- Blackjack Dealer Rules
- Blackjack Dealer Costume
- Blackjack Dealer Rules
- How To Deal Blackjack
- Blackjack Dealer Has To Hit
- Blackjack Dealer School
- A blackjack dealer is an individual who works in a casino and who deals the cards for blackjack. Blackjack is a table game in which players aim to reach as close to 21 as possible without going over. The object for players is to either have a higher number than the dealer and/or for the dealer to go over 21 so the players will win their hands.
- Genre: Card & Casino. If you like Blackjack, you'll love Microsoft Bubble! Beat the dealer! Make your bet, and you're dealt two cards. If you think you can get closer to 21 without going over, have the dealer.
BlackJack has taken saltwater bay fishing boats to an entirely new level of performance and style. Building on a long family legacy of superior boat design and craftsmanship, BlackJack boats stand out.
Live dealer blackjack is one of the best additions to the online gambling market since the first online casino was launched in the 1990’s. Most online casinos now offer blackjack which is streamed with top-quality software, but now, thanks to our site, you can find the best of these sites that offer live dealer blackjack tables!
In most ways, it’s the same as sitting down at your local casino and playing a few hands of blackjack, except without having to leave your house. You can now even play on the go, with your tablet or smartphone, and win real money wherever you go. Live online blackjack has finally arrived and once you’ve tried it, you’ll never go back to your old casinos again!
Live BlackJack on Online Casinos for US Players
[/geot]
A live online blackjack game needs to strike a balance between two extremes. It physically cannot have all of the factors that go into a game in the real world but, at the same time, the designers are pushing to get away from the standard digital-only format. At the moment, they seem to have found a great compromise. You still have an image of a table that exists only in cyberspace, except the events unfold in real time in front of your very eyes with a real-life dealer running the show.
The way it works is you have a box which is streaming from a real-life casino, so you can see him deal the cards in front of you and also interact with him via a chat box, while you make bets in your virtual lobby. This combined makes for a live blackjack game that runs smoothly, plus, as you can see him, there is no margin for corruption. As well as this, you may also be joined at the live table by several other players who could be playing from anywhere in the world!
The live blackjack you see on this site is guaranteed to be a live broadcast of a well-trained dealer, who is specifically running your live blackjack game from a remote location. You can even chat with them directly via the chat box if you are not convinced.
Blackjack with live dealers like this brings you as close as possible to the fun and exciting casino experience you would expect in bricks and mortar venues. As such, it really feels like they have beamed a real casino directly into your home!
In addition to blackjack, most of these sites have other live table games like live roulette and live dealer baccarat, which are also worth trying if you like all types of table games.
Live Blackjack for US Players
Even though they make up the largest market for live dealer blackjack, United States players have fewer options to play live dealer blackjack than players in some other countries. This is largely because of the hostile legal environment in the United States since the passage of UIGEA (the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act) of 2006.
It is worth noting, that UIGEA doesn’t make it illegal for all U.S. citizens to gamble online and casino players can try legal online live blackjack games at operators active in New Jersey and Pennsylvania who have legalised online casino. State laws vary, so we recommend that you consult a reputable source of information about the laws in your state for more information. You can find some information on the legality in different states here.
At this time, Microgaming is one of the largest suppliers of live dealer games, but they don’t accept players from most US states.
The best way to learn which live dealer casinos accept US players is to follow the advice on this site or visit the homepage of the individual casinos. We offer pages about which live dealer casinos are available for US players, which should be a good starting point.
As live blackjack for US players is a very competitive market, you need be sure that you are finding one that is extremely experienced. That is why we would recommend casinos run by well-known providers for some time and played by thousands of Americans. As such, we would say these have the best live blackjack platform available for US Players.
The reasons for this are down to the styles they offer. Their blackjack variations offer the most player-friendly rules in the industry. These rules include the option to double after splitting and to double on any two cards. As well as this, the dealer also stands on soft 17, which favors the player. The house edge for these games is 0.41%, but only if you’re following perfect basic strategy.
Live Blackjack in Other Countries
Each country has their own unique set of laws and rules concerning online gambling. These laws create a situation where some live dealer casinos are available in some areas and not available in others.
You need to research the laws in your country before playing for real money.
If you don’t know which online casinos offer live blackjack in your country, a quick and easy way to find out is see if you can make a deposit. If you can get money into an online casino, it means they offer live games where you live.
This doesn’t always mean it’s legal, but players in most countries don’t have to worry about criminal prosecution. Most countries are more interested in the owners and operators, not the players when they start trying to shut down online casinos. At the same time, please consider that this doesn’t mean that you’ll be safe just because other players have been.
