(OLD VERSION )

This is an old, outdated review. Read about Playtech live blackjack here.

Multi-player (7 seat) blackjack dealt from an 8-deck shoe, re-shuffle with approx. 4 decks left in shoe.  Available at:
 

bet365
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William Hill
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BetFred
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General comments

This is Playtech's recently (December 2010) upgraded live site and software. Game rules and bet options have not changed but significant enhancements to the live site premises and accompanying technology have taken this offering up a notch.

The old platform was very good.  This one is even better for the following reasons:

• the dealer studio and dealers look amazing;

• video quality is improved by the new HD broadcast capability;

• more view/play options are now available to the player;

• more dealers/tables available at any given time.

From an aesthetic point of view this really is an impressive game of live blackjack. One limitation is that the high resolution video does become problematic (freeze frames) at low connection speeds. Otherwise hard to fault.

Rule summary (click here for full house rules)

• Decks: 8

• Shuffle: after approximately 4 decks

• Blackjack pays: 3:2

• Dealer stands on hard & soft 17

• Player can: double any 2 cards, double after split, split Aces, re-split Aces

• Player can't: hit split Aces

• Pairs side-bets also available

Features

• Table range/dealer choice: large range of available tables at any given time;

• Multi-play: play at the same table as other players;

• Multiple video view options and HD quality stream;

• Chat (with dealer audio): to other players and the dealer as you play;

• Pair side bets: player and dealer red/black (6:1), coloured (12:1) and perfect (25:1) pair side bets

• Browser play: no download required;

• History: full bet history;

• Time between deals: 15 seconds;

• Time afforded for player bet selection (hit, stand, double, split): 15 seconds;

• Super intuitive UI;

• Disconnection policy - game completes in RNG mode in event of disconnection

• Variety of bet ranges: see blackjack limits page

Video Demo

Screenshots

With plenty of tables and dealers, even during peak times you shouldn't have a problem finding a seat...although some tables you might be waiting a while for... 

The dealers in Playtech's Riga studio are a pretty lively bunch, always up for a chat...

Or a laugh...