Pros and Cons of Live Dealer Blackjack

Gaming technology has greatly improved over the past few decades, making it possible for blackjack fans to enjoy their favorite game in real time from the comfort of their homes. These days, nearly all online casinos offer live blackjack tables where players can have their cards dealt by professional dealers.

This adds a social element to the game, as you can chat and banter with fellow blackjack buffs while playing at a more relaxed pace. Live blackjack enables players to enjoy the ultimate real-life experience as the live action is streamed in HD directly to their desktop and mobile screens. The cards are dealt by highly professional and attractive dealers who often converse with patrons in their native language.

If you are interested in giving live dealer blackjack a try, you have landed on the right page. The following article from SuperCasinoSites covers everything you need to know about live blackjack and highlights the pros and cons of playing the game online against professional dealers.

How Live Dealer Blackjack Differs from RNG-Based Games

Online blackjack is nothing new; the first web-based casinos launched more than twenty years ago. Online blackjack games originally ran solely on Random Number Generators (RNG). The RNG is a piece of software that uses an initial seed value and complex algorithms to compute the random outcome of every single hand.

It relies on long sequences of random numbers devoid of any discernible patterns. In turn, this ensures that the result of each hand is completely independent of the rest. There are two main types of RNGs: hardware-based and software-based random number generators. Online casinos commonly utilize the second type. The algorithm here starts with a seed derived from repetitive yet random computer-based actions such as mouse clicks, keystrokes, or the PC clock.

However, it is impossible to create absolute randomness this way because the RNG relies on an algorithm that sooner or later will begin to repeat itself. Furthermore, one could reproduce the computations as long as they know the seed value with which the number sequence originally started. With that said, the algorithms are so complex that recreating them or predicting the outcomes of the hands dealt is practically impossible.

RNG-Based Games Are Insusceptible to Advantage Play

This process of random number generation continues even when no one is playing the respective online blackjack game. Perhaps more important, blackjack games that run on random number generators are immune to any existing form of advantage play.

The software automatically reshuffles all cards in play at the end of each round, so you are always playing against a neutral deck or shoe. The best you can do under such conditions is to use proper basic strategy. Of course, the RNG software used by all reputable online blackjack sites undergoes regular audits by independent testing companies to ensure it has not been tampered with.

By contrast, live blackjack enables fans of 21 to play against professional human dealers in real time, with the action streamed in high quality directly to their computer or smartphone screens. The dealers either reshuffle the cards manually or use shuffling machines to ensure randomness and unpredictable results.

Players use the gaming interface to place bets and make playing decisions. The live tables rely on Optical Camera Recognition (OCR) technology, which reads the values of the cards appearing on the table and converts them into an electronic format on the screen. Each live blackjack table also has a Gaming Control Unit (GCU) attached to it.

The latter encodes the game information and provides visual support to the dealers who run the table. Advantage play at live blackjack tables is theoretically possible, although online casinos take all necessary precautions to hinder such practices, as you shall see later.

Multiple cameras are used for the transmission, allowing players to choose from different camera angles. The entire experience is far more realistic than what RNG-based blackjack games could possibly offer. A built-in chat feature further encourages interaction between players and dealers.

Live Dealer Blackjack VIP Gameplay

Rule Variations in Live Dealer Blackjack

Similar to RNG-based 21, rules vary across live dealer tables depending on where you play and which provider powers the live-streamed action. There are differences regarding the number of decks in play, the dealer’s standing rules, and the conditions for doubling, splitting, surrendering, and so forth.

Players should not underestimate the importance of blackjack rules because they have a direct impact on expected value and the house edge. We recommend researching the playing conditions carefully before you join any live blackjack table, as certain rules give the house a bigger advantage than others. In the paragraphs that follow, we list some of the most common rule variations you should consider.

Betting Behind

Deck Number

Doubling Down

Dealer Rules

Resplitting

US House Rules

Late Surrender

Ten-Card Charlie

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Betting Behind

Some live blackjack tables allow betting behind, enabling you to place wagers on the hands of other seated players. Depending on the table, an unlimited number of patrons can bet behind.

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Deck Number

The number of decks also varies across live casinos. Most tables use 6 or 8 full decks dealt from a shoe. To hinder card counters, more casinos are turning to continuous shuffling machines, or CSMs.

The dealer deals from the CSM and places the discards back into the shuffler every few rounds. The machine then reshuffles all the decks together. The problem with CSMs is that players receive only about one deck’s worth of information, whereas card counting requires deeper penetration.

