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1. Pokerstars Qualifier
2. Pokerstars Live Blackjack Tournaments
3. Pokerstars Live Chat Support
4. Pokerstars Live Blackjack Rules
5. Pokerstars Live Blackjack Rules
6. Pokerstars Live Blackjack Games

PokerStars has held
the top spot in online poker for years. But they've recently launched other
verticals too, including a casino.

Play real money casino games on PokerStars and experience the rush of online Blackjack and Roulette.

Opening a casino is part of Amaya Gaming's mission to expand PokerStars'
horizons beyond just poker. And so far, the plan is working out because
PokerStars Casino is gaining popularity.

This means that more and more people are playing their blackjack variations.
But is it worth your time to join these blackjack players?

Let's find out by looking at their blackjack variants, graphics, table
layout, betting options, and RTP. We'll also discuss PokerStars in depth and
offer a recommendation on whether or not you should play here.

General Aspects of PokerStars Blackjack

Large Game Variety

Before getting started, please note that we're reviewing PokerStars blackjack
from the US and can't access their international casino. Instead, we're
reviewing PokerStars New Jersey, which allows free play to US residents.

PokerStars Casino NJ features a large selection of blackjack variations,
including classic, European, Atlantic City, double deck, Premium Blackjack,
Premium Atlantic City, and double deck Atlantic City.

Download Software

What's annoying about PokerStars NJ is that they don't offer an instant play
client like most casinos. Instead, you need to download the software and install
it, which took over 15 minutes in our case.

You must also create an account, and we found it irritating that they forced
us to provide the source where we heard about PokerStars.

Given Stars' prominence in the gaming world, we're surprised that they don't
offer players more convenience than this.

One more notable aspect is that you must click the small Play Money button in
the upper right-hand corner of the lobby. Otherwise, you'll be opening real
money tables and won't be allowed to play.

Graphics

The graphics on PokerStars' blackjack tables are nothing special. The felt is
a dark green color that makes it feel like you're playing in a dated casino.

Graphics on the black table trim, chip trays, and cards are average.

Table Layout

The tables feature a basic layout that's void of the frills seen with many
other blackjack providers.

Both your chips and betting options are found in the lower right-hand corner.
The lower portion of the table features 5 betting circles, allowing you to play
multiple hands per turn.

You'll also see a placard at the top of the table that shows the table's
minimum and maximum bets.

PokerStars' blackjack tables are designed for usability above all, which will
please players who don't care about fancy table decorations.

How to Play

All of PokerStars' blackjack variations have the same playing process. That
said, we'll describe the general process here and mention any nuances in
individual game sections.

You start by selecting one of the available chip denominations in the lower
left-hand corner. Then you choose one or more of the 5 available betting spaces
to place your chips.

When satisfied with your wager, you can click Deal to receive your first two
cards. If you'd like to take back your bet, choose Clear to start over.

You then receive your cards and will have different options to pick from,
depending upon the specific game and rules. These options include: hit, stand,
double down, split, and surrender.

At the conclusion of every round, you have three options:

• Re-Bet & Deal – Make the same wager(s) and deal the cards immediately
  afterward.
• Re-Bet – Make the same bet(s), but choose when you want the cards to be
  dealt.
• New Bets – You can manually lay out new chips, then click Deal when
  you're ready.

Betting

Stars allows you to choose the stakes range you want for some of the tables.
Here are examples of the stake ranges:

• Atlantic City blackjack – $1 to $1.00; and $25 to $2,500
• European blackjack – $1 to $1.00; and $25 to $2,500
• Double Deck Atlantic City – $10 to $200; $50 to $1,000; and $100 to
  $2,500

Classic blackjack allows you to play for as little as $0.10 per hand, which
are the cheapest stakes you'll find anywhere.

Music & Sound Effects

PokerStars' blackjack tables doesn't feature any music, but they do have a
female voice that announces the action. This is helpful when you're playing on a
smartphone and can't always see the card totals.

Multi-Player Versions

Note that some PokerStars blackjack games allow you to choose between
single-player and multi-player versions.

When you hover over certain games in the lobby, they'll feature single-head
and multiple-head icons. Choose the latter if you want to play with other
people.

Return to Player RTP

Here are the RTPs for each Pokers blackjack game in descending order:

• Double Deck Blackjack = 99.77%
• Double Deck Atlantic City Blackjack = 99.77%
• Premium Atlantic City Blackjack = 99.69%
• Premium Blackjack = 99.67%
• European Blackjack = 99.65%
• Atlantic City Blackjack = 99.55%
• Classic Blackjack = 99.39%

Most of the blackjack games at PokerStars rate from good to excellent in
terms of RTP. Few providers offer 99.77% RTP or higher for their games, meaning
Stars offers you a great chance to win.

The only catch with double deck Atlantic city, though, is that you must bet
$10 to play.

PokerStars Blackjack Games

Classic Blackjack

Rules

Although called classic blackjack, this game plays more like European
blackjack because the dealer doesn't receive a hole card. Other than this, it's
a standard game with a couple more house-friendly rules.

• Natural blackjack (21 on first two cards) pays 3:2.
• Dealer hits on a soft 17.
• Insurance pays 2:1.
• 8 decks.
• Dealer doesn't receive a hole card (no peeking for blackjack).
• Double down on any two cards.
• Double down after splitting (except aces).
• You can split up to three times.
• No re-splitting aces.
• No surrender.

Return to Player RTP

RTP for classic blackjack is 99.39%, or a house edge of 0.61%. This is
PokerStars' worst-paying game, and it's below-average payback for the industry.

Some of the rules that drag down the house edge include: 8 decks; dealer
hitting a soft 17; dealer not receiving a hole card; and no re-splitting aces.

