Live Dealer Blackjack

What Is Live Blackjack

Live Blackjack is an increasingly common variation of online blackjack, much loved due to its simplicity and fast pace. The live version manages to maintain all there is to love about the game, while still giving the player the authenticity and experience of the more traditional, land-based casino. Effectively, playing live blackjack online means you’ve got your favorite game right at your fingertips, while never sacrificing the much revered casino experience. It’s the best of both worlds.

Pros and Cons of Playing Live Blackjack

There are a LOT of positives to playing live blackjack. But as with just about everything, there are negatives to consider too. Here’s a look at some of the pros and cons of live blackjack.

Pros

• Immersive casino experience

Real dealers, real tables, real time – it’s just like being in a land-based casino

• Social interaction

Chat to the dealers and other players, taking your online blackjack experience to a new level

• Transparency

Some players trust what they see. And seeing a real dealer rather than an automated game can help to build trust.

Cons

• Slower gameplay

Manual shuffling and dealing, more players, and extra time for decision making makes live blackjack much slower than online blackjack, where everything is done instantly

• Higher betting limits

Some players prefer small betting limits, but live blackjack usually has a higher minimum bet due to the additional running costs

All in all, the positives of playing live blackjack outweigh the negatives. Betting limits vary table to table and can still be relatively low. And although the gameplay is slower, it doesn’t have a significantly negative effect – it’s what really helps immerse yourself in the real casino experience.

How to Play Live Blackjack

Playing Live Blackjack is… easy. There are a number of reasons why this game is a certified casino classic – and its simplicity is most definitely one of them.

Here we’ll tell you all about the basic rules of blackjack, how to start a game, the difference between live blackjack and other variations and most importantly of all, how to win! Not that we can guarantee success…

Basic Rules of Blackjack

There are a few different rules to learn in blackjack, but the basic blackjack casino rules are as follows:

The game starts after you’ve placed your bets. You’ll place your main bet and have the choice to place any side bets.The dealer will hand out four cards; two to you — the player — facing upwards, and another two to themselves. This time showing only one. 

If the dealer has a blackjack (Ace + 10-card) then the dealer wins, you lose and the game ends. If the player reveals a blackjack, the script is flipped. That’s an instant win for you with a 3:2 payout.

As in most cases, if there’s no Natural 21 (blackjack) then the game continues. You can hit or stand in a bid to get your hand closest to 21 but beware, if you go over then you are bust – automatically losing.

If you outscore the dealer, it’s a win with a 1:1 payout. A higher score for the dealer results in a loss. And if the scores are tied, that’s what is known as a push. Meaning you’ll get your stake returned to you, ready to go on the next hand.

Steps to Start a Live Blackjack Game

Starting a live blackjack game is all rather simple, and not all too different to beginning a session of online blackjack. Providing you’ve signed up to a reputable online casino, created an account and deposited your funds, you’re ready to go.

As with any game of blackjack, you’ll need to join the table and place your bets before the game begins – including any side bets you want to place. 

The only notable difference between online blackjack live dealer and traditional online blackjack is you’ll be playing with other players. This means you’ll experience slower gameplay, get involved in social interaction (if you feel like it!) and have to take other players’ hands into consideration. But it’s still a whole lotta fun.

Types of Live Blackjack Games

There are a number of different live blackjack formats designed to appeal to different types of players. 

The most common version is classic live blackjack, where multiple players play with standard blackjack rules – like the dealer standing on soft 17 and payouts of 3:2 for blackjack. This can be taken to new levels on Higher Limit and VIP tables. The rules remain the same, but minimum bets are raised to suit higher stakes players.

Other popular variations include Live European Blackjack, which has slightly different rules for the dealer. They’ll wait until all bets have been placed before checking for a Natural 21, for example.

Infinite Blackjack, where an unlimited number of players can join a single game. Using four common starting hands, all players can participate without needing additional seats

Speed Blackjack is for players who want a fast-paced experience. You can make moves out of turn, speeding up hands and minimizing wait time.

Free Bet Blackjack offers free splits and double-downs on certain hands, as opposed to having to double your stake. This means potentially increased winnings without the additional risk.

Strategies for Winning at Live Blackjack

To win at blackjack, implementing basic strategy and having a thorough understanding of the game rules is key. Unlike roulette, for example, there aren’t different ‘types’ of strategy to implement. It’s just a case of knowing what works and what reduces the house edge as much as possible.

