A collection of all the best sites to play Live Dealer Blackjack in 2019 with short reviews of what makes them special. What you find here is a Blackjack strategy that helps you to play better. How Live Blackjack Works When you sit down at a live blackjack table online, you will be greeted by the dealer and play will begin almost immediately. Contrary to what some people believe, bets are made with 2-dimensional, digital chips and not with real live chips handled by the dealer. Blackjack Strategy Chart Use the below blackjack strategy chart to increase your chances of winning when playing live dealer blackjack. This chart tells you as the player when to hit, stand, split or double down based on your cards and the dealers up card. Don't just guess at what to do, have proven mathematics tell you what to do. Beginner live dealer blackjack strategy The most important strategy for a beginner is table choice. Choose a blackjack table that suits your bet range and offers the side bets and rules that you are looking for. Since the general rules are the same as in any other blackjack, a good starting point would be to use basic blackjack strategy. If you are looking to get an edge when playing blackjack, understanding how to play the dealer's up-card is a crucial part of online blackjack strategy.
Introduction
Live dealer blackjack rules vary quite a bit. All are dealt from a shoe, with about 50% penetration. I think nobody allows re-splitting any pair. In other words, one split only. Most stand on a soft 17. The most variable rules seem to be on surrender and the dealer peeking for blackjack.
Special mention should be made about the Ezugi game, where early surrender against an ace is allowed. The effect of this rule variation is a reduction in the house edge of 0.39% to a low 0.11%. Personally, I think they don't understand what they are doing and this rule won't last once they realize how beneficial it is to the player.
It is difficult writing live dealer software reviews when I don't have access to play or watch the games. This was the case with Ho Gaming and Vivo Gaming.
As to the appearance of the table and dealer, please refer to the screenshots at the bottom of the page, especially for Usoft.
Odds Comparison
The following table shows the configurable rules, to the best of my knowledge, at various brands of live dealer studios. An explanation of the column headings follows the table.
Live Dealer Blackjack Comparison
| Brand | Play | Decks | Soft 17 | DAS | Peek | Surr. | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amaya Software(Live) | Vera John Casino | 8 | Hit | No | No | No | 0.71% |
| Asia Gaming(Blackjack) | 18bet | 8 | Hit | No | Yes | No | 0.62% |
| BetConstruct(Blackjack) | Casino British | 1 | Hit | Yes | Yes | Yes | 0.43% |
| Evolution Gaming(Infinite Blackjack (with six-card Charlie)) | Vera John Casino | 8 | Hit | No | Yes | No | 0.45% |
| Evolution Gaming(Live Dealer Blackjack) | Vera John Casino | 8 | Hit | No | No | No | 0.72% |
| Extreme Live Gaming(Blackjack) | Leo Vegas | 8 | Hit | No | Yes | No | 0.62% |
| Ezugi(Blackjack) | Genesis Casino | 8 | Hit | Yes | Yes | Yes | 0.11% |
| Ezugi(Unlimited) | Genesis Casino | 8 | Hit | Yes | No | No | 0.35% |
| FashionTV(Blackjack) | 8 | Hit | Yes | Yes | Yes | 0.41% | |
| Fresh Deck Studios(Blackjack) | DuckyLuck Casino | 8 | Hit | No | Yes | No | 0.62% |
| Gameplay Interactive(Blackjack) | Dafabet / Dafa888 | 6 | Hit | Yes | No | No | 0.46% |
| HO Gaming(Blackjack) | Vera John Casino | 8 | Hit | No | No | No | 0.6% |
| LuckyStreak(Blackjack) | BitStarz | 8 | Hit | Yes | Yes | No | 0.49% |
| Net Entertainment(Common Draw Blackjack (Live Dealer)) | BitStarz | 6 | Hit | Yes | No | No | 0.59% |
| Net Entertainment(Live Beyond Live Blackjack) | BitStarz | 6 | Hit | Yes | No | No | 0.59% |
| Playtech(Unlimited Blackjack (Live Dealer)) | BitStarz | 8 | Hit | Yes | No | No | 0.5% |
| Usoft Gaming(Blackjack Unlimited) | Playhub Casino | 6 | Hit | Yes | Yes | Yes | 0.43% |
| Visionary iGaming(Early Payout) | Sloto'Cash Casino | 1 | Stand | Yes | Yes | No | 0.69% |
| Visionary iGaming(Blackjack) | Sloto'Cash Casino | 6 | Stand | Yes | Yes | No | 0.69% |
| Vivo Gaming(Blackjack) | BitStarz | 8 | Hit | Yes | Yes | No | 0.5% |
| Wirex Gaming(Blackjack) | 8 | Hit | Yes | No | No | 0.56% | |
| Xprogaming(Blackjack) | Betadonis | 6 | Stand | Yes | No | No | 0.54% |
Column headings:
- Brand: Live dealer studio and in some cases the particular game.
