This guidance represents the views of the staff of the Division of Trading and Markets. It is not a rule, regulation, or statement of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“Commission”). The Commission has neither approved nor disapproved its content. This guidance, like all staff guidance, has no legal force or effect: it does not alter or amend applicable law, and it creates no new or additional obligations for any person.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should market participants begin to assess whether they meet the relevant thresholds to register as a security-based swap dealer or major security-based swap participant?

August 6, 2021.

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Sections 3(a)(71) and 3(a)(67) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) define, respectively, the terms “security-based swap dealer” and “major security-based swap participant.” These statutory provisions, in turn, require the Commission to define certain thresholds used in the definitions. [1] The Commission adopted Exchange Act Rules 3a71-1 through 3a71-5 and 3a67-1 through 3a67-10 to define those thresholds, but noted that market participants need not register as a security-based swap dealer or major security-based swap participant (each, an “SBS Entity”) or comply with rules applicable to SBS Entities until the dates provided in the rules for registration of SBS Entities. [2] In the release accompanying those registration rules, the Commission determined that market participants are not required to assess whether their activities meet or exceed these thresholds until the “counting date.” [3] This counting date occurs two months prior to the “registration compliance date.” [4] The Commission has set the registration compliance date as 18 months after the effective date of rules adopted in Release No. 34-87780. [5] Because the effective date of those rules is April 6, 2020, the counting date is August 6, 2021.

When should market participants that meet the definition of “security-based swap dealer” as of August 6, 2021, register with the Commission?

No later than November 1, 2021.

Only security-based swap positions connected with dealing activity engaged in on or after August 6, 2021, will count toward determining a person’s status as a security-based swap dealer. [6] As a result, before August 6, 2021, all market participants satisfy the de minimis exception to the definition of “security-based swap dealer” in Exchange Act Rule 3a71-2(a) and thus are deemed not to be security-based swap dealers. Beginning on August 6, 2021, market participants should assess whether they meet the definition of “security-based swap dealer,” including whether they are able to continue to satisfy the de minimis exception after counting security-based swap dealing activity engaged in on or after that date. This de minimis exception requires that the aggregate gross notional amount of certain security-based swap positions connected with security-based swap dealing activity engaged in over a defined period fall below certain thresholds. [7]

When a person becomes no longer able to satisfy the de minimis exception, and otherwise meets the requirements of the definition of “security-based swap dealer,” a transitional period applies before the person is deemed to be a security-based swap dealer and is required to comply with rules applicable to security-based swap dealers and to register with the Commission. [8] This transitional period runs until two months after the end of the month in which the person becomes no longer able to take advantage of the exception (or, if earlier, the date on which the person submits a complete application for registration to the Commission). Accordingly, a person that is no longer able to satisfy the de minimis exception as of August 6, 2021, and that otherwise meets the definition of “security-based swap dealer” on that date, will be deemed not to be a security-based swap dealer, and therefore will not be subject to the registration and other requirements of Section 15F of the Exchange Act, until November 1, 2021 (or, if earlier, the date on which the person submits a complete application for registration to the Commission). Such a person should submit a complete application to register as a security-based swap dealer with the Commission no later than November 1, 2021.

When should a market participant that meets the definition of “major security-based swap participant” as a result of its security-based swap activities in its quarter ending September 30, 2021, register with the Commission?

No later than December 1, 2021.

Only security-based swap positions held on or after August 6, 2021, will count towards determining a person’s status as a major security-based swap participant. [9] As a result, no market participant will meet the definition of “major security-based swap participant” before that date. Market participants should count security-based swap positions held on or after August 6, 2021, when assessing whether they meet the definition of “major security-based swap participant.”

When a person meets the requirements of the definition of “major security-based swap participant” as a result of its security-based swap activities in a quarter, a transitional period applies before the person is deemed to be a major security-based swap participant and is required to comply with rules applicable to major security-based swap participants and to register with the Commission. [10] This transitional period runs until two months after the end of the quarter in which the person’s security-based swap activities cause the person to meet the definition of “major security-based swap participant” (or, if earlier, the date on which the person submits a complete application for registration to the Commission). Accordingly, a person whose security-based swap activities in its quarter ending September 30, 2021, counting only security-based swap activities from August 6, 2021, to September 30, 2021, cause the person to meet the definition of “major security-based swap participant” will be deemed not to be a major security-based swap participant, and therefore will not be subject to the registration and other requirements of Section 15F of the Exchange Act, until December 1, 2021 (or, if earlier, the date on which the person submits a complete application for registration to the Commission). Such a person should submit a complete application to register as a major security-based swap participant with the Commission no later than December 1, 2021 (or, alternatively, register with the Commission as a security-based swap dealer, which will cause the person not to meet the definition of “major security-based swap participant” [11]).

