Blackjack was one of the first games that I, and most likely, many of you, learned how to play. While winning or losing was a matter of pride as a child or a teenager, as a fully-fledged adult, winning is all about taking home the big bucks – well, as far as blackjack games allow. If you’ve not learned how to play blackjack, you needn’t worry. You’ll find a how to play blackjack guide right here on Gamesbelt. On this page, though, I’m going to assume that you know the basics and you want to learn how to play live blackjack. If that’s the case, read on to find out more.
The Basics: What Is Live Blackjack?
Let’s pretend that you only understand how the basic game of blackjack works. That’s fine – that’s what Gamesbelt is here to help you with. If you’ve played blackjack against a computer (algorithm) before at online casinos, then you’ll understand how this works. Live blackjack is a video-streamed version of that game. However, instead of playing against a computer algorithm, you’re playing against a real-life human dealer who controls all the action over the live feed.
The key things to note about playing live blackjack games over RNG versions are the following:
- The live blackjack game is played over a live video stream. You’ll need a reliable connection. If you lose your connection, you’ll lose your bet.
- You can bet behind in some games. If the seats are all taken, this may be an option for you.
- There are numerous variants, some of which go beyond normal side-bets and introduce multipliers and other goodies.
- You can talk to your human dealer via chat, but you must always be courteous to them. They have the power to kick you out of the game (and the casino may act, too) if you don’t behave yourself.
- Live casinos may offer you tournaments where you can join and play live blackjack, while some sites also support their own live bonuses and promos, some of which can be used on these games.
In a nutshell, that’s all the basics covered. You’re playing the same blackjack games you love at casinos, but with a human dealer, better ambience, far more immersion and, most likely, at a higher tempo and pace. However, there are some differences in terms of gameplay, and I’ll look at those next.
Types of Live Blackjack Games – Explained
Most of the blackjack games you’ll find in online casinos, even land-based, brick-and-mortar casinos, will pop up in the live casino world. However, there are also a few others that may be new to you. Let’s touch base on the main types of live blackjack games you’ll find at casinos recommended by Gamesbelt.
| Classic Blackjack | This variant features eight 52-card decks, and they are shuffled before each hand that is played. The dealer doesn’t receive a hole card (face down card). |
| European Blackjack | There is just one hole card. European Blackjack allows you to split cards just once. |
| American Blackjack | Unlike the European game, in American Blackjack, the cards may be split up to three times, and the dealer uses two hole cards. |
| Multiplier Blackjack | This live variant sees multipliers added to specific cards or combos, which can magnify your wins. |
| Speed Blackjack | The game is played rapidly, with short betting and decision times key factors that you need to consider. |
| Other Games | Some variants that have made their way to the live casino world include Switch, Surrender, and Spanish 21. New variants emerge all the time. |
You’ll notice that there are some exceptions. The conventional RNG online casino game, Multihand Blackjack, hasn’t gained any traction in the live casino world. Neither has Cyberstud or some of the other far-flung variants. They don’t all translate. However, next, I’m going to show you a few of the games that very much do hit their mark.
Discover Top Live Casino Software Providers
When you began your first online casino experience, you no doubt became familiar with the software providers behind your favourite games. If you’ve not played live table games before, this is something you’ll need to do again from the start. I’ve been playing for over a decade, and I’ve come to know the software providers rather well. Allow me to introduce you to each of them and shed a little light on some of the types of live blackjack variants you can expect to see if you play at casinos supporting their games. Let’s start with the biggest brands.
| Evolution | Blackjack Party, Free Bet Blackjack, Infinite Blackjack, Infinite Fun 21 Blackjack, Lightning Blackjack, Live Blackjack, Power Blackjack, Salon Privé Blackjack, Seven Seat Blackjack, Speed Blackjack, VIP Blackjack |
| Playtech | 7 Seat Blackjack (both European and Vegas Rules), AllBets Blackjack, Cashback Blackjack, Majority Rules Speed Blackjack, Mega Fire Blaze Blackjack, Quantum Blackjack, Unlimited Blackjack, |
| Pragmatic Play Live | Bet Behind Pro Blackjack, Blackjack X, Live Blackjack, ONE Blackjack, Privé Lounge Blackjack, Speed Blackjack, VIP Blackjack |
You can logically expect to see any of the software providers above (and their games) at most live dealer casinos. However, there are smaller players in this game. While they have nowhere near the same size libraries as their more famous counterparts, there are still basic blackjack games and even a few special oddities to consider, including those with surrender rules. Let’s have a quick look at what they can offer next.
