Blackjack Live Dealer Games

The internet’s emergence has changed how we view traditional gambling since you can now play various classic casino games on your desktop and mobile device. In addition, due to modern technology, numerous live casino providers have also emerged and released different live dealer games, including live blackjack. The idea of live blackjack is to replicate the thrill and excitement of a brick-and-mortar casino and make a user feel as if sitting at a real blackjack table without actually leaving home or any other place.

Today, you can play multiple blackjack variants hosted by real-life dealers and live-streamed in HD from brick-and-mortar casinos or specially equipped studios. This article will delve into the history and origin of blackjack, explain the rules of the game, give an in-depth guide on how to play live blackjack online, and the odds and payouts of the game. Furthermore, the review will describe the popular live blackjack variations created by different providers and provide tips and tricks to improve your winning odds.

History and origin of blackjack

Like most popular casino table games, the history of blackjack is still debated. Throughout the years, a great deal of research has been conducted to resolve this matter but to no success. For instance, many historians believe that blackjack originated in Italy and France because the two countries had several card games with similar rules. In addition, some scholars believe that the Romans played a game resembling blackjack in ancient times. Nevertheless, despite the unclear findings, researchers agree that the game originated in the 17th century.

Blackjack: Spanish origin

The oldest written evidence of blackjack is found in a short story (Rinconete y Cortadillo), published by a famous Spanish writer (Miguel de Cervantes) in the early 1600s. In this story, Miguel illustrates how some gamblers mastered the skill of cheating in a game called Veintiuna (meaning twenty-one in Spanish). According to the writer, the game’s primary goal was for the player to get 21 points without going over. Moreover, Miguel mentions that aces are valued as 1 or 11, and the game is played with the Spanish Baraja deck, which is similar to the current blackjack deck but without 8s, 9s, and 10s.

On the other hand, according to other blackjack scholars (Roger Baldwin and Arnold Snyder), there seems to have been a Spanish game known as “Trente-un” (“Thirty-one”). The main objective of this game was for the player to reach 31 points with at least three cards.

Blackjack: Roman origin

In another theory, historians claim that blackjack was invented in ancient Rome long before it appeared in France. It’s thought that Romans played this game with wooden blocks (instead of paper cards) that featured various numerical values written on them. This theory holds because Romans enjoyed gambling, but that doesn’t prove anything.

Blackjack: French and Italian origins

In other studies, blackjack is thought to have derived from the French Vingt-et-un and the Italian Sette e Mezzo. Researchers associate Sette e Mezzo (Italian for seven and a half) with blackjack because its main objective was for the player to have a hand with a combined point value close to 7 ½. If your card values exceeded this limit, it was referred to as a “bust,” making the game quite similar to blackjack.

On the other hand, Vingt-et-un (French for twenty-one) was a well-liked game played in French casinos and at the Royal Court during King Louis XV’s reign. Like in blackjack, the game’s primary goal was for the player to form a hand with a total point value closest to 21 without going over. Furthermore, the highest hand in this game comprised the black Jack (spades or clubs) and an Ace of spades card. Therefore, it’s believed that the name blackjack originated from this game. However, the main difference between the two games is that players set their bets after each round, and only the dealer was allowed to double down in Vingt-et-un.

Blackjack in America

During the 19th century, French colonists brought Vingt-et-Un to America, and the name was changed to 21. Some adjustments were also made to the game’s guidelines, with the dealer following them, unlike in the prior version, where they’d make their own decisions. During the same period (1800s), gambling was outlawed in America. However, in 1931, the State of Nevada became the first territory to legalise casinos due to the rising popularity and interest in gambling. The Nevada Gaming Commission also established game standards and controls, which were implemented in 21.

Furthermore, some operators introduced tailored bonus payouts for a “natural” card combination to make the game more enticing to players. For instance, a player with a hand comprising an Ace of spades and a black Jack (spades or clubs) was awarded a 10:1 payout. After introducing this exclusive feature, the name was changed from 21 to blackjack. However, the 10:1 payout was later changed to 3:2, but the name remained. Over the years, for optimal performance, several players, mathematicians, and computer scientists created various betting systems, including a card-counting trick and the hi-lo system. However, operators noticed the techniques and introduced additional decks of cards to try to reduce the success rate of the systems.

