Live casino allows you to compete against a real croupier and other players, making the games much more exciting and realistic. Live Blackjack is one such game which has gained popularity amongst many players. Although it boasts simple rules, it still requires players to develop certain skills. What are the basic rules of the game? How do you play Blackjack against real croupiers at a live casino?
Live Blackjack on the go. Yes, you heard that absolutely right. The players can engross themselves in playing their favourite Live Blackjack games on the go, on multiple gaming platforms including smartphone, tablet, iPhone and iPad. All the Live Blackjack games streamed in live casinos are compatible with both iOS and Android devices. Live dealer blackjack is available in most types of blackjack online, typically using four decks. A live video stream of a dealer at a casino, with players joining remotely to place bets at the table, makes this the closest thing to playing at a land-based casino. While Blackjackinfo is filled with information about strategy, sometimes all you want is fun and Evolution Gaming powered casinos are the best at providing an entertaining live blackjack experience. They use 8 decks and have a house edge of about 0.73% (RTP 99.27%) with the options for side bets called Perfect Pairs and 21 + 3.
Blackjack Rules
Online Blackjack is a simple card game which owes its origins to the game 'Twenty-One'. Despite its straightforward rules, it still requires the right skills and excellent knowledge of the game, if it is to be played well. Your primary task is to build a hand value equal to or as close to 21 points as possible. However, you must not exceed 21 points, or you lose instantly. To play Live Blackjack, you first have to understand how to calculate your hand’s value:
- The value of numbered cards corresponds to the number on the card. Thus, 2 is two points, 7 is seven points, and 10 is ten points.
- Face cards, such as the Jack, Queen and King, are worth 10 points.
- Ace can adopt the value of either 1 or 11 depending on whether you have a soft or hard hand.
At the beginning of each game, the croupier deals two cards to himself and the player. Both the player's cards are exposed, but one card of the croupier is dealt face-down. The player may take various actions in an attempt to build the strongest hand equal to or close to 21 points. When the player decides to stand, the croupier must draw new cards or stand, depending on what the casino’s rules compel him to do. If the croupier fails to obtain a hand with a higher value, the player’s win is equal to the bet amount. If the first two cards in your hand are an Ace and a face card or a 10, you have a classic blackjack and win 3 to 2 (e.g. you win 150 chips if you place 100 chips in the bet).
What actions can you take in Live Blackjack?
When the croupier deals your cards, you can choose from a variety of actions to create a hand with the most profitable hand value. Thus, Blackjack is not only a game of luck but one which requires experience, skills and a good knowledge of the rules. Here's an overview of all the possible actions in Blackjack:
- Hit (you draw a card) – If the value of the first two cards is equal to or lower than 10 points, you can draw another card without any risks. However, if your hand exceeds 10 points, another card may put your score over 21 points, leading to an instant loss.
- Stand (you don't draw any cards) – If you're satisfied with your hand value, you can choose to stand and refrain from drawing any more cards. In this case, the croupier takes the necessary actions based on the casino’s rules.
- Double Down – After receiving the first two cards, you may choose to double your bet if you think your hand is strong enough.
- Split – This technique can be used when you have an identical pair of cards, and it allows you to divide your hand in two and place a second bet equal to the first one. The croupier will then add another card to the split pair.
- Insurance – If the croupier's first card is an Ace, you can buy insurance by placing a bet on the possibility that his second card is a face card or a 10. This occurrence is called a classic blackjack, and you win double your insurance bet. If you lose the round, you still lose your original bet.
- Surrender – This is a rarely-used and unprofitable step which ends the game instantly. You can only surrender at the beginning of the game, and if you do, you receive 50% of your bet back. You cannot take this action when it’s the croupier's turn.
Although the rules of online Blackjack are simple, the steps described above demonstrate that there are several ways the game can take its course. In practice, the game requires experience and good strategic knowledge based on the theory of probability. In Blackjack, the casino has a slightly higher advantage over the player, but the right actions may reduce this edge and tip the scales in your favour.