When is the registration compliance date, and what is the significance of this date?

The registration compliance date is October 6, 2021, and marks the earliest compliance date for several rules applicable to SBS Entities.

The Commission has set the registration compliance date to occur 18 months after the effective date of rules adopted in Release No. 34-87780. [12] Accordingly, because the effective date of those rules is April 6, 2020, the registration compliance date is October 6, 2021. The registration compliance date is set to occur two months after the counting date, which is August 6, 2021. [13]

The registration compliance date is the compliance date for several rules applicable to SBS Entities. [14] These rules include (1) SBS Entity segregation requirements and nonbank SBS Entity capital and margin requirements; [15] (2) SBS Entity recordkeeping and reporting requirements; [16] (3) SBS Entity business conduct standards; [17] (4) SBS Entity trade acknowledgment and verification requirements; [18] and (5) SBS Entity risk mitigation requirements. [19] As noted above, when a person meets the definition of “security-based swap dealer” or “major security-based swap participant,” a transitional period applies before the person is deemed to be an SBS Entity and required to comply with rules applicable to SBS Entities. [20] This transitional period ends on the earlier of a defined date after the person meets the definition of “security-based swap dealer” or “major security-based swap participant” or the date that the person submits a complete application for registration to the Commission. For persons that meet the definition of “security-based swap dealer” on the counting date of August 6, 2021, this transition period will elapse no later than November 1, 2021. For persons whose security-based swap activities in the quarter ending September 30, 2021, counting only security-based swap activities from August 6, 2021, to September 30, 2021, cause them to meet the definition of “major security-based swap participant,” this transition period will elapse no later than December 1, 2021. Also as noted above, market participants should submit a complete application to register with the Commission as a security-based swap dealer or major security-based swap participant, as applicable, on or before the end of their transition period.

For purposes of Exchange Act Rule 3a71-3(b)(1)(iii)(A) and (b)(2)(iii), when should market participants count transactions entered into between a non-U.S. person and a foreign branch of a U.S. person not registered as a security-based swap dealer?

For this limited purpose, market participants should count transactions entered into on or after December 31, 2021, between a non-U.S. person and a foreign branch of a U.S. person not registered as a security-based swap dealer.

As noted above, the counting date is August 6, 2021. However, some market participants temporarily may delay counting a limited type of security-based swap positions against the de minimis thresholds in the definition of “security-based swap dealer.” Exchange Act Rule 3a71-3(b)(1)(iii) outlines the security-based swap positions that a non-U.S. person other than a conduit affiliate must count against these thresholds. A non-U.S. person that is not a conduit affiliate generally must count against the thresholds security-based swap positions connected with dealing activity in which the person engages that are entered into with a U.S. person. [21] Similarly, Exchange Act Rule 3a71-3(b)(2)(iii) generally requires any U.S. or non-U.S. person that engages in its own security-based swap dealing transactions also to count against the de minimis thresholds security-based swap transactions connected with dealing activity in which a non-U.S. person affiliate (other than a conduit affiliate) engages that are entered into with a U.S. person. [22] However, these requirements do not apply to qualified transactions conducted through a foreign branch of a U.S. person counterparty that is registered as a security-based swap dealer. [23] The requirements also do not apply to qualified transactions conducted through a foreign branch of a U.S. person counterparty, whether or not registered as a security-based swap dealer, when the transaction is entered into prior to 60 days following “the earliest date on which the registration of security-based swap dealers is first required.” [24] When the Commission adopted these requirements, it explained that this 60-day delay “will help to avoid requiring non-U.S. persons to speculate whether their counterparties would register [as security-based swap dealers], and to face the consequences of their speculation being wrong.' [25]