The introduction of online and live blackjack variants

The first online casino was launched in 1996, allowing gamblers to play numerous casino games, including blackjack, from the comfort of their location. The convenience and ease of playing online increased the game’s appeal, and innovative iGaming software vendors created numerous blackjack variants. Over time, these innovations, combined with modern technology, led to the introduction of a live dealer blackjack, which is played in real-time and presented by a real-life dealer.

Live Blackjack game interface

The live blackjack game interface is intuitive, with all the features displayed on the screen. However, the user interface and studio ambience vary widely depending on the selected platform and game variant. Nevertheless, the key principle is the same.

Live video feed

The live blackjack variation inspired by the classic table can host up to 7 players per round. A live video feed from the land-based studio is fixed on the screen, with a trained dealer seated behind a semi-circular table. Depending on the stability of your internet, the video feed automatically adjusts its visual quality. Nevertheless, depending on your playing variation, you can set your preferred quality from the different resolutions that range from HD, Medium, and Low. In addition, developers usually provide users with the option to change the camera view and show the table from different angles to create a more engaging and realistic experience.

On the dealer’s left side is a shoe holding a shuffled deck of 52 playing cards, from which the dealer draws and deals them to each player’s position. In addition, an empty transparent glass box where all the played cards are placed is set on the dealer’s right.

Betting area

On the screen’s bottom section is the designated betting space with multiple sitting positions (7 in this case) labelled “Sit here.”  Numerous multi-coloured betting chips with different values are displayed on the screen. To make a wager, select your preferred bet amount by clicking on the chip with a corresponding value and placing it on your bet position. The dealer’s rules and the game payouts (blackjack and insurance) are usually posted on the table, and you can see the accepted side bets in your betting area.

Bet limits and player menu

The minimum and maximum bet amounts and paytable are pinned on the screen’s top left corner, with the set limits varying depending on your playing table. Table limits are not uniform across live dealer platforms; they may start at $1 and reach $1000, $2000, $5000, and even $10,000 per round for high-roller tables. In addition, the game currency may be changed if your chosen platform has this option; for example, a user playing blackjack in Canada may find it more convenient to place bets in Canadian dollars.

A help menu is usually placed on the top right of the screen, where you can access the game’s details, such as rules, playing guidelines, card values, bet types, etc. You can also view your bet history and access the various game settings, such as the game sound, video quality, etc.

A display of your account balance and total bet is usually pinned at the bottom of the screen. Lastly, players can interact with the dealer and their peers at the table by sending shared messages via a chat function. Trying to be helpful, live blackjack dealers usually respond to players’ messages addressed to the dealer, creating a socially engaging gaming experience.

Rules of live blackjack

Despite being a skill-based game, live blackjack is undeniably one of the most entertaining casino table games with rules that are easy to comprehend. Furthermore, it’s an excellent choice for gamblers skilled at formulating winning strategies. Thus, before risking your hard-earned cash and joining a real-money table, you must first learn the game’s basic rules and vocabulary. Over time, the more you play, the more proficient you’ll become.

To begin with, blackjack is played by multiple players simultaneously, but only against the dealer and not themselves. The game is played with 1-8 decks, each with 52 cards, and its main objective is for the player to have a hand with a combined card value close to 21 points (blackjack) without going over (busting) and have a better hand than the dealer. Therefore, the game round will be over if the dealer’s or player’s total card value exceeds 21 points. Additionally, if either the dealer or the player has a hand with blackjack, the game will be over, and the winner will be paid in accordance with the paytable, which is usually 3:2.

But what does a blackjack hand comprise? Simply put, it is formed by any hand (dealer’s or player’s) with a 10-value card and an Ace card. However, in the event both the player and the dealer have blackjack, the outcome will be deemed a push, and the player’s wager will be returned.

Card values

Like in most casino card games, the cards used in a blackjack game are assigned different values based on a unique system that’s easy to grasp. These values are used to calculate the player’s and dealer’s hand values during a real money game round to decide the winner. For instance, the face cards King (K), Queen (Q), and Jack (J) are each worth 10 points, whereas cards 2 through 10 represent their face values. In addition, depending on which value gives the player the best winning odds, the Ace card can count as either 1 or 11. As a result, the Ace is the most sought-after card in live dealer blackjack, as it enables players to be versatile with their hands and easily form winning combinations.