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Doubling Down

The doubling-down rules are also worth checking. At some live tables, players can double down on any two-card total, while at others this option is limited to starting hands totaling 9, 10, or 11.

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Dealer Rules

The dealer’s standing rules are important because they affect the game’s house edge. As a rule of thumb, look for live blackjack tables where the dealer stands, rather than hits, on soft 17. The S17 rule alone reduces the house edge by 0.22%.

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Resplitting

Resplitting pairs is possible at some live blackjack tables. After you split a pair and receive another card of the same value, you can split again.

Most live casinos prohibit players from hitting split pairs of aces. The dealer draws only one additional card to each ace and then moves on. It is also advisable to seek tables that allow doubling down after a split.

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US House Rules

Some live blackjack tables follow US house rules, meaning the dealer must check for blackjack after receiving an ace as the upcard. In some cases, the dealer also peeks for a natural when showing a ten-value card.

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Late Surrender

Seek live tables that offer late surrender. This rule lets you abandon a weak hand and reclaim half of your initial stake. Late surrender is valuable because it reduces the house edge by 0.07%.

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Ten-Card Charlie

The ten-card Charlie rule appears at some blackjack tables, especially those powered by Evolution Gaming. A ten-card Charlie occurs when a player builds a hand of ten cards without busting, that is, exceeding 21. A ten-card Charlie is an automatic winner against all dealer hands, except for blackjacks in some cases.

Side Bets at Live Blackjack Tables

Some live blackjack tables offer a range of side bets designed to make the game more exciting for players and more rewarding for the casino. These side bets carry large house edges and are generally disadvantageous for players. However, placing them occasionally will not hurt, as they are optional.

The most common set of side wagers comprises the so-called Perfect Pair bets. Extra payouts are awarded to players whose first two cards form specific pairs. The lower the probability of forming the respective pair, the greater the payout.

A perfect pair consists of two suited cards of identical numerical value, such as [Qs][Qs]. This is possible because live blackjack is typically dealt from multiple decks. Color pairs pay less because the probability of getting them from multiple decks is higher. A color pair comprises two cards whose suits are of the same color, like [Qs][Qc], for instance. Finally, a mixed pair is formed when the two cards are equal in numerical value but are of different suits, like [Qs][Qh].

Some live tables also feature another major set of side bets: the 21+3 wagers. Here, blackjack borrows from poker, as the player must form a three-card poker hand using their first two cards and the dealer’s upcard. Payouts are again proportionate to the probability of forming the respective poker hands.

Players who place the optional 21+3 side bet receive additional payouts for flushes, off-suit and suited trips, straight flushes, and straights. In Evolution Gaming’s games, the payouts range from 5 to 1 up to 100 to 1, depending on the winning poker hand.

Common Variations of Live Blackjack

One of live blackjack’s strengths is its flexibility, which allows operators to introduce new and exciting rule variations. Of course, plenty of live tables cater to purists and stick to the standard set of rules. If you want to diversify your experience, consider the live blackjack variations described below.

Party Blackjack

Common Draw Blackjack

Perfect Pairs/21+3 Blackjack

Pre-Decision Blackjack

Free-Bet Blackjack

Infinite Blackjack

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Party Blackjack

Party Blackjack is a great live option for casual gamblers who prefer small stakes. It is a highly dynamic game hosted by a presenter and a dealer in real time. If no seats are available, you can simply bet behind other players. The table has seven seats and also supports the optional side bets discussed earlier.

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Common Draw Blackjack

Common Draw Blackjack is popular among fans who enjoy faster, more dynamic gameplay. Available at some NetEnt-powered casinos, it uses six decks and accepts bets from $1 to $500.

The key difference is that all players share the same set of cards instead of playing separate hands. The game offers the Insurance and Even-Money options, but basic-strategy players should avoid them because they carry a higher house edge.

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Perfect Pairs/21+3 Blackjack

Perfect Pairs/21+3 Blackjack offers a wide range of optional side bets that can produce sizable payouts. More betting opportunities translate into greater excitement and potentially higher rewards for blackjack fans.

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Pre-Decision Blackjack

Pre-Decision Blackjack is one of the newest additions to Evolution Gaming’s growing suite of live tables. The game is faster and more engaging than conventional blackjack because all players make their decisions simultaneously with the first player instead of waiting for their turn.

