Our approach to online casino reviews
Why play live dealer blackjack?
Realistic
RNG (random number generator) blackjack is great, but live dealer blackjack takes your gaming experience to the next level. After all, this is as close as you’ll get to the real thing without visiting a brick-and-mortar casino. Featuring professional dealers at genuine tables, you’ll get a taste of Vegas whether you’re playing on your computer or mobile device. The best blackjack providers also stream games in HD, making for even more immersive sessions.
Interactive
Live blackjack games come with a social element that you simply can’t get with other online blackjack games. Not only can you chat with the dealer, but lots of games let you talk with other players too, just like you might in a real casino. This adds a human touch to online versions of this popular casino game. It’s probably not the best context in which to test your card counting skills, however, as deck penetration tends to be too low for this to be a viable blackjack strategy.
Suits different budgets
Live casino blackjack generally has higher betting limits than RNG games, and there are plenty of VIP tables that are ideal for high rollers. That doesn’t mean casual players miss out, though. You can also play low stakes live blackjack online at plenty of the best live casinos, so there’s a range of games that cater to different bankrolls. Additionally, when you’re playing at a site licenced by reputable gaming watchdogs like the UK Gambling Commission and Malta Gaming Authority, you’ll know your money will be kept secure and all games will be fair.
Live dealer blackjack vs RNG blackjack
Of course, the main differences between live dealer and RNG blackjack are pretty obvious, but there are more than just the obvious factors that separate the two.
Variations
There’s a whole range of online blackjack variations when it comes to RNG games, including the likes of Double Exposure Blackjack and Blackjack Switch. However, you won’t find the same choice of titles at live blackjack casinos. That’s not to say that all the games are the same, but they generally differ in aspects like optional side bets, wager limits and themes, rather than differences in the blackjack rules. As this is blackjack, the house edge tends to be very small no matter which variant you choose.
Speed
If you’ve ever played RNG blackjack, you’ll know that the cards are dealt pretty much instantly. In a live casino game, however, real dealers will lay out cards in real time, meaning games are often slower. This means the online live blackjack experience is more realistic, but it may not suit players that prefer rapid-fire blackjack.
Seat availability
You can play RNG blackjack instantly whenever you want. However, many live blackjack tables stay true to brick-and-mortar casinos and only seat seven players at a time, so you may have to wait for a seat. Luckily, some games let you place bet behinds, where you can wager on seated players’ hands. There are also low limit blackjack games with unlimited seats for you to enjoy while waiting for your place at the table.
Live dealer blackjack software developers
Blackjack is one of the most popular live online casino games, so plenty of software developers have tried their hand at it. We’ve picked out the best of the bunch when it comes to producing live blackjack casino games:
Evolution Gaming
From live roulette, baccarat, and hold ‘em, to a wide plethora of live blackjack games, Evolution has it all. As well as offering traditional blackjack, there’s also Blackjack Party, with its buzzy and laid-back feel. Features include bet behind, where an unlimited number of players can watch the action and bet on players while waiting for a seat. There’s also Pre Decision, which means you can choose whether to hit, stand or split right away without waiting your turn – perfect for fans of faster gameplay.
Playtech
Playtech is up there with the best of the bunch when it comes to live casino software, and its blackjack product lives up to expectations. There are numerous casino tables with different betting limits, most of which are streamed from Playtech’s live casino studio in Latvia – the largest of its kind in the world. You can double down, split, and wager on different side bets, including 21+3 and Perfect Pairs. There’s also Ultimate Blackjack, which can be played by an unlimited number of players at the same time.
NetEnt
NetEnt–now owned by Evolution Gaming–is famed for online slots, but also offers several live blackjack tables that can be played at lots of top online casinos. Like Evolution and Playtech, NetEnt’s games cater to a range of different budgets, so you don’t have to be a high roller to get in on the fun. Players have the option of the 21+3 and Perfect Pairs side bets, as well as handy features like table statistics and an on-screen history of the dealer’s last ten hands. There’s also Common Draw Blackjack where every player plays with the same hand, offering unlimited table access.
Live dealer blackjack bonuses
If you thought casino bonuses were restricted to RNG games, think again. Some of the best online casinos offer welcome bonuses which can be used on live casino games, including live dealer blackjack. Here are the most popular kinds.
Matched deposit
With a matched deposit bonus, the casino site will match a percentage of your deposit with bonus funds, up to a maximum amount. For example, if the deal is advertised as ‘100% up to £150’ and you deposit £30, you’ll have a total of £60 to bet with.
No deposit
Is it possible to play live dealer blackjack games without actually putting your own money on the line? Yes, if you’re lucky enough to land a no deposit bonus. This kind of promotion sees the operator gift you bonus credits just for signing up as a new member. Just bear in mind that you’ll probably have to meet a large wagering requirement before you can take any winnings as a real money payout.
No wagering
Wagering requirements–which we’ll discuss in more detail in a moment–are very common at online casinos, and they can make it challenging to get your hands on your winnings. But you’ll sometimes see welcome bonus deals that come with no wagering attached. This means anything you win using your bonus funds can be withdrawn as real money straight away.