Contact an attorney or lawyer if you have any concerns or questions.
Game Variations
One of the things you’ll enjoy playing at live dealer online blackjack, which you often don’t see in a land-based casino, is the wide range of different options and rules.
We suppose it’s similar to visiting a bunch of different land-based casinos with each offering different rules and setups. However, even then, there is still likely to be a much wider variety of options available online.
It is also much easier as you haven’t the need to travel hundreds of miles between different places, as the best online casino will offer loads of options for live blackjack all in one place. As well as this, you can also switch casinos quickly and easily if you get bored of games on one site.
Here’s a list of some of the available options for online live dealer blackjack play:
- The number of decks – Most online games use 6 or 8 decks, but you can also find 7 deck games occasionally. These are put in play to prevent card counting mainly, but they can have a knock-on effect other on rules, like when to Surrender for example.
- Stand or hit a soft 17 – Just like at your local casino, the dealers will hit or stand on a soft 17 based on the house rules.
- Regional rules – Although blackjack is generally the same in every country, there are some differences between European and American blackjack. These reflect the options you have in-play. You can find out specifics about this here. As well as this, there may even be slightly different rules when playing at Vegas Strip and Atlantic City tables too. It’s important to read up on the rules before you start playing.
- Other rules – Other rules include the ability to double on any two cards or just on certain totals, how many times you can split if you can hit split aces and whether or not doubling down is allowed.
Betting Limits
Every casino, both online and land-based, sets its betting limits based on a number of factors.
Usually, casinos also have posted betting limits at their tables and real limits that they’re willing to use for true high rollers.
Blackjack Dealer Rules
You probably won’t see a sign stating that a casino will accept a million dollar bet, but you can probably find some casinos that will. If you want to play at a higher limit in a land-based casino, you need to ask the dealer or the pit boss.
When you play online it can be harder to get the limits raised. You can contact the support department, but don’t count on it doing any good. As such, your best bet is to simply find a casino with high limits from the get-go.
Some of the highest live dealer blackjack limits can be found at European online casinos such as Guts Casino and RedBet Casino. They both offer the ability to wager up to $2,000 per hand. However, the highest one I’ve seen is the $10,000 per hand offered by Ladbrokes Casino.
But be aware, If you play just 50 hands per hour it means you’ll be betting approximately $100,000 per hour at $2,000 a hand, and $500,000 an hour at $10,000 a hand. So be careful when you start playing at the highest limits.
Software Providers of Live Blackjack with Real Dealers
Just like you can find online casinos that use software from a wide range of vendors, you can find live dealer blackjack games offered by many different software companies. The most popular live dealer companies are listed below with a short summary covering the games they offer. You can also find more details about each provider on our live blackjack comparison page
Evolution Gaming is one of the most well-known live gaming software providers. They currently offer four different blackjack games, including two different VIP tables. Some of the rules and options available on one or more of the four variations of Evolution Gaming blackjack include double on 9 to 11, double on any, private table, ability to hit split aces, ability to re-split hands and surrender, with some casinos offering side bets too.
Microgamingoffers a single live dealer option that is a 7 seat multiplayer game using an 8 deck shoe. The dealer stands on soft 17, players aren’t allowed to double after splitting, but can only double totals of 9, 10, and 11, and are allowed to hit split aces. Along with Evolution Gaming listed above, Microgaming is one of the two biggest and most popular live dealer options.
Playtechoffers five different live dealer blackjack games. Their standard game uses an 8 deck shoe, which has 7 seats and offers a Perfect Pairs side bet, allows players to split only once. There is the option to double on any two cards, and you can double down after splitting. They also offer a game called Ultimate Blackjack, which they once called Unlimited Blackjack. It’s dealt from an 8 deck shoe and is designed to offer play from one to as many players who want to join, as opposed to having a set number of players at the table.
Live Dealer Blackjack versus RNG
Other than the visual difference, playing against the computer or a live dealer is much the same. The rules are usually the same, the betting limits are usually the same and of course, how the game of blackjack is played doesn’t change.
When the computer or the software is running the game, it uses a random number generator program, often called an RNG, to determine which cards are played.
Each card in the shoe is assigned a unique number and these numbers are placed in a unique order for each shoe based on the RNG.
Here’s an example:
In a shoe that holds eight decks of cards, you’ll have 416 unique numbers. This is because 52 cards per deck times 8 decks equals 416. These can be numbered in order but can depend on the combination the software programmer decided to use, but it makes no difference to the odds anyway. However, usually, the ace of spades from the first deck is numbered 1, with the ace of spades from the second deck being number 52 and so on.