- Decks: Number of decks used. Penetration tends to be about 50% everywhere.
- Soft 17: What the dealer does with a soft 17.
- DAS: Is double after a split allowed?
- Peek: Does the dealer peek at hole card for a blackjack. In cases where there isn't a hole card, the value in the table indicates if the player will lose his original bet only (yes) or everything (no) if the dealer eventually gets a blackjack. Sometimes the dealer will peek only under 10 or under an ace. Possible values are:
- Yes = Dealer always peeks with either a 10 or ace up.
- No = Dealer never peeks. Player will lose all money bet doubling and splitting if the dealer gets a blackjack
- Ace only = Dealer peeks only under an ace up. If no hole card is taken, 'ace only' means the player will lose his original bet only if the dealer gets a blackjack starting with an ace up, but everything if starting with a 10 up.
- 10 only = Dealer peeks only under a 10 up. If no hole card is taken, '10 only' means the player will lose his original bet only if the dealer gets a blackjack starting with a 10 up, but everything if starting with an ace up.
- Surrender = Can player forfeit half his bet and not play the hand? This option is generally offered only after the dealer peeks for blackjack, but in the Ezugi regular game (as opposed to unlimited), the player may surrender before the dealer peeks.
- Edge = House edge
Screenshots
Asia Gaming.
FashionTV.
Ho Gaming.
Evolution Gaming.
Wirex.
In the Usoft game, the dealer will flash when any player gets a blackjack.
Blackjack Early Payout and regular blackjack by Visionary iGaming.
Blackjack early payout and conventional blackjack by Net Entertainment.
Written by: Michael Shackleford
Live Blackjack is the most widely played casino game in the world, with every casino offering games for players to enjoy. The game is also available in online casinos, not only as a video game, but as live blackjack. You can place a bet from the comfort of your own home, and thanks to a camera, you can even see the table and the game being played with a live dealer. Read on to discover how to play live blackjack and what you need to know to start a new adventure in an online casino.
Live blackjack is a great game both for beginners and for more advanced players. You can play it in every online casino. Before you start playing, you should take a close look at the game on offer. Each online casino may offer a different variation of this classic game. What will never change is the object of the game, which is to achieve 21, but how to reach that object may vary. Vegas Downtown Blackjack, Atlantic City Blackjack, Classic Blackjack, Live Speed Blackjack – these are some of the variations. Play live in an online casino to find out why blackjack is one of the most popular gambling games in the world.
THE HISTORY OF BLACKJACK
Live Dealer Blackjack Strategy Games
It is not known for certain when blackjack was invented. Some say that a game which appeared in 18th Century France and was called Vingt-et-Un, which means 'Twenty-One', was a precursor of blackjack. Others believe that blackjack came into being as a combination of two games which were popular in France at that time: French Ferme and Chemin de Fer. Regardless, the game that we play today has many common features with the games mentioned above.
Another game which also had an impact on contemporary blackjack was a Spanish game called One and Thirty. In this game, the player needed to collect 31 points to win, having received a hand of at least three cards.
Blackjack has always been popular in the U.S., especially in Nevada-based casinos. It was in Nevada where the contemporary version of the game was invented, as well as the name.
BLACKJACK RULES
It is relatively easy to play the slot game. During each round, each player makes only one bet. While the game is on, a player cannot change the wager or retire from the game. The game has a dealer who deals cards and participates in the game. Players are dealt two cards face up; the dealer gets cards too. The further course of the game depends on the blackjack variation and on the player's decisions.
Live blackjack follows the same rules as blackjack played in traditional casinos. All cards have their value – two through ten have their pip value, and face cards are all worth ten. In some variations, an Ace can be worth one or eleven. Players wager that they have a better hand than the dealer; the better hand being the hand where the sum of the card values is closer to 21 without exceeding 21. If you exceed the sum of 21, you immediately lose.
What does playing live blackjack look like? The dealer deals cards, and after checking their cards, the players can either take another card (hit) or end their turn (stand). The player can take as many cards as they need; there are no limitations here. Next, the hole card is revealed by the dealer - which means that the card dealt face down is revealed. The dealer can also stand or hit. This time, however, the dealer can only take cards until their hand reaches a sum of 17.
The next stage is to compare hands and check who wins. Some variations of blackjack allow a tie (push), which may lead to different outcomes: either the house wins or the wager is returned to the player.
