Blackjack is a card game you’ll find in both online and land-based casinos. It’s one of the most recognised casino games, and many people are drawn to it because it looks simple to follow. At its core, the aim is to try and get a hand as close to 21 as possible without going over.
But when it comes to how the cards are shuffled, things can vary a lot—and this can affect how the game plays out. Whether you’re sitting at a real table in a land-based casino or playing blackjack online, the way the cards are dealt and reshuffled can differ depending on the version of the game.
In this blog, we’ll explain how often blackjack dealers shuffle the deck. We’ll cover both online games that use Random Number Generators (RNGs) and those played with live dealers. We’ll also look at how multi-deck shoes and automatic shuffling machines come into play. If you’ve ever wondered how the shuffling process works or why it matters, this will help you understand what you might expect before you sit down at a blackjack table—whether virtual or physical.
How Often Do Blackjack Tables Shuffle?
The purpose of shuffling in blackjack is to make sure that every hand is dealt randomly. This helps keep the game fair for everyone involved. The shuffling process can differ depending on how many decks are being used, and whether the game is being run by a live dealer or a computer.
In land-based casinos, dealers often use what’s called a “shoe”. This is a box that holds several decks of cards—anywhere from four to eight decks is typical. When a large number of cards are used, they don’t shuffle after every hand. Instead, the dealer keeps dealing until a certain point in the shoe, which is usually marked with a plastic “cut card”. When this card appears, it signals the end of the current round of play and the decks are then reshuffled.
The more decks in play, the longer it takes to reach the cut card. For example, in a six-deck game, the cards might only be reshuffled once about 60%–75% of the cards have been dealt. This can vary by casino, and there isn’t a universal rule—some games might shuffle earlier or later depending on how they’re run.
Does Online Blackjack Shuffle After Every Hand?
If you’re playing blackjack online, the way cards are shuffled depends on the type of game you’ve chosen. There are two main types of online blackjack games: RNG-based blackjack and live dealer blackjack.
RNG stands for Random Number Generator. These games are fully digital and do not use physical cards. Instead, the outcomes are determined by software. When you click “deal”, the system instantly selects cards based on randomised algorithms. This means that, in effect, the cards are shuffled before every single hand—even though no physical shuffle takes place. This system is regularly tested and certified by independent bodies to make sure it’s fair and unpredictable. In the UK, all licensed operators are required by the Gambling Commission to meet strict standards for game fairness.
Live dealer blackjack is different. This version involves a real human dealer working at a physical blackjack table, and the action is streamed to your screen. You place your bets digitally, but the cards are real. These tables usually use multiple decks in a shoe. A cut card is placed at a specific point to show when it’s time to shuffle. The dealer may reshuffle the cards manually or use an automatic shuffling machine. The cards aren’t shuffled after every hand—just when the cut card appears. This keeps the game running smoothly and helps prevent techniques like card counting from being effective.
Are Multiple Decks Shuffled Together In Blackjack?
Yes, in most blackjack games, several decks are combined and shuffled together before play begins. This is done to make it more difficult to try and predict which cards may be left in the shoe. In the past, single-deck blackjack was more common, but casinos found that it gave players an easier time keeping track of which cards had already been dealt.
These days, it’s standard to use four, six or even eight full decks, especially in live games. The exact number can vary from one casino to the next. In the UK, it’s rare to find single-deck blackjack at all, and when it is offered, it’s usually shuffled after each hand to reduce the risk of players trying to keep track of cards.
Combining multiple decks increases the total number of cards in play. For example, a six-deck shoe contains 312 cards. Shuffling them all together reduces the chances of any betting strategies relying on memory or pattern recognition.
Can You Count Cards With an Automatic Shuffler?
Counting cards is a strategy that involves keeping track of which high and low cards have been played in an attempt to estimate what’s left in the deck. While this method is often talked about in films and books, it’s not as practical as it might seem—especially in modern games.
In many casinos, both online casinos and land-based, automatic shuffling machines are used. These machines shuffle cards either between hands or continuously during the game. When a continuous shuffler is used, cards go back into the machine straight after each round and are shuffled back into the mix. This makes it very difficult—if not impossible—to count cards effectively, since the composition of the shoe is constantly changing.
Some live blackjack tables use automatic shufflers that only activate when a cut card appears. Others use “continuous shufflers” that recycle cards after each hand. The type used can vary depending on the venue or online provider. You can usually see the shuffler being used if you’re playing at a live table, so you’ll know what to expect.
Blackjack can involve a mix of strategy and decision-making, but it's still a game of chance. While learning how the game works can help you make better choices, there’s no system or approach that can guarantee a win. Results depend on random outcomes, whether cards are dealt by a real dealer or by software.
Before you play, it can be useful to check the rules of the game and the paytable. These can vary from one casino to another, and even between games that look similar. Some tables offer different potential payouts for blackjack or allow extra features like side bets or insurance. Reading the rules beforehand may help you avoid any surprises.
If you choose to play blackjack, consider setting limits on how much you’re prepared to spend and how long you want to play. Try not to treat blackjack or any casino game as a way to make money. Gambling is meant to be a form of entertainment, and it’s important to play with money you can afford to lose.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.