Ever since the first online casino was released back in 1994, the gambling industry has changed drastically. Nowadays, it is possible to play various casino games that feature impeccable graphics, exciting animations, and visual effects. Modern-generation casino games offer everything a player needs for unparalleled entertainment.
However, many players still admit that, although online games are very exciting, they miss the lively casino ambiance and the random people with whom they can strike up a conversation. The huge demand for more true-to-life casino games has prompted a number of software providers to dedicate their time and efforts to developing exclusive titles that closely resemble land-based games. As a result, some of the most popular casino games have been made available in real-time mode, including Blackjack.
Blackjack Basic Rules
The basic rules of Blackjack are very straightforward and easy to learn. The first thing you need to know is that it is a card game usually played with multiple decks, the exact number depending on the casino and the variation you choose. The minimum number of decks that can be used is one, and the maximum is eight. Blackjack is played on a semicircular table with seven seats. Although you might be sitting next to other players, you compete only against the dealer.
The moves the rest of the participants make have no direct impact on you, so you should focus on beating the dealer. To do so, you need a total higher than the dealer’s without exceeding 21. If you or the dealer goes over this number, the result is an instant loss. The best hand you can get is called Blackjack and it consists of a 10-valued card and an Ace. Its payout is 3 to 2.
More Blackjack Basic RulesIn this game, each card has an assigned value you need to keep in mind. However, the counting system is extremely easy to remember: all face cards, such as the Queen, King, and Jack, are worth ten points each. The Ace plays a crucial role because it can be counted in two ways: either as one or as eleven. The remaining cards in the deck, such as 2s, 3s, 4s, and so on, are worth the numeric value shown on them.
At the beginning of the game, each player is dealt two cards, placed face-up. The dealer also receives two cards, but only one is visible. The card that is placed face down is called the hole card. In hole-card games, the dealer is required by the rules to peek to see whether they have Blackjack, provided that the face-up card is an Ace or a 10-valued card.
Blackjack is a skill-based game in which the dealer’s play is predetermined, whereas players’ moves are not. The basic moves you can choose are hit, stand, double down, and split pairs. Depending on the variation you are playing, you might also be permitted to take insurance or surrender. Blackjack has more than 100 versions. The chances of encountering a game that differs from the classic version are fairly high, which is why it is always best to double-check the main rules in advance.
Live Dealer Blackjack Gameplay
Live Dealer vs RNG Blackjack
Live Dealer and RNG Blackjack are two types of casino games that operate on completely different principles. The biggest difference between them is that the latter uses a special program called a Random Number Generator to determine the outcome of each hand, whereas the former relies on live dealers who deal the cards and conduct the game just as they would in land-based gambling venues. Live Dealer Blackjack is performed in real time and is broadcast via live-streaming technology, while RNG Blackjack is entirely virtual and involves no real people.
Another thing that sets Live Dealer Blackjack apart from ordinary Blackjack is the live chat feature. Thanks to this feature, you can talk with the dealer or other players while watching how he or she operates the game via a webcam placed in front of the table. Because these games involve real people, they are much more interactive and exciting. Many Blackjack enthusiasts who have tried Live Blackjack believe that adapting this skill-based game to the live format is one of the best ideas software providers have ever had.
Indeed, no RNG Blackjack game can give you the same life-like feeling because it features neither live dealers nor live chat. However, if you are a more private person who simply wants to pass the time by gambling in peace, RNG Blackjack may be the best choice for you. This is why software providers have developed several types of Blackjack, giving players the chance to find the game that best matches their tastes and needs.
Live Blackjack Variations
Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games and is played by hundreds of players on a regular basis. In most online casinos, classic Blackjack is not the only game you can try in real-time mode. There are several Live Blackjack variations exclusive to this format. Thanks to leading software providers such as Evolution Gaming, Microgaming, NetEnt, and Playtech, you can try many variants that differ from one another in table limits, rules, and dealers. Even the studios from which the live games are streamed in real time are not the same.
Additionally, some software providers have studios located in various parts of the world. This way, every time you play you can enjoy a different casino ambiance and design, as if you were visiting different land-based casinos. Moreover, the dealers in some Live Blackjack games are multilingual, meaning that you can choose the language you wish them to use while conducting the game in real time. The basic rules of each variation are always the same: the assigned value of the cards and the main goal do not change. However, this consistency does not always apply to the dealer’s play.
