Contents

 1. The Origins Of Roulette
1.1. Introducing Blaise Pascal
2. How The Game Of Roulette Has Evolved Through The Years
2.1. Land-Based Roulette Variants
2.2. Online Roulette
2.3. Live Roulette
3. What Makes Live Roulette Such A Popular Option Today?
3.1. Player Engagement
3.2. Professional Game Management
3.3. Best Seat In The House
3.4. Swift, Efficient Game Flow
3.5. Lower Betting Limits
4. The Technology Behind Live Roulette Online
5. Get Started With Live Roulette Games

The Origins Of Roulette

Roulette is one of the longest standing table games you’ll find in any land-based or online casino. Although the specific date of roulette’s creation is something of a mystery, it’s widely acknowledged that the brains behind the concept of roulette and the roulette wheel are down to one man – Blaise Pascal.

Some people believe that the idea behind roulette was centred around a board game dating back to ancient China, which required players to put up to 37 figures onto a game board with numbers totalling 666. Interestingly, if you add up all the numbers on a conventional roulette wheel, the total is also 666. Despite that spooky comparison, the most likely and believable creator of roulette remains Blaise Pascal.

Introducing Blaise Pascal

Pascal was a Frenchman with a real head for numbers and science. The mathematician became obsessed with the idea of designing and building a machine capable of continuous movement without the need for an energy source – something that we now know to be impossible.

In his desire to design and build a perpetual motion machine, Pascal is said to have stumbled upon the roulette wheel. Of course, Pascal’s original version was not adorned with 37 numbered pockets, but the principle of the wheel’s motion and operation remain.

In 17th century France, there were two games that locals would frequently bet on called ‘Roly Poly’ and ‘Even-Odd’. Both of these games were based on staking on the outcome of the spin of a wheel. Many believe Pascal’s creation and these two games helped create the fusion of the game of roulette we know and love today.

How The Game Of Roulette Has Evolved Through The Years

The real breakthrough moment for roulette came towards the end of the 18th century. It was a period of heavy gambling restrictions across France and much of Europe, but Prince Charles of Monaco opted to establish some of his very own gambling houses in Monte Carlo, featuring games like roulette that quickly captured the imagination of the region’s aristocrats and royalty.

The game eventually gravitated towards Germany and the rest of Europe. During the early 19th century, the game of roulette was exported across the Atlantic to the US along with a host of European migrants to Louisiana. However, the game of roulette was not so well-received here, at least in the first instance. Casino operators were unwilling to have roulette games on their casino floors with a modest house edge of only 2.70%. This was one of the main reasons why double zero roulette was created, in order to provide American casinos with a higher house edge of 5.26%.

Roulette Variants

American Roulette

American roulette is the double zero roulette version that many land-based and live casino sites offer today. What do we mean by double zero? This wheel not only includes a green single zero, but it also features another green double zero, resulting in 38 numbered pockets on the wheel instead of 37. The rules of American roulette are like the original European roulette. However, the addition of the double zero almost doubles the house edge of the game from 2.70% to 5.26%.

Are payouts the same for European and American Roulette?

Yes, The numbers are in a different order, but the payouts are identical. For example, a straight up win will pay out 35:1 in either game.

The payouts are the same though, which is why many players prefer European roulette games to give their bankrolls the best chance of growth.

French Roulette

Many consider the French variation to be the best possible alternative to classic European roulette. On the surface, French roulette appears almost identical to European roulette games. Their wheels both feature only a single zero and their number sequences are identical. The key difference here is the rules and regulations available in French roulette. First, there’s the La Partage rule, which means you’ll get half your stake back if you place an even-money bet and the ball lands on zero. The En Prison rule is even better if you can find a table that offers it. This rule gives you the chance to win your stake back after a spin of zero, if your bet was an even-money bet.

Multi-Wheel Roulette

Exclusive to online roulette sites, multi-wheel roulette games increasingly capture the imagination of adventurous players. Players can bet on the outcome of multiple roulette wheels at the same time. The number of active wheels tends to range between two and eight. You can decide how many roulette wheels are active during each spin, and you must place the same bet for all active wheels. For example, if you stake €2 on red and five of the eight wheels land on red, you’ll receive a payout on five wheels and lose your stake on three wheels.

Online Roulette

As the concept of video-based casino games has expanded through the decades, casino floors have started operating more video roulette games. These machines allow players to play their own exclusive game with a digital roulette wheel that operates based on a decentralised random number generator (RNG), which creates randomised spins and fair outcomes. Video screens have also given rise to other forms of video-based table games, such as blackjack and video poker.

Meanwhile, some land-based casinos have also developed video roulette machines to operate in tandem with physical roulette wheels that operate autonomously, helping to create a more authentic gaming experience.

Live Roulette

In more recent years, as the quality of broadband drastically improved, it’s been possible for online casino operators to expand into live-streamed games. Live dealer games are operated in a virtual setting, with games broadcast in real-time from a professional studio, handled by real dealers. Thanks to live technology, it’s now possible for long-time land-based casino-goers to enjoy live roulette action in the convenience of their home.

What Makes Live Roulette Such A Popular Option Today?

Live roulette differs from conventional online roulette games managed by random number generators (RNGs). Live roulette online operates in almost the same fashion as roulette games hosted in a real casino. The roulette wheel is displayed on-screen while the ball spins around the wheel and lands on a chosen number, with players able to place bets on a digital roulette table at the touch of a button.

Player Engagement

One of the main reasons that people enjoy a trip to the casino is the social interaction with dealers and fellow players. Live roulette tables give players the chance to interact and chat in real-time on both desktop and mobile. The dealers engage in the chats and can guide beginner players through the actions, so those new to live roulette can get up to speed. It’s also an incredibly comfortable gaming environment. Unlike a land-based casino, where you might sit crammed around a table, you can sit wherever you like and place your bets at your leisure.

