Live and Online Blackjack- How to Make up Your Mind between These Two?

Similar to other skill-based games, BJ comes in many varieties and forms, and with the development of modern technologies, the versatility exploded additionally. Allowing punters to compete against both computerized or real dealers, Internet took gambling to a completely new level, but also brought certain confusions.

Some people refer to “live” and “online” as synonymous , speaking from a perspective of an inline gambler, and truth to be told, it’s not surprising at all. After all, both are played on the Internet, aren’t they?

Then, how to make a difference between live and online Blackjack?

Let’s start with the most obvious distinction- the presence of a live dealer in live, compared to software in online Blackjack. There are several more discrepancies between them, but they share certain similarities as well.

Keep reading to get a better insight into online and live BJ and find out which one’s better!

Comparing Live and Online Blackjack

Before we get down to analyzing the particular segments, let’s make one thing clear. The focus of our comparison guide here are games played on the Internet. So the live BJ in question here is the one played in online hubs, not the one in terrestrial parlors.

Now, let’s compare them!

• Man VS Machine

Live BJ represents an online replica of this game played in casinos, but it’s streamed from either dedicated studios or from genuine brick-and-mortar facilities. One gets to talk with the dealer, there are no automated moves.

Online BJ is a single-player game, and it utilizes software and random number generator, similar to those incorporated in poker or slot games. Though it is prone to modifications (which is why punters tend to be skeptical about it), still it’s quite legit. At least it is in the majority of betting shops.

Yet again…

…you may encounter Sonya Blackjack, which represents the most beautiful match of these two worlds- a lovely looking CGI-generated live dealer that comes with endless customization options.

• What about the interface?

In an online variant, all you see is a table from various perspectives, depending on where the “camera” looks from. Sometimes you can see the hands, or hear the voice, but when you play against the software, it’s just the smooth green surface, cards, chips, buttons and all.

As the name indicates, live comes with a much livelier interface, as there’s a real-life person standing in front of you. Well, in front of the camera, to be precise, but you get the point. In this variant you not only get a real person but hear all the accompanying sound which makes land-based gaming so authentic- chatting, laying out cards, shuffling them, and all.

When it comes to rules and bets…

…both options come with so many various possibilities. The specific rules and precise odds are different from one hub to another, but there are so many different variants that can cater to the needs of both newbies and those who are already the advanced type of players.

Should Advantages and Disadvantages Be Discussed at All?

If the reader is to seek our personal opinion, then the answer would be NO. Each punter takes his/her own likenesses as a starting point when selecting the game.

Hence…

…those who are eager to practice their skills will opt for online BJ, as there are numerous useful trainers and apps which are designed for that specific purpose- and they cost nothing. Those who want to recreate the atmosphere seen in land-based venues will find live BJ more interesting, as there’s a real person to interact with.

On the other hand, when you compare either of the two with live BJ played in offline hubs, then you can find several advantages the former two have over the latter one.

For example:

• Better availability– not everyone has an entertainment facility nearby, and that’s where online gaming steps in as more practical, and convenient. It’s done from one’s home or while out and about.
• Bigger diversity of games– while one terrestrial facility is limited with the number of tables it can accommodate, an online venue can be home to hundreds of all sorts of table games.
• Possibility to play in demo mode– this is something that doesn’t exist in land-based parlors.
• Game pace– when one is a novice, the electric and extremely dynamic atmosphere can be stressful because more experienced players are not always patient. Online variant allows you to take your time.

Surely, those in favor of the atmosphere…

…will negate any of these, but that’s PRECISELY what online live BJ compensates. Plus, no need to tip the dealer – another thing that’s usually done when in brick and mortar venue.

And last but not the least important- no waiting for the seat to become empty, which is not so uncommon for offline parlors. Some variants found on the Internet allow literally unlimited numbers of players per session.

How to Choose a Good BJ Game?

When it comes to finding the right one to play in online facilities, the situation is equally complex and complicated as it is in terrestrial venues. Or even more.

That’s because the selection is too massive…

…and there are so many new and modified games, with a wealth of extras. It’s particularly challenging for newbies to find their way around, as there’s so much to take into consideration.

Let’s go through some most important aspects to analyze before you decide to a BJ table!

• Rules

To be able to get the most of a specific game, one must be fully familiar with all the accompanying rules. Only a deep understanding of them creates solid ground for some winnings. Those may vary from one establishment to another, as each hub could add some special promo, additional bet, or something of that kind.

• Number of decks used

Having in mind that the number of decks that are utilized in a game has an impact over odds, one should pay attention to this important detail as well. The number varies from one to two, but some releases require between 6 and 8.