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Free-Bet Blackjack

Free-Bet Blackjack is another innovative title from Evolution Gaming. The game automatically places split and double-down bets on hands that qualify, and you do not pay for these moves. Totals of 9, 10, and 11 qualify for free doubling, while all pairs except ten-value cards qualify for free splitting. The table supports an unlimited number of players.

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Infinite Blackjack

Infinite Blackjack offers unlimited seats, so any number of players can join the table at the same time. The Evolution Gaming version features low betting limits to accommodate small-stake players. Optional side bets include Any Pair, 21+3, Bust It, and Hot 3. The six-card Charlie rule is also in effect, meaning your hand is an automatic winner if it contains six cards totaling 21 or fewer.

The Hot 3 side wager pays higher prizes for combinations totaling 19, 20, or 21. The combination uses the dealer’s upcard plus the player’s first two cards. The top payout goes to three 7s. Bust It pays when the dealer busts with three or more cards. Finally, Any Pair awards an extra payout for any pair formed with your first two cards.

Comparison of Live Blackjack Software Providers

It is easy to see that Evolution Gaming is by far the largest and most productive provider of live blackjack. It offers a massive suite of live blackjack variations, spanning more than seventy tables. Of course, the exact number will vary depending on where you are playing.

Other notable providers of live dealer blackjack include NetEnt, Playtech, Extreme Live Gaming, Visionary iGaming, and Ezugi. Pragmatic Play recently joined the family of live casino providers but has yet to expand its selection of live blackjack variations. We suggest you go through the table below for all the details about these providers’ blackjack games.

Perks and Downsides of Playing Live Dealer Blackjack

As good as live blackjack is, it is not entirely free of flaws. Some players prefer the fast pace of RNG-based blackjack and find the live version too sluggish. Speed can be an issue for some, as can the occasional full table and the measures online casinos take to protect themselves from advantage play. Still, live dealer blackjack offers multiple advantages, including greater convenience and a highly authentic gaming environment that replicates the atmosphere in land-based casinos. Check out the main perks and downsides of live blackjack below.

The Perks of Playing Live Dealer Blackjack

The Downsides of Playing Live Blackjack

Convenience and authenticity are the biggest claim to fame of live blackjack. You get to see how real professional dealers are dealing your cards while you are relaxing in your home and sipping on a cold beverage. Of course, live blackjack is also available on mobile devices so you have your favorite casino game at your fingertips at all times. Moreover, you can tip your friendly dealer just like you would at a landbased casino. There is also a chat feature that facilitates the communication between players and dealers, further adding to the authenticity and sociability of live blackjack.

Reduced speed is a trait inherent to many live blackjack variations since you have to wait for other patrons to make their playing decisions before you finally get to act on your hand. Of course, this is also the case in landbased casinos. While annoying to some players, this more relaxed pace is not necessarily such a bad thing. It causes you to play fewer rounds per hour which results in lower hourly losses for basic strategy players. Then again, if you insist on speed, you can always try some of the faster-paced live variations like Speed Blackjack and Pre-Decision Blackjack.

Players who join the live blackjack dealers have no reason for concern when it comes to fairness. Fair playing conditions are at hand because you have your cards dealt by a real human being in real-time. Also, the cards are significantly larger than standard cards. The value of each card that leaves the shoe is read by a detector on the table. You will experience no issues in seeing the totals of your hands.

Similarly to their landbased counterparts, live casinos take all the necessary precautions to stop advantage players from exploiting the game through techniques like card counting and shuffle tracking. Many live blackjack tables use Continuous Shuffling Machines (CSMs), with the dealers putting the discards back in the shuffler after every couple of rounds. Of course, it is impossible to count cards or look for shuffling patterns in such conditions. Yet, there are live tables where the decks are manually shuffled by the dealers and cards are dealt out of a regular shoe. Card counting is possible albeit useless at such tables because the dealers give you a very shallow penetration between reshuffles, usually 40% to 50%.

Language is no barrier when it comes to live blackjack. As you probably noticed in the table above, most providers of live casino software offer tables operated by native-speaking dealers. Moreover, the blackjack games of some studios are available in over twenty languages so there is a good chance your native language is also supported.

Full tables can also be an issue at certain times. You take a comfortable seat on your comfy sofa, grab your phone, log into your account, and open your favorite blackjack variation only to find out all the seats are already taken by other players. If betting behind is unavailable or you are altogether averse to the idea, you will have to creep around and wait for a player to vacate a betting spot. However, this is but a small issue you can easily remedy by playing variations that support an unlimited number of players, like Infinite Blackjack, for example.