Blackjack. Is there anything more exhilarating than seeing that first card show an ace, and waiting with anticipation for a face to follow? No matter how it plays out, the thrill of it never grows old. Enter live casino blackjack!
Step into one of our LeoVegas live casino blackjack games and immerse yourself in one of the most beloved, classic and popular casino games of all time.
Live-streamed in HD quality with skilled, live dealers broadcasting from stunning studios, our live blackjack games offer everything from classic blackjack, and traditional gameplay to blackjack with modern twists like side bets, multipliers, and bonus rounds. This is where the next blackjack boom begins!
Your ultimate goal in blackjack is to beat the dealer .
There are several ways to achieve that. First, you can draw a hand value that’s higher than the dealer’s. The best hand you can get is a natural blackjack, 21.
The only way you can’t win, is if the dealer also gets a natural and it’s a tie, or push. In that case, you don't win but you don’t lose. You also win in blackjack if the dealer goes bust and you haven’t, no matter what cards you’re holding.
There’s definitely a lot more to this simple concept of reaching but not exceeding 21. Beyond building your hand value by drawing more cards, there’s splitting, doubling down, insurance, surrendering and a whole lotta fun strategy in between.
Our how to play blackjack guide will help you with all these details and improve your play along the way!
If Kenny Rogers was singing about blackjack and not poker, the lyrics may have gone like this, “You got to know when to stand, know when to surrender’. Blackjack has its own table lingo, and knowing it will teach you a lot about the game and feel like a pro. Let’s get into it.
A hit means you’ll take another card from the dealer and it will be added to your card value. You can take as many hits as you wish to try to reach 21 but remember, you don’t want to go over!
In a sense, to stand in blackjack means you rest your case. You’re saying no to drawing any additional cards from the dealer and are sticking with your total card value. A useful action when you’re at risk of busting!
Corey Hart was wrong, you can surrender! In blackjack, surrendering means calling it quits on the hand and folding. You’re waving the white flag to surrender in blackjack, and surrender half your bet you will! So while you get half your original bet back, the other half is forfeited.
Quite literally, it means to split one blackjack hand into two. This action is only available when you’re dealt two cards of matching value. Once split, your newly created hand requires a bet that matches your original. Bonus: two hands in play mean two chances to win (or lose, but we’re half full kinda people).
Like your first two cards? Consider doubling the bet you’ve put down, hence double down. It’s essentially a vote of confidence in your hand with a twist. When you double down, you get one and only one additional card. Strategy comes into play here as well as an assessment of the dealer’s hand which is why it’s commonly only used with card values of 9, 10 or 11.
If the dealer is showing an Ace, chances are they may snag a blackjack on their second card.
Blackjack Insurance lets you bet money on that! It’s a side bet that pays 2-1, banking on the dealer hitting blackjack. True, you may feel like you’re betting against yourself but you’re doing so in an effort to recoup losses you may endure.
If your final card count matches the dealer’s, it’s a tie. In blackjack terms, a tie is a push. And in this case, the dealer pushes your bet back to you as there's nothing gained, nothing lost.
You might think a casino card game not based on 21 wouldn’t have so many variations, but you’d be wrong! Let’s dig deeper into diversity among our LeoVegas blackjack games.
The difference is all in the deal. In American blackjack, the dealer gets two cards, one face-up and face down card. In European blackjack, the dealer gets a second card only after players have acted. Another difference from across the pond? You can only split when holding two matching face cards.
American Blackjack is a player vs. dealer game in a hunt for 21, or as close to it without going over. Players are dealt two cards and build value by drawing cards (hit) or holding where they’re at (stay). Higher card value wins as long as it’s not over 21 (bust). Its simplicity has made it the world’s most popular casino game, but so has its challenge!
Jumping onto a live blackjack game at LeoVegas Live Casino means that a real live dealer is dealing you physical cards. Sure, they’re in a studio and you’re acting at home but it all comes together with the wonders of real-time live streaming. It might just be as close to metaverse blackjack as it gets for a while. Give it a go for that live casino buzz!
Ever been elated to catch 21 only to tie with the dealer and push? Not in this game! In Spanish 21 variation, 21 always wins. End of story. Doubling down is also possible after any number of cards are dealt, rather than just the first two. Oh, such possibilities!
