At the risk of sounding like a Stepford-eyed influencer, the green gift boxes at Casa de Chocolates are, like, omg super cute! Tied up with red, yellow or green ribbons, they’re the color of Christmas trees for a reason. Located on Ashby Avenue since 2012, the Berkeley chocolate store with Oaxacan and Michoacán roots just opened a second location on Park Boulevard. After catching co-owner Linda Sanchez right before the new store’s grand opening, I drove up to Glenview to take a look inside.
The shelves are lined with the aforementioned gift boxes and candy bars, which are also smartly wrapped for the season of giving. The front counter is a line of demarcation between the retail and manufacturing spaces. One baker, or maker, was on a break from fabrication while I visited but a lot of pristine machinery sat quietly resting. At the register, Linda’s sister Rosa managed the store. She’d chopped an Inca crunch candy bar into bite-sized sample pieces. The quinoa crunch summoned up another famous, puffed-rice “crunch” bar that I associate with my adolescent snack routines.
I also purchased a bonbon in the shape of a Dungeons & Dragons’ die filled with creamy peanut butter. All of Casa de Chocolates’ available bonbons are displayed up front on a bright white plate. There’s quite a range. Memorably, the Mexican vanilla is decorated with snowflakes, the coconut is perfectly round with an ombré effect and the hibiscus is made to look like a milky-pink heart.
Sanchez told me one of her roles is to support recipe development while her business partner, Jesus Chavez, minds the financials. “He’s the person telling me we have a very thin budget, or he’ll tell me what is possible,” she said. Chavez has also answered the phone every time I’ve called the store.
The two took over Casa de Chocolates from the company’s founders, Amelia Garcia and Arcelia Gallardo. Once in charge, Sanchez felt like she didn’t need to spend time adjusting the original recipes. “All of our stuff is really delicious,” she said. “Now that we have a second location, our line of production and offerings are going to expand.”
Casa de Chocolates currently features the major fruits of Latin America, such as passion fruit, mango, guava and tamarind. Sanchez said, “We don’t need to develop those things. So I think, ‘OK, is there something new?’” One item she’s developing is a gluten-free chocolate cake recipe with amaranth. At the start of the production process, Sanchez asks herself the question, “How can we remake and reintroduce different crops and fruits that are traditional to Latino America, and give them a twist?”
To celebrate the Park Boulevard opening, she created a vegan truffle that combines two flavors, a cinnamon ganache with a goat’s milk caramel filling. “It’s just an incredible bonbon, between the cinnamon and the caramel and the gaminess of the goat’s milk,” Sanchez said. “It’s getting creative with what we already have in-house and making new profiles that customers will really enjoy.”
Casa de Chocolates currently features the major fruits of Latin America, such as passion fruit, mango, guava and tamarind.(Photo by J.S. Edalatpour)
Casa de Chocolates’ mission, Sanchez noted, “is to uplift Latino America but specifically the Indigenous Mesoamerican influence on cacao, which dates back to the Olmecs.” She said that, according to research about the region, the Olmecs were the first people to have processed and consumed cacao.
“We use European techniques, the bonbons, but all of our ganaches, caramels and flavors are of Latino America,” she said. She cited the mole bonbons made with spices and chilies, tequila and Mezcal ganaches, and the fruit flavors from parts of Mexico and Central America. “Our specialty has always been and will continue to be dark chocolate because dairy is not really something that was part of how we thought about chocolate in Latino America,” she said.
Initially, Casa de Chocolates used Guittard chocolate. But a year and half ago it transitioned exclusively to sources from Brazil, Ecuador and parts of Mexico. Sanchez considers that transition to be a major milestone for the business.
“One of our new chocolatiers went to Ecuador to visit folks who were working with the cacao where our chocolate was coming from,” she said. “In the past few years, we have been really intentional to source our cacao specifically from Latino America.”
Casa de Chocolates, 2629 Ashby Ave., Berkeley, and 4228 Park Blvd., Oakland. Open Mon noon to 5pm; Wed-Sun 11am to 7pm. 510.859.7221. casadechocolates.com
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Nine hundred years ago, Sufi philosopher Al-Ghazali provided rigorous advice that’s not very popular these days. “To understand the stars,” he said, “one must polish the mirror of the soul.” Here’s my interpretation: To fathom the truth about reality, you must be a strong character who treasures clarity and integrity. It’s highly unlikely you can gather a profound grasp of how life works if your inner depths are a mess. Conversely, your capacity to comprehend the Great Mystery increases as you work on purifying and strengthening your character. Everything I just said is good advice for all of us all the time, but it will be especially potent and poignant for you in the coming months.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): The sound of a whip cracking is a small sonic boom. The tip breaks the sound barrier, creating that distinctive snap. In my astrological reckoning, Taurus, life has provided you with the equivalent of a whip. During the coming months, you will have access to a simple asset that can create breakthrough force when wielded with precision and good timing. I’m not referring to aggression or violence. Your secret superpower will be understanding how to use small treasures that can generate disproportionate impacts. What’s your whip?
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Some Japanese potters practice yohen tenmoku. It’s a technique used to create a rare type of tea bowl with shifting, star-like iridescence on deep, dark glaze. The sublime effect results from a process that’s unusually demanding, highly unpredictable and hard to control. Legend says that only one in a thousand bowls achieves the intended iridescence. The rest, according to the masters, are “lessons in humility.” I believe you can flourish by adopting this experimental mindset in the coming months. Treat your creative experiments as offerings to the unknown, as sources of wonder whether or not your efforts yield stellar results. Be bold in trying new techniques and gentle in self-judgment. Delight in your apprenticeship to mystery. Some apparent “failures” may bring useful novelty.
CANCER (June 21-July 22): A fair-weather cumulus cloud typically weighs over a million pounds and yet floats effortlessly. Let’s make that one of your prime power symbols for 2026, Cancerian. It signifies that you will harbor an immense emotional cargo that’s suspended with grace. You will carry complex truths, layered desires and lyrical ambitions, but you will manage it all with aplomb and even delight. For best results, don’t overdramatize the heaviness; appreciate and marvel at the buoyancy.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Every 11 years, the Sun reverses its magnetic polarity. North becomes south, and south becomes north. The last switch was completed earlier this year. Let’s use this natural phenomenon as your metaphorical omen for the coming months, Leo. Imagine that a kind of magnetic reversal will transpire in your psyche. Your inner poles will flip position. As the intriguing process unfolds, you may be surprised at how many new ideas and feelings come rumbling into your imagination. Rather than resist the cosmic acrobatics, I advise you to welcome and collaborate with them.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): The sculptor Louise Bourgeois was asked why she worked so often with the image of the spider. She said it was a tribute to her mother, who was deliberate, clever, patient, soothing, helpful and useful—just like a spider. In the coming months, I invite you to embody her vision of the spider. You will have the wherewithal to weave hardy networks that could support you for years to come. Be creative and thoughtful as you craft your network of care. Your precision will be a form of devotion. Every strand, even fragile ones, will enhance your long-term resilience.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Researchers studying music theory know that dissonance—sounds that feel “wrong” or create tension—is in part culturally determined. Indonesia’s gamelan music and Arabic maqam scales are beautiful to audiences that have learned to appreciate them. But they might seem off-kilter to Westerners accustomed to music filled with major thirds and triads. Let’s use this as our starting point as we contemplate your future in 2026, Libra. Life may disrupt your assumptions about what constitutes balance and harmony. You will be invited to consider the possibility that what seems like discord from one perspective is attractive and valuable from another. My advice: Open your mind to other ways of evaluating what’s meaningful and attractive.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): In the Sonoran Desert of the southwestern United States, Arizona bark scorpions are hard to see at night. Scientists who want to study them can find them only by searching with flashlights that emit ultraviolet light. This causes the scorpions’ exoskeletons to fluoresce and glow a distinct blue-green or turquoise color, making them highly visible. Let’s use this scenario as a metaphor for you. In the coming months, you may reveal your best brilliance under uncommon conditions. Circumstances that seem unusual or challenging will highlight your true beauty and power. What feels extreme may be a good teacher and helper. I urge you to trust that the right people will recognize your unique beauty.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): According to legend, the genius composer Mozart heard entire symphonies in his imagination before he wrote down any notes. That’s a slight exaggeration. The full truth is that he often worked hard and made revisions. His inspiration was enhanced by effort and craft. However, it’s also true that Mozart wrote at least five masterful works in rapid succession, sometimes with remarkably few corrections on the manuscript. They included his last three symphonies (Nos. 39, 40 and 41). I predict you will have a Mozart-like aptitude in the coming months: the ability to perceive whole patterns before the pieces align. Trust your big visions!
