Whether you take a virtual seat or a physical seat at a Blackjack table, it’s vital to know how a game works. With this in mind, we wanted to provide you with a guide to playing live Blackjack online.
This guide aims to provide you with some clarity on what to expect during live gameplay, and how it differs from the digital Blackjack casino online games you may be used to playing.
So, if you’re ready to take a virtual seat and find out more about live Blackjack, read on.
What to expect during live Blackjack gameplay
Real dealers and physical tables
In live Blackjack, you are playing with a real dealer who operates the game from a specialist casino studio. The game is broadcast via a live video stream, allowing you to see the dealer shuffle and deal cards in real time. The table is a physical one, just like in a traditional casino, and the dealer's actions are filmed with high-definition cameras to give you a clear view of the gameplay.
Live chat
One of the standout features of live Blackjack is the ability to interact with the dealer. Many live Blackjack games feature a live chat function that allows you to communicate with the dealer and ask questions.
Multiple camera angles
Live Blackjack typically uses multiple camera angles to enhance your view of the game at play. You'll see close-ups of the cards, wider shots of the table, and even views that capture the dealer's hand movements and shuffling process.
Real-time play
The gameplay in live Blackjack happens in real time. Using an on-screen interface, you’ll place your bets and make decisions (such as hit, stand, or double down). The dealer then responds to your decisions as they would in a physical casino. Unlike computerised Blackjack, which can progress at any speed, live Blackjack follows the natural pace of a real game, with time limits for placing bets and making decisions.
How live Blackjack differs from computerised Blackjack
Use of Random Number Generators (RNGs)
The biggest difference between live Blackjack and computerised Blackjack lies in how the cards are dealt. In computerised Blackjack, the game relies on Random Number Generators (RNGs) to shuffle and deal cards. RNGs ensure the fairness of the game by generating random outcomes with each shuffle, but the cards are not physically dealt or handled.
In live Blackjack, no RNGs are involved in dealing cards. Instead, a real dealer shuffles and deals cards from a real deck. This physical process, seen in real time, adds a layer of trust and transparency that some players prefer over the computerised version.
Speed of gameplay
Computerised Blackjack is often much faster than live Blackjack. The game can progress at your preferred pace since there are no physical cards or real dealers. You can click quickly through decisions, making it ideal for players who want fast rounds.
On the other hand, live Blackjack follows the natural pace of a physical game. The dealer takes time to shuffle the deck, deal cards and wait for players to decide their move. This slower, more methodical pace might appeal to players who prefer a more relaxed gameplay.
Availability and accessibility
Live Blackjack games are generally available around the clock, but they do depend on the availability of dealers and gaming tables. Popular live casinos may offer several Blackjack tables with varying limits, but there may still be occasional waits for a seat at busier times.
In contrast, computerised Blackjack games are always available with no waiting times, as the game is automated, and you play directly with the software.
