Playing online gives players significant benefits that land-based casinos cannot provide. They can enjoy their favourite casino games whenever and wherever they want, and there is no need to travel long distances any more to do so. The online gaming industry is rapidly developing, which is why a great number of casinos now offer not only virtual games but also live ones. Because of the live-streaming technology used in the gaming process, players are able to gain an experience very similar to that in brick-and-mortar casinos.
When online casinos were first introduced, many players were rather sceptical about them because they lacked significant elements such as human interaction, the elaborate casino interior and more. However, it is now possible to experience all of these at any place and time thanks to cutting-edge technologies and systems. The live-chat feature enables players to communicate with the dealer and other participants throughout the game, while the live-streaming video allows them to witness every action at the table. Because of these advantages, many players decide to give live games a try, which contributes to their growing popularity.
Most Common Differences of Live Blackjack Rules
Blackjack is one of the most famous card games and appeals to a huge number of players worldwide. It has more than 100 variations, many of which are also extremely popular thanks to their interesting rules and specifications. This is why almost every online casino offers not only the classic game but also many of its most played versions.
One of the biggest innovations in the virtual gaming world is the introduction of live games, which are played in real time with professional dealers. Live Blackjack is among the most popular of these and can be found at numerous live casinos. When the game is played online, some of its rules differ from one casino to another, so players should check them in advance. It is worth mentioning that different rules can give players higher or lower chances of winning; therefore, it is very important to know which ones are favourable and which are not.
Bet Behind Feature in Live Blackjack
One difference between Live Blackjack and its land-based counterpart is that it provides players with far more options. One interesting additional move available in live games is called Bet Behind; as the name suggests, it is an optional wager that can be placed on another participant in the game. This can be a great opportunity, especially if a skilled player is seated at the table, as it allows you not only to learn useful tips and strategic moves but also to make a profit.
Typically, Live Blackjack games allow up to seven players to join a table at once. Even if there are no vacant seats, however, you can still place bets and, with luck, secure a win.
If you opt to bet behind a player, you will not be dealt any cards and you will not make any decisions during the game. Instead, you simply wager on a player and win if your chosen participant beats the dealer. Although this is not the most engaging way to enjoy Live Blackjack, it still offers the chance of landing attractive payouts. Moreover, you might learn useful techniques by betting behind a seasoned player.
One-to-Many Live Blackjack
Another choice players can make when playing Live Blackjack concerns the number of participants in the game. They can decide whether to play, as in a land-based casino, with several other participants, or to choose the one-to-many option. In the latter case, only one hand competes against the dealer.
This is a great option for players who enjoy fast-paced games. Since they do not need to wait for multiple players to make their decisions, the result of the gaming round is revealed quickly.
Although this option is less interactive and not quite as similar to the land-based casino experience, some players may still enjoy it. In addition, many Live Casinos offer exclusive VIP blackjack tables dedicated to a single high-roller at a time.
Side Bets in Live Blackjack
Although side bets are not unusual in online blackjack variations, some live-dealer versions of the card game also offer special betting options. If you are willing to risk extra money, you have the chance to secure quite generous payouts when playing blackjack with a real dealer.
One of the most popular options in many live-dealer blackjack variants is the insurance bet. It pays 2 to 1 if the dealer ends up with blackjack.
Some live-dealer variations of the card game also offer bonus payouts for special card combinations. Such side bets include Perfect Pairs, 21+3, Lucky 7s and other interesting options.
At some Live Casinos, players can also find live-dealer blackjack options that allow side bets such as Buster or Bust It. As the names suggest, you will receive a special payout if the dealer busts.
If you wish to play Live Blackjack while making side bets, be sure to compare the different live-dealer options available online. Although you can find the same side bet at various Live Casinos, some variations offer better payouts. Obviously, you will benefit more if you know that your side bets will be worth more in the end.
Different Table Limits
Another difference between Live Blackjack and its virtual counterpart is that when playing with a real dealer, the minimum stakes required for a particular table are usually higher. It is also worth mentioning that live-dealer blackjack games can vary in rules and limits. This should come as no surprise, considering that most brick-and-mortar casinos offer blackjack tables with different rules and limits. For this reason, it is essential for players to consider their bankroll and choose a game that suits their funds. In doing so, they will be able to apply basic strategy successfully and stay in the game long enough to make a profit.