Obviously this isn't as good as PokerStars' other games in terms of house
edge. But the 10-cent minimum bets still make this variant perfect for low
rollers.

How to Play

Refer to the general aspects section for the basics of playing classic
blackjack.

One additional note is that this version allows you to select whether you
want to play single or multi-player blackjack.

The multi-player table gives you a seat alongside other players, whom you can
chat with. Keep in mind that these tables feature a timer to ensure that nobody
holds up the action.

Strategy

We can't find any specific strategy charts for PokerStars blackjack. This
being the case, our guides are based on common online strategy and PokerStars'
rule nuances:

• Your total is 5 to 8: always hit.
• Your total is 9: hit when dealer's up card is 2 and 7 to A. Double down
  when their card is 3 to 6.
• Your total is 10 to 11: double down when the dealer's up card is 2 to 9.
  Hit when their card is 10 to A.
• Your total is 12: hit when dealer's up card is 2 to 3 and 7 to A. Stand
  when their card is 4 to 6.
• Your total is 13 to 16: stand when dealer's up card is 2 to 6. Hit when
  their card is 7 to A.
• Your total is 17+: always stand.
• Your cards are A2 to A3: double down when dealer's up card is 5 to 6.
  Hit when their card is 2 to 4 and 7 to A.
• Your cards are A4 to A5: double down when dealer's up card is 4 to 6.
  Hit when their card 2 to 3 and 7 to A.
• Your cards are A6: double down when dealer's up card is 3 to 6. Hit when
  their card is 2 and 7 to A.
• Your cards are A7: stand when dealer's up card is 3 to 6. Hit when their
  card is 2 and 7 to 8. Stand when their card 9 to A.
• Your cards are A8+: always stand.
• You have a pair of 2's or 3's: split when dealer's up card is 2 to 7.
  Hit when their card is 8 to A.
• You have a pair of 4's: split when dealer's up card is 5 to 6. Hit when
  their card 2 to 4 is 7 to A.
• You have a pair of 5's: double down when dealer's up card is 2 to 9. Hit
  when their card is 10 to A
• You have a pair of 6's: split when the dealer's up card is 2 to 6. Hit
  when their card is 7 to A.
• You have a pair of 7's: split when the dealer's up card is 2 to 7. Hit
  when their card is 8 to A.
• You have a pair of 8's: split when dealer's up card is 2 to 9. Hit when
  their card is 10 to A.
• You have a pair of 9's: split when dealer's up card is 2 to 6 and 8 to
  9. Stand when their card is 7 and 10 to A.
• You have a pair of 10's: always stand.
• You have a pair of aces: split when dealer's up card is 2 to 10. Hit
  when their card is A.

European Blackjack

The classic and European blackjack games are similar because the dealer
doesn't receive a hole card.

But PokerStars' European blackjack differs in that you can surrender hands,
and there are 6 decks (instead of 8). These rules give European blackjack a
better RTP than the classic version.

Rules

• Natural blackjack pays 3:2.
• Dealer hits a soft 17.
• Insurance pays 2:1.
• 6 decks.
• Dealer doesn't receive a hole card.
• Surrender is allowed.
• Double down on any two cards.
• Double down after splitting (except aces).
• Re-split up to two times.

Return to Player RTP

RTP for European blackjack is 99.65%, which ranks in the lower half of
PokerStars' blackjack games.

As mentioned earlier, this European blackjack game is aided by the fact that
you can surrender. The lower number of decks also help your cause when compared
to classic blackjack.

How to Play

This plays like the previously discussed games, except that you have the
option to surrender.

After your first two cards are dealt, you'll see surrender pop up among your
other hand options. If you choose to surrender, you give up half your bet and a
new hand begins.

Strategy

The notable difference between PokerStars' European and classic variations is
that you can surrender in the European game. For this reason, the European
blackjack strategy guide has some notable differences:

• Your total is 5 to 7: hit when dealer's up card is 2 to 10. Surrender
  when their card is A.
• Your total is 8: always hit.
• Your total is 9: double down when dealer's up card is 3 to 6. Hit when
  their card is 2 and 7 to A.
• Your total is 10 to 11: double down when the dealer's up card is 2 to 9.
  Hit when their card is 10 to A.
• Your total is 12: hit when dealer's up card is 2 to 3 and 7 to 10. Stand
  when their card is 4 to 6. Hit when their card is 7 to 10. Surrender when
  their card is A.
• Your total is 13 to 15: stand when dealer's up card is 2 to 6. Hit when
  their card is 7 to 9. Surrender when their card is 10 to A.
• Your total is 16: stand when dealer's up card is 2 to 6. Hit when their
  card is 7 to 8. Surrender when their card is 9+.
• Your total is 17+: always stand.
• Your cards are A2 to A3: double down when dealer's up card is 5 to 6.
  Hit when their card is 2 to 4 and 7 to A.
• Your cards are A4 to A5: double down when dealer's up card is 4 to 6.
  Hit when their card 2 to 3 and 7 to A.
• Your cards are A6: double down when dealer's up card is 3 to 6. Hit when
  their card is 2 and 7 to A.
• Your cards are A7: stand when dealer's up card is 3 to 6. Hit when their
  card is 2 and 7 to 8. Stand when their card 9 to A.
• Your cards are A8+: always stand.
• You have a pair of 2's or 3's: split when dealer's up card is 2 to 7.
  Hit when their card is 8 to A.
• You have a pair of 4's: split when dealer's up card is 5 to 6. Hit when
  their card is 2 to 3 and 7 to A.
• You have a pair of 5's: double down when dealer's up card is 2 to 9. Hit
  when their card is 10 to A
• You have a pair of 6's: split when the dealer's up card is 2 to 6. Hit
  when their card is 7 to 10. Surrender when their card is A.
• You have a pair of 7's: split when the dealer's up card is 2 to 7. Hit
  when their card is 8 to 9. Surrender when their card is 10 to A.
• You have a pair of 8's: split when dealer's up card is 2 to 9. Surrender
  when their card is 10 to A.
• You have a pair of 9's: split when dealer's up card is 2 to 6 and 8 to
  9. Stand when their card is 7 and 10 to A.
• You have a pair of 10's: always stand.
• You have a pair of aces: split when dealer's up card is 2 to 10. Hit
  when their card is A.