The compliance date for the Commission’s registration rules for SBS Entities is the registration compliance date, [26] which as explained above is October 6, 2021. Because compliance with these registration rules is not required before that date, October 6, 2021 is the earliest date on which registration of security-based swap dealers is first required. However, some market participants may expect that “the earliest date on which the registration of security-based swap dealers is first required” would be November 1, 2021, which is the latest date by which a person that meets the definition of “security-based swap dealer” as of August 6, 2021, should register with the Commission. Accordingly, in the staff’s view, market participants should count, for purposes of Exchange Act Rule 3a71-3(b)(1)(iii)(A) and (b)(2)(iii), transactions entered into on or after December 31, 2021 (i.e., 60 days after November 1, 2021), between a non-U.S. person and a foreign branch of a U.S. person not registered as a security-based swap dealer.

[1]See Section 761(a)(6) of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (“Dodd-Frank Act”), 15 U.S.C. §§ 78c(a)(67), (71) (definitions of the terms “security-based swap dealer” and “major security-based swap participant,” each of which requires the Commission to define certain thresholds used in the definitions).

[2]See Further Definition of “Swap Dealer,” “Security-Based Swap Dealer,” “Major Swap Participant,” “Major Security-Based Swap Participant” and “Eligible Contract Participant,” Release No. 34-66868 (Apr. 27, 2012), 77 FR 30596, 30700 (May 23, 2012) (“[P]ersons determined to be [SBS Entities] . . . need not register as such until the dates provided in the SEC’s final rules regarding [SBS Entity] registration requirements, and will not be subject to the requirements applicable to [SBS Entities] until the dates provided in the applicable final rules.”); see also Application of “Security-Based Swap Dealer” and “Major Security-Based Swap Participant” Definitions to Cross-Border Security-Based Swap Activities, Release No. 34-72472 (June 25, 2014), 79 FR 47278, 47368 (Aug. 12, 2014) (“Cross-Border Entity Definitions Adopting Release”).

[3]See Registration Process for Security-Based Swap Dealers and Major Security-Based Swap Participants, Release No. 34-75611 (Aug. 5, 2015), 80 FR 48964, 48988 (Aug. 14, 2015) (“SBS Entity Registration Adopting Release”) (“[F]or purposes of complying with the registration and other requirements [applicable to security-based swap dealers and major security-based swap participants], persons are not required to begin calculating whether their activities meet or exceed the thresholds established in Exchange Act Rules 3a71-2, 3a67-3, and 3a67-5 until two months prior to the [r]egistration [c]ompliance [d]ate.”); see also Security-Based Swap Transactions Connection with a Non-U.S. Person’s Dealing Activity That Are Arranged, Negotiated, or Executed by Personnel Located in a U.S. Branch or Office or in a U.S. Branch or Office of an Agent; Security-Based Swap Dealer De Minimis Exception, Exchange Act Release No. 77104 (Feb. 10, 2016), 81 FR 8598, 8636 (Feb. 19, 2016).

[4]See SBS Entity Registration Adopting Release, 80 FR at 48988.

[5]See Cross-Border Application of Certain Security-Based Swap Requirements, Release No. 34-87780 (Dec. 18, 2019), 85 FR 6270, 6345-46 (Feb. 4, 2020) (“Cross-Border SBS Amendments Adopting Release”).

[6]See SBS Entity Registration Adopting Release, 80 FR at 48988-89.

[7]See Exchange Act Rule 3a71-2(a), 17 C.F.R. § 240.3a71-2(a).

[8]See Exchange Act Rule 3a71-2(b), 17 C.F.R. § 240.3a71-2(b) (a person no longer able to satisfy the de minimis exception receives a transitional period before the person is deemed to be a security-based swap dealer); Section 15F of the Exchange Act, 15 U.S.C. § 78o-10(a)(1) (persons who act as a security-based swap dealer must register as such with the Commission).

[9]See SBS Entity Registration Adopting Release, 80 FR at 48988-89.

[10]See Exchange Act Rule 3a67-8(a), 17 C.F.R. § 240.3a67-8(a) (a person that meets the definition of “major security-based swap participant” receives a transitional period before the person is deemed to be a security-based swap dealer); Section 15F of the Exchange Act, 15 U.S.C. § 78o-10(a)(2) (persons who act as a major security-based swap participant must register as such with the Commission).