| Asia Gaming | Live Blackjack |
| Ezugi | Blackjack Live, Blackjack Salon Privé, Speed Blackjack, Unlimited Blackjack, Video Blackjack, VIP Surrender Blackjack |
| Lucky Streak | Live Blackjack |
| Vivo Gaming | Classic Live Blackjack |
| XPG | Live Blackjack, Unlimited Blackjack |
By now, I’ve already introduced you to around fifty top blackjack live casino games, and any of those should work a treat for you, bearing in mind that some are more challenging than others. That said, in my years of experience, I’ve come across a few favourites that I want to introduce you to next.
Play the Most Popular Live Blackjack Games
While any live blackjack game could be a hit for you (it depends on your own taste), I’ve come across five that are, in my professional opinion, not to be missed. Yes, they are, shall we say, leaning towards the more popular and widely available options, but you expect that from great games. They include:
Lightning Blackjack by Evolution
Lightning Blackjack can be played as a conventional online blackjack game. However, if you want to spice things up, you can pay a Lightning Fee (100% of your bet), which acts like a side bet. What this does is add multipliers that can range from 2x up to 25x into the mix, attributed to hands ranging from four to 21 and Blackjack. The key thing to note is that the multiplier doesn’t pay out straight away. It’s active on the next hand, and you’ll have up to 180 days to use it by playing that hand. That makes it trickier to land wins, and this system makes the lightning element a touch more unfair than in, say, Lightning Roulette. None of that has hindered Evolution’s Lightning Blackjack’s popularity, though.
ONE Blackjack by Pragmatic Play
Developed by Pragmatic Play, this game can also be played identically to conventional blackjack. However, this game gets its name from the fact that there is only one player hand. Everybody uses this hand. However, you won’t see what other players are dealt, making it trickier for you to count cards if that’s what you were thinking. On the upside, there’s a Six-Card Charlie rule in play here, as well as four side bets. Stakes cost a minimum of $1.00 a hand, and the betting windows are short, at just 15-16 seconds, so bear that in mind before playing.
Infinite Blackjack by Evolution
Infinite Blackjack gets its name because, theoretically, an infinite number of players can join the action. This can happen because all players play the same set of cards, although thanks to RNG action, the hands they use will differ from player to player. A favourable RTP rate of 99.47%, the Six-Card Charlie Rule, and dealers checking for blackjack only on Ace and not 10s are the key things to note. There are four side-bets, too. Infinite Blackjack is the perfect game for those who still want an algorithmic element in the game, although with the atmosphere and ambience of a real casino or studio floor and the human touch.
Quantum Blackjack by Playtech
Quantum Blackjack is another major title, and it uses similar Quantum rules found in other Playtech live casino titles, such as Quantum Roulette. One nasty thing to consider is that if the dealer busts with a three-card hand, they will push, even if you win. Aside from that, multipliers of up to 50x make the game worth playing, especially when you consider that, unlike Evolution’s Lightning Blackjack, Playtech’s Quantum Blackjack has no qualms about dishing out multipliers there and then.
VIP Surrender Blackjack by Ezugi
You’ve got to love this game – or, at least, I do. Developed by Ezugi, it is one of the few live dealer blackjack games that incorporate the Surrender rule. As you might imagine, you can check out and surrender during the gameplay here, saving yourself the prospect of losing more than you want. This is a very handy option to have, considering that this is a VIP game, meaning that it naturally has much higher stakes on the fly than usual. It’s not for the faint-hearted and surrendering won’t always be the best option. If you want this tool in your arsenal when playing with a lot at stake, then Ezugi’s VIP Surrender Blackjack is one of the only games out there pushing this sort of package.