Double Deck Blackjack

As the name implies, this game only features two decks. But like classic
blackjack, this variant differs from many double deck games in that the dealer
doesn't get a hole card.

Rules

• Natural blackjack pays 3:2.
• Dealer stands on a soft 17.
• Insurance pays 2:1.
• 2 decks.
• Dealer doesn't receive a hole card.
• Double down on any two cards.
• Double down after splitting (except aces).
• No re-splitting.
• No surrender.

Return to Player RTP

RTP for double deck blackjack is 99.77%, or a 0.23% house edge. This is among
the highest RTP in the gaming industry.

While some of the rules are restrictive, double deck also includes
player-friendly rules. These include 3:2 blackjack payouts; dealer standing on a
soft 17; and doubling down on any two cards.

How to Play

Refer to the general aspects section for a general guide.

Strategy

This game plays like European double deck blackjack, which is reflected in
the following strategy chart:

• Your total is 5 to 8: always hit.
• Your total is 9: double down when their card is 3 to 6. Hit when their
  card is 7 to A.
• Your total is 10 to 11: double down when the dealer's up card is 2 to 9.
  Hit when their card is 10 to A.
• Your total is 12: stand when dealer's up card is 4 to 6. Hit when their
  card is 2 to 3 and 7 to A.
• Your total is 13 to 16: stand when dealer's up card is 2 to 6. Hit when
  their card is 7 to A.
• Your total is 17+: always stand.
• Your cards are A2 to A3: double down when dealer's up card is 5 to 6.
  Hit when their card is 2 to 4 and 7 to A.
• Your cards are A4 to A5: double down when dealer's up card is 4 to 6.
  Hit when their card 2 to 3 and 7 to A.
• Your cards are A6: double down when dealer's up card is 3 to 6. Hit when
  their card is 2 and 7 to A.
• Your cards are A7: stand when dealer's up card is 3 to 6. Hit when their
  card is 2 and 7 to 8. Stand when their card 9 to A.
• Your cards are A8+: always stand.
• You have a pair of 2's or 3's: split when dealer's up card is 2 to 7.
  Hit when their card is 8 to A.
• You have a pair of 4's: split when dealer's up card is 5 to 6. Hit when
  their card is 2 to 4 and 7 to A.
• You have a pair of 5's: double down when dealer's up card is 2 to 9. Hit
  when their card is 10 to A
• You have a pair of 6's: split when the dealer's up card is 2 to 7. Hit
  when their card is 8 to A.
• You have a pair of 7's: split when the dealer's up card is 2 to 8. Hit
  when their card is 9 to A.
• You have a pair of 8's: split when dealer's up card is 2 to 9. Hit when
  their card is 10 to A.
• You have a pair of 9's: split when dealer's up card is 2 to 6 and 8 to
  9. Stand when their card is 7 and 10 to A.
• You have a pair of 10's: always stand.
• You have a pair of aces: split when dealer's up card is 2 to 10. Hit
  when their card is A.

Premium Blackjack

This game plays similar to PokerStars' double deck game since Premium
Blackjack doesn't see the dealer take a hole card.

But the small differences include 4 decks (instead of 2), and the ability to
re-split hands twice. You can also choose the multi-player option, like with the
classic blackjack variation.

Rules

• Natural blackjack pays 3:2.
• Dealer stands on a soft 17.
• Insurance pays 2:1.
• 4 decks.
• Dealer doesn't receive a hole card.
• Double down on any two cards.
• Double down after splitting (except aces).
• You can re-split twice.
• Aces can be re-split once.
• No surrender.

Return to Player RTP

RTP for Premium Blackjack is 99.67%, or a house edge of 0.33%. While this is
only average RTP for PokerStars, it's better than most blackjack games in the
industry.

How to Play & Multi-Player Tables

Refer to the general aspects section for how to play. Refer to classic
blackjack for info on multi-player tables.

Strategy

Refer to the double deck blackjack strategy chart, which will get you close
to the 99.67% RTP. The only rule differences between these games include Premium
Blackjack having 2 more decks, and lighter restrictions on re-splitting hands.

Premium Atlantic City Blackjack

The main difference between Premium Blackjack and Premium Atlantic City
Blackjack is that the latter sees the dealer get a hole card. This means that it
plays like a standard 4-deck blackjack game.

Rules

• Natural blackjack pays 3:2.
• Dealer stands on a soft 17.
• Insurance pays 2:1.
• 4 decks.
• Dealer receives a hole card and checks for blackjack.
• Double down on any two cards.
• Double down after splitting (except aces).
• No re-splitting.
• No surrender.

Return to Player RTP

RTP for Premium Atlantic City Blackjack is 99.69%, or a 0.31% house edge.
This ranks in the middle of PokerStars' blackjack games.

The one downside to this solid RTP is the $10 minimum bet.

Considering that this isn't even a multi-player game, we don't know why you'd
want to risk the same amount as many land-based casinos to play online
blackjack.

How to Play

Refer to the general aspects section.

