While some enjoy playing the best online slots or live roulette, many people enjoy spending their time playing live blackjack. Join us as we take a look at the many reasons people love to play this exciting live online casino game at The Phone Casino!

A brief look at the history and evolution of blackjack

The exact origin of blackjack may be lost to the passage of time, but the first known record of a game that closely resembled blackjack, veintiuna, is described in Miguel de Cervantes’ book Rinconete y Cortadillo, which was written around 1601. Records of games of Vingt-Un, another game that more closely mirrors modern blackjack, report of the game being played in France in the late 1700s before making its way to Britain and the US during the 1800s. 

It is rumoured that in its journey across the US, the game became known as blackjack because of a bonus that was offered by gambling houses. This bonus payout occurred if a player’s winning hand had a jack of clubs or jack of spades. 

Online blackjack

Blackjack found a home in the hearts of many gamblers, and even as poker found its way into newspaper headlines and movies, this easy-to-pick-up casino game remained popular well into the 20th century. The invention of the internet further entrenched blackjack as one of the popular casino games to play, with dozens of operators launching their own versions of classic games once Microgaming started their online casino operation in 1994.

Blackjack goes live

While the idea for live dealer games had been around for many years, it wasn’t until the early 2000s that the technology had progressed enough to make it possible to live stream games to players around the world. However, even at this point, not many people had access to fast enough broadband, making live dealer games a rather niche experience. 

However, as time passed, the hardware and software necessary to make games like live dealer blackjack easily accessible arrived. More specifically, the spread of broadband internet connections like fibre and LTE, fast mobile devices, and the introduction of HTML5 are just a few examples of developments that allowed live blackjack to become a reality.

How to play live dealer blackjack

The first thing to note is that there are many versions of live blackjack, each with its own slight differences. Some live games include side bets or their own unique features, so be sure to investigate a game fully to avoid getting caught off-guard with some unique game mechanics you weren’t expecting. 

However, you’ll be pleased to know that the standard rules apply to the majority of live blackjack games. Players must attempt to get a higher value hand that is equal to or less than 21. Go over 21 in value, and you go bust and lose the game. Before the game begins, you place your wager, depending on the limits of the particular game. You start the game itself with two cards and can ask to “hit” to get a new card or “stay” to keep your current hand. The dealer can perform the same actions. If you begin the game with 21, then you automatically win. The same applies to the dealer’s hand. If both the dealer and the player have a hand that is equal to 21, the game is tied, and the player’s chips are returned.

Regarding the features specific to live dealer games, players will have the opportunity to interact with the game and dealer via a digital interface that’s laid over the live stream. Whether it’s placing your wager, asking for a new card, or simply enjoying some banter via text chat with the dealer, these actions and more are all possible with live dealer blackjack.

As with traditional blackjack, these are the basics that you need to know to jump into a game. However, if you’d like to delve a bit deeper into how to play, be sure to check out the Basics of Online Blackjack. 

Why people love to play blackjack live

Live blackjack has a number of benefits compared to the traditional RNG software versions of the game. These are a few of the reasons people are going live.

A more social experience with live chat

While many people enjoy the rapid-fire pace of games when playing alone, others are looking for an experience that more closely matches playing at a real casino. Even though live blackjack doesn’t have quite the same pace as RNG blackjack, it allows players to chat with the dealer and others in the game, making it a far more social experience.

It’s easier than going to the casino

While you may want to have a fun time playing blackjack with others, you may not necessarily want to travel to a casino. Live blackjack offers you the convenience of staying at home and playing at any time of the day. 

A wide variety of games hosted by different dealers

There are many different types of live blackjack games, hosted by a variety of dealers. If you find yourself having a good time with a specific game and dealer, you can simply log on whenever they’re hosting your favourite game and play.

An alternative to those who don’t like RNG-based games

While RNG-based games have become well-established on the internet, many people still prefer playing games that don’t use software-based systems that mimic luck. If you’re someone who prefers traditional games where luck is decided by fate (and your very well developed blackjack strategy), live dealer games offer you a great alternative when playing online.

Play live blackjack and other exciting casino games

If you’re ready to play live blackjack at a great mobile casino in the UK, then be sure to sign up at The Phone Casino. Not only can you play great games of blackjack at our no deposit mobile casino, but you can also enjoy free daily spins. That’s right; you can get 100 free spins to enjoy on great online slots every day, so be sure to register to get in on the fun!