Before each hand, the RNG runs and places each of the 416 cards on a stack, which we think of as the shoe. As each random number is presented, the card matching that number is placed on the stack until all of the cards are on the stack. In the case where the same number is generated more than once, it is ignored until the next stack is built.
When the software starts dealing the hand the top card of the stack, it is either burnt or dealt to you. If the first card was burnt, then you receive the second card. The next card is dealt to the dealer and the deal continues as normal.
As you can see, this is almost exactly what happens when a shoe is manually shuffled by a dealer or a shuffling machine. The difference being that the RNG does a better job producing random shuffles than the dealer or machine.
So what’s the difference between playing using the RNG software and a live dealer game?
In the end, you won’t find much difference. Your results should be close to the same in the long run.
With both options, card counting doesn’t come into play. Read the section on card counting below or go here for more information.
The main difference is that you can play quite a few more hands per hour using the RNG software compared to playing live dealer blackjack.
It depends on what you desired outcome is, but playing live dealer play with the same bankroll, rules, and bets, will generally let you play longer on average than playing against the computer.
If you assume a house edge of 1%, 50 hands per hour at a live dealer table, 100 hands per hour at the computer table, and an average wager of $100 per hand, you’ll lose on average $50 per hour playing against a live dealer and $100 per hour playing against the computer.
One difference between the two experiences is while playing live dealer, you can play your favorite games play a game with the cards being dealt by a beautiful dealer, who’s usually female. This may be a positive or a negative depending on your preferences, but sometimes a bit of human interaction, even if it’s across the Internet using cameras, is a nice refreshing change to normal online gaming.
Another difference is when you play against the computer, it’s almost always you against the machine, one on one. Even if you’re able to place more than one bet, you’re just playing heads up against an invisible dealer.
Many live dealer blackjack games are set up more like traditional blackjack games with numerous places around the table for other players.
When you play at a table with other players you have to wait for them to act just like in a land-based casino. This can slow the game down a great deal and become irritating if one of the players is slow or has a poor Internet connection.
Ultimately, it is fair to say the pro’s of live dealer blackjack outweigh the cons, but really, it is all about personal preference.
Card Counting and Live Dealer Blackjack
Many blackjack players know that the only way to beat the game, in the long run, is to change the house odds in some way. The most common way for blackjack players to change the odds is to learn how to count cards.
Most blackjack games played online use a random number generator and the cards are basically shuffled after each hand. This makes it impossible to gain an edge by counting cards.
When you play on a live dealer blackjack game, as it looks just like a game you can play at your local casino, many players ask if it’s possible to gain an edge by counting the live dealer game online.
However, the short answer to these players is no.
We suppose it is theoretically possible to reduce the house edge by counting, but the reality is the casinos know counters exist and know that they can easily use computer programs to track the cards while playing at home. So, they’ve made their games in a way that means counters can’t beat them.
The main thing online live dealer casinos do to combat counters is to shuffle the cards more often. Most state they shuffle the cards as often as they deem necessary, while some state they shuffle after four decks have been dealt from an eight deck shoe.
This creates a level of deck penetration that makes it practically impossible to overcome by counting. In addition, you might not be able to tell when a new shoe is put into use, but this depends on how that specific table is laid out and how the camera angle is used in the different software solutions.
Free Live Dealer Blackjack
The best way to play blackjack is with real money, but some live casino sites may let you try their games for free. You’ll usually only be able to get a limited demonstration though.
Live casinos have a limited number of seats and resources, and they want them occupied and used by players who are playing for real money. Some casinos might do it, but the only way to know for sure if an online casino offers free live dealer blackjack is to log into your account and try to play.
If you’re just looking for free blackjack games, digital examples are out there and nearly almost every online casino offers free blackjack play on their non-live dealer games. However, you don’t get all the perks you do from a live blackjack game.
This is because live dealer games cost the online casinos more money to run than their normal games. The added cost of paying the dealers and support personnel, plus the expense of the cameras and streaming feeds all take away from the bottom line, casinos are businesses and they want to make money.
This is the main reason the casinos only want real money players at their live dealer games. Blackjack is traditionally a low house edge game anyway, so if they add the cost of offering the game for free, it reduces the edge further.
When an additional player is added to the normal blackjack games run by software, the extra expense is almost zero. The cost of the software and bandwidth has already been paid, so a casino has to have thousands of free players on the regular games before it costs them extra.