Strategy

Below is strategy for a 4-deck blackjack game, where the dealer stands on a
soft 17 and there are no double-down restrictions:

• Your total is 5 to 8: always hit.
• Your total is 9: double down when dealer's up card is 3 to 6. Hit when
  their card is 2 and 7 to A.
• Your total is 10: double down when dealer's up card is 2 to 9. Hit when
  their card is 10 to A.
• Your total is 11: double down when dealer's up card is 2 to 10. Hit when
  their card is A.
• Your total is 12: hit when dealer's up card is 2 to 3 and 7 to A. Stand
  when dealer's card is 4 to 6.
• Your total is 13 to 16: hit when dealer's up card is 7 to A. Stand when
  their card is 2 to 6.
• Your total is 17+: always stand.
• Your cards are A2 to A3: hit when dealer's up card is 2 to 4 and 7 to A.
  Double down when their card is 5 to 6.
• Your cards are A4 to A5: hit when dealer's up card is 2 to 3 and 7 to A.
  Double down when their card is 4 to 6.
• Your cards are A6: hit when dealer's up card is 2 and 7 to A. Double
  down when their card is 3 to 6.
• Your cards are A7: stand when dealer's up card is 2 and 7 to 8. Double
  down when their card is 3 to 6. Hit when their card is 9 to A.
• Your cards are A8+: always stand.
• You have a pair of 2's or 3's: split when dealer's up card is 2 to 7.
  Hit when their card is 8 to A.
• You have a pair of 4's: split when the dealer's up card is 5 to 6. Hit
  when their card is 2 to 4 and 7 to A.
• You have a pair of 5's: double down when dealer's up card is 2 to 9. Hit
  when their card is 10 to A.
• You have a pair of 6's: split when the dealer's up card is 2 to 6. Hit
  when their card is 7 to A.
• You have a pair of 7's: split when the dealer's up card is 2 to 7. Hit
  when their card is 8 to A.
• You have a pair of 8's: always split.
• You have a pair of 9's: split when the dealer's up card is 2 to 6; 8 to
  9; and A. Stand when their card is 7 and 10.
• You have a pair of 10's: always stand.
• You have a pair of aces: always split.

Atlantic City Blackjack

This plays like a standard blackjack game, aside from the fact that you can
take even-money insurance when you're dealt a blackjack and the dealer is
showing an ace.

Rules

• Natural blackjack pays 3:2.
• Dealer stands on a soft 17.
• Insurance pays 2:1.
• 8 decks.
• Even-money insurance: you can take insurance (1:1) payout if you're
  dealt a blackjack and the dealer is showing an ace. You automatically
  receive the 1:1 payout, but lose the chance at a 3:2 payout if the dealer
  doesn't have blackjack.
• Dealer receives a hole card and checks for blackjack (after even-money
  insurance is offered).
• Double down on any two cards.
• Double down after splitting (except aces).
• No re-splitting.
• No surrender.

Return to Player RTP

RTP for double deck Atlantic City blackjack is 99.55%, or a 0.45% house edge.
This ranks in the bottom half of PokerStars variance, but it's above average in
the industry.

As for the even-money insurance bet, you should avoid this because it's a
sucker bet that raises the house edge.

How to Play

The main difference between Atlantic City blackjack and PokerStars' other
variations is that you can place the even-money side wager. But as explained
above, you should always decline this option.

Strategy

Refer to the Premium Atlantic City blackjack strategy guide because 4-deck
and 8-deck games are the same strategy-wise. Furthermore, these games are the
same in terms of their other rules.

Double Deck Atlantic City Blackjack

Double deck Atlantic City has an outstanding RTP, but it also features a $10
minimum bet, which

Rules

• Natural blackjack pays 3:2.
• Dealer stands on a soft 17.
• Insurance pays 2:1.
• 2 decks.
• Dealer receives a hole card and checks for blackjack.
• Double down on any two cards.
• Double down after splitting (except aces).
• No re-splitting.
• No surrender.

Return to Player RTP

RTP for double deck Atlantic City blackjack is 99.7%, or a house edge of
0.23%. This is tied with double deck blackjack for the best-paying variation
from PokerStars.

Again, the $10 minimum bet serves as a detractor for playing this game. But
if you don't mind high stakes, then you'll definitely appreciate double deck
Atlantic City's high RTP.

How to Play

Refer to the general aspects section.

Strategy

Below you can see basic strategy for a double deck blackjack game:

• Your total is 5 to 8: always hit.
• Your total is 9: double down when dealer's up card is 2 to 6. Hit when
  their card is 7 to A.
• Your total is 10: double down when dealer's up card is 2 to 9. Hit when
  their card is 10 to A.
• Your total is 11: always double down.
• Your total is 12: hit when dealer's up card is 2 to 3 and 7 to A. Stand
  when dealer's card is 4 to 6.
• Your total is 13 to 16: hit when dealer's up card is 7 to A. Stand when
  their card is 2 to 6.
• Your total is 17+: always stand.
• Your cards are A2 to A3: hit when dealer's up card is 2 to 4 and 7 to A.
  Double down when their card is 5 to 6.
• Your cards are A4 to A5: hit when dealer's up card is 2 to 3 and 7 to A.
  Double down when their card is 4 to 6.
• Your cards are A6: hit when dealer's up card is 2 and 7 to A. Double
  down when their card is 3 to 6.
• Your cards are A7: stand when dealer's up card is 2 and 7 to 8. Double
  down when their card is 3 to 6. Hit when their card is 9 to A.
• Your cards are A8+: always stand.
• You have a pair of 2's or 3's: split when dealer's up card is 2 to 7.
  Hit when their card is 8 to A.
• You have a pair of 4's: split when the dealer's up card is 5 to 6. Hit
  when their card is 2 to 4 and 7 to A.
• You have a pair of 5's: double down when dealer's up card is 2 to 9. Hit
  when their card is 10 to A.
• You have a pair of 6's: split when the dealer's up card is 2 to 7. Hit
  when their card is 8 to A.
• You have a pair of 7's: split when the dealer's up card is 2 to 8. Hit
  when their card is 9 to A.
• You have a pair of 8's: always split.
• You have a pair of 9's: split when the dealer's up card is 2 to 6; 8 to
  9; and A. Stand when their card is 7 and 10.
• You have a pair of 10's: always stand.
• You have a pair of aces: always split.

