Online Blackjack Vs. Live Dealer Blackjack: Which Is Better?
Jean LP
Blackjack is one of the most popular table games around, both online and in the casinos. The game is now hundreds of years old and comes in several variations. It was often the case that casinos would have limited space and only be able to provide a few different blackjack tables with varying betting rules and amounts. Online casinos don’t have this space issue and can, therefore, offer dozens of tables that can appeal to a diverse range of styles and preferences for blackjack players.
Advantages of playing blackjack online
With a greater range of games available, there are numerous advantages to playing blackjack at an online casino. A large range of blackjack tables means there are more options when it comes to rules and betting options. Low and high-stake tables, side-bet options, and more obscure blackjack variations can all be found online. It is just a matter of picking the right table suitable for any given preferred style of play.
The amount of choice may seem overwhelming for some at first. However, online casinos do a good job of categorising and labelling their games to clarify what is being played before entering the game. Each game will also have a list of rules available to players. With online blackjack, a player can take all the time they need to view the rules and various options available. Live tables also allow players to spectate without taking a seat at the table. This means there is no rush to start playing immediately, especially when online blackjack variants offer a demo mode to allow players to play without using real money funds.
Convenience is one of the biggest reasons for players switching to online play. Whether on mobile or desktop devices, playing from the comfort of home or on the go allows players to enjoy their favourite casino games from practically anywhere. This is coupled with speedy online transactions, as well as various promotions and offers, making online play more appealing than ever.
The difference between Online Blackjack and Live Blackjack
Online casinos that offer both online and live blackjack tables will typically split the tables into casino and live casino sections. The main difference is that the casino provides fully computer-driven gameplay that is determined by a random number generator. Live casino games will instead have a dealer hosting the table in real-time. Both variations come in various shapes and sizes, catering to different play styles.
Online Blackjack
Online blackjack employs random number generators to determine the cards being dealt. It is all handled automatically, with the player dictating the pace. A new table is created as soon as the player enters the game, meaning that it is just them against the dealer. The user interface allows players to hit, stand, or fold in their own time, as well as change bet amounts or add any side bets between rounds. Other settings will usually be available to adjust the screen size or volume, for example.
The online blackjack format appeals to those players who seek a more relaxing and solitary gaming experience that they can enjoy at their own pace. It is also a great way to get started and become familiar with the various types of blackjack available. Online blackjack games will typically have a demo mode that allows for wagering with fake money. Players can, therefore, try out different tables without risking any of their own funds in this mode.
Live Blackjack
Live casino blackjack brings the thrills and excitement of a land-based casino straight to your screen. Sophisticated live-streaming technology is paired with professional dealers to provide an immersive experience that can’t be matched. An extensive range of tables can be found, catering to different nationalities and types of players. Standard blackjack, perfect pairs, and double exposure are just some examples of the range that are available here.
Joining a live blackjack game will usually mean joining other players already seated at the table. Live chat functionality allows communication with the other players, as well as the dealers. The dealers are equipped with a microphone, allowing them to respond to anything written directly and call out the state of the game on the fly. While the dealer will be conducting the game from a real blackjack table, players will have an overlay from their screen, allowing them to make various betting options and adjust game settings and preferences, such as audio levels.
The live format means players must make their decisions within a time limit, whether it is adjusting wagering or deciding whether to stand or hit, for example. This might make it less ideal for newer players or when trying out a new format. However, more experienced players are able to enjoy the more social and interactive aspects of live casino blackjack without having to worry about making decisions under pressure.
It should also be noted that live casino games require a more stable internet connection. Streaming live video will require a little more power from your connection, and any time-outs or disconnects will typically default to auto-folding the player.
Online or Live Blackjack: Which has better odds?
The odds of any given blackjack table being played online will come down to the game itself and is not necessarily dependent on a live or random number generator format. Live blackjack odds will often depend on the number of decks in play, alongside any additional rules that may be in operation. Most live blackjack tables will use 6 to 8 decks shuffled regularly. Standard blackjack tables will generally have a house edge of around 0.05%, which is very low when compared to other table games. The house edge of American Roulette stands at around 5.26%, for example. A lower house edge is better for the player as it determines the average return to player (RTP).