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): In Greek mythology, Proteus was a sea god famed for his ability to change his shape endlessly to evade capture. But now and then, a persistent hero was able to hold on to Proteus through all his transformations, whether he became a lion, serpent, tree or flame. Then the god would bestow the gift of prophecy on the successful daredevil. I suspect that in the coming months, you will have an exceptional power to snag and grasp Proteus-like things, Capricorn. As a result, you could claim help and revelations that seem almost magical.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): In Florence, Italy, the Accademia Gallery houses several of Michelangelo’s sculptures that depict human figures partially emerging from rough blocks of marble. They seem to be caught in the process of birth or liberation. These works showcase the technique Michelangelo called non-finito (unfinished), in which the forms appear to struggle to escape from the stone. In the coming months, Aquarius, I foresee you undergoing a passage that initially resembles these figures. The good news is that unlike Michelangelo’s eternally trapped characters, you will eventually break free.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): To prepare you for 2026, I’ve gathered three quotes that address your most pressing need and urgent mandate. I recommend you tape this horoscope to your bathroom mirror. 1. “We cannot live in a world interpreted for us by others. An interpreted world is not a hope. Part of the terror is to take back our listening, to use our own voice, to see our own light.” —author Elaine Bellezza. 2. “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson. 3. “The ability to tell your own story, in words or images, is already a victory, already a revolt.” —Rebecca Solnit.
Most people at age 79 do not become film stars or cause the words “vigor” and “buoyant” to spring to mind. Robert Reich is not most people. Throughout his almost eight decades of life, the former U.S. Secretary of Labor and now professor of public policy emeritus at the University of California, Berkeley, has energetically championed the rights, causes, education, beliefs and ideas regarding liberty and democracy held by many people.
Reich, in addition to serving as labor secretary in the Clinton administration, was an economic advisor in 2008 on Barack Obama’s transition board and has written 18 books—The System, The Common Good, Saving Capitalism and more. His most recent book, Coming Up Short, chronicles his march through time, from his birth nine months after World War II to the present day.
Coinciding with the book is the film, The Last Class, which has catapulted him into greater visibility. Reich, during his years at UC Berkeley, has taught the immensely popular course “Wealth and Poverty.” On the cusp of retirement, a word he only grudgingly accepts, the film follows Reich through his last days as a regular figure on the UC campus.
For Reich, who is accustomed to cameras and is an astonishingly well-known public figure worldwide—he has been asked to autograph shoes and complete strangers on campus often holler, “Hey, Professor Reich”—the new cinematic role is a happy surprise.
In a late October 2025 interview, Reich said, “The best thing about all of this is the enthusiasm the movie has created. It’s a wonderful testament to what I try to leave with my students. I was amazed it played for eight weeks at the Rialto Cinema in Elmwood.”
Reich admitted he had doubts about the project when approached by the filmmakers: executive producer Heather Kinlaw Lofthouse, director Elliot Kirschner and editor/producer Josh Melrod.
“Education is not reading books or hearing lectures,” Reich said. “This is why I’m so thrilled the film emphasizes all the aspects of what education should be. I was skeptical initially that a film would help educators understand in a deeper, more fundamental way what they were trying to do or should try to do. When it’s talked about at the abstract level it sounds theoretical and diffuse, but they managed it beautifully.
“I didn’t expect it to be a feature film,” he added. “I thought it would be a short video. So I was surprised and delighted when it became a full-length feature and even more delighted by its success.”
The principles of good teaching, in Reich’s playbook, are most often related to social equality and involve students overcoming cynicism to actively engage as participants in democracy. Education is not exclusive to academia, and Reich insists people can participate at varying scales and in multiple forums—social, cultural, political and economic.
“People are participating all over,” Reich said during his interview last month. “Food stamps are likely to be unavailable, starting next week. There’s an opportunity to participate in communities in terms of food banks, pantries, and volunteering and offering time or money. Every community has its own needs and character. There’s no reason we can’t all be involved. Same thing for places of work: They can be either uplifting, exciting or fun, or deathly dull, horribly cynical and sharp-elbowed.
“We can contribute to improving quality of life wherever we are,” he continued. “These are actions not often called or understood as aspects of morality. I use my class mostly to help students at vulnerable points in growing up to have license, freedom and permission to explore their own values. To ask themselves hard questions, maybe change prior assumptions.”
The questions he asks and the actions he suggests show up not only in the classroom but in articles written for The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, The New Yorker and The Atlantic. Inequality Media, the organization Reich co-founded in 2015 with Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Jacob Kornbluth, reaches more than 22 million people, among them 10 million followers on various social media platforms. Complex topics such as the racial wealth gap, student debt crisis, free trade and Medicare are explained in short videos that inform and educate rather than direct people to follow specific courses of action.
ZELLERBACH HALL Robert Reich during an interview with Nicole Newnham, filmmaker and producer of ‘Crip Camp,’ at a Nov. 4 screening for ‘The Last Class.’ (Photo by Laura Fraser)
Reich himself proved he’s not done learning, saying, “yes, yes, yes,” when asked if writing Coming Up Short led to discoveries no prior book had revealed.
“[I saw] how heartbreaking so much of the last 79 years have been,” Reich said. “The story is not sad, but it’s tragic that we ended up with an authoritarian [in the White House]… and we have record levels of inequality and corruption. I was [observing] from the standpoint of my own experience, starting with being bullied as a little kid and extending through bullying most Americans now feel.
“Job growth has almost stalled. Most people’s wages have not gone anywhere. There’s fear in the country around escalating prices,” Reich continued. “People ask, ‘How did we ever get here, with government that’s dysfunctional and an economy not working for most people?’ They throw up their hands. In writing that book, I saw step-by-step what happened. I was involved in some of it, which is even more heartbreaking.”
Reich arrived in Berkeley, where he still lives, in 1968. The political climate was incendiary. Many of the issues then are mirrored by and found in news headlines in 2025.
“The differences aren’t nearly as large as we like to think,” Reich said. “Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. Robert F. Kennedy was assassinated. Our cities were aflame. Millions of Vietnamese and tens of thousands of young Americans were being killed. And then Richard Nixon became president. It was a perfectly awful year, as this year is turning out to be.
“There are slightly different [factors],” Reich continued, “the big one being Donald Trump as president is usurping the powers of the government, violating constitutional rights of individuals inside and outside the United States. He’s asserting authority or power no person was ever supposed to have. That has understandably imposed a pall over the entire country. In 1968, I was 22 years old. I was afraid America was going down the sinkhole. Ideals were disappearing. In 2025, I have many of the same feelings.”
Reich said the cacophony of voices expressing opinions as facts or misleading the public by failing to make sense of society, science, history, politics and the economy leaves him searching for voices of reason. Presented with a few people he might consider trustworthy and asked if the problem is actually people’s failure to listen well, Reich said the answer is both, not either/or.
“Nobody is listening well to anybody,” Reich said. “The dominant voices are Donald Trump and the loud voices of people using the media to amplify Trump’s authoritarianism. This is not a time in America where the public is being taught, with obvious leaders pointing the way to the future, guiding people. We don’t have, although we definitely need, an Edward R. Murrow, Walter Cronkite and civic leaders, university presidents or even public philosophers. We are adrift without the leading voices we need.”
The advent of social media and its tendency to skew toward loud, extremist voices that create a firestorm presents a nearly impossible battlefront. Reich said Trump has been “sucking oxygen out of the air since 2016” and has learned a great deal about the use of social media in the intervening years. He advises people feeling overwhelmed to find time and quiet space to think about what is happening in the United States and the world.
PRINCIPLED PARTICIPANT Robert Reich’s latest act turns life into a masterclass on purpose. (Photo courtesy of Inequality Media Civic Action)
Lessons he hopes are most remembered and practiced by his students include the value of critical thinking and the importance of thinking for oneself, talking with people who disagree with them and taking a 30,000-foot, high-level view to avoid becoming caught up in the events or problems of the day. The velocity and intensity of the forces entering our ears, eyes, bodies and minds must be actively managed, Reich insisted.
Among Reich’s list of favorite questions is, “What’s the point of the national experiment that is the United States?” Another is a three-parter: “What is a good society, how do we get there and how do we recognize the elements of a good society?” Reich said his answers are not the most important. “As a teacher, my biggest responsibility is to come up with good questions, not good answers,” he noted.
But some answers he offers willingly, like what makes it possible for him to avoid becoming discouraged by the country’s continuing wage inequality, current media ecosystem and lack of ethically responsible leadership?
“I’m optimistic, for everything I’ve said. I see young people today, and I’m very pleased with what I see. My students give me optimism. The young people I work with at Inequality Media Civic Action give me great optimism,” he said. “They will be responsible for the future. The future is in good hands.”
And then, this vigorous, buoyant 79-year-old fellow set out to do everything and anything but retire. The world has become Reich’s new classroom.
Moving countercurrent to a wave of Bay Area art institutions and galleries closing in recent years, a new art space has launched Uptown. Dubbed “The Orchard” and located on 25th Street in Oakland’s Uptown Arts District, the showroom provides an achingly beautiful, 6,000-square-foot, light-filled, new venue for showcasing contemporary art. Along with the exhibition space, The Orchard / Galleries on 25 offers separate studios for up to 12 established artists.
