Does Live Blackjack Play Differently to Online Blackjack?

By Shelly Green.

Blackjack is one of the oldest and most popular casino games. Often referred to as 21 or pontoon, the game is played by millions around the world who love it for its simple rules and favorable odds.

With the rise of online gambling, blackjack’s reach and impact have significantly increased. There are innumerable different digital versions and recreations at online casino platforms throughout the internet, many with different themes, visual designs, and special features. How does playing live blackjack differ from playing the game online? Find out here.

The Rules of Blackjack

Before we can discuss the differences between live blackjack and online blackjack, it’s important we first go over the rules of the game.

Blackjack uses a standard deck of 52 cards, although most casinos will use several decks all shuffled together. The aim of the game is to get as close to 21 as possible without going over. This is done by using the value of the cards.  You can also win a hand of blackjack by standing on your hand and letting the dealer bust (go over 21).

After bets have been placed, one face-up card is dealt to each player and the dealer.  The players are then dealt a second face-up card, while the dealer is dealt a face-down card. Each player is then asked if they want to hit or stand. Hit means to take another card in an attempt to get closer to 21. Players can hit as many times as they want as long as the total of their cards remains under 21. If it goes over, this is called going bust and eliminates that player from the round. To stand means the player doesn’t want any more cards and will see out the rest of the round.

Of course, there are other options for the player such as doubling down, splitting pairs and in some casinos – surrendering.  Each casino will have their own rules and options.

After this, the dealer reveals their face-down card. If their total is under 16, they must hit and must continue until the total is more than 17.

The player that is closest to 21 at the end of the round wins.

Online Blackjack

So, all pretty simple right? Blackjack is easy to understand and play, which is why it has remained such a popular casino game for so many years.

In recent years, we’ve seen the popularity of online versions of the game skyrocket. If you’re looking to play some digital blackjack or Live Dealer blackjack in South Africa, you might be wondering how it differs from the real thing.

First, let’s take a look at the pros of online blackjack. The most obvious ones are accessibility and convenience. Playing online blackjack means you can enjoy the game from the comfort of your own home. For people who can’t access a real casino, online blackjack can be the perfect alternative.

Online blackjack can offer new players a more comfortable environment to learn in. They will be able to go at their own pace and pit their skills against the computer rather than real-life dealers and players.

What’s more, online blackjack comes with the benefits of modern technology. AI and machine learning systems can monitor player behavior to offer personalized deals and promotions.

However, some people who are used to live blackjack might find that online blackjack lacks a bit of the human element. It can feel a bit cold and disconnected, more like a computer game than a real-life casino game.

Live Blackjack

Blackjack has been played at casinos around the world for hundreds of years and continues to be widely enjoyed today.

Humans are social creatures who crave interaction with one another. While a casino is somewhere where gambling games are played, it’s also a space where people come together to meet, mingle, and have a good time.

Live blackjack can be an incredibly fun experience. The buzz and banter of the blackjack table is unlike anything else, with jokes and anecdotes from players and dealers enhancing the overall experience.

For the extrovert, this can be ideal. Blackjack tables are vibrant and buzzing, and you could make yourself new lifelong friends.

However, playing at a live blackjack table can be intimidating, particularly for introverts or newcomers to the game.

What’s more, blackjack tables often have higher minimum bets than their online counterparts, so you might have to spend more than you’ve budgeted for. On the other hand, live blackjack tables can be much slower than digital versions. This means you’ll have more of a chance to take your time and carefully assess each move before you make a decision.

Conclusion

Blackjack has long been one of the most popular casino games, and it certainly isn’t going away any time soon. Use this guide to learn the difference between online blackjack and live blackjack so you can choose the game that’s right for you.

IMAGE CREDIT: Unsplash.com

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