Professional Game Management

Every individual that hosts a live experience is professionally trained to provide an authentic casino experience and adhere to all the same rules and regulations of your favourite roulette games. These dealers have experienced all game scenarios and their training includes the use of the studio’s own single zero and double zero roulette wheels for your peace of mind.

The Best Seat In The House

The live roulette technology available today means that live-streaming allows you to get closer to the action than even in a land-based casino. With multiple camera angles of the roulette wheel, players can watch the game unfold with more close-ups of the pockets than you’ll find on the casino floor. The result is a more immersive and inclusive gaming experience. Better still, you also get access to real-time data for recent games, allowing you to make informed decisions before you take your chips to the roulette table.

Swift, Efficient Game Flow

The beauty of having professionally trained dealers overseeing your live roulette action is that they know how to maintain the flow of the game. Better still, the payouts of all winning bets are all managed digitally, providing instant wins into your player accounts, with no need to wait for dealers to pay out to individual players. When it comes to placing those bets, you don’t have to stretch and fight your way to the roulette table to get your chips in place before “no more bets”. You can simply drag and drop your virtual chips and change up the numbers you cover each spin using your mouse or finger, depending on whether you play via desktop or mobile phone.

Flexible Betting Options

Another huge benefit of playing live roulette online is the flexibility. When you visit a land-based casino, it’s not uncommon to see players required to stake at least €5 or even €10 per game round. Most live roulette games offer a cheaper point of entry, with minimum stakes as low as €0.10 or €0.25 per spin, giving newcomers a chance to get to grips with the action at a smaller price. At LiveRoulette.com, we’re proud to offer minimum stakes of no more than €1 per round at our live roulette tables.

The Technology Behind Live Roulette Online

Most live casino games, including roulette, are powered by state-of-the-art Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology to make the game flow smoothly and for actions to be processed faster. The technology’s purpose is to read the outcome of rounds or cards dealt, then display them digitally on the player’s screen, so that you can keep up with the game and make informed decisions on your play.

We’re fortunate that the quality of broadband connectivity around the world is improving year-on-year. The stability of connections makes drop-outs increasingly unlikely, minimising the prospect of losing your live stream and missing out on the outcome of your bets. The use of live chat support systems also makes it possible for players to raise a game issue with dealers in real-time, just like you would in a brick-and-mortar casino.

Get Started With Live Roulette Games

Although leading live dealer
casinos, like our very own at LiveRoulette, require state-of-the-art technology
to bring you the most immersive roulette experiences online, the good news is
you don’t need to invest in any special software.

You can access our live
roulette lobby as soon as you log in, regardless of what viewing device you use
– desktop, mobile, tablet or laptop. Just find
a live roulette game you like the look of and start playing with flexible table
limits for new and seasoned players alike.

When you play live roulette
online for real money, we understand that you’ll want to make sure you choose a
casino operator that takes good care of your hard-earned funds. That’s why we
provide SSL data encryption to protect your sensitive information, deposits and
withdrawals away from prying eyes online.

We’re also proud advocates of responsible gaming at LiveRoulette.com. That’s why we require extensive proof of identification to ensure that all registered players are legally obliged to play our table games and have access to self-limitation tools at the touch of a button too. So head off and enjoy a game of roulette, responsibly!

18+. T&Cs apply. begambleaware.org

Have you ever tried to bluff a guy who’s got a big stack and a ton of profit?

It’s not easy!

In today’s hand, Doug Polk attempts such a bluff against a player named Peter on Hustler Casino Live’s Million Dollar Game.

Peter had been absolutely crushing and was up $2.5 million (over the last 2 sessions) when this hand began.

The blinds are $500/$1,000 with a $2,000 big blind ante. Doug started the hand with around $750,000 and Peter covers.

Let’s jump into the action!

Note: Doug Polk is currently working on a new live poker module for members of the Upswing Lab. He plans to reveal his strategy for notable hands he’s played on stream — like a supercharged version of his Poker Hands series on YouTube. This new module is scheduled for release in August.

Want to get in the Lab for a discount before Doug’s new module goes live? Upgrade your skills and save 33% during the Vegas Winners Sale!

But hurry because this sale expires in less than a week. Learn more now!

Preflop Action

Tom Dwan raises to $3,000 from the Cutoff with As 3h. Doug calls with Jc Th on the Button. Peter defends the Big Blind with Ac 8d.

Advanced Preflop Analysis

The key factor in this hand is the presence of a large big blind ante, which incentives all players to play loose.

Ace-Three offsuit is a borderline hand for Tom to raise. He should be raising with around the top 35-40% of starting hands. Both raising and folding are reasonable options.

Doug should be playing a wide range here and his call with Jack-Ten offsuit is good. His range should be roughly the top 25-30% of hands, mixing evenly between 3-betting and cold-calling (except for premiums like Pocket Jacks or better, Ace-King, and Ace-Queen suited, with which he should always 3-bet).

Peter can continue with an extremely wide range and his call with Ace-Eight offsuit is good. He is closing the action with a lot of dead money in the pot. So his defending range should probably go as wide as offsuit gappers (like 53-offsuit, 64-offsuit, 75-offsuit), any Ax offsuit, all suited hands, and some hands like K8-offsuit, Q9-offsuit, and J9-offsuit.

Flop Action

The flop comes Ad [Qd] [8h] and the pot is $11,500.

Peter checks. Tom checks. Doug bets $5,000. Peter raises to $17,000. Tom folds. Doug calls.

Advanced Flop Analysis

There a lot of decisions in this hand so I’ll break them down one by one.

On this dynamic flop, Peter has two pair, Tom has top pair weak kicker, and Doug has a double gutshot straight draw.

Checking over to Doug is the right strategy for both Peter and Tom. Doug’s range is the tightest and thus has the highest concentration of nutted hands.