The casino knows that if they can get thousands of players to try their blackjack game for free, some of the players will make a deposit and play for real money, easily covering the small added expense.
Bitcoin Live Dealer Blackjack?
One of the recent fads in the online gambling world is the ability to use Bitcoin to play. While a few online casinos that exclusively use Bitcoin have been launched, many traditional online casinos have started accepting it along with their other deposit methods.
This means that if you want to play live dealer Bitcoin blackjack, it is now easier than ever and most also offer live dealer play.
Once you make a deposit, it doesn’t matter what method you used, as the gameplay will be the same. When the Bitcoin is deposited, it’s converted to the standard currency you play in. For example, If the site supports wagering in US dollars, then the Bitcoin is converted to dollars before you start playing.
If you want to play solely in bitcoin, the aptly named Bitstarz is an example of an online casino that exclusively accepts Bitcoins for deposits and offers live dealer blackjack in various formats.
Summary
Live dealer blackjack play isn’t for everyone, but it does offer a great alternative to traveling to your nearest casino to play a few hands. Plus, at online casinos, you can usually find better game selections, as well as always a free seat. It has much more to offer that it’s virtual counterpart, with a much more realistic and satisfying method of gameplay.
The latest development among new online casinos seems to be that many of them are now focusing first and foremost on live dealer casino, while other games come second, this is a natural development and something we have foreseen for a while.
There is sure to be some very exciting advances in live dealer blackjack in the near future, but in the meantime, we hope you enjoy playing it as it is as much as we do!
Live Dealer Blackjack FAQ
How Can I Play Live Blackjack Online?
Playing Live Blackjack online couldn’t be easier in this day and age. There are countless casinos online where you can play the game online, in great quality and in various different styles. Depending on where you are from, will depend on what live blackjack is available to you, but luckily, we have your back. You can find our top picks for online casino sites above, but we also have some pages dedicated to regions specific Live Casino Blackjack. As such, you can check out our US Friendly Blackjack Page, our Canada Blackjack Sites page or our European Blackjack Page, to find the best casinos for wherever you are from!
Can You Count Cards In Online Live Blackjack?
Although it may seem that in theory, as it looks just like the casinos that you play in a real life, that it is possible to count cards, it is actually not. As casinos are aware that players in their own home can use software to track the cards, they have put systems in place to prevent this from happening. The cards are shuffled far more regularly than in real life casinos, usually, after 1-4 decks have been played, so a full shoe is never played all the way through. You can learn more about card counting here!
Can You Play Blackjack For A Living?
It is possible to play Blackjack for a living, but we do not recommend quitting your day job just yet. It takes years of practice, a head for numbers and a fair bit of luck. There is, of course, numerous people who have made a living by it, but it is not easy and takes a lot of sacrifices to accomplish the goal. For us, we would always recommend playing for fun and winning a bit of cash on the side, rather than dedicating all your time to it and ALWAYS make sure you are betting within your means.
Can You Make a Living Playing Blackjack Online?
It is even harder to make a living from Blackjack online due to the fact that if you are playing Live Dealer Blackjack, the decks are shuffled much more regularly, and if you are playing virtually, then it is completely random. Although some people play Live Dealer Poker online for a living, Blackjack is much harder to do so with. Again, the same goes as for Blackjack for a living at all, don’t quit your day job just yet, as it will take a huge amount of skill and luck to become comfortable enough from playing online blackjack and you are best suited to do it for a bit of money on the side. Also, DON’T ever spend more than you can afford to lose under any circumstance, as this is even easier to do so online as it is much easier to get carried away from the comfort of your own home. You can read more here about playing for real money online!
Is Online Live Blackjack rigged?
It is incredibly unlikely that any type of online casino game is rigged, even less so the Live Blackjack games, as everything is recorded and streamed live, so there would always be evidence. There is also no need for casinos to do it due to the VERY high turnover they receive. There has been no recorded evidence that supports a casino doing anything untoward in the past, but if it did come to pass and they were caught, it would be all over the internet, the company would be sued, fined then shut down and those responsible would be prosecuted. There are various organizations in place that are specifically to prevent these things happen and if you think there is something afoot you can contact them to assist you. We also always recommend making sure that you only sign up at a reputable casino and which have all the necessary certifications on their page. Your best bet is to read casino reviews before signing up at any casino, our site is the perfect place to find a great casino and any casino you find on our page will be trustworthy and of the highest quality, you can find reviews here or read more about blackjack being rigged here!
