Live Blackjack Ontario

Blackjack is among the most popular classic casino games at Jackpot City, and live dealer blackjack is the latest, most fun way to play. Read this page for live blackjack rules and strategy tips, and find out how to get started.

Live casino blackjack rules are exactly the same as you would expect from in-person blackjack and virtual blackjack online. The game starts with a betting period (typically 15 seconds), after which all players receive two cards, and the dealer deals themselves two cards, one face-up and one face-down hole card. Players then try to build a hand with a value as close to 21 as possible. Numbered cards are worth face value, face cards are worth 10, and aces can count as 1 or 11 (player’s choice).

Players can hit (ask for more cards) or they can stand pat. Once all player actions are complete, the dealer turns their down-card face up. Based on their hand value, the dealer either hits or stands. Hand values are then compared. Any player or dealer with a hand value worth more than 21 goes bust and loses. Players who score higher than the dealer without going over 21 win their bets.

Live Blackjack Rule Variations

The basic rules of live dealer blackjack are common to all variations, but there can be slight differences when it comes to the more advanced rules:

• Blackjack Payouts: The traditional payout for blackjack is 3:2, but some blackjack tables pay out 6:5, so be sure to check.
• Dealer Rules: It’s important to know what hand values your live blackjack dealer has to draw to and stand on. For example, in ONE Blackjack and Live Exclusive Blackjack, the dealer must draw to a value of 16 and stand on all 17s, soft or hard. This is more player-friendly than variants where the dealer only stands on a hard 17.
• Double Down: A double-down bet is when a player doubles their bet, asks for one extra card, and stands. This usually happens when they’re dealt a very good hand. Some blackjack variations will have limitations around doubling down.
• Insurance: If the dealer’s up-card is an ace, they’ll offer Insurance. If you accept and the dealer has blackjack, your insurance bet is paid out 2:1, which recoups your main bet and insurance bet.
• Side Bets: Different live blackjack variants offer different side bets, such as Perfect Pairs, 21+3, Bust Bonus, and Crazy 7. Some variants offer more side bets than others.
• Six Card Charlie: Some live blackjack variants apply the Six Card Charlie rule – if you end up with six cards in your hand and don’t go bust, you win, regardless of the dealer’s hand value.
• Split Bet: A split bet is when you split two like cards into two hands, each with their own bet, and play them separately. Every blackjack variant has specific rules around splitting (eg. no doubling down on split hands).
• Surrender: If you think the dealer has blackjack, you can surrender, meaning you leave the game but only lose half your bet.

Live Blackjack Strategies & Features

Live dealer blackjack games typically come with a range of play-enhancing tools that you can incorporate into your personal blackjack strategy:

• Autoplay/Rebet: This button allows you to set the same bet size repeatedly or for a specific number of hands.
• Bet Behind: This feature allows you to back another player at the table while you wait for a seat.
• Deal Now: Click the Deal Now button to tell the dealer that you’re ready for your next card before the close of betting time.
• History and Stats: This function allows you to track the hand history at the table. This can potentially reveal useful insights into other players’ patterns.
• Multi-Seat Mode: Some live blackjack tables allow players to play several hands at once.
• Pre-Decision: Select your next action before it’s your turn to act. This speeds up the game a great deal, but be careful – you can’t undo your decision once it’s made.
• Timer: Use this function to calculate your hourly win-rate or loss-rate so you can see when you hit your loss limit or win target.