Bonus terms and conditions
As with every casino bonus, you’ll need to read up on the terms and conditions before signing up. Here are some of the strings that might be attached.
Wagering requirements
Pretty much every live dealer bonus comes with wagering requirements, which means you have to wager your bonus a certain number of times before you can cash in on any winnings. For example, if you bag a £100 bonus with 35x wagering, you’ll need to wager £3,500 before you can withdraw any returns.
At most top live casinos, only a small amount of wagers placed on games like blackjack and roulette will contribute to the completion of wagering requirements. This is often as low as 10%, and sometimes bets on table games are excluded altogether. This means you might be better off wagering on slots – that have a 100% contribution – depending on your bankroll.
Time limits
Thinking of hoarding your bonus funds for a rainy day? You may have to think again, as casino promotions don’t usually have unlimited time spans. Chances are, you’ll have to use them by a fixed deadline, so check the fine print to ensure your bonus doesn’t accidentally expire.
Game restrictions
While casino bonuses can often be used on a huge variety of games, it’s important to check for potential restrictions before signing up. It may be the case, for example, that the welcome bonus funds at a particular casino can’t be used on live dealer games. That’s something you’d certainly want to know if your heart is set on live dealer blackjack!
Winning caps
Online casinos don’t want to be left out of pocket by players who amass huge winnings using bonus funds. That’s why welcome bonuses and other promos often come with maximum win caps, meaning there’s an upper limit in how much you can win using bonus funds.
Mobile live dealer blackjack
Live dealer blackjack isn’t restricted to desktop devices- you can enjoy trying to hit 21 at mobile casinos as well. The top live blackjack developers optimise their games for mobile play with HTML5 technology, meaning you can play instantly and seamlessly from anywhere. Of course, you’ll need a stable internet connection to avoid any lagging or delays to your stream.
You don’t have to play using a mobile web browser, as the top blackjack sites have native mobile apps for both iPhone and Android. Mobile apps store data on your device, whereas web apps rely on servers that can take longer to load, meaning apps can provide faster and smoother mobile gaming. There are also other benefits, like push notifications, so that you never miss out on the latest live casino promotions.
How to choose the best live blackjack casino
Here are a few tips on what to look out for when searching for your perfect live blackjack online casino.
Licensing
Safety should be your number one priority when it comes to picking a top casino, so you should only ever play at sites licensed by a governing body, such as the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). This ensures that all the games are fair and that your account and personal details are kept secure. You’ll only find licensed casino sites on Casino Genius, but you can check for yourself by looking for a governing body logo in the website footer.
Bonuses
Pretty much every casino offers a welcome bonus, but there are plenty of different deals on the market. Size isn’t everything, though- high wagering requirements or low win limits can mean a smaller bonus is actually better value. Be sure to thoroughly check the terms and conditions to help find the best offer for you.
Games library
There isn’t a huge amount of variation when it comes to live online blackjack, but players still have their preferences. For example, you may prefer games from a particular software developer, such as Playtech. If you want to play low stakes live blackjack, make sure your chosen casino has games that cater to this, too. Of course, you may also be looking for other live dealer games like roulette and baccarat, or RNG games like slots, so see what each casino has to offer.
Banking options
Pretty much every live blackjack casino accepts bank cards, but if you prefer banking options like phone bill or PayPal, be sure to check the accepted payment methods before signing up. You can do this quickly and easily by clicking on our expert casino reviews, where you’ll find all the need-to-know banking information.
Withdrawal times
If the cards fall kindly and you do beat the dealer to 21, you’ll want to withdraw your winnings at some point. Withdrawal limits and processing times can vary a lot at different live blackjack sites, and some sites may have more friendly terms than others, so it’s important to check that they suit you.
Customer support
All licensed casinos offer a customer support service, but they’re not all the same. For example, some live blackjack sites offer round-the-clock support via telephone, email and live chat, whereas other casinos may have a more limited customer service offering.
Ready to play live blackjack online?
All up to scratch on the ins and outs of live blackjack? Great, now you’re probably raring to get out there and try it out for yourself. Look no further than our list of the best UK casinos, where you’ll find the top bonuses and fastest withdrawal times. Compare, sign up and play live blackjack online today!
Frequently asked questions
Can I play live blackjack online for free?
Not unless you find a no deposit bonus that can be used on live games. As live dealer blackjack games are more expensive for casinos to run, they’re not available as free demos. If you want to play for free, you’re best off sticking with free demo RNG blackjack.
Is live blackjack fair?
Yes, as long as you’re playing at a licensed casino. Licensing bodies regulate live casino sites to ensure that all dealers are properly trained and that genuine cards are used, so you can be sure the live blackjack you play is fair and unbiased.
Can I use a strategy to guarantee a win in live blackjack?
No. Blackjack is a game of both skill and luck, so while you can use strategy to slightly decrease the house edge, no amount of strategy can guarantee a win.
Is live blackjack available 24/7?
Yes. While some games might have restricted opening times, most live blackjack games have different dealers, so you can play live games around the clock.
Can I play live dealer blackjack at new casinos?
Yes. You can play live blackjack at the hottest new casino sites, as well as the more established brands. There are plenty of great live blackjack casinos to choose from, so use our carefully curated list for easy and impartial comparison.