Orchard founder and artist Peter Dreyfuss says the grand opening Nov. 15 had hundreds of people joining the celebration that included live music by the Stephen Dreyfuss Duo and a dance performance by Megan Lowe Dancers. “Someone told me we had about 500 people,” Dreyfuss said. “It was truly amazing. It felt like a wonderfully friendly, interested mob scene.”
The space was energized by the diversity of work from participating artists who included Dreyfuss, Suzy Barnard, Nemo Gould, Lisa Levine, Fernanda Martinez, Yulia Pinkusevich, Fernando Reyes, Meghan Shimek, Simone Simon, Tom White, Anja Ulfeldt and John Wood.
The new gallery is a second iteration of a concept Dreyfuss launched four years ago in a different location. During that studio/gallery’s year-and-a-half existence, he discovered that cross-pollination between the resident artists occurred organically.
“Meghan Shimek doing her bright, colorful weaving and Fernanda Martinez doing her murals of buildings showed occasional and noticeable interplay, for example,” Dreyfuss said. “Notably, cross-influences were beneficial to all parties, even passersby.”
Oakland-based fiber artist Meghan Shimek said she will use the new gallery primarily as an occasional showroom for her largescale woven wall hangings and sculptures. (Photo courtesy of the artist)
Orchard’s evolution, he expects, will generate similar benefits from a compendium of artists working in different mediums and divergent styles. Add to that the location in the arts district and a space with 22-foot-high ceilings, 10 skylights and enormous wooden trusses he calls “glorious.” Dreyfuss says it is “like a cathedral to art.”
Demagnetizing powerful art centers like Los Angeles and New York while giving local artists more recognition is a powerful motivation for opening the new venue. “With the first show, supported by Gray Loft and its [founder/curator and artist] Jan Watten, we’ve brought together a powerful grouping of Bay Area artists,” Dreyfuss said.
“There are young artists, artists like Tom White who at age 84 is still making new work, and artists like Anja Ulfeldt, who blows in bringing all kinds of new ideas with static electricity and lovely, constructed toolboxes hung on the wall. She makes me sit up and think, ‘Wow, that’s a whole new idea,”’ he added.
Dreyfuss knows well the art scene’s expansions and contractions, and likens them to a sine wave of the economy. “It will take a year or two to truly gauge the effect of the gallery,” he said. “There’s a vacuum of larger exhibit spaces on this side of the Bay. Orchard’s a venue that gives larger works and exhibits air and space to breathe.”
Oakland-based fiber artist Shimek participated in the opening and said she will use the new gallery primarily as an occasional showroom for her largescale woven wall hangings and sculptures. Her studio in a different location is shared.
“When I first started out, I only wanted to work alone,” Shimek said. “Now, I love having people to check in with every day, run things by when I’m stuck or get inspiration for colors. We also announce each other’s shows. It just builds the community up.”
Shimek said that following the pandemic-related ups-and-downs, the arts energy in Oakland remains “diminished.” The economy is a large factor, but in the new space she sensed a fresh vitality. “There were so many people from different walks of life, different ages—a huge mix,” she said. “It was fantastic. It made me hopeful.”
Creating her artwork is intensely physical, and she says using one’s hands to make something is healing. “Especially when you’re going through grief. We’re not good at expressing it—I see people in my workshops helped by connecting to their emotions,” Shimek said. “It can also be about happiness, about shared experiences with friends and family. Finishing something makes people feel a sense of accomplishment.”
Kinetic sculpture artist Nemo Gould is a self-proclaimed ‘compulsive collector of things, and maker of all sorts.’ (Photo courtesy of the artist)
Gould’s kinetic sculptures involve an extensive physical creative process that might include salvaging materials from dumpsters and scrapyards, followed by carving, cutting, welding and sometimes discarding.
“I use old cast-aluminum items,” Gould said. “You can’t always tell the metallurgical quality. One piece boiled, bubbled and kind of farted when I went to weld it. It was filled with impurities and simply wouldn’t behave.”
Society also misbehaves, which has not caused Gould to move entirely away from using humor as a salve in his work, but does have him addressing the dark side of topics such as gun violence, racism, obsession with mobile devices and more. Burning Man, he says, has conditioned artists to think only in a narrow context.
“I’m saying something unpopular, but Burning Man has created a gravitational pull toward a once-a-year event held in a harsh environment,” Gould said. “It’s raised ships, but also standardized things and edged out white-wall gallery exhibits of the kind of sculpture I make.”
Reyes is an acclaimed painter with an eclectic, intriguing backstory. Largely self-taught before earning a BFA in 1997 from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he first worked as a banker. Project management skills applied to his full-time career as a professional artist make him adept at organization, setting priorities, managing work relationships and more. His recent public art projects in the East Bay have tapped those capabilities and increased his appreciation for collaborative ventures.
“When you see something like Orchard opening, there’s energy that’s still there. It’s a terrific space,” Reyes said. “I see it as a great place for artists to display their work and bring clients to an incredibly structured, professional space. People at the opening were elated.”
The Orchard / Galleries on 25, 489 25th St., Oakland. Open every First Friday in conjunction with the Oakland Art Murmur, and Fri-Sat noon to 5pm, as well as by appointment. Instagram: @the_orchard_galleries_on_25
On their recently released album, Valerian Tea, the members of Magic Fig continue to explore the outer limits of creativity, just as they did last year on their self-titled EP. As the arrangements on the album unfold, they layer up sounds of drums, bass, piano, synthesizers, glockenspiel, organ, 12-string and six-string guitars, and more into an iridescent landscape.
With the help of their friend and producer, Joel Robinow, they added studio-generated effects that expanded the sounds into territory reminiscent of progressive rock outfits like Soft Machine, Pink Floyd and Genesis.
The band came together during the pandemic shutdown. With live music on hold, guitarist Muzzy Moskowitz (Froogy’s Groovies, Color Green, Almond Joy) reached out to keyboard player Jon Chaney (Healing Potpourri, Swayed) with the idea of breaking out of conventional musical structures.
The two began jamming, composing and auditioning drummers, and settled on Taylor Giffin, from Palomas and Air Surgeon. As the songs took shape, they invited Inna Showalter (Whitney’s Playland, Blades of Joy, Dissolve, Modern Charms) to sing lead and write lyrics, and asked Matthew Ferrara (the Umbrellas, Toyota, Land Line) to play bass.
“At practice, we jam on an idea someone has brought in, or something spawned in the moment,” Griffin said. “Once what we’re playing begins to take form, we capture a recording of it. Inna listens to it, solidifying her vocal melodies and drafting lyrics.”
As songs take shape, the band works on them, improving on what they have by playing through things over and over. The process involves workshopping, tweaking and refining.
“I record our practices on a field recorder and text it to the group, or put it in a shared internet folder,” Chaney said. “I listen and see what works and what doesn’t, to come up with new ideas.”
The process continued as the band headed into Santo Studios in Oakland with Robinow and, later, with engineer Jason Kick at Oakland’s Tunnel Vision Studio. “Joel was involved in all the stages of the making of the album, in and out of the studio,” Showalter said. “He helped arrange the instrumentation, choose guitar tones and [decide] where to employ the Space Echo. He also arranged certain vocal harmonies and made contributions to the editing and mixing process with our engineer, Jason Kick.”
The result of this process deepened the sound they began exploring on their debut, Magic Fig. While most of the songs are presented in a familiar verse/chorus structure, the multilayered instrumental work, with its changing tempos and unexpected shifts in tone, creates a cinematic effect. It’s best to listen to it with an open mind and let the sounds carry one away.
The album’s title track, “Valerian Tea,” rides a waltz-like rhythm, with Showalter singing softly about the contradictions of everyday life and the satisfaction of living in the moment with friends. The band alternates between lilting interludes and dark, clashing sounds. “Flammarion” is another meditation on the meaning of life. Shimmering instrumental parts and Showalter’s wordless asides give the music a flowing, dreamlike feel accented by the dub-like effects of the last verse.
“This process took a lot longer than the EP. We worked on the recordings over the course of a year. Inna recorded a lot of the vocals at her house. We converted one of her closets into a vocal booth with sound dampening,” Chaney said.
“This music came together through demos written by band members that were developed over many practice sessions. Inna usually wrote vocals and lyrics after most of the musical structure was established,” Moskowitz said.
“It’s hard for me to be vulnerable, expressing myself lyrically,” Showalter concluded. “It helps to know that my words and experiences resonate with people. For the most part, I accept that once you release something into the world, it no longer belongs to you, so I try not to dwell too much on something after it’s done.”
Magic Fig’s album release party will be at the 4 Star Theater on Saturday, Dec. 13, at 8pm, 2200 Clement St., San Francisco. 415.418.6712. 4-star-movies.com. Listen to ‘Valerian Tea’ at: magicfig.bandcamp.com/album/valerian-tea.