| Software Provider | NetEnt | Evolution Gaming | Playtech | Ezugi | Pragmatic | Visionary iGaming | Vivo Gaming |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Decks | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 8 |
| Shuffling Style | Manual/Auto | Manual | Manual/Auto | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| Dealer Stand | N/A | Dealer stands on all 17s | Dealer stands on all 17s | Dealer stands on all 17s | Dealer stands on all 17s | Dealer hits on soft 17 | Dealer hits on soft 17 |
| Peek | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Surrender | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | No |
| Blackjack Payout | 3 to 2 | 3 to 2 | 3 to 2 | 3 to 2 | 3 to 2 | 3 to 2 | 3 to 2 |
| Double Down | On totals of 9, 10, or 11 only | On any total | On any total | On any total | On any total | On any total | On any total |
| DAS | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Splitting/Hitting Aces | Split Aces receive only 1 card | Split Aces receive only 1 card | Split Aces receive only 1 card | Split Aces receive only 1 card | Split Aces receive only 1 card | Split Aces receive only 1 card | Split Aces receive only 1 card |
| Re-Splitting | N/A | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Side Bets | Perfect Pair 21+3 | Bet Behind Perfect Pairs 21+3 Bust It Hot 3 |
Bet Behind Perfect Pairs 21+3 |
Bet Behind Perfect Pairs 21+3 |
Bet Behind Perfect Pairs 21+3 |
Bet Behind Perfect Pairs 21+3 |
No |
| Multihand | N/A | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | N/A |
More Blackjack Variations TipsThe rules that govern the dealer’s moves during the course of the game differ greatly from one variation to another. For instance, in some games the dealer must stand on soft 17, whereas in others he or she must hit instead. It should be noted that every rule, even a seemingly minor one, influences the house edge and the Return to Player percentage. Therefore, it is essential to make sure that the odds of the live variation you are about to play are not stacked against you.
Another thing that sets Live Blackjack variations apart from one another is the special features they include. Some of the common features which can be found in a number of variations are Pre-Decision, Bet Behind, Multi-Play, Multi-Seat, Early Payout, Live Chat, On-Screen History and others. The software provider Microgaming has even developed Playboy-branded Live Blackjack games which have proven to be a great deal of fun. Some of the most popular games that you can try in real time are Blackjack Party, VIP Blackjack, Unlimited Blackjack, Common Draw Blackjack, Speed Blackjack and others.
Choosing Where to Play Live Blackjack
The key to choosing a live casino that is suitable for you is to evaluate some of the most important aspects of the particular website in advance. Firstly, you need to consider the casino’s reputation and license. Always make sure that it has a valid license, issued by a trustworthy authority that is responsible for regulating the gambling market in the respective country. For instance, such regulatory bodies include the Government of Gibraltar, the UK Gambling Commission and the Malta Gaming Authority.
Secondly, you should take a look at the available Blackjack games that you can play in real time. In the best-case scenario, you should be able to choose from several variations which have multiple tables. This way, you are guaranteed to find a table that will be in accordance with your bankroll. This is extremely important because if you join a game whose betting limits are too high, you will quickly run out of money and you won’t be able to apply the basic strategy correctly. In Blackjack, in order to make a profit, you need to possess enough funds that will allow you to stay in the game until a winning streak occurs.
Last but not least, besides these two aspects, it is also highly advisable to consider whether the online casino offers special promotions for Live Blackjack and whether it has a user-friendly mobile platform. The software provider in use, the available payment methods and the customer support are some other aspects which should also be taken into account prior to opening a real-money account at a particular online casino.
Popular Live Blackjack Casinos
Nowadays, there are many live casinos on the Internet which offer Live Blackjack. However, some of them stand out with their exceptionally good promotions, reliable customer support and exciting Blackjack games which are hosted by attractive live dealers. Let’s take a look at some of the popular live casinos in which you can get an ultimate gambling experience while playing this skill-based game in real time.
EuroGrand
EuroGrand, one of the online casinos that are part of the William Hill brand, is a top virtual destination for many Blackjack enthusiasts. The reason is simple: it features excellent live dealer games powered by the software giant Playtech. Live Blackjack and Unlimited Live Blackjack are the two available games that you can play in real time from the comfort of your own home.
EuroGrand Additional InformationAnyone who has ever played video poker will know that this is among the least visually appealing casino games ever created. Playtech’s video poker titles, however, are masterfully crafted and are almost as interactive as modern video slot games. Among them are innovative takes on classics such as Jacks or Better, Tens or Better, and Deuces Wild, as well as All American, Joker Poker, and many others.
Unlimited Live Blackjack gives players the chance to join at any time. Since it is specially designed to accommodate an infinite number of Blackjack fans, you won’t ever have to wait for a table to become available. Unlimited Live Blackjack uses the standard Las Vegas rules and offers a side bet called Perfect Pairs.
You can also play multiple hands at once, which makes the game even more dynamic and exciting. All of the games are hosted by well-versed dealers who are capable of conducting the gaming process in a professional manner. Playing Live Blackjack at this online casino can be a fantastic experience, especially if you use the live chat to interact with the dealer.