A hand with a 10 and an Ace is referred to as a natural. Moreover, a hand comprising an Ace counted as 11 without exceeding 21 is called a soft hand. This is because a hand with an Ace card has two possible values (1 or 11). On the other hand, a hand with no Ace has only one conceivable outcome and is referred to as a hard hand. In most cases, if you have a hard hand, you can easily go bust with just one hit and lose your bet.

Nevertheless, not only hands that don’t have an Ace card are hard. For instance, if your hand comprises an Ace worth 1 point, then the hand is hard. Lastly, please note that suits are irrelevant in online live blackjack because they have no effect when calculating the hand’s total value.

How to play live blackjack online

Before the beginning of each game round in a classic 7-seater table, you’ll be required to place your bet (within the defined table limits) within the set time (usually 15 seconds) by clicking on the corresponding chip value. Afterwards, take a vacant seat on the table where your name will appear and place your chip. Alternatively, you may choose to bet behind other players if the game of your choice has this feature. If you’d like to leave the table, you can hit the X button on your seat. Furthermore, you’ll lose your sitting position if you’re inactive and don’t place a bet.

Once the set betting time is over and you’re done placing your wager, the live blackjack croupier will scan and deal one face-up card to themselves, you, and other seated players on the table in rotation, starting from the dealer’s left and continuing clockwise. Afterwards, another round of cards will be dealt to the player (s) face up, and the dealer will be dealt a second face-down card, also known as a hole card. Your hand’s total value will then be displayed next to your cards. As mentioned earlier, if the value of your initial dealt cards is 21, you’ll have blackjack, and the round will be over for you.

Player’s options and decisions

Your betting decisions will depend on the cards you have received and the game rules. For instance, if neither you nor the dealer has blackjack with the first two dealt cards, you’ll be presented with several options to boost your hand value. You have to wait for other players before your turn arrives to make a decision. In some variants like Common Draw Blackjack from NetEnt, you do not have to wait for your turn because the dealer deals the same cards for all seated players. Nevertheless, in the classic 7-seater live blackjack variation, Hit and stand are the two main choices, but depending on the cards you have been dealt, there are other available options. Below is an outline of your possible moves.

Hit

This move involves asking the dealer for an extra card to add to your hand’s total. You can hit as many times as you’d like, provided your hand value doesn’t surpass 21. If the additional card leads to over 21 points, it’s a bust, and you’ll lose your wager. You must click the + button to make this move.

Stand

If you are content with your hand’s value, you can stand and wait for the outcome. Making this move means you’ll not be dealt any extra cards, and your turn will be over. To make this move, you must click the (-) button.

Double

With this move, you’ll double your bet by placing an equal amount to your initial wager. You’ll then be dealt only one additional card to your hand. You must click the 2X or Double button to choose this option.

Split

If your first dealt cards are a pair of cards of equal value, you can split the pair to form two separate hands, each with an individual wager equal to your main bet. A second card is then dealt to both hands. Afterwards, you can decide to hit or stand depending on the total value of each hand. However, if you split a pair of Aces, you will be dealt only one additional card per hand with no option to hit. You must click the < > or Split button to make this move.

Surrender

This is a rare choice as it’s not offered in all live online blackjack variations. Nevertheless, it allows you to forfeit your hand if it’s unlikely to beat the dealer. If you select this option, you’ll lose half of your initial stake and not play any further in that round.

Insurance

When the dealer’s face-up card is an Ace, you can buy an insurance bet to compensate for the possibility of the dealer having a blackjack hand (even when you have blackjack). The insurance wager amount equals half your main bet and is settled independently of the bet on your hand. Once you’ve set an insurance bet, the dealer will peep to check if they have blackjack. If they don’t have it, the game round will proceed and follow the standard rules. If the dealer’s hand is a blackjack, you’ll be awarded a payout of 2:1, but only if you had placed the insurance bet. Otherwise, you’ll lose your bet.

Online blackjack live dealer rules

While players have the freedom to choose what actions to take with their two initially dealt cards, the dealer, on the other hand, must adhere to set rules. This ensures the game’s consistency and protects its house edge in the long run. Thus, you must learn and understand the dealer rules to make the best tactical moves for optimal wins. For instance, the dealer must hit if their hand’s total value is 16 or less and keep hitting until the value of their hand reaches at least 17 or until he exceeds 21 points. In addition, they must stand on soft 17, i.e., if they have an Ace worth 11 and a 6 card. Lastly, if the dealer’s hand value is between 17 and 21, they must stand, and no further cards are drawn.