[11]See Exchange Act Rule 3a67-1(a)(1), 17 C.F.R. § 240.3a67-1(a)(1) (definition of “major security-based swap participant” requires that the person is not a security-based swap dealer); Exchange Act Rule 3a71-3(b), 17 C.F.R. § 240.3a71-3(b) (for a person that meets the definition of “security-based swap dealer,” submitting a complete application for registration with the Commission as a security-based swap dealer ends the transition period during which the person is deemed not to be a security-based swap dealer); Exchange Act Rule 3a71-3(e), 17 C.F.R. § 240.3a71-3(e) (for a person that does not meet the definition of “security-based swap dealer,” voluntary registration with the Commission as a security-based swap dealer causes the person to be deemed to be a security-based swap dealer).

[12]See Cross-Border SBS Amendments Adopting Release, 85 FR at 6345-46.

[13]See SBS Entity Registration Adopting Release, 80 FR at 48988.

[14]See Cross-Border SBS Amendments Adopting Release, 85 FR at 6345-46.

[15]See Capital, Margin, and Segregation Requirements for Security-Based Swap Dealers and Major Security-Based Swap Participants and Capital and Segregation Requirements for Broker-Dealers, Release No. 34-86175 (June 21, 2019), 84 FR 43872, 43954 (Aug. 22, 2019).

[16]See Recordkeeping and Reporting Requirements for Security-Based Swap Dealers, Major Security-Based Swap Participants, and Broker-Dealers, Release No. 34-87005 (Sep. 19, 2019), 84 FR 68550, 68600-01 (Dec. 16, 2019); Cross-Border SBS Amendments Adopting Release, 85 FR at 6346.

[17]See Business Conduct Standards for Security-Based Swap Dealers and Major Security-Based Swap Participants, Release No. 34-77617 (Apr. 14, 2016), 81 FR 29960, 30081-82 (May 13, 2016).

[18]See Trade Acknowledgment and Verification of Security-Based Swap Transactions, Release No. 34-78011 (June 8, 2016), 81 FR 39808, 39828-29 (June 17, 2016).

[19]See Risk Mitigation Techniques for Uncleared Security-Based Swaps, Release No. 34-87782 (Dec. 18, 2019), 85 FR 6359, 6381 (Feb. 4, 2020).

[20]See Exchange Act Rule 3a71-2(b), 17 C.F.R. § 240.3a71-2(b); Exchange Act Rule 3a67-8(a), 17 C.F.R. § 240.3a67-8(a).

[21]See Exchange Act Rule 3a71-3(b)(1)(iii)(A), 17 C.F.R. § 240.3a71-3(b)(1)(iii)(A).

[22]See Exchange Act Rule 3a71-3(b)(2)(iii), 17 C.F.R. § 240.3a71-3(b)(2)(iii).

[23]See Exchange Act Rule 3a71-3(b)(1)(iii)(A)(1), 17 C.F.R. § 240.3a71-3(b)(1)(iii)(A)(1).

[24]See Exchange Act Rule 3a71-3(b)(1)(iii)(A)(2), 17 C.F.R. § 240.3a71-3(b)(1)(iii)(A)(2).

[25]See Cross-Border Entity Definitions Adopting Release, 79 FR at 47321 n.368.

[26]See SBS Entity Registration Adopting Release, 80 FR at 48988.

Live dealer blackjack is one of the best additions to the online gambling market since the first online casino was launched in the 1990’s. Most online casinos now offer blackjack which is streamed with top-quality software, but now, thanks to our site, you can find the best of these sites that offer live dealer blackjack tables!

In most ways, it’s the same as sitting down at your local casino and playing a few hands of blackjack, except without having to leave your house. You can now even play on the go, with your tablet or smartphone, and win real money wherever you go. Live online blackjack has finally arrived and once you’ve tried it, you’ll never go back to your old casinos again!

Live BlackJack on Online Casinos for US Players

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A live online blackjack game needs to strike a balance between two extremes. It physically cannot have all of the factors that go into a game in the real world but, at the same time, the designers are pushing to get away from the standard digital-only format. At the moment, they seem to have found a great compromise. You still have an image of a table that exists only in cyberspace, except the events unfold in real time in front of your very eyes with a real-life dealer running the show.

