A guide to playing live dealer blackjack online at Bitcasino

Live dealer blackjack has the best odds of winning among all table games, making it the perfect game for high-rollers and VIP members. It has an average house edge of 0.5% to 1% at max and a simple gameplay of beating the dealer by forming a hand value as close to 21 without going over. 

What is online blackjack live dealer?

Live dealer blackjack uses real dealers and a live studio with real casino tables and cards to mimic actual casinos. These games incorporate live casino technology to ensure an immersive and smooth experience.

For starters, each title under this category is streamed using HD cameras from the provider’s remote studio to provide you with clear live feeds. Some games also use multiple cameras that cover different angles to show you all the details and aspects of the game.

Moreover, playing alongside other people and an actual croupier provides a sense of urgency since the game happens in real time, and your actions are timed. 

How to play live blackjack online

The standard number of decks in live dealer blackjack is eight 52-card decks. Like its traditional version, players must beat the dealer by forming a hand value near 21 without going over. 

Being dealt cards equal to exactly 21 is called a natural/blackjack. It automatically means that you win the game.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to play:

• First, choose a seat at the table by clicking on the available spaces that say ‘sit here’.Most live dealer blackjack titles can accommodate up to 7 players, and you can select multiple seats to play different hands in a single game. Keep in mind that you can lose your seats if you’re inactive.
• When the table is complete, you are given an option to ‘Bet Behind’, which lets you place a wager on a player who you think will win the game.
• Once seated, the betting time commences, and you can proceed to select your bet amount and place it on the respective spaces on the table. The dealer announces ‘Bets closed’ once the betting time is over.
• Once all players have placed their bets, the dealer deals the first face-up card to each player, starting from the dealer’s left, clockwise and ending with the dealer. 
• A second face-up card is dealt to each player with the dealer’s card faced down.
• You can either hit, stand, split, double down or surrender. All options come in the form of clickable buttons on the screen. You can only split once per hand, and you’re not allowed to double down when you do. 
• After players have made their move, the dealer’s face-down card is revealed. His hand is compared to all players’ hands, and those with a better hand value win.
• The dealers can also draw additional cards based on the dealer’s rules indicated on the table (e.g., the dealer has to hit on 16 and stand on all 17s).
• Once the winners are determined, the game round ends. The dealer then collects all the cards to restart another round.

Card values

Here are respective values for each card in live dealer blackjack:

• 2 - 10 are worth their face value
• Face cards are worth 10
• Aces can be worth 1 or 11 (depending on the player’s choice).

The player moves

In live dealer blackjack, player moves alter the outcome of the game and determine whether or not you’ll win or lose. These moves are:

Hit

Hitting means asking the dealer for another card to add to your hand’s overall value. It is usually done if you’re dealt a low hand with a hand value of 16 or less. 

Stand

Standing means you’re content with your cards. Most players stand if they’ve already been dealt a high-value hand like 17 or more, and adding another card will risk them going bust. 

Surrender

Surrendering lets you minimise your risks and prevents you from losing big. There are two types of this move in blackjack: the early and late surrender.

The former lets you fold your hand and half your bet before the dealer checks the hole card. It enables you to cut your losses in half when you see that your initial cards have a less than 50% chance of winning against the dealer.

The time to surrender in blackjack is when the dealer shows an Ace and you have a Hard 5 to 7 or 12 to 17 and Pairs of 3s, 6s, 7s, or 8s.

Meanwhile, late surrendering lets you fold your hand and cut your losses by half after the dealer checks the hole card when he has a 10 or an Ace. You’d want to consider surrendering when you have a hand value of 14, 15 or 16.

Double down

The double down involves doubling your ante in exchange for an extra card and increasing your total bet up to a hundred percent.

There’s only a specific set of hand values where doubling down is a good idea. It includes hard 9s if the dealer has 3 to 6 and hard 10s if the dealer has 2 to 9. During these, they’re more likely to end up with a lower hand value or go bust.

Split

If you have two cards of the same value, you can opt to split them into two hands where an additional card is dealt on each. Keep in mind that only one split is allowed per hand.

One example of when to split in blackjack is when you have a pair of 8s. Together, 16 isn’t a strong enough hand. But if you split them into separate hands, you can be dealt better cards that can give you a more substantial hand.

Side bets

Add excitement to your gaming experience by placing side bets on top of your original wager. These bets stand independently and let you gain more winnings.

Here are the side bets you can make in live dealer blackjack:

Insurance

The insurance bet pays 2:1 and allows you to break even if the dealer ends up with a blackjack. You must place a wager amounting to half your initial bet to make a bet. 

Insurance is offered after all initial cards have been dealt and if the dealer’s up card is an Ace. It provides you with cushioning and serves as damage control if the dealer ends up having a natural.

Perfect Pairs

A Perfect Pair bets that your initial cards will result in a pair such as two Kings, two 8s, two Jacks, etc. 

There are three kinds of Perfect Pair bets in live dealer blackjack, which are:

• Perfect Pair - Two cards of the same value and suit (e.g., two Kings of Clubs)
• Coloured Pair - Two cards of the same value and colour but different suits (e.g., 10 of Diamonds and 10 of Hearts)
• Mixed Pair - Two cards of the same value but with a different suit and colour (e.g., 9 of Hearts and 9 of Spades).