Live Dealer Blackjack
The croupier is always in a more privileged position than the player because he knows your hand value from the beginning of the game. It may seem that the croupier's task is to simply draw further cards until he defeats the player or exceeds 21 points. It is, however, not as simple as it sounds because he must comply with specific casino rules:
1. If the croupier's first card is an Ace, he must ask the player whether he wants to buy insurance on the probability that his hand has a total value of 21 (i.e. a classic blackjack). It rarely happens that both the player and the croupier have a classic blackjack. If it does have a value of 21 and the player would have bought the insurance, most casinos acknowledge it as a win on the part of the player, but such a situation can be considered as a tie because you win the insurance bet, but lose your initial bet.
2. If the croupier's hand has a value of 16 points or less, he must draw a card, even when its current value is higher than that of the player's.
3. If the value of the croupier's hand is 17 points or more, he cannot draw another card, even if his current hand value is lower than that of the player's.
Therefore, the casino rules which the croupier must adhere to may make the casino's advantage not as considerable as you may initially think. Depending on the table's value, it’s estimated that the casino's advantage ranges from 0.5 to 5.48%. By choosing the optimal actions, you can minimise the edge considerably and increase your winning chances.
What does Live Blackjack entail?
The live casino section is dedicated to players who feel confident and skilled enough to compete live. You must remember that Live Blackjack can be stressful, and therefore, the decisions you take under stress may not always be correct. Live casino provides you with several tables which may differ in terms of the betting limits and game rules (e.g. how to settle a tie). Here are some basic rules which are applicable to Live Blackjack:
- The game takes place at an interactive table with large cards to guarantee excellent visibility. A few players can play at the same table simultaneously and compete against a real croupier.
- All participating players are required to place a bet for the game to start. To do so, you use virtual chips with an assigned nominal value.
- Live Blackjack uses several card packs. The cards used in past rounds are put aside, and after a specific number of rounds, the used cards are replaced.
- At some tables, the pack may include jokers, which take the most profitable value from the player's point of view, and may also offer a bonus due to their higher multipliers.
- Some tables apply additional rules, e.g. a bonus is offered when you have an identical pair of cards. These bonuses can help you obtain a higher win multiplier, as long as you defeat the croupier.
Before you start gambling, it's best to familiarise yourself with the specific rules at any live Blackjack table, as there are subtle differences which may award bonuses. The player may be able to make so-called side bets at the beginning of each round to gain additional rewards.
What elements influence the course of Live Blackjack?
Blackjack is not perceived as a purely-random game. However, luck plays a significant role because it determines the strength of your initial hand's value. You have to take into account that luck is a major determining factor from the croupier's point of view as well. Here are some factors which can help you obtain a higher edge in the game:
- Blackjack Strategy chart – This is an extensive table which suggests the best action you can take based on the initial hand value. It relies on the theory of probability and always recommends the best move you can make.
- Avoiding insurance – Basic strategy charts don't illustrate any situations in which buying insurance is advisable. The casino is at a higher advantage, and, in the long term, this action will lead to inevitable losses.
- Surrender doesn't pay off – Basic strategy charts don't portray surrender as one of the advisable actions. Regardless of the casino's advantage, you should always continue the game because the chances of building a good hand are still high.
- Bankroll management – Many players who end up going over their budget are the ones who frequently resort to side bets. The chances of winning a side bet are not so good in Blackjack, and you have to win the round to be awarded any possible wins from side bets. For this reason, you should only make side bets if you're in it for the extra fun. If your primary goal is to make some profit, steer away from these bets.
- Experience – If you're new to Live Blackjack, start with low bets. Keep in mind that LV BET casino offers a free demo mode which can be a fantastic testing ground for new players to prepare themselves for the Live Blackjack experience.
