Blackjack Evolution Gaming
In January 2020, Evolution Gaming announced the launch of their new Live Blackjack game – Speed Blackjack.
The game was announced as a super-fast Blackjack variant where one feature was changed – the dealing order. According to Evolution’s representatives, with this game, they have changed the way Blackjack has been played for the last hundred years. Stay tuned to learn how to play Live Speed Blackjack and make the most of it.
Evolution Gaming Live Blackjack If you’re familiar with the live casino world, you should know the name Evolution Gaming. Founded in 2006 Evolution is now the undisputed top dog in the industry, providing live casino experiences for over a hundred different online casinos. Where To Play Evolution Live Blackjack. Listed below are 6 recommended online casinos which offer Evolution Blackjack as part of their range of live casino games. All the links below open in new windows. Evolution Gaming Blackjack Party is a blackjack game by Evolution Gaming released in 2014. The game features a 99.46% RTP and a max bet of $1,000, making it suitable for both high rollers and casual players. This game is available to play on both desktop and mobile.
Evolution Gaming uses the same set of blackjack rules for all of their tables regardless of which partner casino the games are featured on. The only differences with each table are the betting limit ranges, dedicated (branded tables), overall theme including table color, number of live dealers during a session and so forth. Infinite Blackjack. Evolution Gaming introduced Infinite Blackjack, the first in the Infinite series, in October 2018. An unlimited number of players can play the singe deal on this table. The main game house rules are the same as for all Evolution Gaming’s 7 seat tables (as outlined above), with one important exception: 6 Card Charlie rule.
Basic Rules and Gameplay
Speed Blackjack is an 8-deck card game accepting up to 7 players at the same time. It is played by standard Vegas rules, meaning that the dealer gets two cards and peeks for a Blackjack. When it comes to game rules, it shares most of them with standard Blackjack. The player can double down on the first two cards and split any pair. If they split Aces, they can get only one card. As for the dealer, they stand on all 17s, both soft and hard. A natural pays 3:2 while Insurance pays 2:1.
Now, on to crucial differences between the regular version of the game and the Evolution fast-paced take on it. Speed Blackjack is from 30% to 40% faster than the standard game, which translates in time for betting and making decision reduced by 7 seconds.
Initial two cards are dealt as usual, in the regular order, left to right. When the dealing of the first two cards is complete, players who have joined the table are offered to hit, stand, double down or split at the same time. The one who makes their decision first gets their next card first. Such a pattern is applied to all the players. Of course, those who decide to stand won’t get additional cards. The dealing order does not change the math of the game, though.
The game offers two new Autoplay features. If you have a hand worth more than 12 and you don’t make your decision in time, you will automatically stand. With a hand total less than 11, failing to make a decision within the given time will automatically result in hitting.
Speed Blackjack Side Bets
A round of Live Speed Blackjack starts with the players placing the main bet. If they wish so, they can also play one of the side bets available at the table:
- Perfect Pairs: This optional wager pays when the first two cards create a pair. A payout is determined by the type of a pair with a mixed coloured pair paying 6:1, a pair of the same colour paying 12:1 and the perfect pair consisting of the same suit paying 25:1.
- 21+3: Another standard side bet available at Evolution Blackjack tables requires a qualifying poker hand to pay a prize. A flush earns you the lowest payout of 5:1, a straight wins 10:1 while a trips and straight flush pay 30:1 and 40:1 respectively. A suited trips grant the top prize worth 100:1.
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Just like other Blackjack variants by the reputable provider, Speed Blackjack offers the Bet Behind option. Given that there are only 7 seats at the table, Bet Behind allows you to play the game by placing bets behind one or more of the players who have already joined it. You will see hot players as they have one or more gold medals next to their name. They indicate how many game rounds they have won so far. If you decide to make use of this option, you will be notified when one of the seats becomes free.