PokerStars History & Reputability

Online Poker History

You can't bring up PokerStars without also discussing their domination of the
online poker market.

PokerStars was launched in 2001 and was at the forefront of the poker boom,
which happened in the mid-2000s. During this period, Stars established
themselves as the world's premier online poker site.

The good times were interrupted on April 15, 2011, when the U.S. Department
of Justice indicted PokerStars founder Isai Scheinberg and other poker site
owners for bank fraud and money laundering.

At the time, all major poker sites were circumventing U.S. banking laws to
process player deposits. But Stars was the only site that emerged from the mess,
while Full Tilt Poker, UB Poker & Absolute Poker (both on Cereus network) went
bankrupt.

PokerStars worked out a deal with the US DoJ, whereby they agreed to purchase
Full Tilt and pay fines, all totaling $731 million. Buying Full Tilt was key
because this site couldn't honor an estimated $400 million in player deposits
after Black Friday.

Thanks to their deal with the DoJ, PokerStars avoided admitting any
wrongdoing in the bank fraud & money laundering case. This also protected their
reputation and allowed them to pursue US licensing.

In September 2016, PokerStars received licensing from the New Jersey Division
of Gaming Enforcement, marking their return to the American market.

Amaya Gaming History

In June 2014, Amaya Gaming purchased PokerStars for an unprecedented $4.9
billion. This was a shock to industry insiders because, until buying Stars,
Amaya was a small software provider from Canada.

But then-CEO David Baazov convinced Wall Street bankers to invest in his
vision and buy the world's largest poker site.

The move didn't seem logical to outsiders because online poker has been in
decline since Black Friday. But as Baazov stressed back then, this investment
was about PokerStars' massive customer base (60+ million), rather than trying to
turn around internet poker.

Baazov stepped down from his role and exited the company in August 2016, amid
insider trading allegations.

While he's no longer the CEO, the company has continued pursuing his vision,
launching both an online casino and sportsbook (BetStars) in 2015. They've since
transitioned into an all-around gaming destination, rather than solely focusing
on poker.

Licensing

PokerStars' parent company, the Rational Group (Amaya), holds a large number
of licenses across the world. Here's the full list of the countries/territories
where they're licensed (in order of market entry):

Pokerstars Qualifier

• Isle of Man
• Italy
• France
• Estonia
• Belgium
• Malta
• Denmark
• Spain
• Germany
• Bulgaria
• Greece
• United Kingdom
• Ireland
• Romania
• New Jersey
• Portugal
• Czech Republic

As you can see, PokerStars has come a long way from

Testing Certification

Given that many of the licensing jurisdictions that PokerStars is involved in
require software testing, their games have all been checked to ensure randomness
and fair gaming.

Other PokerStars Games

Online Poker

PokerStars has been the world's largest poker site for years, and they offer
the largest online tournaments and cash games.

According to PokerScout, their hourly cash game traffic is 13,500 players.
This easily trumps the second-closest operator, Manila's IDNPlay, which has a
3,500-player average.

Some of PokerStars' featured events include the World Championship of Online
Poker (WCOOP) series, Sunday $1 million guaranteed, Micro Millions, and Spin &
Go's.

Stars also offers a large number of satellites that allow players to win
seats to both online and live tournaments for cheap.

Casino Games

PokerStars covers all of the major categories in their casino, including
slots, table games, and video poker. Blackjack offers the best variety among the
table games, but there are also several roulette games too.

BetStars & StarsDraft

Two more major categories that Stars covers include sports betting and daily
fantasy sports. Unlike the casino, these verticals have been slow to take off.
But we could easily see them getting big based on PokerStars' success up until
this point.

Conclusion

While PokerStars is known as a poker destination first, they're gaining steam
in the casino department.

We can see why too based on their blackjack, which offers you seven
variations across a variety of stakes. We also love how you can choose a
multi-player option on some of the tables.

Another likeable aspect of PokerStars blackjack is the RTP, which, outside of
classic blackjack is 99.55% or above. Even classic blackjack has its merits
because you can play for as little as 10 cents a hand.

What we don't like about PokerStars blackjack includes the high minimum bets
with some games ($10), and how certain variations run together. The latter is
especially true for the European-style games, which have slight rule
differences.

Another drawback is that you have to download the software, which took us
over 15 minutes.

Nevertheless, we still recommend PokerStars for the high RTP, ultra-low
stakes in their classic game, and the fact that you can also enjoy poker and
sports betting here.

Live dealer blackjack is nowadays one of the most popular online casino games. It has the same feel and look of the real blackjack found in land-based casinos, but it's played through a live stream with a professional dealer sitting in front of the camera.

There are literally hundreds of different websites on which you can enjoy live dealer blackjack these days such as Wild Casino. Apart from websites being different, the games aren't always the same either. Although some blackjack games might have the same rules, there can be quite a gap in the video and sound quality, interface, and the overall aesthetics of the game.

My article will focus on several key factors of choosing the finest live blackjack game and playing blackjack in general:

Read the following text carefully, and you will certainly pick the best live blackjack games on the web!

Top US Live Dealer Blackjack Casinos

Picking the best live blackjack casinos was not an easy task. I have put myself into the player's perspective and taken into account many things in order to come up with the ultimate list of the finest blackjack casino operators.

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When it comes to choosing where to play libe blackjack for real money you should not venture on your own, especially if you don't have that much experience with online gambling to begin with. You will at least need some basic guidance, and that's where I come in.