All players with a combined hand value closer to 21 than the dealer’s are the winners of a game round. As previously stated, if the player’s hand total equals the dealer’s hand, it’s considered a push or a tie, and the player’s bet is returned. Moreover, suppose the dealer’s hand goes bust. In that case, all players in that game round win except the ones who have also exceeded 21. After a round, the game continues with the same deck of cards until the dealer reaches the cut card (usually in red). A new shoe will be introduced upon the cut card’s drawing.

Popular live blackjack variations

Blackjack is a true classic that has proven to be a popular choice among online and offline players worldwide over the years. As a result, numerous iGaming developers such as Evolution, Ezugi, Pragmatic Play, Vivo Gaming, etc., have pushed innovation to the next level and created different variations that meet the needs of all types of players ranging from novices and low rollers to experienced players and high rollers. These vendors provide the most experienced high rollers with a thrilling opportunity to enjoy the game by offering numerous VIP Blackjack tables with various high-stakes limits. Furthermore, these blackjack variants offer multiple in-built side bets, providing extra betting options for players.

The tables are physically hosted at a studio designed and decorated like a real-life casino, and the game is shot with a number of webcams in real time. Nevertheless, the fundamental aim of blackjack is identical regardless of the game variant. Nearly all the developers of online live blackjack reviewed here provide house rules that familiarise players with miscellaneous gaming aspects, including the dealer’s strategy. Below is a detailed overview of the popular variations powered by different first-class iGaming vendors.

Free Bet Blackjack

Part of Evolution’s blackjack range of variations, Free Bet Blackjack, is based on the company’s popular variation of the classic 7-seat table. The game is played with eight decks and features a big added attraction of selected ‘Free Double Down’ and ‘Free Split’ bets. In classic Free Bet Blackjack, players get a ‘Free Double Down’ bet on a two-card hand with hard totals of 9,10, or 11. Additionally, the game offers ‘Free Split’ bets on all pairs except 10, J, Q, and K. What’s more, there’s no extra effort required since the free bets are automatically given to the player whenever their hand qualifies. Classic Free Bet Blackjack includes optional side bets (Perfect Pair and 21+3) and the Bet Behind feature, allowing you to bet on a hand dealt to a seated player. When you use this feature, you’ll share the outcome of the other player’s hand. Furthermore, if the player at the seat decides not to participate in the round, your bet will be refunded immediately. You should note that you can’t place a Bet Behind bet on your own hand.

Moreover, Free Bet Blackjack is also available as the popular Evolution’s Infinite variant, where you never have to wait for a seat to place your bet. The game follows the traditional blackjack rules but with an additional built-in rule known as the Six Card Charlie. In this rule, you win if you have six cards with a total value of 21 points or less. In addition, if the dealer draws and busts with a score of 22, everyone at the table will push. The classic Free Bet Blackjack features a minimum and maximum bet limit of $5 and $5000, respectively, whereas the infinite version offers a minimum bet limit of $1 and a maximum of $1000.

Unlimited Blackjack

As the name implies, this is a blackjack variant created by Ezugi that allows an infinite number of players to bet on the same hand simultaneously, unlike the classic 7-seater version where players are dealt individual hands. As a result, the game rules in this variation slightly differ from the ones implemented in classic blackjack.

Gameplay

Unlimited Blackjack is played with eight decks of cards and follows the traditional blackjack rules. You must place your wager within the assigned time by selecting the corresponding chip value and placing it on the circular betting spot on the table. In addition, you’ll be allowed to make similar moves as in a classic blackjack variant, i.e., you can choose to hit, stand, double, or split. However, Unlimited Blackjack features an auto split feature which applies if the first two dealt cards are pairs of 2s, 3s, 6s, 7s, 8s, or Aces. The dealer then allows players to play with either one or both split hands. Like in a traditional blackjack table, your wager will be doubled if you play with two hands.

Bet limits and other features

The game offers a wide range of betting limits (a minimum of $1 and a maximum of $1000), accommodating all types of players, especially low rollers and beginners. Crypto bets are also accepted in this variant. Other features in this live dealer game include multiple optional side bets, such as Perfect Pairs, 21+3, Perfect 11, and Ten20.

