Live dealer online Bl
ackjack just got a whole lot more exciting for players in New Zealand. Leading software provider Playtech has launched 21+3 Live Casino Blackjack, which incorporates a poker side-bet into every round.
The game, which is licensed from software developer Games Marketing, is run by a real casino dealer, using cutting-edge video streaming technology. It’s played on a traditional gaming table, and uses a real deck of playing cards. When players place their opening bet, they can also place the side-bet. The side-bet is based on the first three face-up cards to be dealt, namely the player’s two cards, and the dealer’s one up-card.
If those three cards together form a straight, a flush, a straight flush, a three-of-a-kind, or a suited three-of-a-kind, the player will win the bet. The enhanced odds at which the bet pays out offer 100 times the original bet for a suited three-of-a-kind.
The result of the Blackjack game itself does not affect the side-bet in any way. If players win their side-bets but lose the Blackjack game, they get to keep their side-bet payout.
Classic 21 is still central to 21+3 Live Casino Blackjack. The player’s goals are still to try build a hand valued as close to 21 as possible, and to try beat the dealer’s hand.
Once the opening and side-bets have been placed and the cards dealt, the player can make their first move. They can play their hand as they have it, they can double down by doubling their bet and taking another card, they can hit and take another card, or they can split their hand into two and build new hands to play separately.
When the player’s move has been finalised, the dealer will flip over the hole card, and the player’s hand will be compared with the dealer’s to determine the winner. A first-deal hand that results in a total of 21 is known as a Blackjack.
Playtech is excited about 21+3 Live Casino Blackjack, which was launched at New Zealand online casinos powered by the provider in September.
The provider’s Live Casino Innovation head, Kevin Kilminster, said that the game should appeal to players who are familiar with both Blackjack and Poker, and that it was expected to attract new players as well. He added that the poker side-bet made for a great addition to classic Blackjack and improved players chances of winning.