Responsible Gambling
Gambling can be addictive and problem gambling can lead to other issues. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem you can get help. The first place to look for help is http://www.gamblersanonymous.org/
Signs of problem gambling include hiding your gambling activities from other people, gambling with money you can’t afford to lose, like your rent or house payment, and feelings of anxiety when you lose. Many other signs may be less noticeable. If you’re worried that you or someone you know has a gambling problem, please seek help immediately and research ways to spot possible gambling problems in yourself and others.
Most online casinos offer a service that allows you to be placed on a list of players who have self-excluded themselves from playing. Contact the support department of any online casino where you’re considering playing for additional details about being placed on the excluded list.
You can learn more about responsible gambling and how to set your limits when playing live online blackjack at GambleAware.co.uk.
Last updated on the 20th August 2019
Live dealer blackjack is nowadays one of the most popular online casino games. It has the same feel and look of the real blackjack found in land-based casinos, but it’s played through a live stream with a professional dealer sitting in front of the camera.
There are literally hundreds of different websites on which you can enjoy live dealer blackjack these days such as Wild Casino. Apart from websites being different, the games aren’t always the same either. Although some blackjack games might have the same rules, there can be quite a gap in the video and sound quality, interface, and the overall aesthetics of the game.
My article will focus on several key factors of choosing the finest live blackjack game and playing blackjack in general:
Read the following text carefully, and you will certainly pick the best live blackjack games on the web!
Top US Live Dealer Blackjack Casinos
Picking the best live blackjack casinos was not an easy task. I have put myself into the player’s perspective and taken into account many things in order to come up with the ultimate list of the finest blackjack casino operators.
| Casino | Offer | Devices | Play Now / Review |
|---|---|---|---|
$5,000 Welcome Bonus | |||
First 3 Deposits, Get Up To $6000 | |||
$5500 Welcome Bonus | |||
First 3 Deposits, Get Up To $6000 | |||
$5000 Welcome Bonus | |||
$3,000 | |||
First 3 Deposits, Get Up To $3000 |
When it comes to choosing where to play libe blackjack for real money you should not venture on your own, especially if you don’t have that much experience with online gambling to begin with. You will at least need some basic guidance, and that’s where I come in.
By reading my article, you will be able to learn all about the best casino sites that offer top-shelf live blackjack games. I selected these websites according to certain criteria that ensure you will enjoy fair and legit casino games with the best possible gaming experience.
How We Choose Our Live Blackjack Casinos
Just in case you were wondering what is so important when choosing the right blackjack game and website, here are several key factors that played a role in the creation of this list.
Licensing and safety
Checking whether the casino operator is licensed by a legit regulatory body and whether their services provide users with all necessary safety measures in terms of monetary transactions and the security of personal details.Game Variety
There are several variants of live blackjack games that you can try online. The majority of the sites on my list will have more than one game at your disposal so you can switch between them easily.Streaming quality
Top online casinos offer the best video and sound quality for streaming their live dealer blackjack games. However, you still need to have a stable Internet connection in order to experience the game in HD.Live blackjack bonuses
The websites you can find here offer great welcome bonuses that can be used for playing live blackjack, among other casino games.Mobile Compatibility
Playing on the move is what online gambling is all about. The most convenient way of playing live blackjack these days is by streaming the game on your mobile phone or a tablet. All the casinos on my list are mobile-friendly.Banking Options
Money transactions on a casino site should go as smoothly as possible. By choosing one of my favorite sites, you would be able to enjoy quick deposits and withdraws with minimum fees.Live Dealer Blackjack Versus Land-Based Blackjack
While blackjack in a land-based casino can never be truly replaced, live online blackjack is at least the best possible way to mimic the experience of playing on a real blackjack table.
What’s more, you can enjoy live dealer blackjack from the comfort of your own home, or anywhere else you see fit. Bonuses and promotions that are associated with playing live dealer games are yet another thing that is exclusive to online casinos.
In other words, playing blackjack online is simply more convenient and comes with more perks compared to the land-based version of the game.
As far as the rules go, they will be the same regardless of the manner of playing the game. However, online operators usually offer several different variations of blackjack, while you might find only one or two blackjack tables at your local casino.
How Does Live Blackjack Work
If you load a game of live blackjack on your desktop, smartphone, or tablet, you will see a virtual gaming table, which you can use to place bets. At the same time, the gaming screen includes a video box through which the live gaming action is continuously streamed to your device. In the live video, you can see a real croupier operating the live blackjack game.
