sara Baras: Alma

Spanish flamenco performing artist Sara Baras is finally returning to the Kennedy Center. Baras, one of the most famous Flamenco dancers in the world, is set to hit the stage this week, with Alma, her newest self-written, -directed, and -choreographed piece. With Alma (Spanish for “soul”), Baras showcases her ability to effortlessly fuse elements of the bolero and flamenco into a coherent dance, mixing well-known melodies and traditional flamenco styles while adding a modern touch. Expect to see some impressive footwork, swinging arms, and lavish costumes, accompanied by sultry lights and live music (supervised by Keko Baldomero). Eight years ago, the popular dancer performed at the Kennedy Center’s Eisenhower Theater as part of the Iberian Suite Festival. Her emotional and passionate performance of a more traditional flamenco was the highlight of the event and received a complimentary review from the Washington Post. Since then, Baras has won a British Olivier Award, a Gold Medal of Merit in Fine Arts, and holds the record for most performances—more than 200!—at Paris’ Théâtre des Champs-Élysées. When the opportunity to admire an impressive dancer like this arises, it would be silly to let it go by. Sara Baras performs Alma on March 29 and 30 at 8 p.m. at the Kennedy Center, 2700 F St. NW. kennedy-center.org. $25–$39. —Nahawi Hoop

Ongoing: Elizabeth M. Webb and Baseera Khan at Georgetown University Art Galleries

Charlottesville-based artist Elizabeth M. Webb (1989- ) did not learn until she was 18 that her father had Black ancestry. After she did, she interviewed her great aunt Jane, the last surviving descendant of her great-grandmother Paradise, to find out as much as she could about that part of her heritage. Webb proceeded to turn the transcripts of these conversations into porcelain artworks. The wording is hard—indeed, usually impossible—to read, and that’s a shortcoming for viewers who would like to learn more about what Jane had to say. Still, the shape of the abstracted words offers visual intrigue, with repeated, perfectly circular voids that correlate with the interiors of certain letters. And despite being a kiln-fired porcelain artwork, Webb’s art embodies fragility, a useful metaphor given the subject matter. Webb’s works are wafer-thin, with breaks and cracks that crisscross their surfaces, leaving some fragments seeming like they could blow away with a stray sneeze. And the setting is pitch-perfect: The gallery is darkened, with the individual pieces backlit, suggesting the interior of the Dead Sea Scrolls Museum.

Mayor Muriel Bowser spent the past few years casting herself as a regional leader on housing and homelessness issues. But at the first sign of a slowing economy, she’s pivoted to a full retreat.

In just about every area of housing policy, Bowser’s new budget, released Wednesday, is a bit stingier than prior proposals, according to advocates and councilmembers working on these issues. The cuts affect not only the easy targets for belt-tightening like eviction prevention measures and vouchers for the homeless, but also programs favored by the deep-pocketed developer class: the city’s main affordable housing loan fund chief among them.

Herronor’s cuts are perhaps not totally unexpected, considering that she managed some previous investments with billions in federal pandemic relief funds that are now drying up. But the reductions have nonetheless surprised budget watchers who believed these issues were priorities for her administration.

“When you just look at the public narrative, that we’re going end homelessness, create more housing, all these things, it’s just not playing out with what they’re doing,” says Daniel del Pielago, organizing director at the advocacy group Empower DC. “It’s really breaking the promises they’ve made to people.”

The change that has generated the most outrage so far is Bowser’s decision to drastically reduce spending on the District’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program, commonly known as ERAP, which is designed to keep people in their homes as they face the urgent risk of eviction due to financial difficulties. The program is seeded with $43 million in fiscal year 2023, and the city has already had to close applications in the expectation that it will run out of money by May (months earlier than ERAP normally runs dry). But rather than putting more cash into the program this year, Bowser chose to leave it flat, and then slash it down to $8.2 million in 2024.