Glamorous and sophisticated, blackjack is one of the most iconic casino games of all time. James Bond casually playing a game of blackjack in A Licence to Kill is the perfect example of its sexy status – as if further proof were needed. 

Players have been able to play online blackjack for some time, but live dealer games elevate the excitement. There’s a buzz that’s much closer to a real casino atmosphere and the chance to talk to other players. Pragmatic Play Live is one of the casino software providers with a range of thrilling live dealer blackjack tables. 

This review steps up to the live dealer tables at Pragmatic Play Live to have a closer look at what’s going on.

First Look

Pragmatic Play Live is a master of live casino play, and its blackjack tables look superb. The gameplay is streamed live from a purpose-built studio using state-of-the-art technology.

They use multiple 4K cameras and advanced broadcasting video solutions to deliver crisp and clear images that aren’t fuzzy, even when using a small mobile screen.

Pragmatic says that all of its live dealers are highly skilled professionals, and that’s evident from their confidence in the play. Unlike some other live dealers, there’s a livelier vibe in Pragmatic blackjack which will appeal to those craving the fun of a real casino. 

Games Structure and Rules

Pragmatic Play has adopted a single way to play across all of its live dealer blackjack tables. This means it’s easy to hop from one table to another without having to re-familiarise yourself with the rules in operation. 

If you’re playing at Pragmatic Play Live Blackjack, these are the rules that will apply regardless of what table you’re at:

  • Dealer peeks for blackjack first (Vegas rules)
  • Hit only once on split aces
  • Doubling down is permitted but not on splits
  • Split pairs only
  • Dealer will always stand on 17 (soft or hard)

Every table at Pragmatic Play has seven seats and plays with eight decks of cards. However, if there isn’t space at the table you want to play at, you’re not completely out of luck. Pragmatic Play offers Bet Behind, which means that you shadow another player who is sat at the table. You can’t influence their decisions but if they win, you win. 

Pragmatic Play added the popular Bet Behind facility recently with the launch of their Ruby Studio, and it adds another dimension to their live dealer gameplay. 

Range of Games

Pragmatic Play has spent a lot of time, money, and effort in developing and promoting its range of Live Casino games. There are approximately 70 different live blackjack tables, all with a professional live dealer.  

The live studios by Pragmatic Play were first launched in 2019, but more recently the developer has added its high-tech Ruby Studio. This gave Pragmatic a further 15 live blackjack tables, extending the selection for players. 

The live blackjack games available from Pragmatic Play include:

ONE Blackjack

  • Min/max bet: £1000 – £5000
  • Max win: x2000
  • Speed of gameplay: 12 seconds per turn
  • RTP: 99.28%

Live Blackjack

  • Min/max bet: £10 – £2000
  • Max win: x100
  • RTP: 99.59%

Blackjack Azure

  • Tables available: 8
  • Min/max bet: £10 – £5000*
  • RTP 99.59%

*Four of the tables have a minimum bet of £50.00 and are more suited to high rollers. 

Speed Blackjack

  • Min/max bet: £5 – £5000
  • RTP: 99.59%
  • Speed: 30% faster than other live blackjack tables

There are a range of different tables available for all of the Pragmatic live blackjack games, which allows players to take a seat where they’re most comfortable. Tables with higher stakes are more suitable for VIP play, while tables with lower min stakes are ideal for new players who are just learning the ropes. With such an extensive collection of tables and different live blackjack games, Pragmatic has set out to offer something for all types of player. 

Side Bets

At all of the Live Blackjack games from Pragmatic, it’s possible to spice up the gameplay with a side bet. Not all games of blackjack allow side bets, but it’s an excellent option for more advanced players. This makes it a real tick in the box for live blackjack with Pragmatic Play.

Side bets can only be placed when also placing a main bet, and the options that Pragmatic offer on all their live blackjack games include:

  • Perfect Pairs
    • Mixed Pair
    • Coloured Pair
    • Perfect Pair
  • 21 + 3
    • Straight Flush
    • Suited Trips
    • Straight
    • Three of a kind
    • Flush

Payouts

Each of the live blackjack tables at Pragmatic Play have their own paytables, and there are some bets which offer huge payouts eg/Crazy 7 at x2000, available on ONE Blackjack.

However, the payouts for the standard main bets and side bets are the same across all of the Pragmatic Play tables:

  • Beating the dealer – 1:1
  • Blackjack – 3:2
  • Dealer insurance – 2:1

Side bets:

  • Perfect Pairs: Perfect Pair – 25:1
  • Perfect Pairs: Coloured Pair – 12:1
  • Perfect Pairs: Mixed Pair – 6:1
  • 21+3: Flush 5:1
  • 21+3: Straight – 10:1
  • 21+3: Three of a kind – 30:1
  • 21+3: Straight flush – 40:1
  • 21+3: Suited trips – 100:1

Who the Games Will Appeal to

If you’re a big fan of blackjack, a live dealer game adds a bit more interest, allowing you to chat with other players and the dealer via the instant messaging facility. The wide selection from Pragmatic Play is great for experienced players and newbies alike, giving an authentic casino feel. 

The bet behind option means that players who don’t yet have the confidence to take a seat at the table can gain valuable experience, while the side bets offer options for advanced players who want to take things up a notch. With VIP tables and games with lower stakes, Pragmatic Play Live has ensured there’s good coverage for all players. 

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Professional, expert dealers who create a lively atmosphere
  • Standardised rules make it easy to move across tables
  • Cutting-edge technology delivers crisp and clear gameplay with no lagging

Cons

  • In mobile play, the buttons for live chat cover too much of the screen
  • Only a single type of blackjack is available 

Similar Games

The blackjack tables aren’t the only live dealer game available from Pragmatic Play, so if you enjoy the lively atmosphere and interactive style, you can take your pick from a wide selection. Other top live dealer casino games from Pragmatic Play include PowerUp Roulette and Dragon Tiger. 

Alternatively, if you’re only interested in playing blackjack, there is a great selection of online blackjack games that aren’t in a live dealer setting. 

Review Summary

Pragmatic Play Live has invested heavily into its live dealer setup, delivering games that run smoothly on both desktop and mobile devices. With an easy-to-use interface, the live dealer blackjack games are accessible to both new and advanced players. There are plenty of betting options and upbeat hosts, making the whole experience thoroughly enjoyable – even if the cards don’t go your way!

FAQ – Pragmatic Play Live Blackjack Tables

Live dealer blackjack is played in exactly the same way as regular blackjack but with a live host to guide the gameplay. This means the dealer will be a real person rather than a simulation, and you’ll be playing in real time.

Yes. Pragmatic Play live dealer games use an HTML-5 interface and are fully compatible with mobile devices, including both Android and iOS. 

Every table has a minimum and maximum stake, and there are blackjack games for all budgets. Check the requirements of the table before you join to make sure it’s the right game for you. 

No. There are other live blackjack games available from studios such as Playtech and Evolution. 

No. There are tables to suit all levels of experience, and the bet behind option is available, which is a simpler option for new players.