Doug should bet with a polarized range because he is faced with 2 opponents who can both hold very strong hands. Therefore, Doug should c-bet for value with a tighter range, and construct an appropriately smaller bluffing range. Jack-Ten offsuit is a double gutter that fits this role perfectly. It has no showdown value and great potential to improve to the nuts.

As far as sizing goes, Doug’s is very good. He is putting just enough pressure on Peter’s Qx and weaker hands, while not risking too much. Betting smaller would give away too much equity to weaker hands by allowing both Peter and Tom to defend more freely. Betting bigger would start to hinder his ability to extract value with his strong hands.

Peter has a monster hand that he should be looking to check-raise for value (at least some of the time). His sizing is good, putting pressure on Doug’s weakest draws.

Tom makes a good laydown here. Peter is representing a two pair or better for value, which puts his hand in a pure bluff-catcher scenario. Plus Doug is still left to act with a ton of good hands in his range.

Doug’s call is very good. He has a lot of equity to improve to the nuts and is in position.

Turn Action

The turn comes the 6s, making the board Ad Qd 8h 6s. The pot is $45,500.

Peter bets $37,000. Doug calls.

Advanced Turn Analysis

Neither player’s ranges improve on the the 6s turn.

Peter’s Ace-Eight is a great candidate for barreling or check-raising for value. It all comes down to a few factors:

1. How often does he think Doug will stab with his draws? (the more often Doug stabs, the more trapping makes sense)
2. How well does he think he can play on the river after Doug calls his bet? (the more accurately he thinks he can play, the better it is to barrel)
3. The deeper the stacks are, the more often he should bet.*

*This happens because there is a larger incentive to build the pot right away to get the stacks in and to thin out Doug’s draws. 

Given the extremely large stack-to-pot ratio (SPR), going for a turn overbet at a high frequency is the better play overall. This line gets him the most amount of value and clarity on the river.

Doug’s Jack-Ten is very close to breaking even as a call against a balanced betting range. It has good properties for calling as it unblocks Peter’s flush draws. This is the type of holding that you should randomize between calling and folding against unknown opponents.

River Action

The river is a flush-completing [7d], making the board Ad Qd 8h 6s 7d. The pot is $120,000.

Peter checks. Doug overbets $185,000.

Advanced River Analysis

The river [7d] changes everything as both players can have flushes.

Peter should make a thin value bet with his two pair (especially because he holds the 8d). In theory, he’ll have very few bluffs here which forces him to use a smaller size. By checking, he allows Doug to create a polarized betting range that would make his two pair indifferent between calling and folding.

Doug makes a great overbet, correctly recognizing that Peter is likely to be capped at two pair. His overbet range consists of sets and flushes for value and missed straight draws for bluffs.

Faced with this overbet, Peter decides that Doug is likely under-bluffing (or simply didn’t feel like risking this much money). He elects to fold his bluff-catcher despite having a good blocker card to Doug’s flushes.

Results

Peter folds and Doug drags the $120,000 pot as he gleefully flips his hand face up.

The smile of a man who just bluffed a rich guy

Final Thoughts

Wow! What a sick hand!

That’s all for this breakdown! I hope you enjoyed it and that you learned something new from it! Do you think Peter made a good fold on the river? Let me know in the comment section down below!

Till’ next time, good luck, grinders!

(Remember, Doug’s new live poker lesson drops next month in the Upswing Lab. Be sure to sign up before then!)

You can find out in this article how to adapt to the different majors ways of playing poker.

The digital form of poker offers various types, such as online poker, live poker, and, notably, video poker, which has found a dedicated platform on video poker sites. These sites are tailored to cater to video poker fans, providing a range of games that feature different rules, strategies, and levels of interaction. These platforms make it easy for enthusiasts to access their favourite games, offering diverse techniques and experiences unique to video poker.

Online Poker: The Digital Frontier

What is online poker?

Online poker refers to playing the game of poker over the internet, typically through dedicated poker websites or platforms. Players can participate in various poker variants against opponents from around the world, using virtual chips or real money.

Online poker represents the digital evolution of traditional poker, allowing players to access many games from any location. The primary allure of online poker lies in its speed and availability. Players can engage in multiple tables simultaneously, significantly increasing the volume of hands played per hour compared to live settings. It appeals particularly to those seeking to maximize their playtime and learning opportunities.

The diversity of online games surpasses any physical venue, ranging from Texas Hold’em to Omaha and more niche variants. Moreover, online platforms cater to all budget levels, with stakes starting as low as a few cents, making poker accessible to a broader audience.

The anonymity of online play allows for a focus on pure strategy, minimizing the psychological element of reading opponents’ physical tells​​​​.

Live Poker: The Social Game

What is live poker ?

Live poker involves playing poker in person, usually at a physical casino, card room, or private setting. Players sit at a table, handle physical cards and chips, and interact face-to-face with opponents and dealers.

Live poker, played in casinos and poker rooms, is cherished for its deeply social and psychological dimensions. The tactile experience of handling chips, the physical presence of opponents, and the ability to read add complexity and enjoyment to the game.

Live poker games are generally slower, with fewer hands played per hour, fostering a more deliberate pace and the opportunity for social interaction.

The environment of live poker often leads to softer competition, as many participants play for recreation rather than profit. This aspect can offer strategic advantages to skilled players who can adapt to the slower pace and exploit the less experienced competition. However, the higher rake and tipping expected in live venues can impact profitability​​​​.

Video Poker: The Solitary Strategy Game

What is video poker ?

Video poker is a solitary game combining elements of poker and slot machines. Players compete against a pay table rather than other players, with outcomes based on the strength of the poker hand they can assemble from a single draw. This format emphasizes personal strategy and knowledge of poker hand rankings, with a significantly lower element of chance than slot machines.

Video poker offers one of the best odds in the casino for players who master optimal strategies for the variant they are playing. The game is ideal for those who prefer a calm, controlled gambling environment without the pressures of time constraints or the psychological warfare inherent in traditional poker. Despite its simplicity, video poker requires a grasp of basic poker hand rankings and strategically selecting cards to hold and discard​​​​.