Learn when to hit, stand, double or down. There are some numbers where you should always hit, others where you should always stand, and plenty in between. Learn how the dealer’s upturned card should affect your decision.

In live blackjack especially, knowing basic strategy and being able to put it into practice is vital due to the shorter time allowed to make your decisions. In online blackjack, you’ve got all the time in the world to decide and weigh up your options – but dealers and other players won’t wait for you under the lights of a live studio.

Choose the best table for you. Not just based on betting limits, but more for games where the advantage is tipped in your favor. There are tables where the dealer stands on a soft 17, for example. This reduces the house edge. On the flip side, there are tables that pay 6:5 for blackjack instead of 3:2. That’s something you want to avoid.

Last but not least, bankroll and time management is essential. Set your limits and stick to them, whether it’s how much you want to spend, how much you want to win or how long you want to play for. If you’ve got a target in mind and you reach it, walk away while you’re on top.

Some of these points may not sound like “strategy” on the face of things, but they’re all essential if you want the very best live blackjack experience.

Live Blackjack on Mobile Devices

Playing live blackjack on your mobile device or tablet offers a world of convenience and flexibility. If you have a stable internet connection, you can play live blackjack in real time whenever and wherever you are.

If your favorite online casino has a dedicated app, take advantage of it – you’re likely to experience increased reliability and performance. However, most online casinos now have mobile-optimized websites so you’re still guaranteed a top-quality experience if accessing through your mobile browser. For the best experience, a stable and fast internet connection is essential, as live blackjack requires smooth video streaming to maintain a consistent and enjoyable experience. 

Desktop versions may give you a bigger screen, but mobile platforms have all the other benefits with that added convenience of being able to play on the move. Game layouts are user-friendly, with touchscreen controls helping you make every bet and every decision as simple as possible. You can still chat in-game, place all the same bets and side bets, and immerse yourself in the same live blackjack experience. 

Overall, live blackjack on mobile is highly recommended; a great addition bringing the world of casino to your fingertips in a fast and fun kinda way, without sacrificing any of the features or game quality you’d associate with playing on a desktop browser.

Tips for Playing Live Dealer Blackjack 

Our number one tip: read this article! Apart from that, here’s a quick rundown of live casino blackjack rules and some top tips to set you on your way to success.

Step one: understanding the objectives and the card values. Your mission is to get to 21 and beat the dealer along the way. High-scoring hands of 16, 17 and sometimes even 18 are not that likely to win. That’s not us telling you to hit on 18, by the way. But just remember that when you’re weighing up your hand.

Another handy hint is to utilize the flexibility of aces, creating soft or hard hands. If you’ve not got a blackjack, their ability to act as a 1 or 11 can prove very useful – effectively giving you an extra hit if you’re not sure what route to take.

Learn strategies and avoid common mistakes. Know what numbers are best to hit, stand, split and double. Side Bets can help you win big, but are unlikely to prove profitable in the long run. Try to avoid blackjack insurance – it cuts into any potential winnings.

Find your favorite online blackjack game and variation. Do you prefer standard blackjack or European Blackjack? Do you prefer playing in real time with real dealers in a live casino? Pick the option that suits you best.

Most importantly, observe, practice and play. There’s no foolproof strategy for success in live blackjack but the more you play, the more you learn. And any extra knowledge will come in very helpful if you’re going to beat the casino and walk away with live blackjack real money.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’ve made it this far, well done! And if you just skipped to this part for quick answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about live blackjack, we don’t mind!

Here are some FAQs that’ll tell you everything you could possibly need to know about live blackjack, from how it works to how to win. Not that we can guarantee that, of course…

How does live blackjack work?

Live blackjack works in very much the same way as a game of standard online blackjack. The main difference is obvious – the live version uses a real dealer and real cards in real time, via live studio streaming, therefore creating the authentic casino experience.

Because of this and due to other players at the table, the gameplay will be slower than online blackjack, where all processes — like dealing and reshuffling, for example — are automated. You can also communicate with the dealer via the live chat tool, and they will respond verbally to any questions, issues or general chat. They’ll also announce the outcomes, the winners and just maintain a good vibe around the blackjack table.

Apart from that, it’s as you were. Place your bets to get the game started and away you go. Hit, stand, split or double your way to success.

How to win live dealer blackjack?

There are a few ways to win in live dealer blackjack, but the aim is always the same: beat the dealer in a battle to 21. 