The way it works is you have a box which is streaming from a real-life casino, so you can see him deal the cards in front of you and also interact with him via a chat box, while you make bets in your virtual lobby. This combined makes for a live blackjack game that runs smoothly, plus, as you can see him, there is no margin for corruption. As well as this, you may also be joined at the live table by several other players who could be playing from anywhere in the world!

The live blackjack you see on this site is guaranteed to be a live broadcast of a well-trained dealer, who is specifically running your live blackjack game from a remote location. You can even chat with them directly via the chat box if you are not convinced.

Blackjack with live dealers like this brings you as close as possible to the fun and exciting casino experience you would expect in bricks and mortar venues. As such, it really feels like they have beamed a real casino directly into your home!

In addition to blackjack, most of these sites have other live table games like live roulette and live dealer baccarat, which are also worth trying if you like all types of table games.

Live Blackjack for US Players

Even though they make up the largest market for live dealer blackjack, United States players have fewer options to play live dealer blackjack than players in some other countries. This is largely because of the hostile legal environment in the United States since the passage of UIGEA (the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act) of 2006.

It is worth noting, that UIGEA doesn’t make it illegal for all U.S. citizens to gamble online and casino players can try legal online live blackjack games at operators active in New Jersey and Pennsylvania who have legalised online casino. State laws vary, so we recommend that you consult a reputable source of information about the laws in your state for more information. You can find some information on the legality in different states here.

At this time, Microgaming is one of the largest suppliers of live dealer games, but they don’t accept players from most US states.

The best way to learn which live dealer casinos accept US players is to follow the advice on this site or visit the homepage of the individual casinos. We offer pages about which live dealer casinos are available for US players, which should be a good starting point.

As live blackjack for US players is a very competitive market, you need be sure that you are finding one that is extremely experienced. That is why we would recommend casinos run by well-known providers for some time and played by thousands of Americans. As such, we would say these have the best live blackjack platform available for US Players.

The reasons for this are down to the styles they offer. Their blackjack variations offer the most player-friendly rules in the industry. These rules include the option to double after splitting and to double on any two cards. As well as this, the dealer also stands on soft 17, which favors the player. The house edge for these games is 0.41%, but only if you’re following perfect basic strategy.

Live Blackjack in Other Countries

Each country has their own unique set of laws and rules concerning online gambling. These laws create a situation where some live dealer casinos are available in some areas and not available in others.

You need to research the laws in your country before playing for real money.

If you don’t know which online casinos offer live blackjack in your country, a quick and easy way to find out is see if you can make a deposit. If you can get money into an online casino, it means they offer live games where you live.

This doesn’t always mean it’s legal, but players in most countries don’t have to worry about criminal prosecution. Most countries are more interested in the owners and operators, not the players when they start trying to shut down online casinos. At the same time, please consider that this doesn’t mean that you’ll be safe just because other players have been.

Contact an attorney or lawyer if you have any concerns or questions.

Game Variations

One of the things you’ll enjoy playing at live dealer online blackjack, which you often don’t see in a land-based casino, is the wide range of different options and rules.

We suppose it’s similar to visiting a bunch of different land-based casinos with each offering different rules and setups. However, even then, there is still likely to be a much wider variety of options available online.

It is also much easier as you haven’t the need to travel hundreds of miles between different places, as the best online casino will offer loads of options for live blackjack all in one place. As well as this, you can also switch casinos quickly and easily if you get bored of games on one site.

Here’s a list of some of the available options for online live dealer blackjack play:

• The number of decks – Most online games use 6 or 8 decks, but you can also find 7 deck games occasionally. These are put in play to prevent card counting mainly, but they can have a knock-on effect other on rules, like when to Surrender for example.
• Stand or hit a soft 17 – Just like at your local casino, the dealers will hit or stand on a soft 17 based on the house rules.
• Regional rules – Although blackjack is generally the same in every country, there are some differences between European and American blackjack. These reflect the options you have in-play. You can find out specifics about this here. As well as this, there may even be slightly different rules when playing at Vegas Strip and Atlantic City tables too. It’s important to read up on the rules before you start playing.
• Other rules – Other rules include the ability to double on any two cards or just on certain totals, how many times you can split if you can hit split aces and whether or not doubling down is allowed.

Betting Limits

Every casino, both online and land-based, sets its betting limits based on a number of factors.