Hypalinx
You must understand that the video you see is not per-recorded and the game you are playing is not generated by computer software. You are viewing a game that is really being played either at a gaming studio or at a land-based casino. You are also placing bets on that game. If you still feel that this cannot be possible, you can interact with the croupier running the game through a chat box on your gaming screen.
Since live blackjack is a game that is actually being played at a physical location, it takes you as close to the land-based casino gaming experience as possible.
Live Blackjack in the US
Since the US is a grey jurisdiction, US players cannot enjoy a wide choice of live blackjack games. Ever since the US federal government passed the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) in 2006, a large number of operators, payment processors, and software providers withdrew from the US market, leaving residents with very few gambling options.
For example, Microgaming, the casino gaming software giant, has developed the largest number of live games, but doesn’t offer its services to US residents.
In spite of this, US residents can play at live casinos powered by US friendly software providers such as Visionary iGaming and Global Gaming Labs. The latter has been in the US for a long time and has partnered with well-known online casinos that offer live games such as Wild Casino.
Live Dealer Blackjack Casinos
You can rest assured that live blackjack games are 100% fair and random.
A live blackjack game can just not be rigged by the casino authorities because its results are based on actual gaming activity.
To start playing live blackjack, you only have to register any of our recommended live blackjack casinos.
How to Play Live Blackjack: Step by Step Guide
I will take the liberty of assuming that you’re not a very experienced online gambler (that’s probably why you’re reading this article in the first place), but don’t worry, we all have to start somewhere. I didn’t know much about live blackjack not so many years ago, and now I feel I’m capable of guiding other people on how to play it.
So, without further ado, here are a few necessary steps that you need to take in order to start playing live blackjack.
Choosing Casino Operators and Game Providers
First thing’s first, and that’s picking the online casino with quality live blackjack games. I’ve already done that part of the homework for you, so you can simply check my list above, but that’s not enough.You also need to consider the type of game you’re looking to play. If you enjoy common draw blackjack, I suggest you try NetEnt’s version of the game.
For players who prefer a low-stake game with communicative dealers, Evolution Gaming’s Live Blackjack Party should do the trick.
In any case, choose your operators and providers wisely so you can have the best possible live blackjack experience.
Setting up an Account and Depositing
If you wish to play for real money, you first must set up an account on your desired online casino site. The registration process is usually quite straightforward and requires a few easy steps that include entering your personal details.Unless you are using a live blackjack no deposit bonus that some online casinos offer, you will be required to fund your account. The minimum deposit amount depends on the operator’s rules, but it’s usually around $10. Simply choose your banking method and wait for a couple of minutes before the deposit goes through.
There are also in-game deposits that allow you to refund your account without losing a seat at the table.
Finding Live Blackjack Games
While you’re on the operator’s homepage, try to locate a section that includes all the casino’s live dealer games. Here, you will be able to find live blackjack among other popular live games such as roulette, casino Hold’em, baccarat, and others.Click on the game of your choice and wait for it to load. Once the current round of betting ends and the next one begins, you will be included in the game.
Live Blackjack Betting
The digital interface of the game will help you keep track of the betting. To bet, simply click on one of the differently-sized chips.The timer will clearly state how many seconds you have left until the bets are closed, but this will also be stated by the dealer sitting in front of the camera.
Once the action starts and the cards are dealt, you will have several options on how to play your hand.
- Hit or receive another card
- Stand or stop receiving any more cards
- Double their bets in case of a favorable hand
- Split pairs and play two hands simultaneously
The resulting hand is then compared to the dealers and players will either win or lose their bets. After the winning hands are revealed, your winning bets will be paid according to the paytable that you can check inside the game. For example if a player gets blackjack or a hand that equals point value 21, they will receive a payout of 3 to 2. If players do not win anything, they can place another bet and play again.Any lost bets are automatically deducted from your balance.
Depending on the rules of the live blackjack game they are playing, players can also purchase insurance against a possible dealer blackjack or surrender bad hands and get back half their bets.
Each live blackjack game has a separate set of rules for dealers and players. If players need to interact with the live croupier or fellow players anytime during the game, they can do so using the chat box in their gaming screen. However, chat rules are very strict at live casinos. Players are not allowed to make rude or offensive remarks. If they do, the live casino will prevent them from using the chat functionality. In order to protect live dealers from such unpleasant experiences, some casinos do not offer the chat functionality, but this takes all the fun away from the live dealer game.