By reading my article, you will be able to learn all about the best casino sites that offer top-shelf live blackjack games. I selected these websites according to certain criteria that ensure you will enjoy fair and legit casino games with the best possible gaming experience.

How We Choose Our Live Blackjack Casinos

Just in case you were wondering what is so important when choosing the right blackjack game and website, here are several key factors that played a role in the creation of this list.

Live Dealer Blackjack Versus Land-Based Blackjack

While blackjack in a land-based casino can never be truly replaced, live online blackjack is at least the best possible way to mimic the experience of playing on a real blackjack table.

What's more, you can enjoy live dealer blackjack from the comfort of your own home, or anywhere else you see fit. Bonuses and promotions that are associated with playing live dealer games are yet another thing that is exclusive to online casinos.

In other words, playing blackjack online is simply more convenient and comes with more perks compared to the land-based version of the game.

As far as the rules go, they will be the same regardless of the manner of playing the game. However, online operators usually offer several different variations of blackjack, while you might find only one or two blackjack tables at your local casino.

How Does Live Blackjack Work

If you load a game of live blackjack on your desktop, smartphone, or tablet, you will see a virtual gaming table, which you can use to place bets. At the same time, the gaming screen includes a video box through which the live gaming action is continuously streamed to your device. In the live video, you can see a real croupier operating the live blackjack game.

Hypalinx

You must understand that the video you see is not per-recorded and the game you are playing is not generated by computer software. You are viewing a game that is really being played either at a gaming studio or at a land-based casino. You are also placing bets on that game. If you still feel that this cannot be possible, you can interact with the croupier running the game through a chat box on your gaming screen.

Since live blackjack is a game that is actually being played at a physical location, it takes you as close to the land-based casino gaming experience as possible.

Live Blackjack in the US

Since the US is a grey jurisdiction, US players cannot enjoy a wide choice of live blackjack games. Ever since the US federal government passed the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) in 2006, a large number of operators, payment processors, and software providers withdrew from the US market, leaving residents with very few gambling options.

For example, Microgaming, the casino gaming software giant, has developed the largest number of live games, but doesn't offer its services to US residents.

Pokerstars Live Blackjack Tournaments

In spite of this, US residents can play at live casinos powered by US friendly software providers such as Visionary iGaming and Global Gaming Labs. The latter has been in the US for a long time and has partnered with well-known online casinos that offer live games such as Wild Casino.

Live Dealer Blackjack Casinos

You can rest assured that live blackjack games are 100% fair and random.

A live blackjack game can just not be rigged by the casino authorities because its results are based on actual gaming activity.

To start playing live blackjack, you only have to register any of our recommended live blackjack casinos.

How to Play Live Blackjack: Step by Step Guide

I will take the liberty of assuming that you're not a very experienced online gambler (that's probably why you're reading this article in the first place), but don't worry, we all have to start somewhere. I didn't know much about live blackjack not so many years ago, and now I feel I'm capable of guiding other people on how to play it.

So, without further ado, here are a few necessary steps that you need to take in order to start playing live blackjack.

Choosing Casino Operators and Game Providers

First thing's first, and that's picking the online casino with quality live blackjack games

. I've already done that part of the homework for you, so you can simply check my list above, but that's not enough.

Amigo bingo. You also need to consider the type of game you're looking to play. If you enjoy common draw blackjack, I suggest you try NetEnt's version of the game.

For players who prefer a low-stake game with communicative dealers, Evolution Gaming's Live Blackjack Party should do the trick.

In any case, choose your operators and providers wisely so you can have the best possible live blackjack experience.

Setting up an Account and Depositing

If you wish to play for real money, you first must set up an account on your desired online casino site. The registration process is usually quite straightforward and requires a few easy steps that include entering your personal details.

Unless you are using a live blackjack no deposit bonus that some online casinos offer, you will be required to fund your account. The minimum deposit amount depends on the operator's rules, but it's usually around $10. Simply choose your banking method and wait for a couple of minutes before the deposit goes through.

There are also in-game deposits that allow you to refund your account without losing a seat at the table. Connecticut lottery post.

Finding Live Blackjack Games

While you're on the operator's homepage, try to locate a section that includes all the casino's live dealer games. Here, you will be able to find live blackjack among other popular live games such as roulette, casino Hold'em, baccarat, and others.

Click on the game of your choice and wait for it to load. Once the current round of betting ends and the next one begins, you will be included in the game.

Live Blackjack Betting

The digital interface of the game will help you keep track of the betting. To bet, simply click on one of the differently-sized chips.

The timer will clearly state how many seconds you have left until the bets are closed, but this will also be stated by the dealer sitting in front of the camera.

Once the action starts and the cards are dealt, you will have several options on how to play your hand.

• Hit or receive another card
• Stand or stop receiving any more cards
• Double their bets in case of a favorable hand
• Split pairs and play two hands simultaneously

The resulting hand is then compared to the dealers and players will either win or lose their bets. After the winning hands are revealed, your winning bets will be paid according to the paytable that you can check inside the game. For example if a player gets blackjack or a hand that equals point value 21, they will receive a payout of 3 to 2. If players do not win anything, they can place another bet and play again.Any lost bets are automatically deducted from your balance.

Depending on the rules of the live blackjack game they are playing, players can also purchase insurance against a possible dealer blackjack or surrender bad hands and get back half their bets.

Each live blackjack game has a separate set of rules for dealers and players. If players need to interact with the live croupier or fellow players anytime during the game, they can do so using the chat box in their gaming screen. However, chat rules are very strict at live casinos. Players are not allowed to make rude or offensive remarks. If they do, the live casino will prevent them from using the chat functionality. In order to protect live dealers from such unpleasant experiences, some casinos do not offer the chat functionality, but this takes all the fun away from the live dealer game.

Withdrawals

. I've already done that part of the homework for you, so you can simply check my list above, but that's not enough.