BLACKJACK STRATEGY
When you play live blackjack, you do not have to use any strategy. But it's worth consideration, as the house advantage is always at least 5%. You can minimise risk by using strategies. You can learn about strategies from different sources, such as blogs devoted to blackjack. An example of a blackjack basic strategy is to stand in a situation when you have more than 11 points.
How much a player decreases the house edge will depend on the player's skills and understanding of the game. Live blackjack is a perfect game for tacticians. Standing, hitting, splitting, doubling down, and other types of actions are available to live blackjack players.
LIVE BLACKJACK TERMS
If you want to play live blackjack it is important to learn that terms used in the game. You're likely to encounter the following terms:
Bust – The player automatically loses if they exceed the sum of 21.
Double down – The player is allowed to increase the initial bet in exchange for committing to stand after receiving exactly one more card.
Hit – Take another card from the dealer.
Insurance – A side bet which that can be made if the dealer's upcard is an ace.
Push – If both dealer and player receive hands with the same sum, no one wins.
Shoe – A device to hold multiple decks of playing cards by the dealer.
Soft hand – A situation in which a player decides to hit when they have an ace worth 11 points and an additional card. In this situation, the ace will change its value to 1.
Split – If the first two cards of a hand have the same value, the player can split them into two separate hands.
Stand – The player takes no more cards.
Learn these terms as they are useful both in online and in traditional casinos. Familiarise yourself with them, so you will not focus on what is said but enjoy the game instead.
FREE BLACKJACK
If you don't want to commit cash to blackjack before you're completely familiar with the game, it's not a problem. Many casinos offer the possibility to play blackjack for free in demo versions. It is not only a way to learn the rules of the game in practice and gain confidence, but also a way to learn and check different systems and strategies. You won't be able to play Live Blackjack with a dealer for free, but you can certainly find video variants.
Depending on your jurisdiction, you may be asked to register and complete a verification process to access demo versions. In cases where verification is not necessary, you may be able to play as a visitor.
PLAYING LIVE Dealer BLACKJACK FOR REAL MONEY
Blackjack is a typical gambling game. It means that it may be offered only by licensed online casinos. Make sure to verify that you are playing at a licensed casino.
Each player should carefully consider their financial standing so that playing blackjack is safe. Set limits before playing and do not pass those limits. You should set two limits. One regarding the maximum loss, i.e. after losing a set amount, you will not continue playing. And another for the maximum profit, i.e. after winning a set amount you will stop playing.
LIVE Casino BLACKJACK – MOBILE VERSION
Mobile versions of games are very popular among players. The possibility to play on your smartphone allows you to have fun no matter where you are. Mobile versions of games are generally the same as the traditional version. Additionally, you may also find extra bonuses dedicated exclusively to mobile players. Download the app that's compatible with your operating system (Android or iOS). Apps are available free of charge in Google Play or App Store.
Live Blackjack BONUSES
Blackjack is a game in which the online casino has a relatively small advantage over the player. Likely, you will not find a wide variety of promotions or bonuses when you play blackjack. At EnergyCasino, we regularly have bonuses and promotions for Live Casino and Live Blackjack in particular. You can check our promotions tabs to see what offers are currently available. Make sure that you check the terms and conditions of any promotion before you opt-in.
FAQ
⭐Is there any difference between Online Blackjack and Live Blackjack?
The live blackjack is almost exactly the same as in a traditional casino. If you play Live Blackjack you can see what the dealer is doing in real time and you can feel the atmosphere of a real casino, you just happen to be playing in comfort from wherever you are! You'll see the cards being dealt. wagers being made and the outcome of each round.
⭐What are the rules of play for Live Blackjack?
The rules of Live Blackjack are exactly the same as in the traditional version. You can always make sure by checking the rules on the casino's website. We recommend that you always check the rules before playing a new variation of the game.
⭐Where to play Live Blackjack?
While video versions of blackjack are available in practically every online casino, live versions are only available at large online casinos such as EnergyCasino. You can play live blackjack on your computer and on your smartphone.
⭐Can I use bonuses if I play Live Blackjack?
We regularly have promotions and bonuses for Live Blackjack. Check our Casino promotions tab to see our current offers.
⭐Is it possible to give a tip to a dealer if I play online?
We are sorry but it's not possible to tip dealers online at EnergyCasino.
⭐Is it possible for a dealer to make a mistake during an online game? What happens then?
There is always a risk of human-error in all walks of life. Of course, even a highly-trained professional dealer can make a mistake, but you needn't worry that it will affect you. Mistakes are rare, and when they do occur, play is stopped and footage reviewed to rectify the mistake as soon as possible.
If you want to play live blackjack it is important to learn that terms used in the game. You're likely to encounter the following terms:
Bust – The player automatically loses if they exceed the sum of 21.