Smooth. Luxurious. And funky as all get-up. Those are just some of the adjectives that come to mind when listening to yacht-rock duo Young Gun Silver Fox. Formed by Andy Platts and Shawn Lee, the two originally met on MySpace—those were the daaaaays—in 2005 and immediately knew they wanted to work together. However it wasn’t until seven years later in 2012 that they formed Young Gun Silver Fox, with Platts as the “Young Gun” and Lee as the “Silver Fox.” Since then they’ve released five studio albums with their newest, Pleasure, released this past May, a groovy mix of Steely Dan, Hall & Oates and Sly & the Family Stone. – MAT WEIR
Annie and the Caldwells are riding high on the success of their 2025 album, Can’t Lose (My Soul). Produced by former Talking Heads frontman David Byrne and released on his Luaka Bop label, lead singer Annie and her daughters manage to sound both spontaneous and tight. Equally in line with the terrific band, here’s hoping they swing into some of the album’s disco-like tracks that channel Chaka Khan, or “Dear Lord,” a song that leans into the grand style of funk/R&B bassist/singer Bootsy Collins, a family favorite musician. The origins of Annie and the Caldwells is an epic story, as is the making of the album. – LOU FANCHER
Horns up, hellions! Germany’s infamous Blind Guardian returns to the Bay for one night only. Originally formed in 1984 as Lucifer’s Heritage, the group changed their name to Blind Guardian four years later to distance themselves from the rising black-metal scene. Because these guys aren’t black metal but they are some of the founders of power metal, with harmonizing melodies and riffs on riffs on riffs. This is fist-pumping, hair-flinging, battling-demons-and-saving-fair-maidens epicness that has seen a return in recent years with the popularity of shows like Stranger Things and the Dungeons & Dragons brand. Only the truly metal-of-heart warriors will be at this one to hail the Blind Guardian! Prepare thyself! – MW
The Mini Masterpieces Holiday Gifts Show brings together small, handmade artworks made by local creators for a showcase of Alameda’s quirky spirit. Run by Art Jam, a group that meets weekly to build community and share studio space, the show features small, affordable originals, like collages, ceramics and tiny paintings that are only available here. Since its 2009 debut, the show has become a beloved island tradition—it’s both fine-art exhibition and holiday market, and there’s no better place to snag a unique gift and a bit of local lore. – SONYA BENNETT-BRANDT
The trio Carlos y Charlos may have begun their collaboration for fun, progressing to in-demand for parties throughout SoCal, but Juan Carlos Reynoso on bajo sexto, Charles De Castro on diatonic accordion and Patrick Morrison on bass are ready to take NorCal by storm. They’ve added to their classic Norteño repertoire, including songs from accordion legend Narciso Martinez, with polkas, waltzes, corridos, rancheras, boleros and redovas. It’s the kind of music that makes any roomful of listeners smile and clap along. Listen to their rendition of “De Esta Sierra a la Otra Sierra,” as Castro’s fingers fly over the accordion’s buttons, and hear why. – JANIS HASHE
Lou Hazel grew up in Olean, New York, a Northern Appalachian town where you make your own art or go without. His songs are lean and attentive. The vibe is river fog and a long drive. Alexa Rose comes from the same terrain, and she explores it through the emotional language of weather: bruised skies, a hurricane’s aftermath, the tender wreckage that shaped her latest record, Atmosphere. Together, Hazel and Rose offer two very different pieces of art painted with the same palette, in sets that hum with melancholy and lived-in wonder. – SBB
INFO: Sat, 8pm, Ivy Room, 860 San Pablo Ave., Albany. $18. 510.526.5888.
SATURDAY, DEC. 13
JAZZ
JAZZ MAFIA: HOLIDAY HEIST
For 25 years, the Jazz Mafia has remained a powerhouse of unpredictability, commingling jazz, soul and funk as band members explore and reimagine familiar tunes. Now it’s time once again for their genre-busting Holiday Heist, in which Trance Thompson (vocals), Nataly Michelle Wright (vocals), Adam Theis (trombone & bass), Tommy Occhiuto (sax), Kevin Wong (keys) and Darian Gray (drums) provide a stellar alternative for those already experiencing holiday sugar overdoses. Check out their version of James Brown’s “Soulful Christmas,” or maybe a remix of “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.” Tchaikovsky has never been groovier. – JH
The geographic half of Nashville Honeymoon’s moniker refers to classic songcraft and sophisticated Hank Garland-ish arrangements, not to the slick product that has poured out of Music City in recent decades. Celebrating the release of the new album Sidewinder, the Berkeley combo is led by twice-married husband-and-wife duo guitarist Hank Maninger and vocalist Lynne Maes—which perhaps accounts for the second half of the band’s name. Propelled by the rhythm section tandem of veteran bassist Tim Wagar and drummer Leor Beary, Nashville Honeymoon will be collaborating with Joe Goldmark, a pedal steel player known for his lustrous legato phrasing. – ANDREW GILBERT
INFO: Sun, 3pm, Ivy Room, 860 San Pablo Ave., Albany. $12/adv, $15/door. 510.526.5888.
SUNDAY, DEC. 14
GOSPEL
SOWETO GOSPEL CHOIR
If anyone can set the soul to vibrating and the mind to believing in harmonious peace with profound hope, it is the kaleidoscopic multi-Grammy-winning South African choir. Irresistibly charismatic, the vocalist and musicians, in their return to Berkeley, spin a magical web with gospel classics and spirituals. Songs by Peter Gabriel, Kate Bush, Leonard Cohen and other popular artists prove the choir has no limits. Cultural ambassadors for their motherland, the best part is the sense that whatever they sing comes from Earth’s core or from galaxies far, far beyond our own. Tapped into that vibe, united in joy, transcending ordinary boundaries on the wings of a song? – LF
INFO: Sun, 3pm, Cal Performances at Zellerbach Hall, 101 Zellerbach Hall, Berkeley. $50-$120. 510.642.9988.
MONDAY, DEC. 15
JAZZ FUSION
MIKE STERN
He doesn’t tend to get the props afforded guitar-star peers John Scofield and Bill Frisell, with whom he jammed daily at Berklee in the early 1970s, but Mike Stern is an equally formidable improviser and his creative journey is similarly idiosyncratic. If Frisell is a little bit country and Scofield goes with the funk flow, Stern has stayed close to his rock roots, leavened with a startlingly beautiful tone and searing lyricism. His powerhouse band is built on the polyrhythmic brilliance of funk/fusion drummer Dennis Chambers. German guitar master Leni Stern brings love of West African music into the ensemble, which also features saxophonist Bob Franceschini and London-born electric bassist Janek Gwizdala. – AG
Published in cooperation between FortuneCity and the East Bay Express
Most casinos offer real money blackjack games, but slow payouts, laggy live dealers and bad odds are more common than you’d think. That’s why we explored the best online blackjack sites.
Ignition came out on top after we evaluated different sites for gameplay quality, payout fairness and dealer behavior. But it’s not the only ace in the deck if you’re looking for fair odds, fast cashouts and smooth blackjack tables!
Online blackjack betting is not state-regulated in California. Know the laws of your state if you live elsewhere.
Cafe Casino: Ideal for newbies—Up to $2,500 sign-up bonus
Lucky Creek: Huge variety of blackjack games—$7,000 welcome package
BetWhale: Best European blackjack game selection—250 percent sign-up bonus
Rich Palms: Top pick for casual players—Up to $6,000 welcome bonus
Slots of Vegas: Free online blackjack games—$2,500 bonus with 50 free spins
Important: The sites listed in this guide are targeting English speakers around the world. Please remember to check your local laws to ensure online gambling is legal where you live. Also, Adblock might get confused, so please disable it if you have any issues with our links.
1. Ignition—Best Real Money Online Blackjack Site Overall
Pros
Up to $1,500 welcome bonus
Great selection of live-dealer blackjack
Quality customer support
Withdrawals under 24 hours
Fair wagering requirements
Cons
Limited mobile games
Could have more online slots
Launched in 2016, Ignition quickly became the No. 1 best online blackjack site, offering a strong lineup of live tables, fast payouts and a generous welcome bonus. It’s also one of the most popular live dealer blackjack sites—and for good reason.
Blackjack Games Available: 5/5
Ignition features 16 online blackjack games, offering a solid mix of classic titles and unique variants like Perfect Pairs, Pontoon, Face Up 21, Match Play 21 and Super 21.
The site offers 34 live dealer variants, out of which 26 are real-money blackjack games with various stakes and different croupiers. Such a versatile live section will never have you bored or out of options.
Going beyond the blackjack department, Ignition is well-rounded on all fronts without overwhelming players with too many options. This blackjack casino is ideal for both newcomers and seasoned players who value quality over clutter.
Bonuses and Promotions: 5/5
One of the best blackjack casinos for bonuses, Ignition greets new users with a 150 percent crypto welcome bonus up to $1,500 or a 100 percent bonus up to $1,000 for fiat users. The offer is valid for casino players and can be used to play blackjack for real money. The minimum wagering for both options is 25x.
Weekly boost bonuses are also included in the mix for regular users, presenting up to $100 each week; you can possibly net $5,000-plus in bonuses yearly using this one. Referral bonuses guarantee a 200 percent match for up to $100, with an extra $25 if your friend deposits crypto.
