The subject of video blackjack vs. live blackjack in both online and live casinos is a hot topic. It is a blackjack discussion that has the effect of polarizing players into two distinct camps. Some won't play even a single hand of video blackjack. Others swear by it and play nothing else. Here is a brief comparison of video and live blackjack, and a few pros and cons of each. Decide which version of the game is best for you before you playblackjackonline for real money.
- I was at the bar taking a break from counting in the casino. The video blackjack game in front of me was paying 2-1 on blackjacks and its single deck. Shuffle after each hand. I know you can't count against this but 2-1 BJ is a 2.325% edge for the player in a single deck game.
- One thing I've warned blackjack players about is games that pay less than the standard 3-2 on blackjacks. If you play video blackjack, you have to be extra watchful, as one reader learned. 'You have warned against playing blackjack when blackjacks pay only 6-5 because that increases the house edge,' he wrote in an email.
- Download RacyRivals Video Blackjack - Designed to simulate a live casino blackjack game, Racy Rivals Video Blackjack pits you against an attractive Rival (dealer). She deals the cards.
The Differences Between Video Blackjack and Live Blackjack
Electronic Blackjack Machines
Video Blackjack is a digital game you can play in the Casinoin the Plaza. Similar to the slot machines, you can choose how many credits to bet (1, 3, or 5; 1 credit is worth 5 Units). In Video Blackjack, you play against a bot dealer. Weigh the odds and place your bets - it's 21 or bust! Count on a fun online game of Blackjack. Play for free online!
Before looking at the pros and cons of these two types of blackjack, we should first provide a general overview of the two. The regular blackjack player will be familiar with the subtle differences but the newcomer might want to learn more.
Live blackjack is one of the oldest casino gambling games in the world. It originated in France as Vingt et Un, the French word for the number 21. From France it spread throughout the world, eventually making its way to the gambling halls of the American west. The game was immediately popular because it was easy to learn, and it also offered the skilled player a slight advantage.
Live blackjack as it is played in casinos throughout the world today is largely unchanged in its basic form. A blackjack dealer is used to deal players cards and oversee the actions in the game. All forms of live blackjack used to be dealt by hand. Today only a few single-deck or double-deck 'pitch' games can be found in live casinos. The casinos long ago learned that these games were too advantageous for the player.
Live blackjack is most often dealt from a shoe which contains anywhere from six to eight decks of cards. This was done purposely to deter blackjack card counters, but it had the opposite effect. Card counting and blackjack became more popular than ever.
Video blackjack has it is offered in live casinos works on a different premise. The game is essentially a fancy type of computer software known as a random number generator, or RNG. The RNG is responsible for determining which cards the dealer and player are dealt. All casinos will tell you that the results are indeed random, and in most cases they are telling the truth.
However, some players distrust video blackjack because they cannot physically observe the cards as they are 'dealt' at the virtual blackjack table. Truthfully, there have been are instances where onlinecasino operators were found to be tampering with online software to arrange a larger edge for the house. When this happens today the onlinecasino is caught and punished. It is not worth trying because blackjack already has a built-in advantage for the player that guarantees a win.
In video blackjack a new deck of 52 cards is used after each hand. This means that he cards are virtually shuffled and no shoe is used. As a result, card counting at video blackjack is impossible.
Two Types of Video Blackjack
We should take a moment here to make a distinction between two very different types of video blackjack. There is the kind that is used at online casinos which offer blackjack for real money. That is the type of situation we described above. There is also another kind. It can be found in live casinos. This is the video blackjack terminal or kiosk.
These machines are said to work on the same principle as the onlineblackjack games. The machines are powered by software that presents random results. These machines are becoming very popular with players. Casinos love them, too, because they eliminate the need to pay a live dealer. The player can buy chips, bet, and even cash out with no casino employee required.
Video Blackjack Advantages and Disadvantages
So, let's now take a closer look at video blackjack in terms of its advantages and disadvantages. This will help us make a better video blackjack vs. live blackjack comparisons. Here we will be referring to the video blackjack that one encounters in online casinos.
The advantages are:
- Convenience – play from home at any hour of the day or night
- Lower table limits
- Play multiple hands at the same time
The negatives are:
- Less transparency
- No interaction with other players or dealer
What about those video blackjack terminals in the live casinos?
Pros:
- Player is in control – no human casino personnel required
- Lower table limits
- Easier way to learn the game
Cons:
- Hard to find help when needed if a problem with the terminal occurs
- No effective way to count cards
- Concerns over the fairness of games
Live Blackjack Pros and Cons
Perhaps you are a purist that likes to play the live version of blackjack in a casino. This version of the game also has its pros and cons:
Pros:
- Card counting is effective
- Everything is transparent
- More social
Cons:
- Must travel to the live casino
- Higher table limits
- Other players decisions can affect outcomes
Which Type of Blackjack Should You Play?
Video blackjack vs. live blackjack. Which should you play? It's a question that has to be answered by each individual player. In our opinion there are far more opportunities today for the person that is willing to playonlineblackjack.