Although Live Blackjack may require a larger balance, many Live Casinos ensure that even recreational players have the chance to enjoy their favourite card game live. This is why you can often find tables with very low betting limits, allowing you to dive into fun live-dealer adventures without risking too much of your budget.
That said, there are also plenty of high-limit versions of Live Blackjack, and you can often find VIP tables reserved for a single high-roller at a time. If you prefer higher stakes, Live Blackjack can be the perfect source of entertainment for you.
Live Casino Technology Explained
Advantages and Disadvantages
Popular Live Casino Games
Live Blackjack
Live Roulette
Live Blackjack with Early Payout
Live casinos also provide players with the chance to enjoy Live Blackjack with an early-payout feature, meaning that they have the option to receive a payout without completing their hand. The payout is determined by several factors, one of which is whether the player is in an advantageous position.
In general, the early payout is calculated on the basis of the cards dealt while the game is still in progress, and it is entirely up to the player whether to make use of it. Although the feature has its pros and cons, players should bear in mind that it at least gives them the chance to leave the game without losing their entire stake.
The payout you will receive if you decide to use the early-payout option depends on the strength of your hand and the dealer’s cards. If you are wondering whether this is a good feature, consider the advantage of being able to surrender a weak hand and still receive a return.
Pros & Cons of Live Blackjack
One of the biggest advantages of playing Live Blackjack is that players can enjoy it in real time with a professional dealer wherever they are. They can watch the cards being dealt and, thanks to the live-chat feature, can also communicate with the other participants and the dealer. This creates a highly realistic experience, allowing players to enjoy the card game from the comfort of their homes while still feeling as though they are in a land-based casino.
Another advantage of Live Blackjack is that players can be confident the game is not fixed; many blackjack fans worry that the random number generator used in online versions may not be entirely unbiased. When playing live, however, a real dealer handles the cards, makes decisions and conducts the game. As you can imagine, this is very close to the experience in brick-and-mortar casinos, and live-dealer games are therefore considered extremely fair.
One major drawback predominantly concerns card counters: even though Live Blackjack closely resembles the game in brick-and-mortar casinos, the card-counting process cannot be carried out with the same success. Many casinos are aware that players can enjoy the game from anywhere and therefore employ various measures, including automatic shuffling machines, that are typically forbidden at land-based venues. For this reason, when playing Live Blackjack, the cards are shuffled more frequently to make it impossible to determine the ratio of high to low cards.
Although live-dealer games are not ideal for card counting, you can still attempt to use this strategy. Because Live Blackjack variations use real decks from a shoe, you can start counting cards as you would in a physical casino. The decks are typically reshuffled only when about 75% of the shoe has been dealt, giving you some time to adjust your moves with the help of card counting.
Another aspect that players might find inconvenient about Live Blackjack is the higher betting limits. Unlike digital blackjack games, live-dealer versions cannot be played just for fun, meaning you will need to top up your account before you start betting. In addition, live-dealer blackjack often requires higher wagers than its purely online counterparts.
When you play standard online blackjack, you have plenty of time to decide on your moves. At a Live Casino, however, you must act more quickly, as other players are waiting for the game to continue once you have made up your mind. If you are not accustomed to the pace, this may be a little inconvenient for you.
While the overall experience offered by Live Casinos can be very thrilling, a weak Internet connection can make it difficult to load the live streams. This is especially true if you decide to play Live Blackjack on the go.
Conclusion
If blackjack enthusiasts are looking for a different way to enjoy their favourite game, Live Blackjack is certainly worth a try. As one of the most popular card games, it can be found at numerous live casinos. It is now possible to play with a real dealer wherever and whenever you wish, as most websites are mobile-friendly. In addition, many online casinos offer dedicated applications that can be downloaded from popular app stores. Players should bear in mind that, before playing, it is essential to double-check the rules of the game and the casino’s policy. This will help them avoid any misunderstandings and fully enjoy betting on Live Blackjack.