Blackjack players are bound to appreciate the eight-level Ignition Rewards Program. As you advance through levels, the goodies only get better, increasing your cashback rewards and unlocking more valuable perks.
2. BetOnline—The Best Variety of Real Money Blackjack Online
Pros
100 free spins
Fast withdrawals and 19 payment methods
25 online blackjack games
User-friendly design
Live dealer blackjack games with bets up to $50,000
Cons
Credit card fees
Can’t play online blackjack for free
BetOnline was founded way back in 2004, operating under the Panama gambling license to this day. We’re looking at one of the best online gambling sites blackjack players can check out for its stellar game selection and one of the quickest withdrawals in the industry.
BetOnline presents users with a collection of 25 real money blackjack games. You don’t need an expert to tell you this is enough to sate your blackjack appetites for quite a while.
Blackjack variants include single- and multi-deck; Classic, Spanish and European blackjack variants; Blackjack Switch, the Super 7, Pirate 21, double deck blackjack and more.
The live dealer section features 27 real money blackjack tables, including several VIP options with limits from $500 to $50,000. Casual players aren’t left out either, with stakes starting at just $5 on Early Payout tables and as low as $1 on Blackjack Limitless.
Bonuses and Promotions: 4.8/5
New blackjack players are greeted with a 100 welcome free spins offer when they make their first deposit at BetOnline. You don’t need to worry about minimum deposits—just make a successful payment, and you’ll get 10 spins for the next 10 days.
This blackjack online casino also offers $15,000 daily cash races, weekly live casino challenges and cash tournaments, so you should definitely check the promotions section.
VIPs here also enjoy level-up bonuses, priority withdrawals, birthday rewards and tailored gifts—among other perks. No wonder BetOnline has been online for over 25 years, building a reputation as one of the best roulette sites for real money—not just a blackjack go-to.
3. Bovada—Best Online Blackjack Casino for Live Dealer Games
Pros
Generous welcome $3,750 bonus for Bitcoin users
Fast withdrawal times
Good variety of live blackjack games
All-around gambling experience
Low wagering requirements
Cons
Deposit fees
Must go through FAQ to contact live chat
Bovada features some of the best online blackjack games for real money, with options in both RNG format and live dealer play. Let’s see what this all-in-one online gambling site brings to the table for blackjack fans.
Blackjack Games Available: 4.8/5
Bovada hosts 16 online blackjack games, and even though they are all high quality and pretty versatile titles (Zappit Blackjack is here), the live-dealer section is what steered us in.
If you want to play live blackjack online for real money, there’s no better choice than Bovada. You have 26 live dealer options to choose from—all streamed live in impeccable quality and staffed by professional croupiers.
These virtual, close-to-real tables feature rock-solid stake flexibility ranging from $5 all the way to $50,000, which is accommodating for both low-stakes and serious high rollers not afraid to go big.
Other interesting variants include Classic Blackjack, Single Deck Blackjack game, Perfect Pairs, Zappit Blackjack and more. The options involve one, two or six decks. You can also try free blackjack games at Bovada to test the grounds before risking real money.
Did you know? Bovada is also one of the best craps casinos we could find online.
Bonuses and Promotions: 4.9/5
Bovada offers crypto players a $3,750 welcome bonus on the first three crypto deposits, whereas players depositing with fiat currencies will receive a total of $3,000.
You also can play real money online blackjack with the bonus funds, but you won’t get to compete against real dealers in the live section.
To liberate the bonus, you’ll need to meet 25x wagering requirements, which is among the lowest conditions you’ll ever see on the best online casino blackjack real money sites.
Besides that, this blackjack casino boasts a Rewards Program with time-sensitive promotions, cashback bonuses and more. You’ll also get a handsome 200 percent reward if you invite your friends.
4. Black Lotus—Best Real Money Blackjack Bonuses Online
Pros
14 RNG (random number generator) and live blackjack games
Win a Car promotion
$7,500 welcome package with 50 free spins
High-quality slots by Betsoft and Rival
24/7 customer support
Cons
Can’t play blackjack games for free
Website design could use an upgrade
Wondering where to play blackjack online for real money? Black Lotus is one of the best online blackjack websites for bonuses, offering a massive welcome package, high-limit tables and exciting tournaments.
Blackjack Games Available: 4.7/5
The number of real-money blackjack games available at Black Lotus is pretty standard, with 14 titles evenly spread out between RNG and live dealer options.
What stands out the most, however, is that most of these blackjack titles are quite different, with variants including Atlantic City Blackjack, European Blackjack, Single Deck blackjack, Vegas Strip and many others.
Most of these also have a three-seat option, allowing you to play blackjack online for real money with multiple hands at the same time—perfect for experienced players who like to use some strategy.
Black Lotus offers a generous 500 percent welcome bonus up to $7,500 when you use crypto. Redeeming this offer will also get you 50 free spins on Great Golden Buffalo.
Other notable offers include reload bonuses, regular tournaments and various other promotions.
Blackjack online works just like the casino version you already know, just with a digital setup (or a live dealer on video if you pick that option). Here’s the quick look at things you should know:
Basic Strategy
There is no one foolproof strategy that works for everyone. Still, if you’ve heard people talk about “basic strategy,” this is what they mean: the statistically best move in every situation. Instead of guessing, you use math to minimize the house edge.
What it is: A mathematically proven set of decisions for every hand you could be dealt.
How it helps: Following the basic strategy cuts the house edge down to around 0.5–1 percent. Without it, the casino’s advantage is much bigger.
How to use it: Strategy charts lay out when to hit, stand, split or double down based on your cards and the dealer’s upcard.
Card Counting
This is the move movies love to hype up—but here’s the truth: card counting isn’t really practical online when you’re playing at the best online blackjack sites for real money.
What it is: An advanced system where players track the ratio of high to low cards left in the deck to spot when the odds shift in their favor.
How it works: Counters assign values to cards (low cards +1, high cards –1, mids 0), keep a running total and raise bets when the count shows more high cards remain.
Why it matters: In land-based casinos, this can give a small edge, but online games shuffle too often for it to work. Live dealer blackjack also moves slowly, so the advantage is almost impossible to realize.
Is Blackjack Online Legit?
Yes, online blackjack real-money sites that are licensed and have a huge player base are legit. To maintain their positive track record and keep their license active, they must follow strict rules, such as timely payouts, offering the best blackjack games that are fair and more.
How to Tell If Online Blackjack Is Rigged
Worried that a blackjack site might be rigged? It’s a fair concern, but the good news is that most reputable sites are safe and regularly audited. Still, not every platform plays by the rules. Here are a few red flags to watch out for when choosing where to play:
No License or Regulation: If the site doesn’t display a valid gaming license from a trusted authority (like the MGA, UKGC or Curaçao eGaming), that’s your first warning sign. Licensing bodies hold operators accountable and ensure games are fair, so a missing license means there’s no one checking for foul play.
No Real-Time Shuffle or RNG Info: Fair blackjack games, especially RNG-based ones, are built on certified algorithms and often come from trusted providers like Evolution or Playtech. If the game doesn’t mention its shuffle system, RNG certification or provider, it might not be trustworthy.
You Can’t See the Game History: Legit blackjack tables let you review past hands so you can track patterns and outcomes. If the game hides your play history or doesn’t offer a hand log, it’s harder to spot inconsistencies and easier for a rigged game to slip by unnoticed.
Best Blackjack Online Casino Sites—Our Ranking Criteria
These are some of the crucial things we checked as we compared the best online blackjack real money sites.
Real Money Blackjack Games
We’re looking for blackjack sites for real money that host the widest variety of online blackjack games, paying special attention to websites that allow you to play blackjack online for free.
This way, you can find the best blackjack sites that fit your needs without pressure and having to put real money on the line.
Blackjack Bonus
An online blackjack bonus offer plays a crucial role in enhancing the player’s experience, whether they’re enjoying the best free online blackjack games or paid ones. We want the whole package, from the initial welcome bonus to cashbacks, reward programs, referral promos and VIP exclusives.
The best sites for blackjack online don’t just offer a hefty welcome bonus but go that extra mile and keep the users coming back through regular promotions.
Banking Options
To play blackjack for real money, you first need to deposit. That said, we prioritized the best real money online blackjack sites with as many reliable banking methods as possible. We prefer online gambling sites that support traditional methods like credit cards, but also e-wallets and cryptocurrencies to provide you with enough options.
User Interface and Mobile Compatibility
To land the highest score on this benchmark, the best blackjack sites must offer a user-friendly interface. Since various data shows more than half the users of the best blackjack casinos play on mobile devices, it’s paramount these qualities are projected to the site’s mobile version as well.
Customer Support
For a host of reasons, problems do pop up even at the best online casinos for blackjack. When an issue occurs, a support team must be readily available. Ideally, we recommend online blackjack casino sites with live chat support, a dedicated phone line and email. Social media support is a plus, and so are public forums.