 In the end: They are very different games

The choice between online poker, live poker, and video poker depends on individual preferences regarding social interaction, strategic depth, and play convenience. Online poker offers a fast-paced, diverse, and accessible platform for players of all skill levels.

In contrast, live poker provides a rich, immersive experience valued for its social and psychological aspects. Video poker appeals to those seeking a straightforward, strategy-driven game without the variability of human opponents.

July 2, 2024 · 4 minutes to read

For the first time in the history of The Festival Series, an event series is being held at the Dusk Till Dawn Pokerclub in Nottingham. PokerListings, represented by Melvin Schroen, will handle the live blog, and will provide all of you with all the inside information of this epic week of events. There will be a total of 35 unique tournaments being held, divided over the next seven days. The Series, who is mainly focused on mixed games and all the events around poker itself, will provide a guaranteed prize pool of £200,000 for the Main Event. Additionally, another great event will take place in the name of PokerListings Championships and it has a whopping £25,000 guaranteed. Both big events we will cover from A to Z for you, with the last-mentioned event currently already started with more than 80 entries in just two hours! 

Games for Everyone  

The Festival Series is known for its diversity in game selection, specialized in mixed games. With 35 unique events, there is of course enough to play for Hold’em fans, but the mixed games are right up there in the likes of Omaha, Mixed PLO/NLHE, PLO 4/5/6, PLO HiLo, Open Face Chinese, Short-Deck, and Sviten Special. So, if you like games with more than two hole-cards, the place to be this week will be the Dusk Till Dawn Pokerclub in Nottingham! Don’t forget about the following, for every event there is an amazing trophy to be won, which will be an unique portrait drawing of the winners photo. If that’s not enough yet, you will also get a signed comic book!

About the Main Event 

The Main Event of The Festival Series is a deep-stacked and nicely structured event with four opening flights. With 200,000 chips in starting stack, it is going to be promised to be a fun ride of action for everyone. With the first three days to be 30-minutes levels, the last turbo flight will be with 15-minute blind levels. A guaranteed prize pool cannot be missed and this time there has been set a whopping £200,000 as a guarantee, which promises to give the top spots a heavy prize.  

Players are allowed to re-enter once per starting day and can re-enter until the end of the first two levels of the second day, unique in its kind. Last edition in Bratislava was won by Dutchman Michel Molenaar, who collected a nice €126,650 score at the cash desk, in which another Dutch player in the name of Gerianne Dijkstra became second for €77,450.  

It is certain to be fireworks in Nottingham. And if you still have the chance to hop on a flight or train, you won’t be disappointed! 

Secure your package for the next stop in Malta!

There are several packages to be won for the next stop in Malta (15-21 May). Regardless of what you will play this week, in any discipline you can scoop a package worth 1,600! We have listed them for you:

Player of the Series

During the previous stop in Bratislava a true players ranking was introduced. Swede Totti Linde walked away with the package for The Festival Nottingham. To get hold of this all-round trophy, you will have the score the most points based on the ranking system. Meaning that you will either need to run very deep in the Main Event and make a couple of other notable finishes in other side events, or you simply play every single side event and cash in most of them. For more information check this link.

Cash Game Challenge

Are you a cash game player? Twice per day there is a cash game challenge, which mostly will be streamed live on the twitch channel of The Festival Series. It does not matter if you have deep pockets or not, regardless the buy-in level or blind level, it is all about the net profit in big blinds collected. All this needs to happen within the designated time frame which stands in line for this challenge. For more information check this link.

Franke’s Flip ‘n Go’s

The famous flip games are also part of the assortment in Nottingham during The Festival Series. Whoever wins the most flips throughout the whole week, takes home a package for the next event. Do you want to become the next flip master? Check out following link for more information.

PokerListings Championships

The PokerListings Championships is in full swing currently with Day 1A being played but hold your horses. Tomorrow there is another starting day as well. With a well-structured event and a 200K starting stack, there is enough space for some stunts. The winner does not only walk away with a heavy first prize, but also takes home the trophy + a package for the next stop. 

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Live casino games are a recent introduction to most online casino’s game portfolios. These games were developed with the notion of bridging the gap between the authenticity of land-based casino games and the comforts of home. Such games have improved a great deal over the years, with more recent titles offering better video quality and focusing more on providing an immersive experience.

In this blog, we will provide an in-depth review of live casino games, how they operate and which are the most exciting titles to choose from.   

Meet Your Live Casino Dealer

Live casino games offer a feature
that’s not found in
any other type of online game – the live casino dealer. This person is tasked
with managing the entire game, much in the same way as a dealer or
croupier would do in your standard
casino.

Players can interact
with the dealer through
a live video and audio feed. The live casino dealer isn’t there as an accessory to the
live casino game, but they actively interact with the players that sit at the
virtual tables.

Depending on the game, players can make use of chat functions to speak or share a joke with the dealer, but in most cases, they will not be able to speak to the dealer directly in order not to disrupt the flow of the live casino game. All live casino dealers are trained with the same rules and professional conduct as dealers in land-based casinos, which means that players enjoying live casino games can expect an authentic casino experience.

How Do Live Casino Games Work?

When it comes to playing live casino,
the process could not be simpler. All you need to do is visit our online casino, log in to your account and select your favourite live casino game.

When you select a game, you’ll be immediately taken to a virtual seat at a real table in
either a studio or a casino environment. The
live dealer will greet players and then open the floor for bets.

Standard casino game rules apply to every individual live casino game, but each one comes with a comprehensive help section that explains the rules in detail. The only difference in live casino games is that the dealer will be the one taking bets, dealing cards, releasing the ball in the roulette wheel, and starting or ending a game, and not the online game software.