Basic Blackjack Strategy
As already mentioned, luck has got a lot to do with whether you win or not when playing online Blackjack. However, a basic strategy chart based on the theory of probability has been developed to help players. It's a table which presents the best actions you can take in relation to specific scenarios in the game and which considers both the croupier's and the player's hand values. In Live Blackjack, you can consult with the table to choose the best possible action. Strategy and knowledge may help you raise your chances of achieving a win at this game.
Live Blackjack Bonuses
LV BET casino provides several attractive offers. The innovative casino bonus at LV Bet can make Blackjack even more entertaining. Apart from being awarded additional funds, you can also win lots of free spins on selected slots when taking part in casino tournaments.
Live Blackjack at LV BET
As already mentioned above, Blackjack is a relatively simple card game which has exploded in popularity. However, you'll need experience, skills and strategy knowledge to increase your chances of winning.
LV BET online casino offers several Blackjack variants with side bets, which can award you with higher wins when your hand is of a specific value. You can gain valuable experience by playing the free demo Blackjack in the table games section, and when you decide to start playing for real money, join the live casino.
FAQ
✅ What is the bet to win ratio?
If you win a Blackjack round, your win corresponds to your bet amount. Classic Blackjack is paid 3 to 2 and insurance pays 2 to 1.
✅ What bonuses can Blackjack offer?
In some Blackjack variants, the player may, for instance, place a side bet on the possibility that he will receive two identical cards. If it does occur, the possible win can be multiplied by up to x100.
✅ What happens in the case of a tie?
In most Blackjack variants, a tie means the return of the original bet to the player, but in other variants, a tie may be considered in the player's favour.
✅ How can you prepare for live gambling?
If you're still inexperienced at Live Blackjack, we suggest that you visit the table games section and play against a computer algorithm.
In the beginning, choose a table which allows small bets if you want to develop your skills gradually. Do visit the LV BET promotions section when playing at the live casino section, as you may get your hands on exciting offers which can make the game more attractive. One of the promotions you can benefit from is a cashback bonus which you can receive when playing in the live section.
Evolution Live Blackjack is the fastest, slickest, richest-featured online Blackjack game available anywhere. Everything’s optimised perfectly for the best possible playing experience on desktop, tablet and smartphone – and on the largest selection of live tables or at dedicated tables created exclusively for any operator.
Our numerous Blackjack variants meet the needs of both experienced and new players. Providing even further choice and variety are unique new takes on Blackjack, such as our super-fast Speed Blackjack, as well as our Infinite Blackjack games. Most Blackjack tables are based on our regular seven-seat Blackjack with the option to Bet Behind, while all our games in the Infinite family offers unlimited seats at the table.
Live Blackjack
As fast and as fun as it gets, our standard seven seat Blackjack offers the largest number of standard and VIP tables from a single source for players on multiple devices. It’s the fastest, slickest, richest-featured regular online Live Blackjack game anywhere.
Endlessly entertaining, with added-value features such as optional 21+3 and Perfect Pairs side bets, plus initial decision, Bet Behind and a ‘DEAL NOW’ button to quicken the pace and pulse still further and add huge scalability. Our friendly, professional dealers greet players and interact throughout the game. Players take their virtual seat and try to achieve a hand that’s closer to 21 than the dealer’s hand. It’s really simple to enjoy the game with its choice of optional Insurance, Double Down and Split Pair bets.
Our Live Blackjack tables include a wide range of tables from low stakes up to VIP to suit all player types.
Speed Blackjack
Speed Blackjack is our fastest Blackjack yet and the latest addition to our Speed family of games! The game follows the same rules as regular Blackjack but with a key difference – the dealing order when it is time for the player to make their decision.
Live Dealer Blackjack
Each player’s first two cards are dealt as normal. When the dealing is complete, all players are simultaneously offered the opportunity to Hit, Double Down or Split. The player who makes the fastest decision will get their next card dealt first.
INFINITE BLACKJACK
Massively scalable Live Blackjack with unlimited seats at the table, low bet limits, four optional side bets (Any Pair, 21+3, Hot 3 and Bust It) and the Six Card Charlie rule.