In Atlantic City blackjack the action is fierce. Most notably, you can split your hand up to three times. That means you may end up playing four-handed, if you catch cards of equal value thrice. Only exception falls to the Ace; it can be split only once and is a one-hit wonder after doing so. More action? You got it. You can also double down on any hand including splits.
Here, the dealer peeks at their hole card only when their up card shows an ace. This is the key differentiator from ‘regular’ American blackjack where a dealer peeks on a ten, face card, or ace. But, while this difference may seem small, it lowers the house edge to .36%. Usually, Vegas Strip blackjack features additional player-friendly rules too, like dealer stands on soft 17 and the option to double down on any two cards for a little increased action and entertainment.
The objective of Pontoon is the same as blackjack - to get a hand value of 21 or as close to it as possible without exceeding, however, there are a few notable distinctions. Firstly, the dealer's cards are both dealt face-down, which adds an entertaining element of mystery to the game. Secondly, the term "Pontoon" is used instead of "blackjack" to refer to a two-card hand that equals 21. And, the dealer wins all ties (no push!).
Action lovers, high rollers and ballin’ blackjackers may choose to play more than one hand at the same table - and that’s multihand blackjack in a nutshell. It increases your stake at the table without putting your eggs all in one basket!
Blackjack is not always a one-on-one battle of you versus the dealer. Multiplayer blackjack is when there are other players at the table with you, and this goes for both our live or video tables. Whether your fellow players win or lose is irrelevant to you as your eye is on the dealer, but it always feels good to collectively win!
Describe the below steps:
1. Creating an account - New here? Welcome! Getting started is easy. Simply select ‘Play Now’ on the LeoVegas home page and choose to ‘Register Now’. Information required isn’t too intrusive and the process only takes a few minutes, if that. Plus, you’ll be privy to a Welcome Bonus to help you get started with a boost.
2. Depositing funds - Your next step is to fund your account by choosing to ‘Deposit’. Many players prefer the ease of e-transfers, but there’s a myriad of options for depositing including classic credit cards and easy e-wallets like MuchBetter and Neosurf.
3. Picking the blackjack table - Let the fun begin! There are a few ways to go about choosing a blackjack table. If you know a specific title, use the search bar to look for it by provider or name. Or, simply head to Live Casino and click on the ‘Blackjack’ tab to see only blackjack variants. For convenience, the minimum bet is shown on the bottom bar of each game image. If you see a game you’re keen to join, click on the image and hit ‘Play Game’ to launch yourself onto the felt.
4. Playing the game - For the most part, blackjack is blackjack and the tables are quite intuitive. However, if you’re at all unsure of extra bonuses or betting flow, drop in the game and simply observe a few rounds to get comfortable before clicking your chosen denomination of chips onto the felt.
5. Withdraw winnings - We like this kind of optimism! Similar to how you funded your account by choosing ‘Deposit’, choose to ‘Withdraw’ on the screen accessible by clicking on your balance. Choose how to receive your funds and we’ll aim to deliver them back to you within 3-5 business days.
Pragmatic Play Live, an offshoot of Pragmatic Play, focuses solely on live casino games, from game shows that cross genres to classic table games with modern twists. It has amassed an impressive portfolio of online casino games to date with unique games like ONE Blackjack Live, a blackjack variant featuring x2,000 side bet action and multipliers.
Since 1999, Playtech Live has been building online gaming entertainment, but it wasn’t until 2017 under their live casino brand ONE, that they launched their first live casino game, Age of the Gods Roulette. This was followed by a live buffalo-themed slot game and the ever popular, Quantum Blackjack Live Plus, pushing the limits of online blackjack with multipliers that soar to x50.
Dedicated solely to live casino production, OnAIR Entertainment has experienced rapid growth since 2020. With a live casino studio that features cutting edge technology, they deliver a seamless, immersive, and entertaining live casino experience through games like Blackjack Monte Carlo with innovative features like ‘deal now’ and ‘pre-decisions’.
Pros: Online blackjack is oh-so-convenient when it comes to playing from anywhere on your mobile device, quickly finding a table buy-in that suits your budget, and the ease of finding an open seat. In fact, many online blackjack variations offer unlimited seating!
Modern technology also allows for twists, game variety galore, progressive jackpots to build to extreme levels, and the ability to easily drop limits on yourself and attentively manage your bankroll.