Yako Casino
Yako Casino is a fairly new casino website, considering that it was established in 2015. Nevertheless, it has quickly caught up with most well-established online casinos because its gaming services are of world-class quality. The online casino offers three interesting Blackjack games that can be played in real time – Live Common Draw Blackjack, VIP Live Blackjack and Live Blackjack.
Yako Casino Additional InformationEach game has different table limits which give you the opportunity to join the perfect table for you, regardless of your betting style and bankroll. For instance, the minimum bet you can place in Common Draw Blackjack is as low as €1, whereas in VIP Live Blackjack, the amount is set to €25. The maximum bet you can put in both games is €5,000. All of the live dealer games at this online casino are powered by either NetEnt or Portomaso Gaming.
The live games which are developed by Portomaso Gaming are directly streamed from a land-based gambling venue in Malta, whereas the NetEnt-powered ones are broadcast from a private studio. Either way, the graphics and overall quality are excellent, provided that you have a stable Internet connection. For this purpose, always make sure you are connected properly before starting a session.
Royal Panda
Another popular online casino which offers several Live Blackjack games is Royal Panda. Its live dealer games are powered by Evolution Gaming, which is a world-famous software provider. This online casino has a fairly wide range of live dealer games, among which three extremely exciting Blackjack games: Live Blackjack, Blackjack Party and Royal Panda Live Blackjack.
Royal Panda Additional InformationBlackjack Party includes many great features and side bets such as Bet Behind, Perfect Pairs, 21+3, Pre-Decision and others. The latter option makes the game more dynamic as it enables players to make their move even when their turn is yet to come. All of the live dealer games are broadcast from a private studio which is specially designed to create an authentic casino ambiance. It is possible to join several tables which have different betting limits.
When it comes to Live Blackjack, the minimum bet you can place is $5 and the maximum is $5,000. Dedicated Blackjack players have the opportunity to play their favorite game in real time on their smartphone or tablet as most of the live games have been optimized for various mobile devices. Thanks to its mobile-friendly live casino, you can bring Live Blackjack with you wherever you go and get the same high level of entertainment, regardless of your location.
Codeta
Codeta is a professional online casino whose main focus is placed on providing world-class live dealer games. The casino website features an impressively broad selection of casino games which are powered by some of the leading software providers in the online gambling industry. The online casino partners with multiple software companies in an attempt to suit the needs of all types of players, including high rollers.
Codeta Additional InformationFor these types of players, the casino offers several live games, powered by NetEnt. Some of them include Blackjack Multi-player Common Draw High Roller, High Roller Standard Blackjack Pro and High Roller Standard Blackjack. The online casino also provides high rollers with the chance to join a VIP table as there are several such games on offer – Blackjack VIP Silver, Blackjack Platinum VIP, Blackjack Grand VIP and others.
The former two have fairly high table limits: the minimum bet you can make is $50 and the maximum is $5,000. However, if you are risk-averse and your betting style is more cautious, you can try Live Blackjack, Codeta Blackjack, Blackjack Multi-player Common Draw II and others. The minimum bet you are required to make per hand is $5 and the maximum is $500.
32Red
32Red is a well-known online casino which offers several Live Blackjack games in an attempt to provide all types of players with a suitable game, depending on their betting style and level of experience. It is possible to choose from multiple tables which feature different betting limits. It doesn’t matter whether you have a conservative approach or whether you are more of a risk-taker, you will be able to find a game that is in accordance with your personal preferences.
32Red Additional InformationFor high rollers, the online casino has dedicated high-limit VIP tables – Platinum, Silver and others. Thanks to them, you can get the same high level of entertainment and excitement as if you were gambling at a land-based casino. New players can take advantage of a 320% sign-up bonus of up to $160, which they can use to play Live Blackjack. Every time a deposit of $10 is made, they receive $32 for free.
This is a great opportunity for new users who are looking for a true-to-life gambling experience without having to go all the way to a land-based gambling venue. Each game contains many convenient features such as live chat, thanks to which you can make a personal connection with the dealer or with any of the participants at the table.
William Hill
There is hardly any avid player in the United Kingdom who hasn’t heard of the William Hill brand. This company offers various gambling services and products, including sports betting, poker, and bingo rooms, as well as a fully regulated online casino. The casino website features games which are developed by some of the most prominent software suppliers, including Playtech and NetEnt. Its live dealer games are powered by Evolution Gaming and they are broadcast exclusively from a studio.
William Hill Additional InformationThanks to Live Blackjack, you can socialize and gamble as if you were at a brick-and-mortar casino. It is no longer necessary to travel miles in order to enjoy this skill-based game as William Hill gives you the opportunity to do so at the most comfortable spot for you. Another great thing about this online casino is the fact that it offers a wide range of payment solutions which you can use to fund your real-money account and play Live Blackjack. Some of them include credit and debit cards such as Mastercard, Diners Club International, and Visa, along with Neteller, Skrill, ecoPayz, Paysafecard, and others.