Live Casino Games You
Can Play Today

Not only can you enjoy the classic European and American Live Roulette versions, but also modern and exciting titles such as Live Auto Roulette, Lightning Roulette, Speed Roulette, and Double Ball Roulette.

What makes these titles so interesting is that some developers are now actually moving the live casino games to an actual casino floor. Sure, live casino games streamed from professional studios are equally entertaining, but games streamed from actual casinos also provide players with a real-life glimpse into what goes on behind the roulette table.

There are other great live casino game titles that can be enjoyed! These include Live Baccarat, Live Casino Hold ‘em, Side Bet City, Monopoly Live, and many more.

Live casino games provide players with a unique experience that perfectly merges land-based casinos with the comfort of playing from your sofa. Players will immediately feel welcomed by the live dealer as they take their virtual seat at the casino table. With an incredible range of live casino games by leading developers, players will surely find the perfect live game for themselves. Our four-part welcome bonus will set players off to the right start, with up to £150 in bonus money to get you started at the tables.

18+ | begambleaware.org | Gambling can be addictive, please play responsibly. Terms & Conditions apply.

December 12, 2023

For anyone who has ever played a Live Casino game that was hosted by a real-life live dealer, they may have found themselves wondering where such dealers and the casino studios they operate in are based.

Are they in a hidden room of a pre-existing land-based casino? Are they always streaming the gaming action from the same country as the player is based in? Both these questions are answered below as Live Casino studio locations are revealed.

Because modern online casinos are often global in their scope, it is impossible for Live Casino studios to always be based in the same country as a given player. This means even small island nations can be used to host studios. A good example of this is Malta. Because this studio is not reliant on customers walking through its doors, it does not have to be part of a pre-existing casino complex.

Sometimes it is useful for dealers to have multiple languages under their belts, so they can cater to as wide a customer base as possible. In this regard there are places such as Latvia and Lithuania that have Live Casino studios, as dealers there can offer services both in Russian and English. Expats are also hired to cater for additional foreign languages.

Another reason for a studio’s location choice is its proximity to major markets. Central American countries like Costa Rica are viewed as prime venues in the industry. Their Live Casino Studios are highly competent and well-structured businesses with thoroughly professional and experienced staff.

If you know anything about casino games, you’d know that Blackjack has been one of the most popular ones for decades.

The Blackjack journey first began at a range of land-based casinos, but the advent of online casinos has meant that there are more possibilities for the game’s progression.

One of the biggest progressions is the world of live Blackjack, and due to its takeover of the casino industry, many myths and misconceptions have emerged.

Carry on reading to debunk some of the biggest myths about the live dealer variation of the game, so you can play in confidence…

“Live Blackjack results are predetermined”

Even though where you play both games are different, the fairness of traditional Blackjack and live Blackjack is no different.

Some mistakenly believe that the outcome of a live game is predetermined or influenced by past results, but this is incorrect.

Instead, it’s just like the traditional game, which relies on a completely random shuffle of cards where each hand is independent of the ones that came before.

Therefore, the outcome of a game is completely determined by chance to create the fairest game possible.

“Live Blackjack is rigged”

Similarly to the previous myth, some believe that the virtual element of live Blackjack means that the game can be easily rigged.

However, the best online casinos use independent audits to keep games fair.

Live Blackjack uses physical cards and real dealers to ensure no rigged outcomes.

But what about the dealers?

“Live Blackjack dealers cheat”

Some players think that live Blackjack dealers cheat to ensure that players lose, although this myth largely stems from a misunderstanding of how live dealer games work.

The dealers are professionally trained, so they follow strict protocols to ensure that each game is kept fair.

They have no incentive to cheat due to their employment being based on upholding their integrity and a casino’s reputation.

Live games are closely monitored and suspicious behaviours by anyone involved would be thoroughly investigated.

The risk of cheating is low and the majority of dealers are honest and want to provide a fun and fair gaming experience to all.

“Live Blackjack requires a high bankroll”

Like many casino games, with live Blackjack, you don’t need a massive bankroll to enjoy a game.

There is a wide range of betting options, so you can find the one that suits you.

It’s always important to only wager what you can afford to lose and live Blackjack allows you to do just that!

“Live Blackjack isn’t secure”

Of course, it’s natural to be concerned about your financial security when playing online.

But reputable online casinos utilise advanced encryption technology to safeguard player data, so it’s important to look out for that before wagering on your live Blackjack game.

There are many ways to look out for a reputable site, but one major thing to look out for in the UK is whether it’s certified by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), which you’ll find at the bottom of your chosen gaming site.

With five live Blackjack myths debunked, you can now go into your next game with maximum confidence of having a fun and fair time playing.

Blackjack is one of the easiest casino table games to grasp, but it can take you a little longer to master. With the aid of this comprehensive guide on how to play blackjack, we can equip you with the skillset and knowledge to have fun even when you are sat playing against a real dealer in the LiveRoulette live casino.

With over 20 live blackjack tables to choose from at LiveRoulette, there is always an opportunity to play a basic hand of blackjack or dabble with some of the side bet variants that can switch-up your gameplay. Before you get started, why not familiarise yourself with the basics of blackjack and get to grips with an optimal strategy to minimise the house edge.

The on-screen layout of a live blackjack table

From the moment you load up your live casino blackjack table, you will meet a friendly, professionally trained dealer to manage your game. You can see the seven-player seats around the table. Vacant seats will say ‘Sit Here’ and you only need to click to join the action.

The display of your account balance is in the bottom left corner of the screen and you can choose the size of your stake in the ‘Total Bet’ button next to it. Click the inner circle of your seat position once to bet one unit. You can also click on the side bet areas to place additional bets if you wish.

It’s possible to chat with the dealer and the other players at the table in real-time using the ‘Lobby’ button in the bottom right corner of the screen.

Card values in live blackjack

The values of cards in a game of blackjack are easy to follow. They correspond to their numerical value displayed on the card. Face cards (Jack, Queen and King) are worth ten, while an Ace can be worth either one or 11 and played however you see fit.