Getting started at the best real-money blackjack online casinos is fairly simple.
Below is a brief guide on how to register and start playing online blackjack games at new online casinos. Follow the steps carefully, and you will be able to create an account, make a deposit and start playing blackjack within minutes.
What to Know About Live Online Blackjack
Live online blackjack is a great way to enjoy the feel of a real casino from home. Instead of playing against a computer, you’ll be connected to a real dealer through a live video stream. You can watch the cards being shuffled and dealt in real time, making it feel much closer to playing at an actual table.
You can also chat with the dealer and sometimes other blackjack players, which adds a fun social element. Live blackjack tables offer different versions, like Classic Blackjack or Speed Blackjack, so there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re betting big or just trying it out for fun, there are live dealer blackjack tables with various stakes to suit all players.
Best Live Dealer Blackjack Casinos
Want to play blackjack games with real-life dealers? They can be a lot of fun—an excellent way to have a real-life-like gaming experience without leaving the comfort of your home. Let’s take a closer look at our top picks, their live blackjack games and the bonuses they have in store for you.
Ignition—Blackjack Games: 25 plus ($3,000 welcome package)
BetOnline—Blackjack Games: 25 plus (100 free spins)
Bovada—Blackjack Games: 25 plus ($3,750 welcome package)
Highroller Casino—Blackjack Games: 25 plus ($8,000 welcome bonus)
Black Lotus Casino—Blackjack Games: 10 plus ($7,500 welcome bonus with 50 FS)
Pros and Cons of Blackjack Casinos
There are plenty of advantages when playing at the best live blackjack sites. Below, we will take a look at some of them as well as mention some of the main downsides.
Pros:
More Variations: Not only can you play classic live blackjack, but you can explore many other variants, such as Quantum Blackjack, Early Payout Blackjack, Perfect Pairs and many others that you can’t usually find on a casino floor.
Low Limits: Most land-based casinos have a pretty high minimum limit that you can play blackjack. If you’re not willing to break the bank, you can always play live blackjack online and get started with $1 per hand.
Play From Anywhere: As long as you have a smartphone and a stable internet connection, you can play live dealer blackjack games from anywhere you happen to be.
Cashback: While not always the case, some online blackjack casinos tend to offer a cashback percentage ranging from 5 percent to 10 percent on all live blackjack losses.
Cons:
Gameplay Can be Slow: If the online casino you choose doesn’t offer the Speed Blackjack variant, then prepare for slower rounds than at land-based casinos—especially if there are multiple online blackjack players on the same table as you.
Best Online Blackjack Games
The online blackjack world is not just limited to the classic version of the game—there are plenty of other options you can try with different rules, payouts and gameplay. Below, we will take a look at some of the most popular blackjack variants at online casinos.
Dragon Blackjack
Dragon Blackjack adds a unique twist to the traditional game by including random multipliers on winning hands. At the start of each round, a multiplier is assigned that can boost your payout if you win, making the game more volatile and potentially more rewarding.
While the rules of play remain the same as standard blackjack, this extra feature makes Dragon Blackjack especially appealing to players who enjoy a mix of strategy and high-risk excitement.
Double Deck Blackjack
Double Deck Blackjack is played with only two decks instead of the usual six or eight, which slightly lowers the house edge and gives skilled players more room for strategy.
The gameplay itself doesn’t change much—you still aim to get as close to 21 as possible—but the reduced number of cards makes tracking what’s been played more manageable. Because of this, Double Deck Blackjack is often preferred by players who enjoy a more strategic version of the game.
Super 7 Blackjack
Super 7 Blackjack is a standard blackjack game with a side bet based on being dealt sevens. If your first card is a 7, you get a payout, and the rewards grow if you land two sevens or three in a row—especially if they’re suited. The main blackjack rules remain the same, but the Super 7 side bet adds extra excitement and the chance for big wins on top of regular play.
Single-Deck Blackjack
Single-Deck blackjack is just what it sounds like—blackjack played with one deck that’s shuffled after each hand. This game is only available in RNG mode; you can’t play it with a live dealer.
All of the rules are the same, but given the fact that it’s played with one deck, the odds go higher in the online blackjack players’ favor and can reach 99.8 percent when played with a basic blackjack strategy.
Zappit Blackjack
Zappit Blackjack is a unique variant that follows the same rules and gives you one additional option—to “zap” your card for new ones. You can only exchange the cards when you have a hard 15-18 hand total.
Then, you will need to get a natural blackjack or the dealer to bust in order for you to win. Otherwise, the hand will result in a push, and the stake will be returned to the player.
Perfect Pairs
When playing Perfect Pairs Blackjack, you have the option of placing an additional side bet in addition to the regular bet. By taking the side bet, you will get an increased payout based on whether your two cards are off-suit or suited pairs.
If you don’t get pairs, you will lose the side bet—the regular hand is independent of this.
22 Blackjack
22 Blackjack is a completely new blackjack game by Dragon Gaming. It follows the traditional rules for the base game while introducing three additional side bets: Perfect Pairs, 21 +3 and Free Split Bets.
The Free Split Bets is the unique part of this game, which gives you free splits for all pairs and for every hand totaling 9, 10 or 11. This doesn’t really increase the RTP of the game, but it does give it a unique touch that we haven’t seen before in blackjack games.
What is the Best Online Blackjack Site?
Ignition: Best overall
BetOnline: Best for high-rollers
Bovada: Best for live dealer blackjack
Highroller Casino: Top mobile experience
Black Lotus: Best blackjack bonuses
What are the best online blackjack sites? We’ve crowned Ignition as the best blackjack site for real money players, thanks to its generous welcome package, diverse selection of blackjack games and many rewarding promotions.
However, Ignition is not only the best blackjack casino online but also one of the best baccarat online casinos, offering a well-rounded game library. Read the next paragraph to learn exactly what makes Ignition our top pick.
Why Is Ignition the No. 1 Site for Blackjack?
When it comes to playing blackjack for real money, there are plenty of great options out there. However, Ignition sets itself apart in several key areas, making it our top choice for online blackjack.
Diverse Blackjack Selection: Ignition offers more than 40 blackjack options, including 16 RNG games and 26 live dealer options. Unlike some casinos that have only a handful of generic blackjack titles, Ignition provides a variety of options like 22 Blackjack Free Bet, 21 Burn, Zappit Blackjack and many others.
Massive Welcome Bonus: New players can claim a generous 150 percent welcome bonus up to $1,500 for casino, plus another $1,500 for poker. A standout feature is that the casino bonus funds can be used on blackjack—an option rarely offered by other casinos. Additionally, Ignition regularly hosts exciting promotions, including its popular Crypto Weekly Boosts.
Fast and Secure Banking: Depositing and withdrawing funds at Ignition is easy, with support for Visa, MasterCard and American Express. Additionally, players can use various cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Tether and Bitcoin Cash.
Sleek and User-Friendly Platform: With a modern interface and well-organized menus, navigating Ignition is a breeze. Whether you’re playing on a desktop or mobile browser, everything runs smoothly without the need for an app.
What are the Best Mobile Blackjack Apps?
For players who enjoy blackjack on the go, mobile apps offer smooth gameplay, intuitive interfaces and access to both RNG and live dealer blackjack games. Whether on iOS or Android, you can play through a dedicated app or an optimized website:
Ignition
BetOnline
Bovada
Highroller Casino
Black Lotus
Is Online Blackjack for Real Money Beatable?
Yes—but only under the right conditions.
Blackjack is one of the few casino games where player skill can reduce the house edge. With a perfect basic strategy, the house edge in blackjack can drop as low as 0.5 percent, meaning your decisions directly affect your long-term odds. However, beating online blackjack consistently is much harder.
Here’s why:
Live dealer blackjack (where you play against a real dealer via video stream) offers a fair, physical game, but online, you can’t count cards because the deck is usually reshuffled after every hand or round.
RNG blackjack games are algorithm-driven and always programmed to include a slight house edge, no matter how well you play.
In short, while online blackjack can offer some of the best odds compared to other casino games, it’s still hard to beat in the long run due to built-in casino advantages. However, using an optimal strategy, managing your bankroll and taking advantage of promotions can definitely give you a better chance of beating blackjack.
Blackjack Bonuses and Promos
When you start playing blackjack online, you’d want to boost your bankroll—because why not? These are the types of promotions you can get at blackjack casinos:
Welcome Bonus: You will find welcome packages at all the best blackjack casinos online. These typically match your first deposit with extra funds, providing additional money to play with right from the start.
Reload Bonus: Unlike welcome offers, reload bonuses can be claimed several times, after you make a qualifying deposit. The best blackjack online casinos feature them to encourage you to stay on their platform and reward your loyalty.
Cashback Offers: Had a losing streak and feel discouraged? With cashback bonuses, you can refund a percentage of your losses over a set period. While not frequently found at blackjack online casino sites, they are still available at some of our recommended options.