Another thing- plays a significant role as well…

…-how the cards are dealt. They can be “hand dealt”, meaning the dealer deals them from his/her hand, or “shoe dealt”, those dealt from a dealing shoe. The former ones usually utilize a smaller number of decks.

Worth stressing out is that fewer cards in play are what advanced players usually prefer. Why? Because it means less variance for strategy and less difficulty for card counting and other tactics.

On the other hand, novices should opt for those which are dealt from the shoe, where the bigger number of cards is in the game. Another reason for that is less shuffling, which enables punters to play more hands without lengthy pauses.

• Side bets and house edge

BJ already holds the reputation of as one of the most player-friendly games, in of house edge – it can be as low as half a percent.

As a player, you have the mission to find that very venue that offers this HE. And while exploring, see which side bets are offered.

Their HE differs a lot…

…from the base game and yours is to learn how they function before occupying a seat at the table- a real or digital one. If you were to ask any experts, they would tell you that side bets are best avoided, but IF (yes, in capital letters, as this is the most powerful and the most important word among gamblers) you still want to- then educate yourself on the house edge and payoff schedule.

Of course, on top of all abovementioned, the provider and the online casino also need to be top-ranked ones. Never push luck by playing games which are of poor quality, or those hosted in unlicensed hubs.

Moreover…

…your mood matters a lot. If some other thoughts are bothering you, and you are not fully concentrated on the cards dealt or on the strategy you use, then don’t even bother playing at all. Some more appropriate moment will come, so don’t insist.

Bonus Content- The Most Innovative Live BJ Games

Compared to the whole universe of studios delivering slot games, the number of those who are specialized in live content is not as big. Still, some brands do stand out above the competitors, such as Evolution Gaming, Ezugi, XPRO Gaming BetConstruct, Vivo Gaming, and more.

Let’s check out some of the most inventive products by EG:

• Speed BJ

Being one of the fastest BJs from the provider’s collection, it follows the same rules as a regular one. But, it comes with a significant difference as well- the dealing order when it is time for the punter to make their decision. The one who makes the fastest decision (to Hit, Double Down, or Split) will get their next card dealt first.

• Infinite BJ

This one allows an unlimited number of punters per session, and they are dealt with a common initial two-card hand. After that, each customer can play that hand just the way they want. It comes with four optional side bets (Any Pair, 21+3, Hot 3 and Bust It) and the Six Card Charlie rule.

• Free Bet BJ

One of the of the Infinite family, it relies on a game played in land-based hubs, but it’s reinforced with complimentary Double Down and Split bets on all pairs except 10s. Those are automatically offered to the player whenever their hand qualifies, adding more to the action. Moreover, it comes with four optional side bets (Any Pair, 21+3, Hot 3 and Bust It) and the Six Card Charlie rule.

• Power BJ

Another one from the Infinite gang, it provides an unlimited number of players a chance to win big. The game includes the opportunity to Double, Triple, or Quadruple Down on any two initial cards, even after a split. Power Blackjack comes with four optional side bets (Any Pair, 21+3, Hot 3, and Bust It) but there is no Six Card Charlie rule.

• BJ party

A low-stakes, party-style variant of live BJ, it comes with a massively scalable Bet Behind. Plus, there’s music and vivid bantering, justifying the name completely. Plus, seated players can also Bet Behind any other seat or seats.

What about BetConstruct’s products?

• VR Live dealer

It comes with ultra-realistic VR visuals and real-time communication with the dealer. It comes with multi-player social space, and customizable design. Also, the option is available not only for BJ but for Roulette and Baccarat.

• Switch Blackjack

Calling it a combo of a classic with a twist, the provider arranged this one to have three playing sits per game and two boxes to bet on simultaneously with an option to switch combinations. Plus, it features high-odds side bets for more experienced players.

Aside from these fantastic achievements …

…there are also live native tables, which, (surprisingly or not) also come from Evolution Gaming’s creative workshop. They take the experience to a completely new level or personalization, as the interaction between the dealer and the player happens in the punter’s native tongue.

Final Thoughts

What comes as the most unique charm this game possesses, be it in land-based or online casinos is that it’s much more than just playing against the dealer and trying to beat him/her. It’s about the particular strategy you use, as well as about finding the perfect timing to make the right decision.

That’s the very essence of BJ, and that’s what makes it slightly more sophisticated than any other entertainment product. It’s one of the rare games which allows you to polish your style and persona to the highest heights.

In the end…

…the answer to “Which one is better?” boils down to “Whichever you like the best!”, as this is a matter of personal taste. All it takes is to analyze and compare both variants (just like we did), and see which one reflects your personal preferences more precisely. Of course, as longs as knowledge and skills are with you.

And when you finish this procedure, there’s one more thing left to memorize:

“It’s not about the cards you’re dealt, but how you play the hand.”

FAQ