Live blackjack guide

Blackjack is easily one of the most popular card games. The objective of blackjack is to beat the opponent by building a hand with a total value that is close to but not more than 21. Live Blackjack seeks to replicate the same thing that is obtained in land-based casinos. It is hosted by a real dealer and streamed from a casino or studio. This means you can enjoy this game of real cards without leaving your own home.

Are you wondering if you should play live blackjack online or not? We've got you. In this piece, we shall unveil every necessary thing about playing live blackjack games in South African online casinos. Before you get to the end of this piece, we shall also give you some tips to play it better in real-time. You don't want to miss any lines; keep reading!

By Adiela de Bruyn - Last modified 2024/02/08 - Estimated reading time: 11 minutes.

Table of contents

Live blackjack guide

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Best Live Blackjack casinos

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    10Bet Casino
    10Bet Casino Since 2003
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    InfoAmount of casino games offered
    900
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    Casino Games
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    Europa Casino
    Europa Casino Since 2003
    Casino Games
    InfoAmount of casino games offered
    425
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    InfoAmount of slots with jackpot option
    34
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Common Terms Used in Blackjack

TermMeaning
BlackjackThe blackjack is the ultimate hand in the game, and it is typically formed by an ace and a 10-value card.
Up CardThis is the dealer's first card; it is dealt face-up.
Hole CardThis is the dealer's second card. It is a down-facing card.
HitWhen you choose to hit, you're raising the value of your hand by asking the dealer for one more card.
StandTo stand means to decline any extra card and stick with your current hand value.
Double DownTo apply this strategy, you double your initial bet, take an extra card, and then stand afterwards.
SplitWhen the two initial cards dealt to you are of the same value, you can turn them into two separate hands. You'll then have to place an additional bet that is equal to the original bet. This is called splitting.
SurrenderWhen you have been dealt your cards and you don't like the hand, you can give up the bet. That way, you will lose half your bet. This is called surrendering.
InsuranceAn insurance bet is a side bet that you can play when the dealer's face-up card is an Ace. You win the insurance bet if the dealer's hand is a blackjack.
PushThis is a tie between your hand and that of the dealer.
BustWhen your hand value is more than 21, you lose the bet. This is called a bust.
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Card Dealing and Card Values in Blackjack

When you're playing live blackjack games, you are not playing against other players but against the dealer. It is important to know how cards are dealt and the value of each card. Knowing this will help you make the best decisions when playing.

At the start of the game, you are dealt 2 face-up cards, while the dealer is also dealt two cards. However, one of the dealer's cards is dealt facing up, and the second is dealt facing down. The card values are explained below:

  • Numbered cards: All numbered cards have their own face value.
  • Face cards: Face cards (Jack, Queen, and King) are all worth 10.
  • Aces: Aces can be worth either 1 or 11. You can choose a value that is more advantageous for your hand.
Live Blackjack game

Live Blackjack Game as can be found at Casino Tropez. (real money only)

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Live Blackjack Software Providers

The different variants of live blackjack games available are provided by some of the most reputable software providers in the industry. Most times, the games are streamed from the studios of these software providers. It is worth noting that Evolution Gaming has the most variants, as it is the king of live dealer games. Here are some live blackjack providers:

  • Evolution Gaming
  • Pragmatic Play
  • Playtech
  • Ezugi
  • Microgaming
  • Netent
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Live Blackjack on Mobile

Playing blackjack live games involves high-level video streaming. So it is important to use a mobile device with qualities that make streaming easy. The good thing is that almost every live casino and software provider uses technologies that allow the running of live blackjack online on mobile devices like phones and tablets. All you need is a good internet connection and a smart device. To make up for the screen size, you can put your phone in landscape mode when you want to play live dealer blackjack games.

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How to Play Live Blackjack Games in South African Online Casinos

Now that you know the most important things about playing at live blackjack tables, you are ready to try your hands at this interesting card game. In this section, we will tell you how to play online blackjack live dealer games in South African online casinos.

  • Find a Reliable Casino: The first thing to do is to find a reliable casino. The casino should be properly licensed and have live blackjack available. Check out our article on the best online casinos in South Africa to choose one that suits you.
  • Open an Account: Once you find a real casino that you like, you can open an account in less than 10 minutes. Just visit the casino's official website and click "Sign Up or Register." You'll be taken to the registration page, where you can create your account.
  • Start Playing Live Blackjack: Once you have created your account, it's time to start playing live blackjack. Visit the Live Casino section, and you can select one of the blackjack variants available. Place bets and wait for the dealer.
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Some Tips for Playing Live Blackjack

Like most online casino games, winning live blackjack at a real casino is heavily dependent on luck. However, there are some decisions that you can take to improve your chances of winning. Some of these are:

  • The first tip is to choose the variant that you understand.
  • Always split anytime you have a pair of 8s or a pair of Aces.
  • If you have a pair of 10s, you should stand, as you are very likely to win that round.
  • If your hand value is 12 or less, you should hit. Although you risk drawing a 10, you are more likely to draw a card of lower value. The most important thing is to consider the dealer's hand before making your decisions.
  • Stand if the dealer's up card is less than 10 and you have a hand value of 17 or more.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Live Blackjack

What is the objective of live blackjack?

The objective of live blackjack is to have a hand value that is greater than that of the dealer without exceeding 21.

Can I play live online blackjack in South African casinos?

Yes, you can play live blackjack in SA casinos. Check out our list of the best casinos to play live blackjack.

Can I play live blackjack with casino bonuses?

Sometimes, you won't be allowed to play live blackjack with casino bonuses. However, some casino bonuses have live casino games as eligible games.

Is playing live blackjack safe?

Yes, playing live blackjack is safe. The casinos and software providers are properly licensed.

Can I play live blackjack for free?

No, you can't play live blackjack for free. However, you might be allowed to play the electronic version for free. You can use this to learn how to play live blackjack.

Author: Adiela de Bruyn

Adiela de Bruyn

Adiela de Bruyn, our founder, launched this site in 2016. Since then, she's written over 100 pages filled with crucial info to enhance your gaming experience. Her goal? To provide you with the best, most reliable online casino knowledge.

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