Play Live Dealer Blackjack Games

How to Play Blackjack Live

Any real gambling aficionado may understand that online blackjack and other table games can go dull after a while. If you’ve ever been to one of Canada’s casinos and played blackjack, you will know the feeling you get when you watch the dealer gently move their hands from the shoe to the table. If you’re missing the spontaneity of the game and that feeling of being in a brick and mortar casino, we insist you try online live blackjack.

If you don’t know, or don’t remember, here are a few points about the game. The goal in blackjack is to create a hand which adds up to 21. This hand should be higher than the dealer’s hand, but not more than 21 otherwise you bust and lose. All face cards and tens are worth 10 points. Aces can be valued as a 1 or 11. The dealer handles all the dealing of the cards and the shoe may hold between one and eight decks. Once the hand is complete, the cards are totaled. A blackjack is an Ace and any card worth 10. This is the highest hand and beats all other hands including one which totaled to 21. If you didn’t reach that magic winning number, there are still ways you can win real money.

Live Blackjack Glossary

• Action – The amount of money wagered within a specific period
• Basic Strategy – A predetermined set of decisions a player should make to increase his chances of winning
• Counter – A player who counts the cards
• Deal – The action of distributing the cards during a hand
• Even Money – When a player takes insurance even when holding a Blackjack. This will result in a net gain of one bet
• Get Down – This phrase means to make a wager
• Hit – The card that is received from the dealer
• Hole-Card – Any card that is played face-down on the table
• Hard Hands – No ace or an ace value of 1
• Soft Hands – A hand with an ace that totals as a 1 or an 11

Blackjack Variations at a Live Online Casino

Something you won’t see in a brick and mortar establishment is eclectic range of rules and betting options in the live dealer blackjack casino variations. It’s similar to establishments having different setups except you’re not bouncing from one to another. You can stay within the same site(s) and enjoy all sorts of streaming blackjack games. You’ll find:

Spanish 21 – Online live blackjack variants such as this one is far more liberal than the original version. You can double down on as many cards as you’d like while making only one wager. There are also special payouts, no 10’s and the player’s blackjack always beats the dealers.

Double Exposure Blackjack – As the name says, the dealer will expose both cards dealt face up. Blackjack pays even money and ties are unfortunately losing hands.

Blackjack Switch – The player is dealt two hands rather than one and you can switch cards between them. Blackjacks pay at a 1-1 ratio.

Apart from the casinos’ online live blackjack variants, there are also side bets in many of the games. It’s worth noting that the house edge is often higher in these games.

Go Live with the Best Game

There are various players that prefer live dealer games over anything else. Live dealer blackjack has been around for a long time and plenty of Canadians find themselves hooked on this game. The personalised feel to a live dealer game is enticing and intriguing. There are various variations of the game, we've compared two of our favourites.

Topic	Spanish 21	Blackjack Switch
About the Game	A blackjack variant which was first introduced in Las Vegas.	A blackjack variant invented in 2009.
Rules of the Game	More liberal than the original version.	The player is dealt two hands and not one.
Additional Features	Players can double down on as many cards as they want while only placing one bet.	Players can switch cards between these two dealt hands.
Payouts	Special payouts.	Blackjacks pay at a 1-1 ratio.
Additional Rules	There are no 10s. The player’s blackjack beats the dealer’s.	N/A

World Class Casino Software

Canada’s casino goers will be happy to know that the operators on this site are fitted with the best software. Look out for Microgaming, Playtech, Visionary iGaming, Global Gaming Labs and Evolution Gaming for the top casinos’ blackjack live dealer games.

What does Live Blackjack Mean?

In a nutshell, this is as close to an actual casino as it’s going to get. Live blackjack games are streamed to your PC or Mac in HD video. You can interact with professional, yet good looking dealers just as you would in a brick and mortar CA casino. Throw on your favourite jams, dim down the lighting and you’re going to feel like you’re actually in the casino – sans the fancy carpet.

In a nutshell, live dealer games are as close to an actual casino as it’s going to get.

The Benefits of Live Blackjack

There are three options for players when it comes to internet gambling. Players can either choose to play at a land based casino, at an online casino, or at a live dealer casino. There are several benefits and advantages for each of these options. Live dealer casinos offer the best of both options since players can play in the comfort of their own home while still benefiting from some sort of personal interaction.

Topic	Land based Casino	Online Casino	Live Dealer Casinos
Privacy
Convenience
Ease of play
Bonuses
High Limits
Low Limits
Interaction
Expenses
Realism
Payment Options

You’ll also be able to navigate through an impressive interface where you can:

• Read the rules of the game
• Understand the bets and payout percentage
• Make instant real money deposits
• Chat with other blackjack players in Canada
• Review past moves and learn from mistakes

Best Bets and Odds in Blackjack

Like many other games, blackjack is designed to have a house edge. However, it is relatively low when compared to other games. Lowering the house edge will take a lot of practise and skill. In general, players will be playing at around 97 to 98 percent in live dealer blackjack.

It’s important to look for a casino that provides high payout rates. This will lower the house edge and give you more chance of winning.

The Most Realistic Live Casino Experience Possible

When you’re playing live dealer blackjack online, or any other live dealer games, you will be playing with an actual human being. He or she is not software, a digital graphic or robot. This person actually exists somewhere in the world. When you talk to them, they listen. And, if you’re playing blackjack with a live dealer online, they are going to try to beat you!

A Simple Strategy to Get You Started

For all you Canucks who are ready to start playing at an online casino’s live dealer blackjack games, pay attention to the following strategy and try these moves:

Hard Hands- No ace, or an ace value of 1

• Hit on a total less than 8
• Double on 9 when the dealer holds 3-6. Otherwise, hit
• Double if the dealer holds less than your own hand total of 10-11. If not, hit
• If the dealer holds 7 or greater, and you have a total of 12-16, hit. If not, stand
• With a hand of 17-21, stand

Soft Hands- A hand with an Ace that totals as a 1 or 11.

• Always hit on a hand total of 15 or less
• Double when the dealer has 6 or less. Otherwise, hit with a total of 16-18
• Stand on hands of 19 or more

Pair Hands- Split your hands based upon the following

• Always split on 8’s and Aces
• Never split on 4’s, 5’s or 10’s
• For any other pair, split if the dealer displays a 6 or less

*The above is not guaranteed to land you a winning hand; however, it will guide you in the right direction. If you really want to master blackjack, studying the game and your own mistakes is the only way.

We've Discovered the Top Blackjack Casino Games With a Live Dealer

Canadians who love blackjack are going to love our picks for the live streaming variations. From the very beginning, you'll be impressed with easy payment methods, quality customer support and an easy to navigate, multilingual interface. We wouldn't let you get started before telling you there is very large, multi-digit bonus available. This is exclusive to our visitors. Ready to play live blackjack on a PC or Mac? get started now!