Cons: If you’re a social one, then online casino blackjack may lack the interaction and physical casino table comradery you crave, albeit live casino blackjack games with real dealers certainly help fill that void.
Online blackjack is a much faster pace of play, so always keep in mind faster means more hands per hour, which can quickly affect your bankroll if you’re not careful!
Pros: Technology is changing daily, and live casino production houses are equipped with the latest of it all. High-tech and in 4HD quality, live-streaming creates an immersive experience for many live casino players. Through the wonders of real-time live video streaming, players can interact with the dealer and often other players in the game, giving it that social casino vibe. For many players, especially newbies, having a skilled dealer available for help or chat is the biggest bonus.
Cons: If you’re a fan of lightning rounds or fast paced play, live casino blackjack may be slower than you’d like. With a real human in the mix, shuffling is left to the dealer rather than the computer, and there’s a longer lead time between betting rounds.
The choice between online blackjack and live blackjack games ultimately depends on your personal preferences. Consider the following factors when deciding which option is best for you: budget for table minimums, time commitment and constraints for your session, pace of play preference, and your overall interest. Are you looking for entertainment with side bet fun, progressive jackpots in play, or are you simply keen on mastering your blackjack skill set in a focused game? The good news is, there is a blackjack game for everyone!
Ready to fire it up? Playtech’s Mega Fire Blaze Blackjack is an inferno of fun for blackjack players. Played with 8 decks, in a one-versus-many table game battle, play can quickly heat up. If an alarm is triggered, you’re in for fiery fun with a Mega Fire bonus round offshoot that features x10 to x100 multipliers!
Adding a little thrill to the blackjack experience is Pragmatic Play’s unique ONE Blackjack Live game. It offers side bets with a higher return than usual, we’re talking up to x2,000 your bet for Crazy 7 and a 25:1 paying Perfect Pairs. With the Six Card Charlie rule in play and a unique 21+3 poker hand side bet, this is one game that will engage you from the get-go.
Playtech’s aptly named All Bets Blackjack is a live blackjack dealer experience that features six wildly entertaining side bets with x2,000 your bet winning potential and amped up adrenaline 8 deck play. And the best part? Unlimited open seats means you can jump in at any time.
A total eclipse of the table awaits in this feature-rich five side bet blackjack live casino game, presented by OnAIR Entertainment. Eclipse Blackjack brings professional dealers to the forefront of an immersive yet classic blackjack live-streamed table offering $1 to $1,500 betting options, and a one-to-one experience for an unlimited number of players!
Basic Blackjack Strategy refers to a set of optimal decisions that players can make based on their hand and the dealer's upcard; A statistical approach to help maximize chances of winning and minimize house edge. It’s usually presented in the form of a chart or table and simply outlines the recommended action (hitting, standing, doubling down, splitting). While it certainly doesn’t guarantee wins, it does help players make informed choices and make the most advantageous moves in different scenarios.
Card counting techniques used in blackjack track the ratio of high-value to low-value cards remaining in the deck. By keeping a running count, players can adjust their betting and playing decisions to gain an advantage when the remaining cards are favourable. It requires practice and focus, but can definitely give players an edge.
Bankroll management tips are the key to an enjoyable online blackjack experience. To stay on track, we recommend taking breaks, not gambling with money that can’t be lost, keeping your emotions at bay (obviously, easier said than done), and using the tools LeoVegas provides to help you out, such as limit and loss setting.
What makes our blackjack portfolio so impressive is the diversity that exists within it.
From traditional tables to modern tables with innovative twists, from live dealer games to RNG tables, from high-speed titles to ones with a more laid-back feel, from unlimited-seating tables to exclusive VIP tables, we’ve got them all at LeoVegas Live Casino... and the list continues!
Whichever you pick, rest assured that you’ll be treated to the best live casino entertainment out there, made possible through our collaboration with the top providers in the industry.
The immersive studio environments, the crystal clear streaming and the multiple camera angles continue to make your experience with us even more seamless and enjoyable!
Playing live blackjack online has never been easier! With full HD streams delivered straight to your smartphone and all portable devices, this literally means you can enjoy the blackjack card game wherever and whenever!