21+3

The 21+3 side bet lets you win if your initial cards plus the dealer’s upcard complete the following combinations:

• Suited Trips - Three identical cards (e.g., three 4 of Spades)
• Straight Flush - Three cards of the same suit in numerical sequence (e.g., 4, 5 and 6 of Hearts)
• Three of a Kind - Three cards of the same value but have different suits (e.g., Jack of Spades, Jack of Diamonds, Jack of Clubs)
• Straight - Three cards in numerical order but of different suits (e.g., 6 of Hearts, 7 of Clubs, 8 of Diamonds)
• Flush - Three cards of the same suit (e.g., Three, Six and Nine of Clubs).

Payouts

Here are the payouts in live dealer blackjack:

How to navigate live dealer blackjack lobbies

Blackjack lobbies are your all-in-one outlet for all things blackjack here at Bitcasino. Clicking on one of these titles takes you to a wide selection of different blackjack games.

From here, you can choose which variety of blackjack you want to play and the specific table you want to sit at by scrolling through the games or by filtering your options. 

For instance, you can choose your table based on betting limits or how many participants are already in the game. Just click on a specific blackjack variation that you prefer to display all the available options under it.

Here are the live dealer blackjack lobbies you can find at Bitcasino:

• Evolution Blackjack Lobby
• Bombay Live Blackjack Lobby
• Ezugi Blackjack Lobby.

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Live blackjack strategy: How to win

Know how to win online live blackjack with the best live dealer blackjack tips below:

1. Study the game’s mechanics and rules

At Bitcasino, you'll find a wide selection of live blackjack games that vary in payouts and rules, which is why picking randomly can be risky.

Instead, it would be best if you studied the game's mechanics and respective odds and payouts. Knowing the rules implemented on a specific table allows you to play the game correctly and avoid making mistakes that cost you the game.

2. Learn different live dealer blackjack charts

Blackjack charts help players make the best decisions after being dealt the initial cards at the beginning of the round.

Blackjack charts show different possible outcomes after a specific move. Moreover, they can also help you decide what to do next once a particular result occurs.

Some examples of blackjack charts include:

• Single deck blackjack strategy chart
• Double-deck blackjack strategy chart
• Multiple deck blackjack strategy chart.

3. Refrain from using the bet behind

Online blackjack live dealer games often have limited seating of 7 players. However, you can still watch the game and anticipate its outcomes by placing a unique wager called 'bet behind'. It allows you to bet behind a player you think will win the game.

Although it’s a great way to feel included in the game, refrain from betting behind in blackjack, since you’ll be betting on another player’s actions, you can’t influence the player’s decision to help them win.

So, unless you’re betting on a world-renowned blackjack champion, we suggest waiting for your turn to play the game yourself.

4. Don’t get too distracted by the live chat

Live chat is one of the main features that give live blackjack an edge over its online table game counterpart. Here, you can interact with other players and croupiers in the game.

You can talk about the game and have fun conversations with players worldwide. However, this feature might distract you from making your move, especially since blackjack is a fast-paced game.

5. Use high roller betting systems

Betting systems were invented to decrease the house edge and help ensure that players eventually win from a casino game they're playing. They usually require you to make betting patterns that gradually increase/decrease depending on the game's outcome.

Some of the top blackjack betting systems are the Martingale strategy, Oscar’s Grind and the 1-3-2-6 system. Incorporating these into your gameplay exposes you to the biggest wins, but at the same time, increases the risk since you’re required to increase your bet amount. 

That’s why it’s important to pair these betting systems with casino money management such as setting a stop-loss and establishing a winning goal.

Where to play live blackjack online

Several online casinos offer different live dealer games. But if you’re ready to play the best online blackjack live dealer games, then look no further than Bitcasino.

Why should you play at Bitcasino? 

Here are some of the reasons why Bitcasino is the best place to play live dealer blackjack:

An impressive variety of live dealer blackjack games

Among all online casinos out there, Bitcasino has the best collection of live dealer blackjack games from world-renowned game providers such as Evolution, Pragmatic Play and Ezugi. We also offer a variety of this table game to cater to players’ preferences such as:

• First-person live dealer
• Lightning blackjack
• VIP blackjack
• Highroller blackjack
• Infinite blackjack
• Unlimited blackjack
• Turkish blackjack.

This selection gives players who are tired of playing conventional blackjack something new to try.

Exclusive promotions for VIP players and high rollers

Bitcasino holds various promotions that reward hardcore online casino live dealer blackjack players. The winnable prizes may vary per promo, but the constant thing is that you’d have to opt-in and reach a specific wager threshold to be eligible to join.

These promotions let you win amazing prizes such as cashback, free credits, VIP trip packages and more. Additionally, they occur seasonally, so stay tuned here at your favourite live blackjack online casino.

An elite VIP club

Bitcasino has an elite VIP club where only the most dedicated players get to join. Here, you can gain exclusive rewards on top of your winnings, and promotions like receiving invitations to prestigious events.

