What is live blackjack?
Live blackjack is an online game with a live stream from a studio. It's the same game you can play in a land-based casino, but this time, you play online against a live dealer dealing the cards.
Live blackjack online brings players closer to the iconic game that emerged in the 18th century. Whether you're a casual player or a high roller, the excitement is unmatched when played against a dealer in real-time.
Live dealer blackjack rules
Unlike
live baccarat, a game where you can bet on the dealer or player, the objective in live online blackjack is to beat the dealer. The only way to do this is by having a hand value closer to 21 without exceeding it.
The number of decks used in this game depends on the casino or the specific variant. Some games use one deck of cards, while others use two or multiple decks.
Familiarizing yourself with the card's value is crucial for your game sessions. The table below reveals these values.
| Card | Value |
| Ace | 1 or 11 |
| 2 – 10 | Face value |
| Jack, Queen, King | 10 |
Before the cards are dealt, players place their bets. Each player, including the dealer, receives two cards. Player cards' values are usually visible, while one of the dealer's cards is face-down (the hole card).
Players go first and decide what they want to do next. Generally, regardless of the blackjack live variant you're playing, you have five options:
- Hit:
Take one more card.
- Stand:
Take no more cards.
- Double down:
Double the starting bet in exchange for one extra card, then stand.
- Split:
If the first two cards have the same value, you can split them into two hands, each with its own bet. The rules in this regard vary depending on the variant. For example, if you have two Aces, the game usually allows getting only one more card per Ace.
- Surrender:
Forfeit half the bet and end the round. This is not an option in all casinos/live blackjack games.
The dealer reveals the hole card after all players have finished their moves. If their hand is 16 or less, they usually must hit and stand on 17 or higher.
If the player's hand goes over 21, they bust and lose the bet. If the dealer busts, all remaining players win. If neither busts, the hand closest to 21 wins. Equal hands lead to a tie, and the bet is returned. Remember that a player's hand with an Ace and a 10-point card is called a Blackjack and usually pays out at 3:2 odds.
What types of live blackjack can US players play?
US players love games like
live dealer roulette, blackjack, and baccarat, not only because they create a unique vibe but also because they come in many exciting variants. I'll highlight some popular types below. Hopefully, this will help you find the one that suits your gaming style.
As expected, this is the most common form of blackjack in many live online casinos. It typically includes 1 to 8 decks of cards. Standard rules apply, meaning you usually have options like hitting, standing, doubling down, splitting pairs, and sometimes surrendering.
As you might have guessed, Spanish 21 emerged in Spain. It uses a so-called Spanish deck, a standard deck without the 10s. Spanish 21 offers many additional play options like surrender at any time, late surrender, and doubling or hitting after splitting. This live blackjack variant also promises unique bonuses for hands like 7-7-7 or 6-7-8 of mixed suits or 21 with 5 or more cards.
Another popular online blackjack live option is speed blackjack. This is an excellent choice for players who want a faster-paced game. Speed blackjack achieves this goal by letting all players make their decisions simultaneously. In other words, players don't act in turn like they do in traditional blackjack games. Additionally, this type of blackjack often includes the Bet Behind feature, which lets you bet on other players' hands.
Live blackjack providers
Live blackjack is a popular game covered by all live casino providers. Besides baccarat and roulette, blackjack is often highlighted as one of the must-try games.
Leading software providers have created many variants and versions of this game.
- Evolution has Speed Blackjack, Infinite Blackjack, Lightning Blackjack, and more.
- Majority Rules Speed Blackjack, Royale Blackjack, and Quantum Blackjack are some examples of live dealer blackjack games by Playtech.
- Pragmatic Play Live has ONE Blackjack, VIP Blackjack, and others.
How do I sign up to play live blackjack in US casinos?
Signing up at a US online casino is simple. However, before you start this process, I advise you to check the legal status of online gambling in your state. Only a few US states have legalized online gambling. The good thing is that you can also play live dealer blackjack in sweepstakes casinos. They're available in most US states.
Now, let me take you through the process in a few steps.
- Choose a casino site. Find an online casino with blackjack live dealer titles, good bonuses, and popular payment methods. You can speed up this process by checking our recommended sites.
- Click on the "Register/Sign Up" button. This button is usually located in the upper-right corner of the homepage. Of course, some sites may position it differently. Also, in most cases there’s no need for a
casino download
to start this process.
- Follow the instructions. You'll see a form on your screen once you click the "Register/Sign Up" button. Fill out the form by providing your personal details, like your full name, address, and phone number. Additionally, create a username and password and share your email address.
- Create your account. Confirm your age, accept the terms and conditions, and submit your information. Some casinos will ask you to verify your email.
- Place a deposit and play. Look for the cashier button, click on it, select a payment method and an amount, and complete the transaction. You can start playing top live blackjack titles after that.
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Live blackjack strategies and tips
If you do some research, you'll find several strategies and tips regarding live blackjack. It's important to remember that no system can guarantee success. However, it never hurts to stay informed, which can help you improve your own blackjack experience.