Online casinos today are reputable. All you have to do is look at our list of recommended online casinos and you will find many suitable options. A large number of these online casinos will also give you bonusmoney just for signing up to play. It is also true that online casinos today are beginning to accept Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies as a form of deposit. That could be attractive if you want more anonymity when gambling online.
Video blackjack used to be a great option for players looking for a game with low limits. There were even some advantage play opportunities when combining a players card promotion with 3-2 video blackjack. Now, those games are found mostly at online casinos with real money blackjack.
Most video blackjack machines in Las Vegas pay 6-5 on a natural. Some only pay even money. This includes Playboy blackjack machines at Mirage and Cosmopolitan, as well as Game Kings.
Where to Play 3-2 Video Blackjack in Las Vegas
Live blackjack as it is played in casinos throughout the world today is largely unchanged in its basic form. A blackjack dealer is used to deal players cards and oversee the actions in the game. All forms of live blackjack used to be dealt by hand. Today only a few single-deck or double-deck 'pitch' games can be found in live casinos. The casinos long ago learned that these games were too advantageous for the player.
Live blackjack is most often dealt from a shoe which contains anywhere from six to eight decks of cards. This was done purposely to deter blackjack card counters, but it had the opposite effect. Card counting and blackjack became more popular than ever.
Video blackjack has it is offered in live casinos works on a different premise. The game is essentially a fancy type of computer software known as a random number generator, or RNG. The RNG is responsible for determining which cards the dealer and player are dealt. All casinos will tell you that the results are indeed random, and in most cases they are telling the truth.
However, some players distrust video blackjack because they cannot physically observe the cards as they are 'dealt' at the virtual blackjack table. Truthfully, there have been are instances where onlinecasino operators were found to be tampering with online software to arrange a larger edge for the house. When this happens today the onlinecasino is caught and punished. It is not worth trying because blackjack already has a built-in advantage for the player that guarantees a win.
In video blackjack a new deck of 52 cards is used after each hand. This means that he cards are virtually shuffled and no shoe is used. As a result, card counting at video blackjack is impossible.
Two Types of Video Blackjack
We should take a moment here to make a distinction between two very different types of video blackjack. There is the kind that is used at online casinos which offer blackjack for real money. That is the type of situation we described above. There is also another kind. It can be found in live casinos. This is the video blackjack terminal or kiosk.
These machines are said to work on the same principle as the onlineblackjack games. The machines are powered by software that presents random results. These machines are becoming very popular with players. Casinos love them, too, because they eliminate the need to pay a live dealer. The player can buy chips, bet, and even cash out with no casino employee required.
Video Blackjack Advantages and Disadvantages
So, let's now take a closer look at video blackjack in terms of its advantages and disadvantages. This will help us make a better video blackjack vs. live blackjack comparisons. Here we will be referring to the video blackjack that one encounters in online casinos.
The advantages are:
- Convenience – play from home at any hour of the day or night
- Lower table limits
- Play multiple hands at the same time
The negatives are:
- Less transparency
- No interaction with other players or dealer
What about those video blackjack terminals in the live casinos?
Pros:
- Player is in control – no human casino personnel required
- Lower table limits
- Easier way to learn the game
Cons:
- Hard to find help when needed if a problem with the terminal occurs
- No effective way to count cards
- Concerns over the fairness of games
Live Blackjack Pros and Cons
Perhaps you are a purist that likes to play the live version of blackjack in a casino. This version of the game also has its pros and cons:
Pros:
- Card counting is effective
- Everything is transparent
- More social
Cons:
- Must travel to the live casino
- Higher table limits
- Other players decisions can affect outcomes
Which Type of Blackjack Should You Play?
Video blackjack vs. live blackjack. Which should you play? It's a question that has to be answered by each individual player. In our opinion there are far more opportunities today for the person that is willing to playonlineblackjack.
Online casinos today are reputable. All you have to do is look at our list of recommended online casinos and you will find many suitable options. A large number of these online casinos will also give you bonusmoney just for signing up to play. It is also true that online casinos today are beginning to accept Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies as a form of deposit. That could be attractive if you want more anonymity when gambling online.
Video blackjack used to be a great option for players looking for a game with low limits. There were even some advantage play opportunities when combining a players card promotion with 3-2 video blackjack. Now, those games are found mostly at online casinos with real money blackjack.
Most video blackjack machines in Las Vegas pay 6-5 on a natural. Some only pay even money. This includes Playboy blackjack machines at Mirage and Cosmopolitan, as well as Game Kings.
Where to Play 3-2 Video Blackjack in Las Vegas
There are only four Las Vegas casinos that pay 3-2 on a video blackjack natural. The video blackjack games are becoming 6-5 Interblock machines at both casinos. The D offers a 3-2 video blackjack machine. This game has a $5 minimum bet. The same game is at El Cortez with a $1 minimum bet. The only other 3-2 video blackjack game in Las Vegas is stadium-style. It is located at Treasure Island.