In the main game a limitless number of players are dealt a common initial two-card hand. Thereafter, each player has complete freedom to play that hand just the way they want.
FREE BET BLACKJACK
Part of our Infinite range of games, Free Bet Blackjack is based on the most popular variety of Blackjack played in land-based casinos. The game includes the big added attraction of selected free Double Down and Split bets.
In Free Bet Blackjack players get a free Double Down bet on two-card with hard totals of 9, 10 or 11. Added to that are free Split bets on all pairs except 10s. What’s more, the free bets are automatically offered to the player whenever their hand qualifies, so there’s no effort required by the player.
Free Bet Blackjack comes with four optional side bets (Any Pair, 21+3, Hot 3 and Bust It) and the Six Card Charlie rule.
Power Blackjack
The latest instalment in our Infinite range of games where an unlimited number of players have the chance to win big. The game includes the opportunity to Double, Triple or Quadruple Down on any two initial cards, even after a split!
The game is played with 8 decks, where the 9s and 10s have been removed from each deck but picture cards remain in the deck. This means 64 cards less in the shoe and the opportunity for Blackjack players to try new strategies.
Power Blackjack comes with four optional side bets (Any Pair, 21+3, Hot 3 and Bust It) but there is no Six Card Charlie rule.
SALON PRIVÉ
Our elite, super-elegant online private gaming environment offering high maximum bets and enhanced control for your most discerning, high wagering players (subject to minimum bankroll requirements).
Heightened levels of VIP customer service include a VIP Room Manager present at all times, In addition, the player has control over choice of dealer, the shuffle and game speed using a ‘DEAL NOW’ button.
VIP
VIP Blackjack adds even more allure, offering the kind of experience high rollers enjoy in the very best casinos.
In our distinctively styled VIP environment, high wagering customers can play with like-minded players.
Blackjack Party
A low-stakes, party-style variant of our world-leading Live Blackjack, complete with massively scalable Bet Behind. With music and bubbly chat and game guidance from our TV-trained duo of dealer and co-presenter/hostess, the focus is firmly on fun for the greatest number of players.
Added to this, a virtually unlimited number of players can bet behind the hottest players while they wait for one of the 7 seats to become free. Seated players can also Bet Behind any other seat or seats – and all with lively encouragement from our dealer-presenter team!
Dedicated Blackjacks
With Blackjack tables and environments dedicated exclusively to a single operator we provide virtually limitless opportunities to strengthen your brand.
The environment can be branded and customised in every aspect to meet your business needs. Design options includes physical backdrops, lightbox backdrops, 3D graphics and blue screen.
Bet Behind
Bet Behind allows players to place bets behind one or more of the main 7 players seated at the table. This adds massive multi-player scalability and huge revenue potential to our 7-seat games. Players can Bet Behind while they wait for one of the 7 main seats. Alternatively, a player in one of the main seats can choose to bet behind any other seat.
Low stakes for the Bet Behind option can encourage new players to sample the thrill of Live Blackjack.
Side Bets
The Perfect Pairs and 21+3 side bets add extra interest and betting opportunities.
Perfect Pairs side bet: The player can win increasing payouts if the first two cards they are dealt make up a Mixed, Coloured or Perfect Pair.
21+3 side bet: The chance to win on a whole range of Poker-style card combinations made up of the player’s first two cards and the one open card (upcard) in the dealer’s hand.
Initial Decision
Initial decision* cuts waiting time by allowing players in seats two to seven to make initial decision bets. In other words, players don’t have to wait for their turn – they can make their initial decision to Hit, Stand, Double Down or Split at the same time that the player in seat one is asked to make his or her betting decision.
Online Live Blackjack Usa
*Please note that initial decision is not available on Infinite, Free Bet, Power Blackjack and Speed Blackjack.
Dedicated Live Blackjack Tables and Environments – exclusive to your brand and your operations.