Video Blackjack

This is an innovative live blackjack variant by Ezugi that features player-to-player live video, providing a more immersive and socially-interacting gambling experience. The game’s primary idea is to provide online players with the actual experience of being at a land-based casino since they are virtually seated next to the other participants at the table and can communicate with them while playing.

Like in the classic table, Video Blackjack hosts up to seven players per table, with one seat allowed per player. To join the table in this live dealer game, all participating players must allow sharing of their video and audio streams on their devices. However, to respect players’ privacy, non-playing viewers can’t see the active players since the watch mode is unavailable to casual observers. Furthermore, Ezugi has implemented strict protocols and intelligent solutions in the game, safeguarding against inappropriate video content.

Despite the live video and audio streams, Video Blackjack adheres to the classic blackjack rules. Moreover, the game features the most popular side bets (Perfect Pairs and 21+3), offering a fresh perspective and excitement to this classic casino table game.

Salon Privé

Ezugi and Evolution have raised the bar and created a new level of luxury for high rollers worldwide via an elite, super-elegant online private gaming environment that offers high minimum bets of $1000, $2000, and $3000 and high maximum bets of $10,000, but it can be extended. You should note that with Ezugi’s Salon Prive, you must have a minimum of $1000 in your player account to access the table, whereas with Evolution’s, you must have a minimum of $2000. Offering the best VIP live gaming experience online, Salon Privé blackjack is a lavish blackjack variation that provides enhanced control to the most discerning and high-wagering players (subject to minimum bankroll requirements). Set in a luxurious background, players can feel the opulence and high-class ambience throughout the game.

Special features and benefits

Furthermore, Salon Privé offers heightened levels of VIP customer service, including a VIP Room Manager present at all times and a single-player private table where other players cannot join or even watch. Players can also decide to retain the dealer after their session is over or request a new one if they are not satisfied with the current host of the game. In addition, they decide when to start the game and can ask for the cards to be shuffled at any time or choose when the cards should be dealt.

Popular side bets in live blackjack

In addition to the main bets, there are numerous optional side bets that you can place when playing live blackjack online. These side bets feature higher payouts than standard blackjack bets, providing an extra element of fun and a unique twist to the classic gameplay. Below are some of the most popular side bets in live blackjack variations.

Perfect Pairs

This side bet wins if the first two dealt cards consist of a pair. For instance, if your initial cards are two Jacks, two 4s, or two Kings. There are three types of Perfect Pairs, each with a different payout.

  • Perfect Pair: This pair is formed by cards with the same suit and value. For example, two 6s of Clubs.
  • Coloured Pair: This pair consists of cards with the same rank and colour but of different suits. For example, a 2 of Clubs and a 2 of Hearts.
  • Mixed Pair: This pair comprises cards with the same rank but of different suits. For example, a 6 of Clubs and a 6 of Hearts.

The perfect pair bet awards a 25:1 payout, whereas the coloured and mixed pairs offer payouts of 12:1 and 6:1, respectively.

21+3

Payouts on this bet are awarded based on the player’s initial dealt cards and the dealer’s face-up card. The winning combinations for this side bet are similar to poker combinations, each with different payouts.

  • Suited Trips: This is a combination of three identical cards. For instance, a hand with 3 Queens of Hearts.
  • Straight Flush: This hand comprises three cards in numerical sequence and of the same suit. For example, a hand with a 6, 7, and an 8 card, each of Hearts.
  • Three of a Kind: This is a hand consisting of three cards of the same rank but of different suits. For example, a hand with any three 7s that don’t match (one of Spades, one of Clubs, and one of Hearts or Diamonds).
  •  Straight: This is a hand that features a combination of three cards in numerical sequence but of different suits. For example, a hand with a 10 of Clubs, Jack of Diamonds, and Queen of Spades.
  • Flush: This hand is made up of three non-sequential cards of the same suit. For example, a hand with 3, 7, and 9, all of Diamonds.

The Suited Trips bet offers a 100:1 payout, whereas the Straight Flush and Three of a Kind award payouts of 40:1 and 30:1, respectively. On the other hand, the Straight and Flush bets feature payouts of 10:1 and 5:1, respectively.

Perfect 11

This bet pays if the players first dealt two cards have a combined value of 11 points or a blackjack. There are three different types of pairs for this side bet.