Even Money Video Blackjack Games
Video Blackjack Online
There are hundreds of video blackjack games in Las Vegas that only pay even money. Most are Game Kings, which typically spread video poker and slots in addition to the terrible blackjack game. The others are Playboy video blackjack machines. These are found at MGM Grand, Cosmopolitan, and Mirage.
Previous Blackjack Video Surveys
Las Vegas Casinos constantly update their video blackjack machines. Some casinos might remove them from the floor and others will add them. That is why every year we update our survey. Below you will find the PDF for the previous years so you can compare the changes over time.
All Over Video Blackjack Machines Pay 6-5
Latest Blackjack Videos
There are more than a dozen other video poker machines in Las Vegas. These games all pay 6-5 on a natural. Most are located on the Las Vegas Strip.
Free Video Blackjack Games
| Casino | # of Decks | Min Bet | Max Bet | H/S 17 | DA | DAS | RSA | Surrender | 6/5 BJ | Video | Exotic | House Hold % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bally's | 6 | 3 | 500 | H | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | 1.91020% |
| Binion's | 6 | 3 | 200 | H | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | 1.99842% |
| Circus Circus | 6 | 2 | 1100 | H | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | 1.91020% |
| Encore | 6 | 25 | 5000 | H | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | BJ Switch | 0.58000% |
| Encore | 6 | 50 | 10000 | H | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes | No | 0.48263% |
| Encore | 6 | 10 | 5000 | H | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | 1.84232% |
| Encore | 6 | 100 | 10000 | S | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes | No | 0.28507% |
| Encore | 6 | 15 | 5000 | H | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | 1.84232% |
| OYO | 6 | 10 | 500 | H | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | 1.99842% |
| Linq | 6 | 15 | 3000 | H | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | 1.91020% |
| Mandalay Bay | 8 | 15 | 5000 | H | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | 1.92724% |
| MGM | 6 | 50 | 10000 | H | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | 0.28507% |
| MGM | 6 | 500 | 10000 | H | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | 0.28507% |
| Mirage | 6 | 15 | 2000 | H | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | 0.58000% |
| Rio | 2 | 25 | 3000 | H | Yes | No | No | No | No | Yes | No | 0.60225% |
| Rio | 2 | 100 | 5000 | S | Yes | No | No | Yes | No | Yes | No | 0.22317% |
| Rio | 6 | 100 | 10000 | S | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes | No | 0.35361% |
| Rio | 6 | 25 | 5000 | H | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | Yes | No | 0.66895% |
| Rio | 6 | 15 | 2000 | H | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | 0.66895% |
| Rio | 6 | 10 | 2000 | H | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | 0.66895% |
| The D | 8 | 5 | 475 | H | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | Yes | No | 0.64493% |
| Encore | 2 | 50 | 10000 | H | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | Yes | No | 0.45688% |
| Excalibur | 8 | 25 | 1000 | H | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes | Lucky Lucky | 2.01881% |
| Excalibur | 8 | 25 | 1000 | H | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes | Buster Blackjack | 2.01881% |
| Excalibur | 8 | 25 | 1000 | H | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes | Free Bet Blackjack | 2.01881% |
| Flamingo | 8 | 15 | 3000 | H | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | 1.92724% |
| Harrah's | 8 | 15 | 2000 | H | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | Yes | No | 1.92724% |
| Luxor | 6 | 10 | 1000 | H | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | 1.99842% |
| NYNY | 6 | 15 | 1000 | H | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | 0.48263% |
| NYNY | 6 | 15 | 1000 | H | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes | Buster Blackjack | 0.48263% |
| NYNY | 6 | 15 | 1000 | H | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes | Lucky Lucky | 0.48263% |
| NYNY | 6 | 15 | 1000 | H | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes | Blackjack Spin | 0.48263% |
| Paris | 8 | 15 | 2000 | H | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | 0.56926% |
| Paris | 8 | 10 | 2000 | H | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | 2.00291% |
| Paris | 8 | 100 | 10000 | H | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes | No | 0.64493% |
| Planet Hollywood | 8 | 10 | 2000 | H | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | 1.92724% |
| Planet Hollywood | 8 | 25 | 2000 | H | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Blazing 7's Blackjack | 1.92724% |
| Planet Hollywood | 8 | 15 | 3000 | H | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | 1.92724% |
| Planet Hollywood | 8 | 50 | 3000 | H | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | 1.92724% |
| Silverton | 6 | 10 | 1000 | H | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | No | 0.57085% |
| Sahara Las Vegas | 6 | 100 | 5000 | S | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | 0.28507% |
| Sahara Las Vegas | 6 | 200 | 2000 | S | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | 0.28507% |
| Stratosphere | 1 | 10 | 1000 | H | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | No | 0.03748% |
| Stratosphere | 6 | 5 | 1000 | H | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | No | 0.63873% |
| Treasure Island | 6 | 5 | 1000 | H | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | Yes | No | 0.63873% |
