PLAYING BLACKJACK online is nothing new. However, live casinos with the best online blackjack games make it possible to go head-to-head against human dealers from the comfort of your own home or on the commute to work.
Live blackjack is streamed from realistic studios from around the world, with developers being linked to some of the top online casinos in the UK. On this page, I will explain exactly how live blackjack works. This will include different variants, strategies and casino sites.
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What makes a good live blackjack casino?
The number of leading online casinos offering live blackjack games is significant. However, not all are worth taking advantage of. In my experience, a good live blackjack casino stands out for several key reasons. When I'm exploring live blackjack casinos, I always prioritize those that feature games from reputable developers: Evolution Gaming, Pragmatic Play, Playtech and Ezugi, among others.
Elsewhere, I ensure that my needs are met in terms of blackjack variants. There are plenty of blackjack titles you can choose from. Nowadays, you can play many different versions, including XXXTreme Lightning and Royale. Also consider minimum and maximum bets, with the best casinos catering for both beginners and high rollers. Bonuses are another selling point of live blackjack sites. Both new and existing customers can utilise promotions, including deposit bonuses, reload bonuses and cashback.
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In my opinion, accessibility on mobile devices is essential for a live blackjack casino. Whether it be through your chosen browser or a dedicated app, you should have 24/7 access on smartphones and tablets. Finally, I always look into accepted payment methods too. Leading operators process deposits and withdrawals quickly and securely, through debit cards, e-wallets and other platforms.
You also want to make sure a casino has a good loyalty program if you plan to stick around and gain bonuses when you play.
Online blackjack casinos: Taking a closer look at our partners
Here I'll be taking a deeper dive into live casinos that offer blackjack from operators we work with. I looked at site features, theme, game quality, promotions and prizes, and customer service to find good blackjack casino sites. If you're looking for good user experience, many withdrawal options, and money blackjack games, then the following operators of my list offer the full package.
1. Magic Red
Magic Red's solid welcome bonus kicks off a great casino experience and lets me enjoy over fifty blackjack games. In addition to standard tabletop games, you and I can also enjoy various live dealer games and even VIP sections for dedicated players.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Weekly offers | ❌ No progressive jackpot games |
| ✅ Over 50 blackjack games | |
| ✅ Great mobile experience |
2. MrQ
There are several types blackjack games to choose from. Neo, Single Deck Vegas, European, and Vegas Strip are just some variations to choose from, and MrQ gives players two welcome bonuses to help them get started, which I really like. Overall, this is an excellent casino with frequent promotions and a great user interface.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Mobile-friendly | ❌ Could you more game variety |
| ✅ Several starting promotions | |
| ✅ Stellar customer support |
3. Duelz
With over 20 blackjack games, good welcome bonuses, and cash tournaments, Duelz is a fantastic choice for me and gives its players plenty to enjoy right from the start.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ VIP blackjack rooms | ❌ No mobile app |
| ✅ Cashback promotions | |
| ✅ Site is easy to navigate |
4. Voodoo Dreams
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Voodoo Dreams gives us an excellent range of casino games and an easy sign up process. I like that I can choose between classic blackjack and multiple variations like European blackjack, all accompanied by charming live dealers.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ VIP blackjack rooms | ❌ Welcome bonus has a high wagering requirement |
| ✅ Loyalty program | |
| ✅ Good game variety |
5. Mr Vegas
There are so many variations of blackjack on Mr Vegas' site that you'll practically never run out of choice. The same goes for games like poker and baccarat, and if you like slots, Mr Vegas has a welcome offer that includes free spins. Overall, I highly recommend Mr Vegas for its impressive selection of games and enticing bonuses.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Over 5,000 casino games | ❌ Website interface is cluttered |
| ✅ Great welcome bonuses | |
| ✅ Weekly events |
How popular is blackjack?
In my experience, blackjack is undoubtedly one of the most iconic and beloved casino games online. The banking game dates back hundreds of years, with its simplicity meaning that it remains hugely popular. Having long been a staple inside many land-based casinos, blackjack seamlessly made the transition to online gambling sites. Now, players like myself have access to a wide range of both software-based and live blackjack games. Standout variants include Lightning, European,VIP, Unlimited and Multi-Hand, with there now being something for everyone.
Other popular casinos games that you can enjoy are:
- Poker
- Baccarat
- Craps
Why is blackjack called 21?
The gameplay and rules of blackjack seems to me relatively simple. The main aim is to score as close to 21 as possible, without going bust. It is for this reason that blackjack is also commonly known as Twenty-One or 21. Players go head-to-head against the banker, with both parties starting with two cards. If you are drawn an ace and a face card, you will automatically win, given that this hand is known as “blackjack”.
Different cards carry a different number of points. For example, a king carries 14 points, a queen 13 points, and a jack carries 12 points. The game is played with a standard deck of 52 cards, and each suit carries the same number of points. A club, a spade, a heart, or a diamond - it doesn't matter. Unless a casino states otherwise or uses one of the less common blackjack variations, the suits don't matter when it comes to overall blackjack strategy.
How to play live blackjack at a casino?
Getting started with playing live blackjack online is relatively simple. The following is a blackjack step-by-step guide for players in the UK to follow:
- Enter your chosen casino site on desktop or mobile.
- Select the “Register” or “Join Now” button.
- Complete the registration form by entering the relevant personal details.
- Verify your new account via the link found inside your welcome email.
- Login to your account and deposit money using your preferred payment method.
- Browse live blackjack games and select your favourite.
- Set your stake and place your opening bet.