Usually, casinos also have posted betting limits at their tables and real limits that they’re willing to use for true high rollers.

You probably won’t see a sign stating that a casino will accept a million dollar bet, but you can probably find some casinos that will. If you want to play at a higher limit in a land-based casino, you need to ask the dealer or the pit boss.

When you play online it can be harder to get the limits raised. You can contact the support department, but don’t count on it doing any good. As such, your best bet is to simply find a casino with high limits from the get-go.

Some of the highest live dealer blackjack limits can be found at European online casinos such as Guts Casino and RedBet Casino. They both offer the ability to wager up to $2,000 per hand. However, the highest one I’ve seen is the $10,000 per hand offered by Ladbrokes Casino.

But be aware, If you play just 50 hands per hour it means you’ll be betting approximately $100,000 per hour at $2,000 a hand, and $500,000 an hour at $10,000 a hand. So be careful when you start playing at the highest limits.

Software Providers of Live Blackjack with Real Dealers

Just like you can find online casinos that use software from a wide range of vendors, you can find live dealer blackjack games offered by many different software companies. The most popular live dealer companies are listed below with a short summary covering the games they offer. You can also find more details about each provider on our live blackjack comparison page

Evolution Gaming is one of the most well-known live gaming software providers. They currently offer four different blackjack games, including two different VIP tables. Some of the rules and options available on one or more of the four variations of Evolution Gaming blackjack include double on 9 to 11, double on any, private table, ability to hit split aces, ability to re-split hands and surrender, with some casinos offering side bets too.

Microgamingoffers a single live dealer option that is a 7 seat multiplayer game using an 8 deck shoe. The dealer stands on soft 17, players aren’t allowed to double after splitting, but can only double totals of 9, 10, and 11, and are allowed to hit split aces. Along with Evolution Gaming listed above, Microgaming is one of the two biggest and most popular live dealer options.

Playtechoffers five different live dealer blackjack games. Their standard game uses an 8 deck shoe, which has 7 seats and offers a Perfect Pairs side bet, allows players to split only once. There is the option to double on any two cards, and you can double down after splitting. They also offer a game called Ultimate Blackjack, which they once called Unlimited Blackjack. It’s dealt from an 8 deck shoe and is designed to offer play from one to as many players who want to join, as opposed to having a set number of players at the table.

Go Live Dealer Blackjack

Live Dealer Blackjack versus RNG

Other than the visual difference, playing against the computer or a live dealer is much the same. The rules are usually the same, the betting limits are usually the same and of course, how the game of blackjack is played doesn’t change.

When the computer or the software is running the game, it uses a random number generator program, often called an RNG, to determine which cards are played.

Each card in the shoe is assigned a unique number and these numbers are placed in a unique order for each shoe based on the RNG.

Here’s an example:

In a shoe that holds eight decks of cards, you’ll have 416 unique numbers. This is because 52 cards per deck times 8 decks equals 416. These can be numbered in order but can depend on the combination the software programmer decided to use, but it makes no difference to the odds anyway. However, usually, the ace of spades from the first deck is numbered 1, with the ace of spades from the second deck being number 52 and so on.

Before each hand, the RNG runs and places each of the 416 cards on a stack, which we think of as the shoe. As each random number is presented, the card matching that number is placed on the stack until all of the cards are on the stack. In the case where the same number is generated more than once, it is ignored until the next stack is built.

When the software starts dealing the hand the top card of the stack, it is either burnt or dealt to you. If the first card was burnt, then you receive the second card. The next card is dealt to the dealer and the deal continues as normal.

As you can see, this is almost exactly what happens when a shoe is manually shuffled by a dealer or a shuffling machine. The difference being that the RNG does a better job producing random shuffles than the dealer or machine.

So what’s the difference between playing using the RNG software and a live dealer game?

Dealers Go Live

In the end, you won’t find much difference. Your results should be close to the same in the long run.

With both options, card counting doesn’t come into play. Read the section on card counting below or go here for more information.

The main difference is that you can play quite a few more hands per hour using the RNG software compared to playing live dealer blackjack.

It depends on what you desired outcome is, but playing live dealer play with the same bankroll, rules, and bets, will generally let you play longer on average than playing against the computer.