In-play actions available in live blackjack

Hit

By ‘hitting’, you’re requesting an additional card from the dealer to try and improve your hand(s). You can continue to hit cards until your hand value is 21 or greater.

Stand

You can choose to stand on your hand, which means that you are happy with the value of your cards and don’t require any more from the deck. You may choose to stand your hand to avoid exceeding 21 and going bust.

Split

When a dealer gives you two cards of equal value, you can split them. Splitting turns these cards into two separate hands, with the dealer giving you one additional card for each hand. You must pay to split. The additional bet must be equal to your starting stake.

Double Down

If you believe one additional card will improve your hand to defeat the dealer, you may choose to double down. You’ll only get one more card from the deck and you must double your starting stake.

Insurance

Whenever the dealer’s upcard is an Ace, the dealer will offer you an insurance side bet which can cover your losses if the dealer has a blackjack.

How many hands can you play in live blackjack?

You can play as many hands as you want at most live blackjack tables. Wherever there is a vacant seat at the table, you can normally use it to play multiple hands in different seats – providing you have the bankroll for it. Unlike other card games such as Texas Hold’em Poker, where it’s not possible to take up multiple seats at a table, you can do so in blackjack because you are not playing against the other players at the table, only the dealer’s hand.

What does bet behind mean?

At some live casino blackjack tables, you may have the option to ‘bet behind’ another active player at the table. This means that you will be betting on your chosen player’s hand to beat the dealer’s hand. Although you will have no say or control over how the hand turns out, you obviously have a choice as to which player you choose to bet behind.

Each active player at the table will have icons displayed next to their name, displaying how well they are playing. Those on a ‘hot’ or winning streak will usually have a gold medal or star next to their name.

How does the dealer play their hand?

You should now know how to play your blackjack hand at the tables, but do you know how the dealer plays their own hand? Put simply, if the dealer’s first two cards add up to 16 or less, they must hit and take an additional card. If their first two cards value is between 18 and 21, they must stand and take no further cards.

If the dealer has a ‘hard’ 17, they must stand. A hard 17 is a hand that does not contain an ace or has one or more aces with the value at one. If the dealer has a ‘soft’ 17, they must hit and take an additional card. A soft 17 is a hand that does contain an ace with the value being at 11.

The dealer’s hand automatically wins the round if your hand busts, or if the option is available to surrender your hand and half of your original stake. Their hand also wins if it is closer to 21 than yours. If you and the dealer have hands of the same value, then this is a ‘push’. In this event, you receive your original stake in full due to the tied game.

It’s worth noting that the dealer has very little say in how they play their hand. They must adhere to the house rules of standing on hard 17 and hitting on soft 17. Under no circumstances can they change tac and play their hand differently.

Available payouts at the blackjack tables

First and foremost, if you win a hand of live blackjack against the dealer’s hand, you will win a payout worth 1:1. If you bet €10, you’ll receive €10 in winnings, plus your €10 stake back.

It’s a little less straightforward for blackjacks. Some tables payout 6:5 for blackjack, while others will pay 3:2. For example, if you bet €10 and get a blackjack at a 6:5 blackjack table, you’ll receive €12 in winnings, plus your €10 stake back. If you bet €10 and get a blackjack at a 3:2 blackjack table, you’ll get €15 in winnings, plus your €10 stake back.

If you choose to take out the insurance bet, this pays out at 2:1 in the event the dealer lands a natural two-card blackjack.

Side bets in live blackjack

Although bet behind is also considered a side bet option, there are two primary side bets that you can place when sat at most of our live blackjack tables:

• 21+3
  Let’s start with the 21+3 side bet. This one happens around the first two cards you receive, as well as the dealer’s visible ‘upcard’. If you can form a three-card poker hand using your first two cards and the dealer’s upcard (flush, straight, straight flush or three-of-a-kind) you will win a payout. The size of the payout depends on what kind of poker hand you can form. It typically ranges from 5:1 for a flush through to 100:1 for three-of-a-kind cards of the same suit.
   
• Perfect Pairs
  Perfect Pairs is the second most popular side bet you’ll find at our live blackjack tables. This optional side bet requires you to find matching card values, card colours or, better still, two identical cards. You can win 5:1 for a Mixed Pair, such as a pair of eights of different suits. You can win 12:1 for a Coloured Pair, like a pair of sixes of the same colour i.e. diamonds or hearts. Finally, you can also bag 25:1 payouts for a Perfect Pair, which is two identical cards.

Understanding optimal strategy in live blackjack

The key to giving yourself the best chance of winning at the live casino blackjack tables is to adopt a smart strategy. A smart strategy is one that minimises the game’s house edge. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the betting techniques you should employ as part of an optimal blackjack strategy:

• Doubling down on 10 and 11
  Some casinos will only allow players to double down on hands when their initial two-card hand is worth 10 or 11. Doubling down on 10 or 11 is a powerful play, particularly if the dealer’s hand is lower. It may even be prudent to double down when your hand is worth nine and the dealer’s hand is of a lower value still.
   
• Splitting Aces and 8s
  If you have a pair of aces in your hand, this is a hard or soft total of 12. This is rarely a good situation to be in. There’s a high probability of landing a face card or a ten with your next card and going bust. Splitting them gives you a chance to potentially land two blackjacks or two cards valued higher than 12.

  A pair of eights is a hard total of 16, which means there are plenty of cards in the deck that could bust your hand when you hit. Splitting your eights into two hands gives you a chance to land a ten on both hands to achieve 18, which is a respectable outcome in this scenario.
   

• Avoid taking Insurance
  Whenever the dealer’s upcard is an ace, you will get the chance to buy ‘Insurance’. This requires you to pay half the size of your original stake as a side bet, which pays out 2:1 if the dealer has a blackjack, ensuring you break even for the hand. The dealer will not have a blackjack more than 50% of the time, so Insurance is a statistically bad play – unless you are certain their next card will be a ten.
   