No-Wagering Blackjack Bonuses: These are pretty self-explanatory. The best blackjack casino sites offer bonus funds without any wagering requirements, which means that all the winnings you accumulate are yours and can be withdrawn without additional restrictions.
Best Blackjack Sites—FAQ
Before you try your hand at blackjack tournaments or premium blackjack games, take a look at the lowdown on blackjack platforms.
Are Online Blackjack Games Rigged?
Online blackjack games are fair and not rigged. The best real money blackjack sites featured on this page employ Random Number Generators, or RNGs, and undergo strict regulation to ensure their integrity.
Can I Play Blackjack with Real Money Online?
Yes, you can play blackjack for real money at most online casinos. All you need to do is create an account, make a deposit and pick a real money table or live dealer game. Winnings are paid straight into your casino balance, just like in a land-based casino.
Any blackjack site that accepts real money deposits will pay out money to winners. The best online casino to play blackjack online for real money, according to our research, is Ignition.
What Is Basic Blackjack Strategy?
The basic blackjack strategy requires calculating your odds of going bust by drawing another card. For example, if you get a 20, the odds of going bust are 12/13.
The odds of the dealer beating you, in that case, are significantly higher than losing, meaning it’s best to avoid the next hit.
What Is Single-Deck Blackjack?
As the name indicates, single-deck blackjack involves only a single deck. The house edge is minimal here, which is why most blackjack online casinos switched to multi-deck blackjack.
What Is Blackjack House Edge?
House edge is the percentage of your bets that the casino will likely retain. Blackjack features one of the lowest edges out of all other casino games
Most blackjack variants at online casinos exceed the 99 percent return-to-player checkpoint.
What Is Counting Cards in Blackjack?
Counting cards in blackjack reduces the house edge by 1 to 2 percent. By tracking low and high cards drawn, it predicts whether you have an advantage over the casino.
However, this is not possible when playing online blackjack at online casinos, as the outcome is determined by software (RNG).
Can I Play Online Blackjack for Free?
Most blackjack online casinos featured here offer free blackjack with a demo mode. It allows users to familiarize themselves with the game before wagering real money.
So, What Are the Best Online Blackjack Sites?
Getting all the best real money blackjack casinos in one place did take some time and effort, but we finally made it.
Our top pick for the best online blackjack casino is Ignition, mainly because of its number of blackjack variants, live dealer games, generous bonuses and quality user interface.
However, all of the best blackjack casinos have something unique to offer—a different category they all particularly excel in. So, it’s up to you to choose your favorite—we strongly stand by all of our recommendations.
Just don’t forget to play responsibly and never chase losses. Have a good one.
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Companies mentioned in the articles have no influence over our news coverage. See applicable operator site for its terms and conditions. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER.
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The corner market on San Leandro’s Farnsworth Street contains multitudes. The sign at 88 Manor Market is subtitled: Filipino Vietnamese Chinese Hispanic American Groceries. If that cornucopia of goods isn’t satisfying enough for shoppers, Porky’s Pizza Palace sits right across the street. I trekked down the busy 580 not for imported groceries but to visit the same shared strip mall in search of Dao Artisan Noodle.
Dao offers that artisanal, handmade proof from the get-go. A large picture window separates the kitchen from the dining room. Behind it a woman stands making batches of dumplings. Next to her, a man tosses and twirls long thick strands of noodle dough. He smiled at me when I approached his station to take a picture.
Jerry Wu, the general manager of Dao, told me the noodle-making goes on every day until 9pm when the chef heads home. Other cooks remain in place behind the scenes until the restaurant closes at midnight. Wu partnered with the owners of Asian Pearl Kitchen, a dim sum restaurant in Richmond. When we spoke on the phone, Wu made it clear that while Dao serves some items from a dim sum menu, that’s not the focus of this new restaurant.
“This is northern-style Chinese food, more specifically Lanzhou style, which is famous for their noodles,” Wu said. “But we also have xiaolongbao, which is more famous in Shanghai cuisine.” But Wu and his business partner aren’t interested in being purists. They make some fusion dishes. The uni soft-boiled egg ($11.95) is Dao’s take on a Japanese appetizer.
When the cooks in a kitchen are having a great day, most of the dishes that arrive at the table are indisputable winners. At Dao, the restaurant managed a clean sweep. We started with a bowl of dan dan noodles ($11.95). Our server asked us to choose a noodle type: thin, regular, narrow, knife-cut or wide. We chose thin and got a pair of scissors, as well as utensils, to evenly divide them between us. The bowl was filled with bean sprouts, diced cucumbers and carrots, fresh herbs and a pork ragu. Mixed together it was simply splendid.
Even something as common as a cucumber salad ($5.95) has been thoroughly thought through. Each round slice is stacked up three layers high like the base of an ornate column and then drizzled with a light dressing. “Leo [the co-owner] and I, we’re trying to come up with new things while also making sure the existing menu is up to our standards,” Wu said.
He described Dao’s cucumber salad as “very unique.” Traditionally, the dish is served chilled with a heavy dose of vinegar. But Wu said they also pay attention to presentation and new combinations of ingredients. “We’re trying to think more like a Michelin chef,” he said.
When my friend ordered stir-fried pea shoots ($12.95), I felt an initial twinge of regret. Was that the best vegetable entrée we could have chosen? Yes, yes it was. The pea shoots themselves tasted as if they’d just been plucked fresh from the plant. Little slices of garlic dotted the entire bowl. We didn’t leave a single leaf or stem uneaten. In fact, we didn’t bring home any leftovers at all.
The scallion pancakes ($6.95) are deep-fried to an absolute golden crisp. As a dipping vehicle, they hold their shape against sauces, broths and vegetables. And while the more flamboyant noodle dough maker gets most of the attention, the cook making the dumplings is also worthy of applause. We ate every last pork xiao long bao ($12.95). The liquid in these steamed “soup dumplings” burst open in the mouth when bitten into. They excite a little thrill on the palate.
Dao Artisan Noodle is also one of those rare East Bay spots that’s open late every night of the week. Wu said they wanted to provide another food option in the area for the community. “I assumed people are tired of getting McDonald’s if they’re hungry,” he said. “I really want to introduce the idea that Chinese food is more than orange chicken. We have so much more to offer.”
Dao Artisan Noodle, 15032 Farnsworth St., San Leandro. Open every day from 10:30am to midnight. 510.407.9019. daoartisannoodle.com
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Home is a building you live in. It’s also a metaphor for the inner world you carry within you. Is it an expansive and luminous place filled with windows that look out onto vast vistas? Or is it cramped, dark and in disrepair, a psychic space where it’s hard to feel comfortable? Does it have a floor plan you love and made yourself? Or was it designed according to other people’s expectations? It may be neither of those extremes, of course. My hope is that this horoscope will prod you to renovate aspects of your soul’s architecture. The coming months will be an excellent time for this sacred work.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): During the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge in 1872, workers made an uncanny discovery: They could detect approaching storms by observing vibrations in the bridge’s cables. The massive metal structure was an inadvertent meteorological instrument. I’m predicting that your intuition will operate with comparable sensitivity in the coming months, Taurus. You will have a striking capacity to notice subtle signals in your environment. What others regard as background noise will reveal rich clues to you. Hot tip: Be extra alert for nuanced professional opportunities and social realignments. Like the bridge workers, you will be attuned to early signs of changing conditions.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Sloths are so energy-efficient they can survive on 160 calories per day: the equivalent of an apple. They’ve mastered the art of thriving on minimal intake by moving deliberately and digesting thoroughly. Life is inviting you to learn from sloths, Gemini. The coming weeks will be a good time to take an inventory of your energy strategies. Are you burning fuel frantically, or are you extracting maximum nourishment from what you already possess? However you answer that question, I urge you to experiment with being more efficient—but without depriving yourself. Try measuring your productivity not by speed and flash but by the diligence of your extraction. Dig deep and be thorough. Your nervous system and bank account will thank you.
CANCER (June 21-July 22): The Danish concept of arbejdsglæde refers to the happiness and satisfaction derived from work. It’s the joy found in labor itself, not just in its financial rewards and prestige. It’s about exulting in the self-transformations you generate as you do your job. Now is an excellent time to claim this joy more than ever, Cancerian. Meditate with relish on all the character-building and soul-growth opportunities your work offers you and will continue to provide.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): In the deep Pacific Ocean, fields of giant tube worms thrive in total darkness around hydrothermal vents, converting toxic chemicals into life-sustaining energy. These weirdly resilient creatures challenge our assumptions about which environments can support growth. I suspect your innovative approach to gathering resources in the coming months will display their adaptability. Situations that others find inhospitable or unmanageable will be intriguing opportunities for you. For best results, you should ruminate on how limitations could actually protect and nurture your development. You may discover that conventional sustenance isn’t your only option.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): For a long time, scientists didn’t understand why humans have an organ called the appendix. Most thought it was useless. But it turns out that the appendix is more active than anyone knew. Among other functions, it’s a safe haven for beneficial gut bacteria. If a health crisis disrupts our microbiome, this unsung hero repopulates our intestines with the helpful microbes we need. What was once considered irrelevant is actually a backup drive. With that in mind as a metaphor, here’s my question, Virgo: How many other parts of your world may be playing long games and performing unnoticed services that you haven’t understood yet? Investigate that possibility!