Double down – The player is allowed to increase the initial bet in exchange for committing to stand after receiving exactly one more card.
Hit – Take another card from the dealer.
Insurance – A side bet which that can be made if the dealer's upcard is an ace.
Push – If both dealer and player receive hands with the same sum, no one wins.
Shoe – A device to hold multiple decks of playing cards by the dealer.
Soft hand – A situation in which a player decides to hit when they have an ace worth 11 points and an additional card. In this situation, the ace will change its value to 1.
Split – If the first two cards of a hand have the same value, the player can split them into two separate hands.
Stand – The player takes no more cards.
Learn these terms as they are useful both in online and in traditional casinos. Familiarise yourself with them, so you will not focus on what is said but enjoy the game instead.
FREE BLACKJACK
If you don't want to commit cash to blackjack before you're completely familiar with the game, it's not a problem. Many casinos offer the possibility to play blackjack for free in demo versions. It is not only a way to learn the rules of the game in practice and gain confidence, but also a way to learn and check different systems and strategies. You won't be able to play Live Blackjack with a dealer for free, but you can certainly find video variants.
Depending on your jurisdiction, you may be asked to register and complete a verification process to access demo versions. In cases where verification is not necessary, you may be able to play as a visitor.
PLAYING LIVE Dealer BLACKJACK FOR REAL MONEY
Blackjack is a typical gambling game. It means that it may be offered only by licensed online casinos. Make sure to verify that you are playing at a licensed casino.
Each player should carefully consider their financial standing so that playing blackjack is safe. Set limits before playing and do not pass those limits. You should set two limits. One regarding the maximum loss, i.e. after losing a set amount, you will not continue playing. And another for the maximum profit, i.e. after winning a set amount you will stop playing.
LIVE Casino BLACKJACK – MOBILE VERSION
Mobile versions of games are very popular among players. The possibility to play on your smartphone allows you to have fun no matter where you are. Mobile versions of games are generally the same as the traditional version. Additionally, you may also find extra bonuses dedicated exclusively to mobile players. Download the app that's compatible with your operating system (Android or iOS). Apps are available free of charge in Google Play or App Store.
Live Blackjack BONUSES
Blackjack is a game in which the online casino has a relatively small advantage over the player. Likely, you will not find a wide variety of promotions or bonuses when you play blackjack. At EnergyCasino, we regularly have bonuses and promotions for Live Casino and Live Blackjack in particular. You can check our promotions tabs to see what offers are currently available. Make sure that you check the terms and conditions of any promotion before you opt-in.
FAQ
⭐Is there any difference between Online Blackjack and Live Blackjack?
The live blackjack is almost exactly the same as in a traditional casino. If you play Live Blackjack you can see what the dealer is doing in real time and you can feel the atmosphere of a real casino, you just happen to be playing in comfort from wherever you are! You'll see the cards being dealt. wagers being made and the outcome of each round.
⭐What are the rules of play for Live Blackjack?
The rules of Live Blackjack are exactly the same as in the traditional version. You can always make sure by checking the rules on the casino's website. We recommend that you always check the rules before playing a new variation of the game.
⭐Where to play Live Blackjack?
While video versions of blackjack are available in practically every online casino, live versions are only available at large online casinos such as EnergyCasino. You can play live blackjack on your computer and on your smartphone.
⭐Can I use bonuses if I play Live Blackjack?
We regularly have promotions and bonuses for Live Blackjack. Check our Casino promotions tab to see our current offers.
⭐Is it possible to give a tip to a dealer if I play online?
We are sorry but it's not possible to tip dealers online at EnergyCasino.
⭐Is it possible for a dealer to make a mistake during an online game? What happens then?
There is always a risk of human-error in all walks of life. Of course, even a highly-trained professional dealer can make a mistake, but you needn't worry that it will affect you. Mistakes are rare, and when they do occur, play is stopped and footage reviewed to rectify the mistake as soon as possible.
⭐Can I play Live Blackjack for free?
It's not possible to play Live Blackjack for free due to the need to employ dealers on Live tables.
⭐Will I see the dealer and will the dealer see me when I play Live Blackjack?
Thanks to a camera, when you play Live Blackjack you will see the table and the dealer. It is not possible for the dealer to see you, though. The dealer will only have access to your basic data, such as your username.
⭐Is it possible to talk to the live dealer?
Yes, each online casino which offers Live Blackjack allows players to talk to the dealer by way of live chat. Offensive and/or inappropriate language and behaviour will not be tolerated.
⭐What language can I use to talk to a dealer during a live game?
Live Dealer Blackjack Strategy Tactics
At EnergyCasino, all Live Blackjack dealers speak English.