Amigo bingo. You also need to consider the type of game you're looking to play. If you enjoy common draw blackjack, I suggest you try NetEnt's version of the game.

For players who prefer a low-stake game with communicative dealers, Evolution Gaming's Live Blackjack Party should do the trick.

In any case, choose your operators and providers wisely so you can have the best possible live blackjack experience.

Setting up an Account and Depositing

If you wish to play for real money, you first must set up an account on your desired online casino site. The registration process is usually quite straightforward and requires a few easy steps that include entering your personal details.

Unless you are using a live blackjack no deposit bonus that some online casinos offer, you will be required to fund your account. The minimum deposit amount depends on the operator's rules, but it's usually around $10. Simply choose your banking method and wait for a couple of minutes before the deposit goes through.

There are also in-game deposits that allow you to refund your account without losing a seat at the table. Connecticut lottery post.

Finding Live Blackjack Games

While you're on the operator's homepage, try to locate a section that includes all the casino's live dealer games. Here, you will be able to find live blackjack among other popular live games such as roulette, casino Hold'em, baccarat, and others.

Click on the game of your choice and wait for it to load. Once the current round of betting ends and the next one begins, you will be included in the game.

Live Blackjack Betting

The digital interface of the game will help you keep track of the betting. To bet, simply click on one of the differently-sized chips.

The timer will clearly state how many seconds you have left until the bets are closed, but this will also be stated by the dealer sitting in front of the camera.

Once the action starts and the cards are dealt, you will have several options on how to play your hand.

• Hit or receive another card
• Stand or stop receiving any more cards
• Double their bets in case of a favorable hand
• Split pairs and play two hands simultaneously

The resulting hand is then compared to the dealers and players will either win or lose their bets. After the winning hands are revealed, your winning bets will be paid according to the paytable that you can check inside the game. For example if a player gets blackjack or a hand that equals point value 21, they will receive a payout of 3 to 2. If players do not win anything, they can place another bet and play again.Any lost bets are automatically deducted from your balance.

Depending on the rules of the live blackjack game they are playing, players can also purchase insurance against a possible dealer blackjack or surrender bad hands and get back half their bets.

Each live blackjack game has a separate set of rules for dealers and players. If players need to interact with the live croupier or fellow players anytime during the game, they can do so using the chat box in their gaming screen. However, chat rules are very strict at live casinos. Players are not allowed to make rude or offensive remarks. If they do, the live casino will prevent them from using the chat functionality. In order to protect live dealers from such unpleasant experiences, some casinos do not offer the chat functionality, but this takes all the fun away from the live dealer game.

Withdrawals

You can choose to end the game of live blackjack in between any two hands. All winnings will be credited to your casino account, after which you can request a withdrawal to your banking method of choice.

Pokerstars Live Chat Support

Navigate to the casino's cashier page and request a cash-out. Depending on the payment method, you might wait between 48 hours and several business days for the payment to go through. Of course, you can always choose to keep the money in your account and use it to play more live blackjack.

Live Blackjack on Mobile

All modern live blackjack games are mobile-compatible, meaning that you can enjoy playing them on your personal smartphone or tablet. Most of all, mobile players have all the same options as desktop users.

Enjoying live blackjack on mobile is really convenient and allows you to play on the move — something that's simply not possible when playing on PC.

Depending on the casino site, you can play live blackjack either by entering a mobile-friendly website directly through your browser or by downloading their dedicated mobile app. The majority of sites from my list have live blackjack available to both iOS and Android users.

Live Blackjack Tips & Strategies

The game of blackjack is more about luck than it is about skill, but you should nevertheless be familiar with some betting strategies if you wish to raise your chances of winning.

So, before you even create an online casino account and load your first live blackjack game, you should come up with an effective game plan. Luckily, you won't have to overheat your brain and learn all the mathematical possibilities on your own. All you need is a few betting charts that I will share with you below and that are relatively easy to follow.

Live Blackjack Rules

Live blackjack is similar to online blackjack and the blackjack played at land-based casinos. The game has a number of variants, each of which stands in a class of its own although based on standard blackjack rules.

Here are some of those rule variations:

• Live blackjack games may use six, seven, or eight decks of playing cards.
• Live casinos may offer either one-to-one blackjack tables the way it is done at land-based casinos or one-to-many tables.
• Croupiers running one-to-many tables receive bets from as many players as possible and deal the same hand to each player.
• The dealer will either stand or hit on soft 17.
• Rules related to doubling the wager, splitting card pairs, the number of times pairs can be split, surrendering, purchasing insurance, and so on vary from one live blackjack game to the other.
• The betting limits vary from variant to variant and casino to casino. If you are a high roller who wants to play high-limit live blackjack, you only have to contact customer care. Depending on the online casino you are playing at, you can bet up to $5,000 at a time.

Pokerstars Live Blackjack Rules

The best thing about this table is that you won't be required to memorize it. Simply keep the printed version of the table near you when you're playing the game. Of course, you won't be allowed to do this while playing blackjack in a land-based casino, but since the live blackjack dealer cannot see what you are doing, having this kind of a cheat-sheet is completely legal

Splitting Pairs

Splitting Pairs allows you to split two cards of the same value and play them as two separate hands. Of course, this also means that you need to make another bet equal to the original one.

Many novice players think that splitting any two identical cards is favorable, but that's far from the truth. You should only split your hand on certain card values while also paying attention to the dealer's up-card.

Doubling Down

Doubling down in live blackjack means that you can double your bet once the cards have been dealt to you. However, a general rule states that you are only able to receive one extra card after doubling down, so be careful when you choose to do this.

Again, you should consider the dealer's up-card as well, and check the table's rules, as some games have extra restrictions when it comes to doubling down.