If you assume a house edge of 1%, 50 hands per hour at a live dealer table, 100 hands per hour at the computer table, and an average wager of $100 per hand, you’ll lose on average $50 per hour playing against a live dealer and $100 per hour playing against the computer.

One difference between the two experiences is while playing live dealer, you can play your favorite games play a game with the cards being dealt by a beautiful dealer, who’s usually female. This may be a positive or a negative depending on your preferences, but sometimes a bit of human interaction, even if it’s across the Internet using cameras, is a nice refreshing change to normal online gaming.

Another difference is when you play against the computer, it’s almost always you against the machine, one on one. Even if you’re able to place more than one bet, you’re just playing heads up against an invisible dealer.

Many live dealer blackjack games are set up more like traditional blackjack games with numerous places around the table for other players.

When you play at a table with other players you have to wait for them to act just like in a land-based casino. This can slow the game down a great deal and become irritating if one of the players is slow or has a poor Internet connection.

Ultimately, it is fair to say the pro’s of live dealer blackjack outweigh the cons, but really, it is all about personal preference.

Card Counting and Live Dealer Blackjack

Many blackjack players know that the only way to beat the game, in the long run, is to change the house odds in some way. The most common way for blackjack players to change the odds is to learn how to count cards.

Most blackjack games played online use a random number generator and the cards are basically shuffled after each hand. This makes it impossible to gain an edge by counting cards.

When you play on a live dealer blackjack game, as it looks just like a game you can play at your local casino, many players ask if it’s possible to gain an edge by counting the live dealer game online.

However, the short answer to these players is no.

We suppose it is theoretically possible to reduce the house edge by counting, but the reality is the casinos know counters exist and know that they can easily use computer programs to track the cards while playing at home. So, they’ve made their games in a way that means counters can’t beat them.

The main thing online live dealer casinos do to combat counters is to shuffle the cards more often. Most state they shuffle the cards as often as they deem necessary, while some state they shuffle after four decks have been dealt from an eight deck shoe.

This creates a level of deck penetration that makes it practically impossible to overcome by counting. In addition, you might not be able to tell when a new shoe is put into use, but this depends on how that specific table is laid out and how the camera angle is used in the different software solutions.

Free Live Dealer Blackjack

The best way to play blackjack is with real money, but some live casino sites may let you try their games for free. You’ll usually only be able to get a limited demonstration though.

Live casinos have a limited number of seats and resources, and they want them occupied and used by players who are playing for real money. Some casinos might do it, but the only way to know for sure if an online casino offers free live dealer blackjack is to log into your account and try to play.

If you’re just looking for free blackjack games, digital examples are out there and nearly almost every online casino offers free blackjack play on their non-live dealer games. However, you don’t get all the perks you do from a live blackjack game.

This is because live dealer games cost the online casinos more money to run than their normal games. The added cost of paying the dealers and support personnel, plus the expense of the cameras and streaming feeds all take away from the bottom line, casinos are businesses and they want to make money.

This is the main reason the casinos only want real money players at their live dealer games. Blackjack is traditionally a low house edge game anyway, so if they add the cost of offering the game for free, it reduces the edge further.

When an additional player is added to the normal blackjack games run by software, the extra expense is almost zero. The cost of the software and bandwidth has already been paid, so a casino has to have thousands of free players on the regular games before it costs them extra.

The casino knows that if they can get thousands of players to try their blackjack game for free, some of the players will make a deposit and play for real money, easily covering the small added expense.

Bitcoin Live Dealer Blackjack?

One of the recent fads in the online gambling world is the ability to use Bitcoin to play. While a few online casinos that exclusively use Bitcoin have been launched, many traditional online casinos have started accepting it along with their other deposit methods.

This means that if you want to play live dealer Bitcoin blackjack, it is now easier than ever and most also offer live dealer play.

Once you make a deposit, it doesn’t matter what method you used, as the gameplay will be the same. When the Bitcoin is deposited, it’s converted to the standard currency you play in. For example, If the site supports wagering in US dollars, then the Bitcoin is converted to dollars before you start playing.

If you want to play solely in bitcoin, the aptly named Bitstarz is an example of an online casino that exclusively accepts Bitcoins for deposits and offers live dealer blackjack in various formats.