• Surrender 16 against a ten (if allowed)
  If early or late ‘Surrender’, the best time to use it is when you have a hand value of 16 against the dealer’s ten. There are plenty of cards in the deck that can bust your hand and a similar amount that can give the dealer’s hand an unassailable advantage. That’s why it makes more sense to cut your losses and surrender half your stake in this position.

Live blackjack variations

Not content with conventional live blackjack games? We’ve got you covered. At LiveRoulette, you can immerse yourself in three different blackjack variations. All of which offer exciting, fast-paced gameplay, available on all desktop and mobile devices.

Speed Blackjack

Are you short on time? If you don’t have a moment to waste, Speed Blackjack could be the ideal solution for you. Powered by LiveRoulette partner Evolution Gaming, Speed Blackjack accelerates the gameplay wherever possible. The first two cards play as normal, but the next step is completely different.

In Speed Blackjack, the quickest players to make their decision to stand, hit, split or double down will play first with the dealer. It reduces the waiting time for experienced players that know what they are doing, even if it does not provide a mathematical edge to your action.

Infinite Blackjack

If you are someone that can only devote time to playing live blackjack during ‘peak’ hours, the chances are that most live blackjack tables will be full of players when you log in. There’s no need to worry about not being able to play though, thanks to our Infinite Blackjack tables.

As the name suggests, these low bet limit tables cater to an unlimited number of players, with no need to wait for a seat to become available. That’s because all active players receive a ‘community’ two-card hand. Subsequently, each player can play the remainder of the hand however they wish. There are no less than four side bets to choose from too.

Blitz Blackjack

Blitz Blackjack, powered by LiveRoulette partner NetEnt, operates on the same principle as Infinite Blackjack. All players receive the same two cards on-screen from the dealer and are then given the option to hit, stand and split the two cards to make the remainder of the hand their own. Again, there is no limit on the number of players that can play at these tables, which is great for peak hour gaming.

Blackjack is not a complex or scary casino game. You can grasp it within minutes and start to enjoy yourself at the tables of our Canadian online casino!

18+ | Gambling can be addictive, please play responsibly |  Terms & Conditions apply

Contents

1. A Complete Roulette Glossary
2. Live Roulette FAQ

A Complete Roulette Glossary

American Roulette: A variant of roulette that features a double zero (00). The double zero sits next to the single zero on the betting board. This means there are 38 numbers in play and puts the house edge to 5.26%.

Backtrack: The outer section of the roulette wheel where the ball spins.

Biased Numbers: A section of numbers that is said to hit more frequently than is statistically likely. Biased numbers can be caused by an uneven or otherwise faulty wheel. Unless there is a software glitch, you’re unlikely to see biased numbers at an online roulette table.

Biased Wheel: An unevenly worn or faulty roulette wheel. In live roulette games, a biased wheel could cause certain numbers to hit more often than they otherwise would as it’s not spinning in an even, random manner.

Black Bet: An outside bet in live and online roulette. When you bet on black, you’ll win a 1:1 (even money) return on your money if any black number hits.

Bottom Track: The slanted inner rim of the roulette wheel that remains static during a spin. When the ball slows down, it slides from the backtrack and onto the bottom track before falling into a numbered pocket.

Carre: The French term for a corner bet.

Cheval: The French term for a split bet in land-based, online and live roulette.

Colonne: The French term for a column bet in roulette.

Column Bet: Like dozen bets, column bets allow you to cover 12 numbers with a single chip. There are three columns to choose from, and the payout on winning bets is 2:1.

Combination Bet: In general, a combination bet can be made with one or more chips and will cover two or more numbers. An example of a combination bet is a dozen, which covers 12 numbers in one section of the table.

Corner Bet: A single bet that covers four connected numbers. To make a corner bet, you must place a chip in the middle of a square of four numbers. This means you’re selecting all four numbers in the square. The payout for a corner bet in live or online roulette is 8:1.

Dealer: The person in control of a game, also called a croupier. When you play roulette, the dealer will be present and actively control the game. When you play roulette online, the game will be controlled by a random number generator (RNG).

Dozen Bet: A single bet that covers 12 numbers in one section of the table. Dozen bets are split into three sections: 1st (numbers 1-12), 2nd (numbers 13-24) and 3rd (numbers 25-36). Zero isn’t included in a dozen bet. If any number in your dozen hits, the payout is 2:1.

Double Zero: In American Roulette, double zero (00) is the additional number on the wheel.

En Plein: The French term for a straight-up bet in online and live roulette.

En Prison: A rule common in French Roulette, en prison literally means “in prison”. This rule applies to even money bets and allows you to either take back half your stake when zero hits or leave it “imprisoned” for the next spin. You’re choosing to either get a 50% rebate on a losing bet or keep your stake for the next bet.

European Roulette: The most common form of online and live roulette in the majority of casinos. This game is the older cousin of American Roulette. The main difference between the two variants is that European Roulette doesn’t feature the double zero. Because of this, it has one less number in play than its American counterpart. In total, there are 37 numbers in European Roulette, with a maximum payout of 35:1. The house edge is 2.70%.

Even Money: This term refers to a 1:1 payout. In other words, you win the same amount that you staked. For example, if you stake €1 and win, your total return will be your €1 stake back + €1 profit.

Five-Number Bet: This is a single bet that allows you to cover five specific numbers: 00, 0, 1, 2 and 3. If you win with this bet, your return will be 6:1.

High Bet: This is an outside bet in live and online roulette. When you bet on “high”, you’ll cover all numbers between 19-36. If you win, the return is 1:1 (even money).

House Edge: This term refers to the advantage the house (casino) has in any given situation. The house edge in roulette is created by a difference in the odds of any bet winning and the payout you receive. For example, the payout for a straight-up bet is 35:1. However, in European Roulette, there are 37 numbers on the table. This discrepancy (37:1 vs. 35:1) is where the casino gets its advantage. 