Things to Consider When Playing Live Blackjack

Apart from the general rules of the game and its strategies, there are also a few technical things you need to consider before stepping into the world of live blackjack.

Stakes

One of the first things you need to do before playing any online gambling game is to decide on your gambling budget. Think about how much money you are willing to risk while playing live blackjack, which will then help you decide on the stake limits.

Some live blackjack games are played with relatively low stakes, making them ideal for beginners. Others, like VIP live blackjack, are reserved for high-rollers that can spend up to several hundred dollars per betting round.

Hardware

Live casino games are a little more demanding than regular ones. Make sure that the device you are playing on is capable of supporting these games so you can play without any technical issues.

If you're playing on a relatively new PC or mobile device, you shouldn't encounter any problems, but inform yourself on the minimum system requirements just in case.

Internet Connection

Internet connection is important for two reasons. First, you would want to avoid being cut out of the game because of the lost or slow internet connection. All technical errors on your part will result in an immediate loss relating to a current betting round.

Also, a stable internet connection will allow you to enjoy live blackjack in crystal clear HD picture quality, which is the whole point of playing the game with a live dealer. Low video and sound quality mean that you probably have a slow internet connection.

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Final Thoughts

Live blackjack is the most popular live dealer game in the US and beyond. It offers a perfect combination of strategy and luck, and can make you rich incredibly quickly, but only if you play your cards right.

In order to have the best possible experience when playing live blackjack, you need to choose the best operators with high-quality games in their libraries. The list I provided above includes some of the most renowned online casinos that host thousands of players on a daily basis.

I had a really good time writing this extensive live blackjack guide, and I hope you did too while reading it. If you want to ask me a question or wish to add something to this subject, feel free to leave a comment below.

Frequently Asked Questions

With Live Dealer Blackjack offering the same human touch, rules, and gambling experience you can find in the best of land-based casinos, there are little excuses not to give this popular casino game a try. And if you're still unable to make up your mind, here are the most frequent concerns about Live Dealer Blackjack addressed, to help you on your way.

How to play live blackjack?

What are the best live dealer blackjack casinos?

Where can I find the best live blackjack games for US players?

Pokerstars Live Blackjack Rules

How does live dealer blackjack work?

Can I make a living by playing live blackjack?

How to beat live blackjack?

Is Live Blackjack Fixed?

The simple answer to this question is that casinos don't need to fix their games to earn money. Blackjack has an inherent house edge that ensures casinos turn a profit with each hand and have fewer reasons to cheat. Also, most players who join a table are rarely skillful enough to increase their advantage significantly, thus giving the casino an even bigger house edge and fewer reasons to pull tricks.

And even if a casino dared to fix their games, the news will spread so fast around the online community that it will be impossible to prevent leaks. This will, in turn, get the casino blacklisted and lead to millions in loses, which is not something worth risking over an already profitable game.

Can I play live dealer blackjack on mobile?

Can You Count Cards in Live Blackjack?

Even though it seems like the perfect opportunity, since Live Dealer Blackjack doesn't rely on RNGs, the reality is that card counting in live games is impossible. Not only do live dealer games use 6 to 8 decks, which complicates the matter by itself, but they also only go up to 50% penetration. This means that you'll never get past half the deck, thus making your counting skills entirely useless.

What is the House Edge in Live Blackjack?

There is no simple answer to this question. With Blackjack, the house edge depends both on the variation of the game but also you as a player. The more skillful and optimal your play is, the lower your house edge will be.

The average theoretical house edge is often said to be 1%, but with the right rules and style of play it can go even lower, sometimes even as low as 0.48%. However, it can also get higher, especially if you have little knowledge of the game.

Is Strategy Important?

Yes it is. Blackjack is a game of using simple math and planning, and as such requires a sound knowledge of basic strategy. If you're only playing it haphazardly, you will only waste your money away.

Do Other Players at the Table Affect my Outcomes?

As logical as this common myth sounds, it is very far from the truth. While it's true that a player before you might have some effect on the next outcome, mathematically speaking this doesn't affect your odds at any significant level.

What's the Difference between Live Blackjack and Blackjack in Land-Based Casinos?

There's little to zero difference between both games, except for the personal experience. Both offline and online live Blackjack games have a human dealer, follow the same rules, and pay out the same.

There might be some games that offer a different rule or two, but the same can be said about land-based casinos.

Pokerstars Live Blackjack Games

How Many Decks are used in Live Blackjack?

Since Live Dealer tables can be abused with the help of software and card counting algorithms within the comfort of your home, live dealer games are usually played with 6 to 8 decks. Eight decks is the most common variety, as it allows for longer play before the cards are reshuffled. It's always important to note the number of decks used, so that you can adjust your strategy.

Should I Accept 'Even Money'?

Live dealer games now offer the same insurance that you can find in land-based casinos. The 'even money' bet is normally offered when a dealer's hole card can end up being a 10 value card, thus giving the dealer Blackjack. The wager pays 2 to 1, meaning you can end up with half your money back, should the dealer win.

But as lucrative as this sounds, it's highly advised that you don't take insurance, since statistics have shown that the probability of dealer Blackjack is lower than the probability of busting. Namely, you have a 69% chance of winning that bet, i.e. you have the upper hand.

Can I Play Live Blackjack for Free?

No. While there are some casinos that let you watch a Live Blackjack game for free, you can't actually interact in any way with the game. Thus, if you want to practice your strategies, you can use the free demo versions of regular Blackjack games offered at most online casinos.

How Fast Does My Internet Connection Have to Be When I Play Live Dealer Blackjack?

Since live games are streamed in HD, it is better if you have a fast optical or ADSL connection for best experience. Lower connections speeds will lead to glitches and lags, which can end up causing mistakes from your side. That's why you should always check your connection speed before you join a table.

Other Live Dealer Games..