You can guarantee a win with a natural blackjack — that’s an ace combined with a 10, jack, queen or king. You’ll win instantly with a boosted payout at odds of 3 to 2. Another way to win is by outscoring the dealer – whether that’s with two cards, five cards or more. Do that and you’ll be paid out at odds of 1:1. You lose if the dealer gets a natural blackjack, or if you go bust.

There are more ways to win, with most live blackjack games offering side bets such as Perfect Pair and 21+3. These are extra bets with higher payouts, relating to the cards shown face up by the dealer. They come with higher risk, but can add more excitement and bigger profits to your live blackjack experience.

What is the difference between live blackjack and regular online blackjack?

The only real difference between live blackjack and regular online blackjack is the actual gameplay, rather than any change in rules.

Live blackjack is played in a live studio (hence the name!) where real dealers dish out real cards in real time, via a streamed video feed. In regular online blackjack, the game is automated by a random number generator (RNG) with virtual cards and virtual dealers.

How does this impact things? As a result, live blackjack will be played at a slower pace, as it would be if you were seated at a table in a land-based casino. The dealer will naturally take longer to shuffle and deal. Online blackjack will do both these things instantly. There’ll be time limits on decision making and you’ll be playing with other players, whereas you’re on your own in online blackjack with all the time in the world.

Can I use basic blackjack strategy in live blackjack?

As in all online blackjack games, you can and should definitely use basic strategy when it comes to playing live blackjack. 

Learn all the best approaches and probabilities for when to hit, stand, double or split and apply this to every game you play. Familiarize yourself with the table rules, like whether the dealer has to hit or stand on soft 17. Learn the common mistakes often made in live blackjack… and avoid at all costs.

Absorbing all this information and putting it together at the table will help reduce the house edge, and give you the best possible chance of walking away with a profit.

Is card counting possible in live blackjack?

You’ve gotta be good! Theoretically, card counting in live blackjack is possible, but the differing game conditions make it almost impossible.

Card counting is all about tracking high and low cards to predict favorable situations. But live blackjack games tend to use between six and eight decks and most importantly, reshuffle frequently. Sometimes after every single round. Live casinos are known to implement automatic shufflers too, also preventing card counting. If you do attempt card counting in live blackjack, the advantage will be minimal at best. Your best bet is to focus on a solid blackjack strategy.

Are the odds different in live blackjack compared to traditional blackjack?

No, not for the vast majority of the time anyway. Live blackjack casino is designed to simulate the traditional experience – and that’s reflected in both the gameplay and the odds.

Some odds can vary based on the table rules (some blackjacks pay 6:5 rather than 3:2 for example) but generally the odds remain the same, as does the casino’s house edge.

How do I interact with the dealer in live blackjack?

Like a little chat at the blackjack table? Well now you can, thanks to the chat feature available on most live blackjack tables. It’s a great little addition to bring your online casino experience to life.

The chat feature enables you to exchange typed messages with the dealer and other players, to which the dealer can respond orally in real time. The dealer will keep you updated with the rules, the outcome, the winners and maintain a friendly atmosphere around the table.

There will be strict rules to the chat to keep things in order, so watch your language! If not, you could have chat restrictions applied or lose your place at the table.

Can I play live blackjack on my mobile phone or tablet?

Yes, absolutely. It’s one of the reasons why online live blackjack is so popular. The majority of online casinos offer mobile compatibility for casino games, so you can enjoy live blackjack on your phone or tablet anytime, anywhere.

A strong and stable internet connection is recommended to ensure the smoothest experience, leading to clear video streaming and quick and easy interaction. Any lag or broken connection could see you lose your place at the table and forfeit any bets placed on that game.

And if your online casino has a dedicated mobile app, take advantage! The connection is usually more reliable through an app than your mobile browser.

What are the minimum and maximum betting limits in live blackjack?

Betting limits in live blackjack — and all blackjack variations, in fact — will always vary by casino and table. However, due to the additional costs of running live blackjack, you’re likely to find the minimum bet is higher than a standard game of online blackjack. 

Minimum bets will often be $5 or $10, although many online casinos will have higher limits and VIP tables with minimum bets of $50, for example — and maximum bets rising to thousands of dollars. In online blackjack, you can find tables with minimum bets of $0.10.

This information should be readily available onsite before joining a table, giving you the chance to make an informed decision based on your bankroll.

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