- Find The Sun's betting publishing principles here
While the specific rules of live blackjack differ between variants, the general gameplay is the same across the board. You can beat the banker in three different ways:
- Drawing a hand with a value greater than that of the dealer
- If the dealer goes over 21
- Drawing a hand worth 21 with your first two cards
Meanwhile, you will lose to the dealer if one of the following outcomes occurs:
- The value of your hand exceeds 21
- The dealer's hand value is greater than yours at the end of the round
Once cards have been drawn, you will need to decide whether to stand, hit, split, double down or surrender. Meanwhile, additional side bets can also be placed with some live blackjack variants.
What are the different types of blackjack games?
All players are catered for when it comes to online blackjack. This is because a large number of different versions are now available.
While the amount of variants is increasing quickly, it is the following that are the most popular for players in the UK:
- European blackjack
- American blackjack
- Perfect Pairs blackjack
- Multi-Hand blackjack
- Blackjack Switch
What’s the difference between playing live blackjack and regular blackjack?
You might be curious about whether live blackjack is more suited to your preferences compared to regular online blackjack. In my experience, it's essential to understand the main differences between the two. Firstly, in video blackjack games, the outcomes are determined by a random number generator (RNG).
This is in comparison to live versions, which feature professional, highly-trained and fair dealers. Of course, this does mean that live blackjack is slower. However, the realism offered by live blackjack is unmatched. It is the closest thing to visiting your local casino, while being more convenient.
What bonus offers can I get at live blackjack casinos?
Part of the appeal of playing live blackjack is the range of promotions that are up for grabs along the way. Each offer comes with its own terms and conditions, with the following being the most common bonus types:
- Welcome bonus
- No deposit bonus
- Reload bonus
- Cashback offer
- Free spins
- VIP rewards
How popular is live blackjack?
From my perspective, the popularity of live blackjack shouldn't be surprising given the rapid growth of software providers, studios, and game options. This unique form of gambling offers an immersive experience that's available 24/7 on all devices. With games becoming increasingly realistic and developers constantly releasing new variants, there's never been a better time to dive into the world of live blackjack.
In addition to blackjack, you can also try your hand at casino games such as baccarat.
Popular live blackjack strategies
Before you place any blackjack bet, it is important to come up with a system. The following are the strategies that I recommend in particular:
Martingale strategy
With this strategy, you will double your stake after each unsuccessful bet. The theory is that you will wipe out all of your previous losses with just a single winning wager. However, this is a risky system, meaning that it is not the best option for beginners.
Fibonacci strategy
The Fibonacci strategy uses the sequence 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34 and so on. This is the amount in which you will increase your stake after each loss. If you win, the stake remains the same. As a result, it is similar to the Martingale strategy, without being quite as aggressive.
d’Alembert strategy
Similarly, the d’Alembert strategy means that players will raise their bet by a single unit after every loss. However, when successful, you lower your stake by one unit. I think this is a good option for beginners.
Is live dealer blackjack better?
Whether live dealer blackjack is better than traditional RNG-based games is difficult to say. This is because all players are different in terms of what they are looking for. However, with the amount of money that developers are investing into their studios, dealers and new variants, live blackjack is set to go from strength to strength.
Can you win real money playing live blackjack?
Absolutely. Like any form of gambling, there is no guarantee that you will make money. However, those with a good strategy and a bit of luck can certainly profit from live blackjack. It also helps if a casino you're signing up for has good welcome offers to help give you a boost.
My top ranked casinos all offer real money live dealer games. While some online casino titles can be played for free, this is not the case with live blackjack.
Does blackjack beat dealer’s 21?
In my opinion, one crucial rule to be mindful of before diving into live blackjack is that a player's hand totaling 21, also known as blackjack, beats any dealer total other than a dealer's own blackjack. This rule applies even if the dealer has a regular 21. Understanding this rule is essential for making informed decisions and maximizing your chances of success at the blackjack table.
Which online casino has the best blackjack odds?
The odds when playing blackjack will depend on the variant. However, on average, your chance of winning a blackjack hand is 42.22%, compared to 8.48% for a tie and 49.10% for a loss. Meanwhile, the house edge also varies depending on the specific blackjack rules. This is the percentage in which the casino will win in the long-run. While being less than 1% with classic versions, it is still important to take this into account.
Best live blackjack tips for beating the dealer
Unfortunately, even the best strategy and the perfect blackjack site does not guarantee that you will make money from playing live blackjack online. However, the expert tips below will give you the best possible chance of beating the dealer on a consistent basis:
- Select the right variant - The number of live blackjack variants is growing quickly. However, not all games will suit your needs. So, be sure to browse all available games, focusing on those that come with suitable minimum/maximum bets, gameplay and jackpots.
- Never take insurance - When playing live blackjack, you may be offered the chance to insure your bet. However, the cost of doing so when compared to the potential rewards make this a step worth avoiding.
- Take advantage of bonuses - Bonuses and other promotions are offered by online casinos. Many will be eligible to those playing live blackjack. So, when the terms and conditions are realistic, be sure to try and qualify.
- Stick to your budget - Regardless of whether you are a beginner or have been playing live blackjack for years, it is important to set and stick to a budget. This should be a small proportion of your disposable income. Remember to only ever bet what you can afford to lose!
- 3:2 payouts - Live blackjack variants where the dealer stands on a soft 17 and the payout is 3:2 will be the most appealing to players. Playing alternative games may well see the house edge rise.
- Find The Sun's betting publishing principles here
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chase their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressed
- Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
- Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org
Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk