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): In the coming months, you’ll be asked to wield your Libran specialties more than ever. Your allies and inner circle will need you to provide wise counsel and lucid analysis. For everyone’s sake, I hope you balance compassion with clarity and generosity with discernment. Certain collaborations will need corrective measures but shouldn’t be abandoned. Your gift will lie in finding equilibrium that honors everyone’s dignity. When in doubt, ask: “What would restore harmony rather than merely appear polite?” True diplomacy is soulful, not superficial. Bonus: The equilibrium you achieve could resonate far beyond your immediate circle.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): The Hubble Space Telescope is a school bus-sized space observatory orbiting 320 miles above the Earth. There, it observes the universe free from atmospheric distortion. Its instruments and detectors need to be recalibrated continuously. Daily monitors, weekly checks and yearly updates keep the telescope’s tech sharp as it ages. I believe it’s a good time for you Scorpios to do your own recalibrations. Subtle misalignments between your intentions and actions can now be corrected. Your basic vision and plans are sound; the adjustments required are minor. For best results, have maximum fun as you fine-tune your fundamentals.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Leonardo da Vinci painted his iconic Mona Lisa on a thin panel of poplar wood, which naturally expands and contracts with changes in humidity. Over the centuries, this movement has caused a crack and measurable warping. One side of the classic opus is bending a bit more than the other. Let’s use this as a metaphor for you, Sagittarius. I suspect that a fine quality you are known for and proud of is changing shape. This should be liberating, not worrisome. If even the Mona Lisa can’t remain static, why should you? I say: Let your masterwork age. Just manage the process with grace and generosity. The central beauty may be changing, but it’s still beautiful.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): “Apoptosis” is a word referring to programmed cell death. It’s a process by which your aging, damaged or obsolete cells deliberately destroy themselves for the benefit of your organism as a whole. This “cellular suicide” is carefully regulated and crucial for development, maintenance and protection against diseases. About 50-70 billion cells die in you every day, sacrificing themselves so you can live better. Let’s use this healthy process as a psychospiritual metaphor. What aspects of your behavior and belief system need to die off right now so as to promote your total well-being?
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Which parts of your foundations are built to strengthen with age? Which are showing cracks? The coming months will be an excellent time to reinforce basic structures so they will serve you well into the future. Don’t just patch problems. Rebuild and renovate using the very best ingredients. Your enduring legacy will depend on this work, so choose materials that strengthen as they mature rather than crumble. Nothing’s permanent in life, but some things are sturdier and more lasting than others.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Along the Danube River in Europe, migrating storks return each spring to rebuild massive nests atop church steeples, roofs and trees. New generations often reuse previous bases, adding additional twigs, grass, roots and even human-made stuff like cloth and plastics. Some of these structures have lasted for centuries and weigh half a ton. Let’s make this a prime metaphor for you in the coming months, Pisces. I see your role as an innovator who improves and enhances good traditions. You will bring your personal genius to established beauty and value. You will blend your futuristic vision with ancestral steadiness, bridging tomorrow with yesterday.
A new visitor to the wild and peaceful vistas of Wildcat Canyon Regional Park in El Sobrante would likely have no idea about the current controversy surrounding a proposed 1.4-mile mountain bike trail. Disagreements over the recreational use of publicly owned lands aren’t new, but details have emerged in this case involving the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD), private biking supporters with a million-dollar pledge and accusations by environmental groups of being shut out of the planning discussion, which make this disagreement out of the ordinary.
The idea for the trail was broached years ago, and emails between supporters and EBRPD staff flew back and forth, shown in documents released under a Public Records Act (PRA) request by groups opposing the trail. By June 21, 2023, a joint letter was sent under the letterhead of the Golden Gate Audubon Society, the Sierra Club and the Sustainability, Parks, Recycling and Wildlife Defense Fund (SPRAWLDEF), headed: “Re: Bias in planning Wildcat Flow Trail and Loss of Trust in the Park District Planning Process.”
An excerpt states: “The documents reveal how the park district staff have been pretending to be inclusive and equitable in creating its trail policy but have actually been planning this new trail in secret with only one user group, mountain bikers, for two years.”
Email responses from EBRPD acting General Manager Max Korten state that, “The idea for this trail came from community interest from middle school and high school mountain bike teams who practice in Wildcat and Tilden regional parks looking for a trail that was purpose-built for mountain biking.”
The park district’s public plan for the park, available online, includes this: “In 2020, the Northern California chapter of the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA), approached the Park District to share that the high school and middle school mountain bike teams in the area including Berkeley, El Cerrito, Albany, and Richmond are growing in parallel with the increasing popularity of mountain biking nationwide.”
However, in a phone interview, Norman La Force, president of SPRAWLDEF and a leader of the group Friends of Wildcat Canyon, said that emails retrieved as part of the PRA request show a years-long pattern of interchanges between members of the adult mountain biking community and EBRPD staff.
Not included in these interchanges and discussions, he said, was the park district’s self-created Trail Users Working Group. The 2023 letter states, “Park district staff ignored this open, transparent process and the park district’s very own legally mandated requirements of enacting a land use plan amendment for this park in order to establish a new trail. Instead, park staff began meeting privately with and sharing internal staff discussions and analyses with mountain bike advocates, while telling the other park users that this same information cannot be made public.”
Korten’s email response to a question about this criticism was as follows: “The Park District has been committed to leading a transparent, inclusive process and continues to seek additional opportunities for public input as planning moves forward. Project information has been presented at several public meetings, where we have received hundreds of comments—both supportive and critical. This feedback is valuable and directly informs our work to ensure we best serve the community.”
Why Wildcat Canyon?
The park district’s position is that the current site was chosen because it was “accessible to local teams” and would have the least impact on the natural environment.
Stated Korten’s email: “Mountain bikers, including these youth teams, have regularly advocated for dedicated single-track designed specifically for mountain biking to achieve technical features (switchbacks, berms, rock gardens) that riders enjoy; reduced congestion compared with multi-use trails where hikers, runners, and horses share the path; and sustainable design that balances resource protection with recreational opportunities.”
La Force contends that the site was chosen at least partly because of the million-dollar “gift” offer from the two Kensington-based donors, and that adult mountain bikers want a trail in Wildcat Canyon. The proposed trail’s route is through an area designated as a “Natural Area” in 1989, he said, but the EBRPD now says this designation was a “vision document that provides guidance.” La Force and critics believe a formal land use plan amendment is needed to change the 1989 designation.
Information acquired through the PRA, he said, includes no documentation that other sites within Wildcat Canyon were considered for the flow trail.
Racetrack? and the next steps
Other concerns about the trail include the lack of parking at Wildcat Canyon, the possible use of the track for mountain bike racing and the permanent disruption of the area’s tranquillity.
The park district denies that the trail will ever be used as a race course, but La Force pointed out the design would accommodate exactly that. He speculates that in a few years after the trail is built, the issue would arise and be accommodated by EBRPD.
The next step in the plan to build the trail is preparation of an Environmental Impact Report (EIR). This, according to Korten, will provide more opportunities for public input. “We anticipate issuing a Notice of Preparation for the EIR in January, followed by a public comment period and scoping meeting. A second comment period and another public meeting are expected in 2026 when the draft EIR is released,” his email stated.
Under the state’s California Environmental Quality Act, the EIR will be required to include potential impacts on increased traffic and additional air pollution caused by that traffic. La Force reiterated that the Sierra Club, the California Native Plants Society and the Golden Gate Audubon Society, along with SPRAWLDEF, have already expressed concerns about the impacts on wildlife and natural vegetation. He added that the EIR will not address the issue of lost serenity and solitude the park now provides.
The park district will pay an outside consultant to prepare the EIR. “Interested community members can sign up on our website to receive project updates and notifications about participation opportunities,” Korten’s email states.
La Force noted that if environmental groups are not satisfied that the EIR correctly identifies potential impacts and remediations, a lawsuit may be filed. In any case, he remains concerned about the lack of transparency in the flow trail’s planning process.
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With the...
Published in cooperation between FortuneCity and the East Bay Express
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The corner market on San Leandro’s Farnsworth Street contains multitudes. The sign at 88 Manor Market is subtitled: Filipino Vietnamese Chinese Hispanic American Groceries. If that cornucopia of goods isn’t satisfying enough for shoppers, Porky’s Pizza Palace sits right across the street. I trekked down the busy 580 not for imported groceries but to visit the same shared strip...
A new visitor to the wild and peaceful vistas of Wildcat Canyon Regional Park in El Sobrante would likely have no idea about the current controversy surrounding a proposed 1.4-mile mountain bike trail. Disagreements over the recreational use of publicly owned lands aren’t new, but details have emerged in this case involving the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD),...