Inside Bet: Any bet made within the inner section of the table is known as an inside bet. Inside bets can be straight up or a combination of splits.

La Partage: When you play French roulette online or live, La Partage is a special rule that allows you to receive 50% of your stake back on even money bets. When it applies, if you make an even-money bet and the ball lands on zero, you’ll get half of your money back. This is similar to the En Prison. However, you don’t have the option to let your bet ride on the next spin with La Partage.

Line Bet: Also known as a six-line bet, this option allows you to cover six numbers (two rows of three) with a single wager. To make this bet, you split both rows with a single chip. The chip must be placed at the nearside end of the rows. The payout on this bet is 5:1. 

Marker: In live roulette, a marker, also called a ‘dolly’, is a small implement used to mark the winning number. When the round is over, the dealer will place a marker on the winning number and clear away all losing bets from the roulette table before paying out the winners.

Neighbours: In roulette, neighbours are numbers found next to/near each other on the wheel. These have relevance to certain types of bets, such as Orphelins.

Orphans: A type of bet that allows you to cover the numbers 6, 34 and 17 with a single wager.

Orphelins: A French term that refers to the process of betting on neighbours (numbers that sit near each other on the wheel). By betting on “neighbour” numbers (i.e. orphelins), it allows you to cover groups of numbers with fewer bets.

Outside Bets: Any bet outside of the inner table. Outside bets offer lower returns than inside bets. In roulette, the inner board is any betting option contained without the main, rectangular betting area. The inner board is where the individual numbers sit. 

Pockets: These are the slots where the ball lands on a roulette wheel.

Random Number Generator (RNG): When you play roulette online, the outcome is determined by a computer program known as an RNG. An RNG uses mathematics to generate random results. This allows online casinos to offer games that are as fair as their live counterparts.

Red Bet: An outside bet in live and online roulette. When you bet on red, you’ll win a 1:1 (even money) return on your money if any red number hits.

Sixainne: The French term for a line bet.

Split: A bet that covers two adjacent numbers. The bet is known as a split because you’re literally splitting the chip by placing it on the line between the two numbers. The payout for a winning split bet in roulette is 17:1.

Straight Up: A bet on a single number is known as straight up. The payout on winning straight up bets in roulette is 35:1.

Street: Similar to a line bet, a street bet allows you to cover three numbers in a row with a single bet. To make a street bet, you need to place a chip on the nearside end of a row. The payout for a winning street bet in roulette is 11:1.

Tiers Du Cylindre: Another neighbours bet in French Roulette, tiers du cylindre covers a third of the wheel. This bet requires you to cover 12 numbers with split bets. To make it, you split the following pairs: 5-8, 10-11, 13-16, 23-24, 27-30, and 33-36. The payout on this bet is 17:1, as any win will be a split bet.

Transversale: The French term for a street bet.

Trio Bet: Another term for a street bet in live and online roulette.

Voisins du Zero: A neighbours bet that’s popular in French Roulette. Voisins du zero translates as “neighbours of zero” and sees you cover the 17 numbers that flank zero on the wheel. You have to cover all 17 numbers with nine bets. You do that in the following way:

• Two chips on the 0-2-3 trio
• One chip on the 4-7 split
• One chip on the 12-15 split
• One chip on the 18-2 split
• One chip on the 19-22 split
• Two chips on the 25-26-28-29 corner
• One chip on the 32-35 split

Zero: A number in the game of roulette. Zero is slightly different to other roulette numbers because it’s green. This means that it’s excluded from any outside bets. 

Roulette FAQ

How do live casino games work?

When you play live roulette or any other live casino game, you’re connected to a live game via a webcam. This allows you to see what’s going on at the table in real-time. In tandem with the live stream, RFID sensors on the table link to a computer program that allows you to place bets on the action via your desktop or mobile device.

What Are RFID Sensors?

These are small devices that record data in real-time. Each sensor records actions that take place on the table. These actions are then sent to a computer program so our system knows the result of each spin. This information is compared with the bets you made to determine whether you won the round or not.

Are Live Casino Games And Live Roulette Safe?

Yes. Live roulette and all live casino games are tightly controlled and regulated. In fact, every live roulette game you play online will be as fair as one in a brick-and-mortar casino. To ensure fairness and safety at all times, live roulette games have to be tested and monitored. These conditions form part of a company’s licensing duties. In other words, without proving a game is safe and fair, the company wouldn’t receive a gaming licence and, therefore, wouldn’t be able to offer products online.

Is There An RNG In Live Roulette Games?

No – with the only exception being Lightning Roulette. In this game, the location of the five numbers that are struck by lightning are controlled by a computer program called an RNG. This is very much similar to the process behind digital casino games such as online slots, blackjack and roulette, in the action is controlled by the game’s Random Number Generator. In this instance, the program does the job of a dealer and produces random results. In live roulette, however – bar Lightning Roulette, the dealer is solely responsible for controlling the wheel and, therefore, generating random results. 

How Can I See The Action?

All live roulette games online are broadcast to your screens via HD webcams. To ensure everyone has the best experience, you can adjust the quality of the stream to suit your connection. Additionally, many of the best live roulette games now feature multiple cameras so you can get different perspectives on the board and wheel.

What Types Of Live Roulette Are There?

As well as European, American and French roulette, live casino developers have created new variants in recent years. Games such as Lightning Roulette feature bonus options that allow you to potentially pick up enhanced payouts. As the popularity of live casino games grows, you’ll find more innovative offerings at LiveRoulette our Canadian online casino in the coming years.

To play live roulette and enjoy the action of a truly immersive online game experience, click the link below and join LiveRoulette today.

18+ | begambleaware.org | Gambling can be addictive, please play responsibly. Terms & Conditions apply.