My 5 Favourites – Recommended Live Blackjack Games
I definitely love some of the titles listed above. Give them a whirl, and you’ll see why you have to. However, there are also some of my own favourites that aren’t as popular with other players. In the interest of fairness and to promote a broader selection of titles suitable for all types of live blackjack players, here are five of my own personal recommendations:
- #1 Blackjack Game for the Biggest Wins: Lightning Blackjack by Evolution
- #2 Top Live Blackjack Game for General Availability: Live Blackjack by Pragmatic Play Live
- #3 Best Live Blackjack Game for Originality: VIP Surrender Blackjack by Ezugi
- #4 My Own Personal Favourite Live Blackjack Game: Bet Behind Pro Blackjack by Pragmatic Play Live
- #5 Ideal Live Blackjack Game for Beginners: Live Blackjack by Evolution
Why Play Live Blackjack Online?
There are many reasons why playing live blackjack is superior to conventional RNG online blackjack games. If you’re comfortable with the latter, I don’t mean any disrespect. They’re great games, and there’s nothing wrong with them. However, they do lack the atmospheric and authentic atmosphere you get with live casino blackjack games. It’s just one of the reasons why I’m nutty about live games. If you’re teetering on the edge of giving them a go, here are five other key things to consider about why you might find live blackjack appealing:
- Some live internet blackjack games allow you to “bet behind”, giving you an entirely different way to play the game that virtually no RNG online blackjack game can match.
- By choosing to play selected live blackjack games with multipliers, you can win considerably more than is up for grabs in normal online blackjack options.
- It is possible to compete in live tournaments against other players with titles from selected software providers such as Pragmatic Play Live.
- While all games can be played in English, some also feature live dealers who speak other languages, making you more at home when betting.
- Live blackjack games are subject to human error, whereas online blackjack is run by algorithms, and they won’t mess up. Long story short – if your dealer messes up, you can potentially capitalise on it.
There are other differences, too. For instance, you must have a stable connection, or you will lose your bet. In online blackjack, the game will freeze until you return. That won’t be the case in live blackjack. Furthermore, you need to act quickly, as the game won’t wait for you to make your decisions. However, the latter ramps up the level of excitement in the game, further adding to the realism and level of immersion you get when playing live blackjack games online.
Join Gamesbelt’s Top-Rated Casinos Offering Live Blackjack Today
By now, you’ll hopefully have a bit of an understanding of some of the perks you can gain when playing live blackjack online. You’ll also hopefully have a good idea of what you can expect to see in terms of live blackjack games before you sign up at a live casino. That’s the next step.
If you like what you’ve seen and want to play live blackjack with ultimate realism and immersion, then Gamesbelt’s live casino reviews should be your next stop. We carefully critique and analyse each site we recommend to ensure that you only get the best. Our live blackjack casinos are suitable for beginners and seasoned veterans, high-rollers, amateurs, and those who prefer FIAT or crypto stakes alike. Nip over to our live reviews to find the ideal place to wager on live blackjack today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do all online casinos offer live blackjack?
No. While some online casinos may support the odd live blackjack game, it is only fully-fledged live casinos that carry immense live blackjack libraries. You can find these casinos right here at Gamesbelt.
Can I play live blackjack in tournaments at online casinos?
That depends. Pragmatic Play runs a Drops & Wins competition that features live blackjack and other live casino games. If you want in, I recommend joining one of our Pragmatic Play live casinos.
Can I claim promos and bonuses on live blackjack games?
Again, this is something that’s going to depend on where you join. However, most of our live casinos also carry bespoke bonuses that can be used to play live blackjack and other live dealer games online.
Can I wager on live blackjack with cryptocurrencies?
Some live dealer casinos support crypto deposits and convert those into FIAT for gameplay purposes. Others actively allow you to wager on live blackjack with cryptocurrencies. You’ll find both types of casinos reviewed here at Gamesbelt.
Which blackjack game is best suited for newbies?
I recommend opting for any live blackjack game that goes by the name of European Blackjack, Classic Blackjack or Live Blackjack, as they tend to feature the basic rules you’ll be familiar with.
Which are the best live blackjack casinos?
We’ve covered many live blackjack casinos at Gamesbelt, but we can speak highly and recommend BitStarz and Stake Casino, both of which offer a host of live blackjack variants. The former is suitable for FIAT players, too, so don’t let its name fool you.