Summary

Live dealer blackjack play isn’t for everyone, but it does offer a great alternative to traveling to your nearest casino to play a few hands. Plus, at online casinos, you can usually find better game selections, as well as always a free seat. It has much more to offer that it’s virtual counterpart, with a much more realistic and satisfying method of gameplay.

The latest development among new online casinos seems to be that many of them are now focusing first and foremost on live dealer casino, while other games come second, this is a natural development and something we have foreseen for a while.

There is sure to be some very exciting advances in live dealer blackjack in the near future, but in the meantime, we hope you enjoy playing it as it is as much as we do!

Live Dealer Blackjack FAQ

How Can I Play Live Blackjack Online?

Playing Live Blackjack online couldn’t be easier in this day and age. There are countless casinos online where you can play the game online, in great quality and in various different styles. Depending on where you are from, will depend on what live blackjack is available to you, but luckily, we have your back. You can find our top picks for online casino sites above, but we also have some pages dedicated to regions specific Live Casino Blackjack. As such, you can check out our US Friendly Blackjack Page, our Canada Blackjack Sites page or our European Blackjack Page, to find the best casinos for wherever you are from!

Can You Count Cards In Online Live Blackjack?

Although it may seem that in theory, as it looks just like the casinos that you play in a real life, that it is possible to count cards, it is actually not. As casinos are aware that players in their own home can use software to track the cards, they have put systems in place to prevent this from happening. The cards are shuffled far more regularly than in real life casinos, usually, after 1-4 decks have been played, so a full shoe is never played all the way through. You can learn more about card counting here!

Can You Play Blackjack For A Living?

It is possible to play Blackjack for a living, but we do not recommend quitting your day job just yet. It takes years of practice, a head for numbers and a fair bit of luck. There is, of course, numerous people who have made a living by it, but it is not easy and takes a lot of sacrifices to accomplish the goal. For us, we would always recommend playing for fun and winning a bit of cash on the side, rather than dedicating all your time to it and ALWAYS make sure you are betting within your means.

Can You Make a Living Playing Blackjack Online?

It is even harder to make a living from Blackjack online due to the fact that if you are playing Live Dealer Blackjack, the decks are shuffled much more regularly, and if you are playing virtually, then it is completely random. Although some people play Live Dealer Poker online for a living, Blackjack is much harder to do so with. Again, the same goes as for Blackjack for a living at all, don’t quit your day job just yet, as it will take a huge amount of skill and luck to become comfortable enough from playing online blackjack and you are best suited to do it for a bit of money on the side. Also, DON’T ever spend more than you can afford to lose under any circumstance, as this is even easier to do so online as it is much easier to get carried away from the comfort of your own home. You can read more here about playing for real money online!

Is Online Live Blackjack rigged?

It is incredibly unlikely that any type of online casino game is rigged, even less so the Live Blackjack games, as everything is recorded and streamed live, so there would always be evidence. There is also no need for casinos to do it due to the VERY high turnover they receive. There has been no recorded evidence that supports a casino doing anything untoward in the past, but if it did come to pass and they were caught, it would be all over the internet, the company would be sued, fined then shut down and those responsible would be prosecuted. There are various organizations in place that are specifically to prevent these things happen and if you think there is something afoot you can contact them to assist you. We also always recommend making sure that you only sign up at a reputable casino and which have all the necessary certifications on their page. Your best bet is to read casino reviews before signing up at any casino, our site is the perfect place to find a great casino and any casino you find on our page will be trustworthy and of the highest quality, you can find reviews here or read more about blackjack being rigged here!

Responsible Gambling

Gambling can be addictive and problem gambling can lead to other issues. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem you can get help. The first place to look for help is http://www.gamblersanonymous.org/

Signs of problem gambling include hiding your gambling activities from other people, gambling with money you can’t afford to lose, like your rent or house payment, and feelings of anxiety when you lose. Many other signs may be less noticeable. If you’re worried that you or someone you know has a gambling problem, please seek help immediately and research ways to spot possible gambling problems in yourself and others.

Most online casinos offer a service that allows you to be placed on a list of players who have self-excluded themselves from playing. Contact the support department of any online casino where you’re considering playing for additional details about being placed on the excluded list.

You can learn more about responsible gambling and how to set your limits when playing live online blackjack at GambleAware.co.uk.

Last updated on the 20th August 2019