  • 11 Points (Suited): This is a pair of identical suits worth 11 points. For instance, 7 of Diamonds and 4 of Diamonds.
  • Any 11 Points: This is a combination of two cards with different suits that sum up to 11 points. For example, 8 of Hearts and 3 of Spades.
  • Blackjack: This is a pair of any rank or suit that adds to 21 points. For instance, 10 of Clubs and an Ace of Spades.

The 11 Points (Suited) bet offers a 21:1 payout, whereas the Any 11 Points and Blackjack feature payouts of 10:1 and 5:1, respectively.

Ten20

This side bet pays if the players first dealt two cards that add up to 10 or 20 points. There are three possible types of pairs for this side bet.

  • Pair of 5s: As the name implies, this is a pair of 5s of any suit. For example, 5 of Diamonds and 5 of Clubs.
  • Total of 10: This is a pair of any rank or suit whose values sum up to 10 points. For example, 3 of Hearts and 7 of Diamonds.
  • Total of 20: This is a pair of any rank or suit that adds to 20 points. For example, Jack of Hearts and 10 of Clubs.

The Pair of 5s bet offers a 22:1 payout, whereas the Total of 10 and the Total of 20 award payouts of 10:1 and 3:1, respectively.

Hot 3

This side bet wins if you have a hand with a combination of three cards, comprising your first two dealt cards and the dealer’s face-up card. Below are the possible combinations for the Hot 3 side bet, each with a different payout.

  •  Total 19: This hand consists of three cards of different ranks and suits, totalling 19 points. For example, 8 of Hearts, 2 of Diamonds, and 9 of Clubs.
  • Total 20: Like Total 19, this hand comprises three cards of different ranks and suits. However, the combined value of this bet must be 20 points. For example, 7 of Spades, 3 of Diamonds, and 10 of Clubs.
  • Total 21 (Suited): This bet pays the hand with three cards of different ranks but of the same suit. Additionally, the combined value of this bet must be 21 points. For example, 9 of Hearts, 2 of Hearts, and 10 of Hearts.
  • Total 21 (Unsuited): This bet wins if you form a hand with three cards of different ranks and suits, with a combined value of 21 points. For example, 9 of Hearts, 2 of Diamonds, and 10 of Clubs.
  •  7-7-7: This is a self-explanatory bet that wins if you form a hand with three 7 cards of different suits. For example, 7 of Diamonds, 7 of Clubs, and 7 of Spades.

The 7-7-7 bet features a 100:1 payout, whereas the Total 21 (Suited) bet offers a 20:1 payout. Furthermore, the Total 21 (Unsuited) bet offers a 4:1 payout, whereas the Total 20 and the Total 19 award payouts of 2:1 and 1:1, respectively.

Live blackjack odds

These are percentages representing the likelihood of a win or loss occurring when playing live blackjack. However, these odds depend on various factors, including the player’s skill level and winning techniques. In addition, minor rule variations affect the player’s return to some extent and change the basic strategy that should be applied to make optimal betting decisions. For example, the player’s odds are increased by 0.48% if a single-deck variant is played and decreased by 0.18% if the player is allowed to double down on 10 and 11 only. Nevertheless, the standard odds in an online live dealer blackjack game are computed based on a classic blackjack game round and the assumption that the cards are dealt from an eight-deck shoe.

Therefore, the dealer has the highest statistical probability of winning, with odds of 49.1%. On the other hand, the player has winning odds of 42.22%, whereas the possibility of a Tie outcome is significantly low with odds of 8.48%.

Live blackjack payouts and RTP

Depending on the bet type and your playing variation, live blackjack features an RTP percentage range of 94.77% and 99.56%. Nevertheless, the optimal theoretical return to player (RTP) percentage for a classic live dealer blackjack game is 99.56% for the main blackjack bets. For the side bets, the Perfect Pairs offer an RTP of 95.9%, whereas the Perfect 11, Ten20, and Hot 3 side bets feature RTPs of 93.72%, 94.77%, and 94.7%, respectively. 

Moreover, the payouts for a winning blackjack hand is 3:2, whereas the payouts for the player and insurance wins are 1:1 and 2:1, respectively.