The odds of online blackjack games are purely determined by the random number generator. This will take into account any side-bets and other additional rules in play. This also means that typical blackjack strategies, such as card counting, will not be as effective as they would be in live variants.
When determining the odds of any blackjack game online, players must take it on a table-by-table basis. When looking at online blackjack games, it is also worth taking note of the game provider. Different providers will typically adhere to different standards when it comes to odds. Some will offer more features, insurance, and betting options in exchange for a greater house edge. Live tables will mainly depend on the ruleset being played, so it is worth doing a little bit of research to determine if the odds seem suitable for the variant being played.
Best blackjack tables
Determining what makes a good blackjack table is purely player-dependent. Some players will look out for good insurance or side-bet options. Some prefer more standard rule sets, while others are looking for something a little more niche or new. Looking at the house edge for each variant is also a good way to determine what might be the best blackjack table. For example, blackjack Switch by Playtech offers a lower-than-average house edge of 0.17%. This does come at the cost of having to make two wagers, as players will be playing with two hands instead of the usual one.
Some players get enticed by big win potentials. Progressive Blackjack allows players to win from large progressive jackpots that are constantly increasing with each wager made on the table or network of tables. These tables will generally require higher stake amounts to make up for the potential for winning big.
Pontoon is another popular variation of blackjack that offers a higher payout of 2:1 rather than the usual 3:2. The player’s cards are dealt face-down while the dealer’s cards are faced up. This means the player must determine whether they can beat the dealer’s hand without knowing their own.
These are just a few of the numerous variations of blackjack that can be found online. Determining which is the best should be based on budget and playstyle. Sticking to smaller stakes tables is highly recommended when playing with a smaller budget. Certain game rules may also not be compatible with some players. For example, not being able to see one’s own hand in Pontoon may not be for everyone. The good news is that there is so much choice available that there is sure to be a table to suit every blackjack player’s style and preferences.
Live blackjack strategies
When establishing a live blackjack strategy, one of the first things to consider is determining the budget at play. The overall budget should help determine the wagering amounts for each round and whether applying insurance, splitting, or side bets when available makes sense.
Additionally, knowing when to split and when to stand is the first thing that needs to be learned when playing blackjack. Going for an additional card on 17 has more of a likelihood of ending in a bust, as there are only a few different cards that will keep you within the 21 limit. 16 is a particularly notorious hand, as it is relatively low yet still very risky to be dealt another card on. If the 16 is made up of two 8s, it is generally advised to split the hand.
Card counting is a very popular blackjack strategy. This is, however, made a lot more difficult to achieve successfully due to the number of decks that are typically in play. It can still be used in a rudimentary form to help determine how many high or low cards are still available in the deck. This can be done by applying a minus one value to low cards (2s to 6s), a plus one value to high cards (10s to Aces), and a zero value to the remaining cards. Starting from zero, adding the above-mentioned values becomes a matter when any given card is drawn. A higher total will mean that there are fewer high cards available to draw from the decks. Card-counting strategies lose effectiveness when more decks are in play. Card counting also does not work in online blackjack games where the draw of cards is determined by the random number generator.
Is live blackjack better than online?
Deciding on whether to play online or live blackjack is purely a matter of preference. Some players prefer the more relaxing and autonomous nature of online blackjack, whereas others seek the immersion, interactivity, and social aspects that can be enjoyed on the live tables. The freedom of choice means many players simply hop between the two formats depending on their mood. Others may have a strong preference for one format over the other.
Typically, online blackjack is advised for newer players due to the lack of time constraints and potential pressures from other players. Being able to figure out the game's rules at one’s own pace while also having the option to play in demo mode is the best way to learn a new game or blackjack variant. With that being said, many experienced players still prefer sticking to online blackjack over the live variants. Simply put, trying out both formats is the best way to figure out which one is better.