House Edge and RTP
This version of the game does not differ from other Blackjack games in Evolution’s portfolio when it comes to a house edge for the main bet or the side bets. When it comes to the main hand, a house edge sits at 0.71%, meaning that the expected return to player (RTP) is 99.29%.
As for the side bets, the Perfect Pairs side bet has a house margin of 4.1% and an RTP of 95.9% while the 21+3 bet has a house edge of 3.7% and an RTP of 96.3%.
How to Win at Live Speed Blackjack Table
There is no specific strategy you can use for this game variant. Since the math behind the game is the same as in the standard version, you should use the basic Blackjack strategy to play Speed Blackjack. Take your time and make decisions according to it or simply use a cheat sheet for the game where the dealer stands on all 17s. That will help you minimise the house edge to 0.71%, which is pretty low, we have to admit. Another useful piece of advice would be to manage your bankroll and stick to it without risking more than you can afford.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Playing Live Speed Blackjack
As you can see, when it comes to Speed Blackjack, it is all about the way additional cards are dealt. If you want to play Blackjack and you don’t want to wait for your turn, this game might be a perfect fit for you. This feature makes it ideal for seasoned players who are confident enough to make their decisions fast. As for other features, Speed Blackjack is an excellent variant with the rules favourable to the player, including the dealer standing on all 17s and a natural paying 3:2. A standard set of side bets makes it more attractive for those players who like to take risks for a chance to win bigger prizes.
Speaking of the disadvantages of playing the Evolution product, we have to mention that fast-paced gameplay may not be suitable for all players. Those who are new to the game of Blackjack may need more time to make decisions and the action at the table may confuse them. Keep in mind that if you don’t respond in time, the Autoplay feature may complete your moves in the way set by the developer.
Closing Thoughts
As the industry first, Speed Blackjack is a great addition to the Evolution portfolio that gives players more control over the action at the table. We expect that it will be highly popular with experienced players who prefer playing casino games at a faster pace. Make sure to follow the basic strategy in order to make the most of the time you spend at the table.
Click here to visit Evolution Gaming-powered live casinos and give Speed Blackjack a try!
Evolution Gaming is one of the pioneers of live dealer casino technology and as we have said multiple times before, their products are of quality that no other company can match. The company works with some of the biggest online casinos, such as Guts Casino, and offers blackjack with favourable rules to players. The house edge in their game type is 0.49% and that’s matching the industry average. To view a detailed comparison on different live dealer software providers visit our comparison page.
Due to legal hurdles, Evolution Gaming does not provide their software to any companies dealing with players in the United States. They do work with multiple brands that have a footprint in this region though. Should we see country wide regulation of online gambling, this company will be one of the first to seize the market.
Drawing Rules
Here are the key points on drawing rules offered at the tables brought to You by this company:
- Dealer stands on all 17, including soft (consisting of an ace and a 6). This benefits the players, as it decreases the house edge.
- You are allowed to double after a split. Again, this benefits the players.
- No re-split or surrender. Players cannot hit split aces.
- 8 decks of cards used, which is an industry standard.
- House edge of 0.49% when basic strategy is utilized.
Side Bets & Features
Tables offer 7 individual playing seats, but due to high demand, Evolution Gaming have created a bet behind feature that allows unlimited number of players to play simultaneously. Note that You don’t have a chance to make any decisions, when betting behind and have to trust judgement of player in the main seat.
There’s also a quick decision feature that allows You to make Your move before the action is on. We see this as a great add-on for both sides involved. Players avoid waiting for the next hand and thus getting bored, while casinos are able to get more hands dealt per hour. Everybody wins.
Perfect Pairs
Betting on the perfect pairs in blackjack is very common in Eastern and Central Europe and those are the key markets for this company. This side bet is available at all tables in their portfolio and allow You to earn a payout of up to 30 to 1. Here’s how it works:
- Pair with mixed colours and suits like 10 of spades and 10 of diamonds – 5 to 1 payout.