🃏 Find a Strategy That Suits You
Live dealer blackjack is a game of chance. However, following a specific strategy for a different gaming approach could result in a more exciting blackjack session. Some people follow complex mathematical equations and formulas, but the best advice is to keep things simple. You should find a strategy that matches your gaming style. Of course, this strategy should also keep the time spent on this activity enjoyable.
One popular option is the Martingale betting system. It advises doubling your bet after every loss so that the first win would recover all previous losses, if you manage to score a win that is. In addition, you could win a profit equal to the original stake. If you want to try this strategy, start with a small bet because long losing streaks can drain your budget quickly.
Another approach is to take insurance against the dealer having blackjack whenever they show an Ace. Take some time, test various strategies, and eventually, you'll find the best one for your own style. Whatever approach you decide to go with, be careful that you play responsibly while knowing your limits.
Before facing a live blackjack dealer, it's crucial to understand the small yet significant differences between the most popular blackjack variants. For instance, classic blackjack, also known as American, allows up to 3 splits for 4 hands. In contrast, the European variant usually allows one split. On the other hand, the Spanish 21 variant provides up to 4 hands, and players can re-split Aces.
Another difference is the value on which the dealer stands. In classic blackjack, the dealer stands on all 17s. In contrast, European blackjack and Spanish 21 stand on hard 17 or soft 17, respectively. Furthermore, surrender is not an option in European blackjack.
It's up to you to choose the variant that matches your style and budget. Regardless of your choice, ensure you know the game before playing. All live blackjack variants are simple, so it usually doesn't take much time before you understand how they work.
💬 Use Live Dealer Interaction to Your Advantage
One unique aspect of live blackjack is the interaction with a real dealer. Although it's true that this won't change the mathematical odds, it's also true that it can enhance your experience and even your strategy.
Don't be afraid to engage with the dealer so you can understand the game's pace. Ask them about the rules if they're unclear, and keep a good conversation for a more enjoyable gaming session.
Sometimes, dealers might inadvertently give away information through their body language. However, you should never count on this for strategy. Also, don't forget to use the chat to connect with other players. This approach can provide insights or at least make the game more fun. Finally, this interaction shouldn't affect your strategy or decisions. It's crucial to stay focused.
You will find excellent bonuses and promotions when you visit one of the live blackjack casinos we recommend. As expected, some deals are better than others.
To determine whether a live blackjack bonus is worth it, learn more about the most common bonuses.
- Welcome bonus: Almost every online casino, including live blackjack casinos, has a welcome bonus. This promotion encourages new players to register and deposit money on the site. Typically, casino sites offer a welcome bonus made of a deposit match and/or free spins. Sometimes, they have welcome bonus packages that apply to the first few deposits.
- No deposit bonus: Another option to improve your experience is an
online blackjack no deposit bonus. Logically, this bonus doesn't require a deposit of your own money into the casino account. Players shouldn't expect massive amounts, given its nature, but this is a good risk-free option.
- Reload bonus: Thanks to reload bonuses, you get rewarded for a deposit you make. So, it works similarly to the welcome bonus, but this deal is available to regular users. In most cases, you get a percentage match on your deposit up to a specific amount.
No matter which bonus you claim, take some time to check its terms and conditions. Read about the wagering requirements, game contribution, expiry date, and maximum payout limits to determine the actual value of the offer.
Pros and cons of playing live blackjack
As noted above, live dealer blackjack allows players to enjoy the popular card game managed by live dealers via streams. Let's highlight some advantages and disadvantages to help you decide if trying out this type of casino game is worth your time.
- Real dealer interaction
- Variety of blackjack games
- Promotions and bonuses
- Potential for technical issues
Conclusion - Play live blackjack at some of the best online casinos today!
There you have it–live blackjack brings the excitement and Vegas-feel directly to your screen. It’s wonderfully simple to learn and play making it the perfect table game for beginners and more experienced players alike and the use of high quality live streams ensures smooth gameplay across all devices. Most online casinos will also offer you more than just one way to play with exciting variations such as Spanish 21 or Speed Blackjack to really up the ante.
You can join any of our recommended online casinos today and also benefit from generous casino bonus offers to start playing live blackjack today.
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Live blackjack FAQ
🃏 Is it safe to play live blackjack at an online casino?
Absolutely. All of the casino sites we recommend here are entirely safe. They are licensed and use encryption technology to protect their players. Also, these sites offer live dealer blackjack games from reputable software providers.
🎲 Do all online casinos offer live dealer blackjack?
Not all online casino platforms offer live dealer blackjack, but most do. This is a very popular game, so you shouldn't have problems finding a site that provides it. Once again, we want to remind you that we have a list of recommended sites for this game.
♠️ What are the different live blackjack variants?
There are many different live blackjack variants. Some of the most popular are Spanish 21, classic blackjack, and European blackjack.
