Popular Types of Live Blackjack
There are many types of blackjack out there, but four popular types of live dealer blackjack you will find in New Jersey are European Blackjack, Spanish 21, Blackjack Switch, and Double Exposure. The rules of the game alter across each variation, so we will look at some key differences between each below.
European Blackjack
European Blackjack is one of the simplest forms of blackjack and is the standard from where most variations deviate from. The only side bet offered is an insurance bet, giving the player the option to insure against a dealer blackjack.
European Blackjack is known for having one of the lowest house edges in table games when played correctly.
Standard rules:
- The dealer hits on 16, sticks on 17.
- The player gets 3/1 returns if they hit blackjack with two cards.
- Insurance is the only side bet and returns 2/1.
Spanish 21
Spanish 21 begins to deviate from standard blackjack with many side bets and the removal of all four '10' cards. The removal of these cards means that players typically have lower value cards and, on average, require more cards to hit 21.
Spanish 21 can offer a very low house edge when played optimally, and as most player returns will come from the bonus side bets for getting 5, 6, or 7 cards in hand, it is an excellent strategy to split low-value pairs.
Live Spanish 21 can be an exciting, high-tempo game to play and is widely available online throughout New Jersey.
- The player always wins with 21
- In some variations, the dealer can hit a soft 17 (with an ace)
- Many bonus payouts are available for hands with several cards
Blackjack Switch
Blackjack Switch is an exciting variation from standard blackjack, which allows players to make two bets of equal value, with the option of switching the second card in each hand.
Of course, this gives the player an edge, so the house must make compensation. In Blackjack Switch, when the dealer draws 22, it results in a tie for all hands in the game that didn't bust, except for player Blackjacks, which pay even money.
Live Blackjack Switch allows players to mix up the standard gameplay style and include a few more choices in their play, making the game a little more skillful and perhaps more fun.
- Players are dealt two hands and may switch the second card of each
- A dealer 22 results in a tie for non-busted cards except blackjack
- Dealer hits on a soft 17 (a hand with an ace)
- If a player switches to a Blackjack, it only counts as 21 points and not a blackjack.
- Winning blackjacks pay even money, not 3/1.
Double Exposure
As the name suggests, Double Exposure is a variation of classic blackjack but is played with both dealer cars facing up. This obviously gives the player more of an advantage, and some other rules make up for this player's advantage.
In double exposure, there is no insurance option, and all ties result in a win for the dealer except for in the case of blackjack for both the dealer and the player.
There are quite a few other differences in double exposure that you might want to look into.
- Both dealers cards are played facing up
- Non-blackjack ties result in a win for the dealer
- Double exposure is a little more difficult to get a solid strategy down to ensure you give the house the lowest edge
Live Blackjack Providers Available in New Jersey
Live dealer games such as blackjack are offered by two software providers in the state of New Jersey. Ezugi and Evolution Gaming are both licensed by the DGE, and each has an arsenal of around 20 amazing games offered to players across the state of New Jersey.
Both companies are dedicated to providing highly entertaining live casino experiences with the aim of matching the atmosphere of traditional casinos.
Evolution Gaming
Evolution has a range of Live Blackjack games that put you in the mood you want to be in. From traditional-style live blackjack to variants designed for speed play, high maximum wagers, and social aspects.
For example, Evolution Gaming Blackjack Party offers players a low-stakes, highly sociable playstyle with TV-trained presenters, music, and lots of player to dealer communication.
All of Evolution Gaming's dealers are highly trained casino professionals with credentials matching and even exceeding the ones you might find in your local casino.
Ezugi
Ezugi is another live dealer software titan founded in 2012 and appearing in online casinos throughout Europe since then. After forming a partnership with Caesars Entertainment's online casino in New Jersey, players will now be able to experience Ezugi's extensive live dealer offerings, such as American, Spanish, Turkish, and Unlimited live blackjack.
Players have a range of controls with the Ezugi platform, including the ability to change the stream quality for players with lower connection speeds and the ability to tip your highly trained dealers.
Final Words
Live blackjack is a unique way to experience the game of blackjack from the comfort of anywhere in the state of New Jersey. You will be able to experience best-in-class dealers, lots of different play styles that you might not find in traditional casinos such as Party Blackjack, and even get helpful performance statistics in real-time.
Many New Jersey-based casinos offer live dealer blackjack, so you should be looking out for casinos that provide enticing sign-up bonuses for new customers and make the most of the competitive market.
Thanks to Ezugi and Evolution Gaming and their partnerships with New Jersey-based online casinos, players are finally able to experience live dealer gaming in a financially secure environment, instead of having to turn to off-shore, insecure casinos, so remember to gamble responsibly at a fully licensed and regulated New Jersey casino.