With our signature mobile-first approach, it’s now more convenient than ever to play your favourite blackjack games from anywhere, anytime. We’re talking about Android and iPhone LeoVegas app features that help you find an open seat - fast, keep a favourites list, or rocket you back to your last game for truly immersive and personalized play.
At LeoVegas, technology and innovation pave the way into the mobile future, and we are proud to be the winners of the ‘Casino Operator of the Year’ title at the 2023 EGR Operator Awards. Double down with ease, make that effortless split and rest easy with insurance by joining us in the mobile revolution!
Here’s something else we think might put a smile on your face...upon signing up with LeoVegas, get ready to be treated to a Live Casino Welcome Bonus fit for royalty! As new members of our LeoVegas family, we love to raise the bar and heighten your levels of fun!
And it doesn’t stop there, as regular promotions and offers of all sorts are constantly rolled out. Simply make sure you opt in for communications when signing up or later on in your journey with us! Of course, we cannot forget to mention our loyalty programs, unique to all the different levels of high rollers.
Besides the Welcome Bonus, promotions, offers and the VIP treatment we offer to our beloved lions, keep in mind that our friendly agents are always at your service with 24/7 customer support accessible via live chat, email or phone. Alternatively, hop over to our detailed FAQ pages in our Help Centre for quick answers and easy solutions.
We want you to enjoy our blackjack tables with the utmost responsibility, so should you or anyone close to you have any gambling-related concerns, please feel free to refer to our recently-launched responsible gaming platform: LeoSafePlay.com.
Blackjack is one of North America’s most beloved and most popular casino games and table games. Mostly because it’s so simple to learn, yet so mesmerizing to conquer in terms of skill and strategy. While it’s precise origin remains somewhat debatable, early variations of blackjack can be traced back to Europe around the 17th and 18th centuries.
One such game, Vingt-et-Un of French origin, translates to 21. Its objective of reaching a hand value of 21 or closest to it has remained consistent through the years. In NA, blackjack popularity rose during prohibition with the rise of gambling in general. As casinos looked to attract new players, ‘blackjack’ came into play - a term for catching an ace of spades and a black jack. Over time, the game spread globally and underwent refinements, with various rule variations and strategies emerging. Today, blackjack is an integral part of both land-based and online casinos, captivating players with its blend of skill, strategy, and suspense.
When playing online blackjack, of course, the no pant rule can apply. Afterall, it’s your home and anything goes, but, when playing in a brick & mortar casino there are blackjack etiquette rules that should be followed in order for all parties, dealers and other players, to enjoy their experience and ensure smooth game play.
Let’s start at the beginning - joining a table. While an open seat may appear to be yours for the taking, it’s common courtesy to check-in with the dealer. A simple nod exchange or eye contact usually does the trick. Then, wait for a convenient moment, like the end of a betting round or shuffling break, to sit down, placing your chips or cash on the table felt directly in front of you.
A key takeaway here is to note that you’ll never need to physically touch the dealer or hand over cash or chips. Chips and cash always remain on the felt. In fact, there’s never a need to physically touch the cards either.
Next up, game play. Without easy to click online blackjack action buttons, you’re going to need to know the hand gestures associated with each action. Now, in a land based casino these are necessary, as it ensures clear communication to the dealer of your desired action and also puts it on record courtesy of a security camera (or five). Let’s discuss…
Hit - commonly a tap or point of your index finger towards your cards.
Stand - a short wave of one hand horizontally over top of your cards.
Double down - place an additional bet behind your original wager (of equal amount).
Split - place an additional bet equal to your original wager and use the hand gesture of spreading your index and middle fingers apart in a v-formation.
Etiquette that may apply to your life beyond blackjack and at the blackjack table, is to not give unsolicited advice! Mind your game and concentrate on your own strategy. Be social, but read the room and always, always, respect the dealer.
Still a little overwhelmed? Don't be, we’ve covered all our tips for review in our LeoVegas Blackjack Etiquette Guide
Kick your live casino experience up a notch by discovering what else we got to offer apart from our thrilling blackjack tables. Why not continue the fun on other card games, such as our poker and baccarat offerings? If a break from card games is what you’re after, then let the wheels have their say on our various iconic roulette.
This is a game where strategy trumps chance. And in blackjack, you’ll get friendly with math courtesy of a basic blackjack table that helps you determine what the best play is, based on stats.