Withdrawals
You can choose to end the game of live blackjack in between any two hands. All winnings will be credited to your casino account, after which you can request a withdrawal to your banking method of choice.Navigate to the casino’s cashier page and request a cash-out. Depending on the payment method, you might wait between 48 hours and several business days for the payment to go through. Of course, you can always choose to keep the money in your account and use it to play more live blackjack.
Live Blackjack on Mobile
All modern live blackjack games are mobile-compatible, meaning that you can enjoy playing them on your personal smartphone or tablet. Most of all, mobile players have all the same options as desktop users.
Enjoying live blackjack on mobile is really convenient and allows you to play on the move — something that’s simply not possible when playing on PC.
Depending on the casino site, you can play live blackjack either by entering a mobile-friendly website directly through your browser or by downloading their dedicated mobile app. The majority of sites from my list have live blackjack available to both iOS and Android users.
Live Blackjack Tips & Strategies
The game of blackjack is more about luck than it is about skill, but you should nevertheless be familiar with some betting strategies if you wish to raise your chances of winning.
So, before you even create an online casino account and load your first live blackjack game, you should come up with an effective game plan. Luckily, you won’t have to overheat your brain and learn all the mathematical possibilities on your own. All you need is a few betting charts that I will share with you below and that are relatively easy to follow.
Live Blackjack Rules
Live blackjack is similar to online blackjack and the blackjack played at land-based casinos. The game has a number of variants, each of which stands in a class of its own although based on standard blackjack rules.Here are some of those rule variations:
- Live blackjack games may use six, seven, or eight decks of playing cards.
- Live casinos may offer either one-to-one blackjack tables the way it is done at land-based casinos or one-to-many tables.
- Croupiers running one-to-many tables receive bets from as many players as possible and deal the same hand to each player.
- The dealer will either stand or hit on soft 17.
- Rules related to doubling the wager, splitting card pairs, the number of times pairs can be split, surrendering, purchasing insurance, and so on vary from one live blackjack game to the other.
- The betting limits vary from variant to variant and casino to casino. If you are a high roller who wants to play high-limit live blackjack, you only have to contact customer care. Depending on the online casino you are playing at, you can bet up to $5,000 at a time.
When to Hit and When to Stand
Naturally, the decision of whether to hit or stand should come once you are familiar with the dealer’s up-card and your own cards. The table below shows a mathematically proven strategy that will always give you the best chances of winning in every possible situation.The best thing about this table is that you won’t be required to memorize it. Simply keep the printed version of the table near you when you’re playing the game. Of course, you won’t be allowed to do this while playing blackjack in a land-based casino, but since the live blackjack dealer cannot see what you are doing, having this kind of a cheat-sheet is completely legal
Splitting Pairs
Splitting Pairs allows you to split two cards of the same value and play them as two separate hands. Of course, this also means that you need to make another bet equal to the original one.Many novice players think that splitting any two identical cards is favorable, but that’s far from the truth. You should only split your hand on certain card values while also paying attention to the dealer’s up-card.
Doubling Down
Doubling down in live blackjack means that you can double your bet once the cards have been dealt to you. However, a general rule states that you are only able to receive one extra card after doubling down, so be careful when you choose to do this.Again, you should consider the dealer’s up-card as well, and check the table’s rules, as some games have extra restrictions when it comes to doubling down.
Things to Consider When Playing Live Blackjack
Apart from the general rules of the game and its strategies, there are also a few technical things you need to consider before stepping into the world of live blackjack.
Stakes
One of the first things you need to do before playing any online gambling game is to decide on your gambling budget. Think about how much money you are willing to risk while playing live blackjack, which will then help you decide on the stake limits.Some live blackjack games are played with relatively low stakes, making them ideal for beginners. Others, like VIP live blackjack, are reserved for high-rollers that can spend up to several hundred dollars per betting round.
Hardware
Live casino games are a little more demanding than regular ones. Make sure that the device you are playing on is capable of supporting these games so you can play without any technical issues.If you’re playing on a relatively new PC or mobile device, you shouldn’t encounter any problems, but inform yourself on the minimum system requirements just in case.
Internet Connection
Internet connection is important for two reasons. First, you would want to avoid being cut out of the game because of the lost or slow internet connection. All technical errors on your part will result in an immediate loss relating to a current betting round.Also, a stable internet connection will allow you to enjoy live blackjack in crystal clear HD picture quality, which is the whole point of playing the game with a live dealer. Low video and sound quality mean that you probably have a slow internet connection.
Final Thoughts
Live blackjack is the most popular live dealer game in the US and beyond. It offers a perfect combination of strategy and luck, and can make you rich incredibly quickly, but only if you play your cards right.
