Evolution has previously released roulette and baccarat games in its signature Lightning series. It has now added blackjack to the list. In this piece, we’ll write a full Lightning Blackjack review to let you know how it works, the pros and cons of the game, and how it differs from the other Lightning games in the series.
As with other Lightning games from Evolution, this one features multipliers that are randomly added into the game; in this case, they’re linked to specific hands, and if you win blackjack games with those hands, you benefit from the associated multipliers.
Also, like the other Lightning games, this one is set in an attractive black and gold studio and has extra features such as an electronic screen to display the multipliers behind the blackjack table.
Lightning Blackjack – Important Information
- This game is powered by Evolution. It’s the most trusted name in live casino gaming and has licences from the UKGC, MGA, and others.
- When a player gets two consecutive winning hands in this game, she’ll win a multiplier of between 2x and 25x.
- The multipliers are funded by a flat fee of the same value as the player’s stake. For example, if he bets £5, the fee will be £5.
- Multipliers, once issued after the first winning hand, are valid for 180 days. Players don’t have to play the second hand right away.
- Dealer peeks for blackjack and stands on soft 17s. Players may double down on the first two cards or split any pairs. Blackjack pays 3:2, and insurance pays 2:1.
- You can bet between £1 and £10,000 on each hand. This game is suitable for players on all bankrolls.
This table shows the associated multipliers. How big they can be depends on the value of your winning hand.
Hand value | Multipliers |
4-17 | 2x-6x |
18 | 2x-8x |
19 | 2x-12x |
20 | 2x-15x |
21 | 2x-20x |
Blackjack | 2x-25x |
How to Play Lightning Blackjack
We like to play the live dealer games for real money before we review them. This allows us to give you accurate and impartial information. Here’s what will happen when you play Lightning Blackjack at one of our top-rated live casinos.
- First, you’ll be invited to sit at the table by the live dealer. This game can accommodate unlimited players because it uses communal cards to begin.
- Next, you’ll need to place your bets on the table in front of you. Do this by dragging digital chips onto the table. Remember that your bet will be doubled to fund the Lightning multipliers.
- Once all bets have been placed, and the betting window closes, the randomly generated multipliers will appear on the screen behind the dealer. Note that the size of the multipliers will depend on the value of the winning hand.
- A normal game of blackjack then proceeds. You can hit, stick, double down, split, etc., depending on your hand.
- The dealer will burn one card before the showdown. As usual, whoever has the hand closest to 21 without exceeding it wins.
- If you win a hand, the multiplier associated with the value of your winning hand will then be activated, but you’ll have to win the next hand to win it. This is the key difference between this game and others in the Lightning series.
Are There Any Negatives to This Game?
While all negatives are relative to a player’s perception, there are some things that some players might dislike about this game.
- Two Wins Required – You have to win twice in a row for the multiplier to kick in. The first winning hand determines the size of the multiplier, and the second one triggers it. It’s not uncommon to win two hands in a row in blackjack, but this is something to be aware of.
- Multiplier Fees – Whatever you wager will be doubled to fund the multiplier fees. There’s always some way to pay for the Lightning multipliers in all the games, but this is up-front and could be seen as quite expensive.
Lightning Blackjack – Player’s Verdict
This is a fun, fast-paced, and potentially highly lucrative live blackjack game. Because of the Lightning fees, it might be best to bet half of what you’d normally wager since it will be doubled.
Otherwise, it’s a fantastically fun live game, and we highly recommend it.
Finally, Evolution has a rival to Playtech’s Quantum Blackjack!