Entry to the club is by invitation only and we choose our candidates based on their activity. If you want to be a part of this, keep playing live dealer blackjack and wait for our invitation. 

We’re licensed to operate

Bitcasino is registered and certified by the Curacao Gaming Licence, which proves that all our games, including live blackjack, are provably fair. 

Moreover, our privacy policy under our terms and conditions ensures all personal information you provide us is protected. 

What types of blackjack can you play?

There are sometimes three types of blackjack available at online casinos. These do not include the many different live dealer Blackjack options that are available right here at Bitcasino, this is in reference to the choices inside the live dealer game itself. Not all games offer these variations. Some only offer one of the choices, with the standard option being the most prevalent.

Standard

Standard blackjack is just the basic game. Here, you find a seat at the table and then play the game with the hand you are dealt. It's that simple. As with most card games, the dealer will deal from their left and go round the table until they get to themselves. You can make all of the standard choices available to you.

Standard blackjack is the most common way to play and the way that most people pick. If you’re a first-time player, then this is most likely the game that you will choose to play, and a version like Blackjack Classic Satoshi is probably the best option for you.

Shared

Shared blackjack is slightly different from the standard game, while still keeping the basics. In shared blackjack, there will be up to three hands dealt at a time. When these hands are dealt, players who are in the game will be given the chance to place a wager on them. They can wager on just one, two or all three hands if they like. This means that a significant number of players are able to engage with the game at any one time.

The biggest difference with a shared game is that the players don’t get to choose what decisions are made. After the hands are dealt and the bets are placed, the dealer will make the decisions. The dealer will just adhere to the standard optimal blackjack strategy, which means that there may be times when the dealer makes a decision with which you don’t agree. This doesn’t mean that it is the wrong decision though, because as mentioned previously, the dealer will be carrying out the optimal strategy, which includes a lot of the tips you can find in our article on tactics.

Standard shared combo

The combo is possibly the most complicated version of the game. It works in the same way as both the standard game and the shared game. More than one player can place a wager on each hand, which is drawn just like in a shared game. However, there is one big difference. Each player who has placed a wager on a hand can also make decisions on what they would like to happen – so if one player would like to stand and one player would like to hit, then the dealer will hit, but the card will only count for the players who have decided to hit.

This may all seem like it can get confusing for the dealer and the players, but fortunately the software that is running the game ensures that there are no mistakes made and it keeps each player aware of what their hand is worth and on the decisions they have made. The dealer just has to carry out the instructions and the software does all of the rest.

Which choice to make?

When making a choice, it is all about what you prefer. If you’re a beginner, then it is probably best to play a standard version of blackjack. Not only will this offer you a simpler version of the game, but it will also give you the opportunity to learn how to play the game properly from the start. This ensures that when you are first getting used to the game, there aren’t any additional rules that might muddy the waters a little bit and confuse you.

The shared option and live dealer games also offer a good method for players who learn by watching rather than by doing. As the dealer plays using the optimal strategy, it can be a good way to learn what choices you should make by playing a shared game and watching how the dealer reacts to different hands. Of course, this doesn’t include a play by play, so you won’t learn why the dealer made those decisions – unless you have a photographic memory, it is always better to learn by playing yourself, as you can develop your own strategy as well as the reasoning behind it.

The standard shared combo also gives you the ability to wager on multiple hands. As with the shared game, this allows players to play all the way to the end of the round as well as keeping the excitement alive all the way through. It makes the standard shared combo a best-of-both-worlds situation.

The standard game and shared game are best for beginner players who are just starting out, while the standard shared combo should be reserved for experienced players who are confident in their ability. Whichever game you choose to play, it’s always best to find the one that you personally feel comfortable playing.

Will you be the next big Blackjack hustler?

Now you know the ins and outs of live blackjack, it’s time to try your hand at the live blackjack titles offered here at Bitcasino. You will get to bring home tons of winnings and access to VIP rewards exclusive to the best of the best. 

Starting with the basics is always a tedious process. But trust us, once you master these mechanics, you’ll start winning in no time. Pair these fundamentals with your online live dealer blackjack strategy of choice to make cash prizes flow into your Bitcasino account.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Live dealer blackjack

Can I play live dealer blackjack for free?

No. If you want to play live blackjack, real money is required before you can join a table. You can, however, enter a lobby to see the game in action, but you won’t be able to participate.

Is online and live blackjack the same?

No, they’re not. Although online and live blackjack is played online, that’s where the similarity ends. In online blackjack, you are playing against a computer or an A.I. at your own pace, and other players won’t be joining in.

Meanwhile, live dealer blackjack lets you play with real players and a croupier. It is a more realistic experience than the former since the game is streamed in real-time.

Is live dealer blackjack purely based on luck?

Although luck plays a role in winning all casino games, blackjack is also a game of skill. You can use different moves throughout the game to determine your fate and make the right decisions leading to big wins.

Additionally, you can also follow the different live blackjack tips we’ve cited above to help maximise your chances of winning.

Words by: Jericho Paradeza