It is also possible to play Live Blackjack on your smartphone or tablet as the online casino has a user-friendly mobile platform. For even smoother gameplay and easier access, you can download a free app directly from the website of the casino. There is an available app for both Apple and Android users and all you need to do in order to get it is to simply scan the appropriate QR code by using your smartphone.
Casino.com
Owned and operated by Mansion Group Casinos, this online casino is a fully-licensed one which offers various types of games, including progressive jackpots and live dealer games. It has chosen to partner with Playtech which shouldn’t be much of a surprise, taking into account the fact that it is one of the most innovative software providers in the online gambling industry. Thanks to the cutting-edge live streaming technology involved in the gaming process, you will be able to see how the dealer shuffles and deals the cards in real time.
Casino.com Additional InformationThe two available Blackjack games are Live Blackjack and Unlimited Live Blackjack, both of which are hosted by professional dealers with whom you can freely communicate. In order to do so, you have to use the live chat feature which is usually located near the menu bar. However, you are not limited to talking only to the dealer as it is also possible to chat with the rest of the participants at your table.
The Live Blackjack games at this online casino are simply unbeatable in terms of quality and graphics. They provide an authentic experience that guarantees a high level of entertainment. It should be noted that Live Blackjack cannot be played in Practice mode since these types of games incur higher costs. Therefore, in order to enjoy them, you have to open a real-money account which is extremely easy. Moreover, you can choose from a wide range of payment methods such as Visa, Neteller and Skrill in order to make your first deposit.
Cherry Casino
Cherry Casino is a stylish online casino which was founded in 2000. However, the brand has been around much longer; its land-based casino was established in Sweden in the early 1960s. It partners with some of the leading software providers, including Microgaming, NetEnt, Play’n GO and Amaya. As is evident, this casino operator has a considerable amount of knowledge and experience in the gambling industry which really shows in every single aspect – from its large selection of games to its efficient customer support.
Cherry Casino Additional InformationCherry Casino has a dedicated live casino which offers some of the most popular games in real time, including Blackjack. If you are among the players who wish to get a true-to-life gambling experience without going all the way to a brick-and-mortar casino, this website is exactly what you are looking for.
Thanks to the well-designed mobile platform this online casino has, it is also possible to play Live Blackjack on your smartphone or tablet. Its mobile casino is compatible with the most popular phone operating systems, including Android, iOS, BlackBerry, and even Windows phones. In other words, you will be able to play this skill-based game in real time with real dealers at any time, regardless of your location. Prior to playing Live Blackjack, make sure your Internet connection is stable so that you can enjoy a smooth and trouble-free gaming process.
Bet365
Bet365 is a popular online casino which is a part of the Bet365 Group. Its games are powered by several reputable software suppliers such as Microgaming, Playtech and others. The online casino is especially renowned for its wide range of live games which are streamed from either European or Asian studios. This way, you can customize your gambling experience to a huge extent as you have the freedom to choose the dealer and the studio ambiance that appeals to you the most.
Bet365 Additional InformationThe live dealer games are powered by Playtech and they offer multiple tables that feature various table limits. Blackjack enthusiasts have the opportunity to choose from two live games – Live Blackjack and Unlimited Blackjack. The latter contains a total of five main betting positions on which an infinite number of players can place bets. Thanks to the virtual nature of the game, it is possible for a number of people to wager on one single seat every round.
You can select a game broadcast from a European studio or one streamed from an Asian studio. The dealers are multilingual, which enables players from all over the world to play Live Blackjack in their native language. Both games use the standard basic rules, meaning that Blackjack, the highest winning combination, pays out 3 to 2. The games are played with eight decks of cards and players have several betting options to choose from.
Video Slots
Video Slots is a trustworthy online casino which was launched in 2011. The list of the software providers it uses is impressively long and it includes leaders such as NetEnt, Playtech, IGT, Play’n GO, Betsoft, Microgaming Quickfire, Quickspin and others. Since 2014, this casino operator has been providing live dealer games, some of which, such as Live Blackjack, are powered by NetEnt. They are streamed directly from a private studio in Malta in real time and they are hosted by professional dealers who are ready to chat with you and assist you.
Video Slots Additional InformationLive Blackjack includes various special features such as live chat and table statistics which make the whole gaming process even more convenient and enjoyable. If you have always had trouble remembering the bets you place, then you can take advantage of the on-screen history feature which enables you to see all of the previous outcomes. Live Blackjack has several tables on offer, each one featuring different betting limits.
The live casino has a game for everyone, regardless of the bankroll and betting style one might have. Whether you are a high roller or a more cautious player, you will be able to find a game that suits your needs. Most of the games have the Bet Behind feature which enables you to place a bet on a participant who is currently playing on the respective table. In other words, you can win money, even if you are not playing yourself.