Live blackjack tips and strategies

There are a few aspects that you should consider to help you boost your winning chances before joining a real money or high-stakes online live blackjack table. For example, you must learn and understand the game rules, the card rankings, and the different side bets available in your playing variant. You can achieve this by accessing the help menu and watching how the game is played without risking your hard-earned money since most live blackjack casinos allow users to join different blackjack tables with a zero account balance. Furthermore, for beginners and low rollers, always check the table’s bet limit and manage your bankroll amicably. Finally, we recommend you wager the smallest possible amount of money as it helps minimise the risk of losing a substantial amount.

Furthermore, blackjack is among the few casino card games whose house edge can be significantly reduced if you apply a reliable strategy. Whether a novice or a seasoned player, you can find a plan that best suits your preferences and gaming style. Although most betting systems have proven to work efficiently, you should note that no strategy can guarantee success in the long run since they only work over short periods of playtime. Below is a review of some of the most popular betting strategies you can apply to win at a live blackjack table.

Parlay system

This is a positive progression betting system that recommends you double your initial betting amount whenever you win and decrease it if you lose. This system increases your chances of accumulating more funds through your winnings. Thus, you don’t risk jeopardising your gaming account balance. For instance, when using the Parlay system, suppose you begin a round by placing one betting unit of $10, and your bet wins. In that case, you should double the size of your next wager to $20. If your winning streak continues, you should keep on increasing your subsequent bets until you start losing. You should return to your initial bet of $10 every time you lose.

Paroli

It’s one of the oldest betting systems, which follows a similar principle as the Parlay system but with a slight twist. It’s based on a positive progression system in which you increase your bet after every win and continue with the same principle until you get three consecutive wins. Paroli’s primary objective is to help you accumulate small but regular wins over time. Like Parlay, the Paroli system also recommends keeping your wager amount the same after every loss. In a nutshell, you begin by placing a small stake, and if you win the first bet, double your wager on the next hand, and continue with the same principle if you win. However, in the event you lose a hand, it recommends you go back to your original betting amount and start over.

For instance, suppose you place an initial bet of $10, and you win. In that case, you should double your bet and place a $20 bet in the next round. If you win your second bet, you should double your bet again to $40 on the next hand. However, if you lose on the third hand, you should return to your original betting amount of $10. Alternatively, if you win your third bet, you should consider taking your profits and starting over with a $10 bet since you have now won three hands consecutively.

Fibonacci

This betting system was initially formulated for the roulette game but can also be implemented in an online live blackjack table. It’s a system based on the Fibonacci sequence of 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, 144, and so on. The Fibonacci strategy recommends sticking to a set amount of betting values. Simply put, you should set a minimum bet size and, whenever you win, move one step on the sequence. If you lose a round, you should return to the first step of the series and start over.

For example, suppose you decide to implement this system and set a minimum bet amount of $10, and you win. In that case, your second bet should be $10. If you win on your second wager, you should place a $20 bet and continue with the same series until you lose. If you lose a hand on your 12th bet with a $1440 bet, you should go back to the first bet size, start with a $10 bet, and repeat the sequence until the next losing bet.

Cross-platform compatibility of live blackjack

Most live dealer blackjack platforms and variants are supported by major mobile devices and operating systems, enabling you to play on the go at any time and place. In mobile versions of blackjack, you enjoy the same casino thrill as playing on a desktop, with the same UI buttons for standing, hitting, doubling down, and other actions. As a general rule, mobile blackjack comes in a no-download, instant-play version accessible via a mobile web browser.

However, in many cases, the video quality and navigation are a bit worse in mobile games as compared to their desktop equivalents. Luckily, most iGaming providers channel efforts to improve the gaming experience of mobile users. For instance, some major providers, like XProGaming and Vivo Gaming, only release live dealer games for Android devices.

Conclusion

Blackjack is among the most popular casino card games you can find in the most reputable online and land-based casinos worldwide. Its popularity and appeal can be partly attributed to the fact that its outcome can be slightly influenced by the players, i.e., you can apply a strategy and reduce the house edge significantly. Moreover, blackjack is a fast-paced game ideal for all players, including novices, as it’s easy to play and has straightforward rules. Thanks to modern technological advancements, you can enjoy this exciting card game live from the comfort of your home. This article has given a detailed overview of some relevant details, such as the origin of blackjack, the game rules, odds and payouts, popular variations, and tips on improving your winning probabilities in a real money live blackjack table.