It’s not always going to result in a win, but it's a correct basic strategy guideline that allows you to make optimal decisions based on your cards versus what the dealer is showing. If you’ve ever sat at a table and heard players refer to ‘the book’, this is it!
You’ll find this handy table, alongside many other strategy tips in our blackjack basic strategy guide.
Of course! Playing free blackjack games with virtual coins is a great way to acquaint yourself with blackjack’s basic flow, rules and to give your strategy a test run. The exception is our live casino blackjack tables, which can be played only for real money. You can play free online blackjack for fun, and then switch to real money to play live dealer blackjack games.
As with most casinos, they’re played live, you can’t jump in with virtual coins but you can certainly observe the action and see how plays pan out for other players. You’ll find all our LeoVegas blackjack games here.
As they say, it’s all in the cards and this is true in blackjack’s main decision of whether to hit or stay. Since you don’t want to bust (over 21), a common rule of thumb is to hit on 8 or less but stand on anything 12 and higher. But, you can’t just take stock of your own cards here. You’ve got to take the dealers into account too - after all, it’s you versus the dealer.
If you’re holding a 10 + 5 (15), but the dealer is standing on J-J (20), you’ve already lost and may as well try your luck with a hit. If you’re holding that same hand versus a dealer’s 10 + 3 (13), you may stand and hope the dealer snags a 10 and busts!
All of this is covered nicely with a basic blackjack strategy chart the chart guide in our handy LeoVegas blackjack basic strategy guide.
There are two hands in blackjack, a soft hand or a hard hand. Let’s start with the lucky news. A soft hand implies that you’ve got choices, and choices are possibilities! A soft hand includes an Ace as those count as 1 or 11 in your tally.
A hard hand is as it appears; it’s without Aces and there’s no leeway in the values. A hard hand would be a 10 + 5 for 15, while a soft hand could be an Ace + 5 for 6 or 16. From here, you can see how the Ace’s appearance opens up a lot of possibilities on the road to 21.
In blackjack, a 3:2 table is better than a 6:5 table. In the 3:2 blackjack game, the house edge for a player using perfect basic strategy is in the 0.5% range, meaning for every $100 wagered, the average loss is $0.50. However, in a 6:5 blackjack game, the house edge increases to almost 2%. Even comparing the payout itself, 6/5 gives 1.2 when 3:2 gives 1.5 payout which is more beneficial for the player.
Live dealer blackjack delivers a more authentic experience to players as it features a show playing live dealer blackjack, live streamed to your computer or mobile. The dealers even have the ability to interact with you and other players, so the entire experience is much more immersive and socially engaging.
From bankroll management to choosing the right table buy-in and blackjack game variant, there are many ways to buckle down and improve your gameplay. But, out of all the options, we’re putting learning basic strategy at the top of our recommendation list. Familiarizing yourself with basic blackjack strategy can help you make optimal decisions and minimize the house edge.
Quite simply, the main objective of playing live blackjack online is to have a hand value higher than the dealer’s hand, that doesn’t go over 21 or ‘bust’.
When playing online blackjack games, it’s a common mistake to ignore bankroll management. Poor bankroll management can often lead to overspending, chasing losses especially when emotions get in the way, and not paying attention to the table limits of a game you’re joining. Also, never underestimate the value of basic strategy and the ability to remain focused and stick with it, even when a swing isn’t favourable.
Typically, the house edge in online blackjack falls between .5% and 2%. A few factors play a role in the difference, including the blackjack game’s variant or specific rules - particularly insurance and dealer ‘must draw’ and ‘must stand’ rules.
If you can find it, single-deck blackjack is always optimal. As the name implies, it only uses one deck of cards, which significantly reduces the house edge.
As soon as you leave your online blackjack table, funds used at the table will immediately appear back in your overall balance. If you’re looking to withdraw all or a portion of these funds, you’ll simply need to visit your ‘account’ and select ‘withdraw’.
How you receive your withdrawal depends on how you initially funded your account, and what withdrawal options are available in your geographical area. For players at LeoVegas, e-transfering is a viable and quick option.
Our aim is to ensure that players receive winnings promptly. Once a withdrawal has been processed, the time it takes for you to receive funds can range from 3 to 5 working days, depending on the method. You can always return to your accounts page and check in on your withdrawal status.