- Pair with the same colour, but different suits, such as 10 of hearts and 10 of diamonds – 10 to 1 payout.
- Perfect pair, which is two cards that are of exactly the same value, suit and colour. If this happens, You’ll get a payout of 30 to 1.
While these payouts seem great, perfect pairs is actually a sucker bet. It’s the perfect revenue stream for operators and features a house edge of approximately 5.80%. In comparison to the 0.49% offered by regular “straight up” bet, this is more than 10 times worse. If You really want a shot at higher payouts, go play live roulette, where the house edge is around 2% and depends on the variation You play.
21 + 3 Side Bet
21+3 is less common in Europe and mostly played in the United States, since it’s merging blackjack and a very popular game in the region – three card poker.
When You make a 21+3 side bet, You essentially predict that two of the first cards dealt plus the dealers card will form a winning combination of flush or higher. Here’s a typical pay-table showing payouts for the Evolution Gaming 21+3 blackjack.
- Suited Trips – 100 to 1
- Straight Flush – 40 to 1
- Trips – 30 to 1
- Straight – 10 to 1
- Flush – 5 to 1
Stream Quality
The stream You get when playing Evolution’s live blackjack is of outstanding quality. It’s fully HD and You do need a decent device and internet connection to experience the full greatness of this product.
We have never had any complaints about the quality of this stream, but are aware that there’s often a small lag in game-play. Computer will sometimes show Your point score before the cards are actually seen. This sort of takes out all the excitement of it and we’ve already contacted the company, hoping to see a fix for this problem.
Blackjack Party
This is a unique offering that we have only seen offered by Evolution Gaming. These tables feature a laid back attitude, background party music and lower stakes. They are pretty much always full so your best bet will be to wait for a free seat and utilize the bet behind feature.
Bets start from $5 per box and 21+3 and perfect pairs side-bets are offered. This seems like the perfect game to play with your buddies on a Friday night, before going out and hitting the nightlife. Betting behind is available at all times and cannot be occupied by one player, but remember that all decisions will be made by the main player who is placing the main bet.
Evolution’s Blackjack Party tables offer the most entertainment for least money.
Platinum & Diamond Tables
There are more than 25 live blackjack tables available at most online casinos utilizing this software. They are divided into regular, platinum and diamond VIP tables. We absolutely love the feel of the latter two, as dealers are dressed up in special dresses and the tables seem to be less crowded.
Evolution Gaming Blackjack Live
Less people might be playing since the minimum wager at platinum tables is $250, while to feel like a diamond VIP, You will have to place at least $1,000 on a single betting box.
Evolution Gaming Blackjack Strategy
Mobile Play
Live dealer blackjack by this company can also be brought with You on the go – if You use an iPhone, iPad or an Android powered device. The playing experience is fairly decent, especially on the iPad. Though it’s still a step behind to what is available on computers.
Casinos Offering It
When a casino offers live dealer games from Evolution Gaming, it’s a sign of accomplishment and means that they have grown big enough to be relevant. Three brands just like this are Guts Casino, ExclusiveBet and Redbet Casino.
Both of these mainly target players in Scandinavia, but also hold a valid UK license and offer live casino solution created by EG.
Evolution Gaming Blackjack Rigged
RedBet already has a proven track record and they started as a small company back in 2002. Though they no longer are a small company after being bought by Bonnier Gaming Group, the level of service is still outstanding here. We love them for the fast withdrawal processing and generous 1st deposit and re-load bonus offers.
Guts Casinois lesser known and not really a recognized brand yet, unless You are a die hard fan of online casino industry. They just got bought out too and are now publicly traded on the Norwegian stock exchange. They too provide withdrawals that on average take less than 2 hours to be processed.
Nice extra touch with Guts is that their live dealer games are powered by two companies – Net Entertainment and Evolution Gaming. Even though the latter is truly awesome, it never hurts to have more options.