In order to have the best possible experience when playing live blackjack, you need to choose the best operators with high-quality games in their libraries. The list I provided above includes some of the most renowned online casinos that host thousands of players on a daily basis.
I had a really good time writing this extensive live blackjack guide, and I hope you did too while reading it. If you want to ask me a question or wish to add something to this subject, feel free to leave a comment below.
Frequently Asked Questions
With Live Dealer Blackjack offering the same human touch, rules, and gambling experience you can find in the best of land-based casinos, there are little excuses not to give this popular casino game a try. And if you’re still unable to make up your mind, here are the most frequent concerns about Live Dealer Blackjack addressed, to help you on your way.
How to play live blackjack?
What are the best live dealer blackjack casinos?
Blackjack Dealer Costume
Where can I find the best live blackjack games for US players?
How does live dealer blackjack work?
Can I make a living by playing live blackjack?
How to beat live blackjack?
Is Live Blackjack Fixed?
The simple answer to this question is that casinos don’t need to fix their games to earn money. Blackjack has an inherent house edge that ensures casinos turn a profit with each hand and have fewer reasons to cheat. Also, most players who join a table are rarely skillful enough to increase their advantage significantly, thus giving the casino an even bigger house edge and fewer reasons to pull tricks.
And even if a casino dared to fix their games, the news will spread so fast around the online community that it will be impossible to prevent leaks. This will, in turn, get the casino blacklisted and lead to millions in loses, which is not something worth risking over an already profitable game.
Can I play live dealer blackjack on mobile?
Can You Count Cards in Live Blackjack?
Even though it seems like the perfect opportunity, since Live Dealer Blackjack doesn’t rely on RNGs, the reality is that card counting in live games is impossible. Not only do live dealer games use 6 to 8 decks, which complicates the matter by itself, but they also only go up to 50% penetration. This means that you’ll never get past half the deck, thus making your counting skills entirely useless.
What is the House Edge in Live Blackjack?
There is no simple answer to this question. With Blackjack, the house edge depends both on the variation of the game but also you as a player. The more skillful and optimal your play is, the lower your house edge will be.
The average theoretical house edge is often said to be 1%, but with the right rules and style of play it can go even lower, sometimes even as low as 0.48%. However, it can also get higher, especially if you have little knowledge of the game.
Is Strategy Important?
Yes it is. Blackjack is a game of using simple math and planning, and as such requires a sound knowledge of basic strategy. If you’re only playing it haphazardly, you will only waste your money away.
Do Other Players at the Table Affect my Outcomes?
As logical as this common myth sounds, it is very far from the truth. While it’s true that a player before you might have some effect on the next outcome, mathematically speaking this doesn’t affect your odds at any significant level.
What’s the Difference between Live Blackjack and Blackjack in Land-Based Casinos?
There’s little to zero difference between both games, except for the personal experience. Both offline and online live Blackjack games have a human dealer, follow the same rules, and pay out the same.
There might be some games that offer a different rule or two, but the same can be said about land-based casinos.
How Many Decks are used in Live Blackjack?
Blackjack Dealer Rules
Since Live Dealer tables can be abused with the help of software and card counting algorithms within the comfort of your home, live dealer games are usually played with 6 to 8 decks. Eight decks is the most common variety, as it allows for longer play before the cards are reshuffled. It’s always important to note the number of decks used, so that you can adjust your strategy.
Should I Accept “Even Money”?
Live dealer games now offer the same insurance that you can find in land-based casinos. The “even money” bet is normally offered when a dealer’s hole card can end up being a 10 value card, thus giving the dealer Blackjack. The wager pays 2 to 1, meaning you can end up with half your money back, should the dealer win.
But as lucrative as this sounds, it’s highly advised that you don’t take insurance, since statistics have shown that the probability of dealer Blackjack is lower than the probability of busting. Namely, you have a 69% chance of winning that bet, i.e. you have the upper hand.
How To Deal Blackjack
Can I Play Live Blackjack for Free?
No. While there are some casinos that let you watch a Live Blackjack game for free, you can’t actually interact in any way with the game. Thus, if you want to practice your strategies, you can use the free demo versions of regular Blackjack games offered at most online casinos.
How Fast Does My Internet Connection Have to Be When I Play Live Dealer Blackjack?
Blackjack Dealer Has To Hit
Since live games are streamed in HD, it is better if you have a fast optical or ADSL connection for best experience. Lower connections speeds will lead to glitches and lags, which can end up causing mistakes from your side. That’s why you should always check your connection speed before you join a table.