In 2019, Playtech launched both the RNG and live dealer version of All Bets Blackjack. However, they do not use the same rules. While the RNG-operated game uses six decks of cards, the one hosted by real-life dealers has eight card decks in play. The shoe is replaced after half of it is used. Just like Quantum Blackjack by the same provider, All Bets Blackjack is a single-hand game that accepts an unlimited number of players.
A set of standard rules are used in this Playtech variant. The dealer deals two cards to the player and themselves with their first card face up. If it’s an Ace, the player is offered insurance that pays 2:1. A natural pays 3:2. The dealer hits on a 16 and stands on a soft 17. The player can double down on any two initial cards and split a pair only once. If a pair of Aces is split, the player can get only one additional card. Doubling down is not allowed on a split pair.
As we have previously mentioned, All Bets Blackjack is a single-hand game. Since an unlimited number of players can join the table, the cards each player receives are digitally generated. Such technology enables all the players to make decisions as they like and see only their hand. All Bets Blackjack shares this feature with Quantum Blackjack.
Side Bets
This is the most exciting part of All Bets Blackjack which makes it stand out from other Playtech live dealer game variants. Here is a lowdown on all side bets you can go for:
Player/Dealer Pair
This is the standard optional bet available in Playtech Blackjack variants. This time, the provider has decided to offer it as two separate wagers. So, you can bet either on the dealer’s or the player’s cards forming a perfect, colored or mixed pair or on both options. A mixed pair of the side you have placed your bet on pays 6:1. A coloured pair will earn you 12:1 whereas a perfect pair grants 25:1. The Pair bets have a house edge of 4.10%.
21+3
Another standard side bet pays when the player’s two cards and the dealer’s face-up card form a poker hand. A flush pays 5:1, a straight grants 10:1, trips will earn you 30:1 whereas a straight flush pays 40:1. The most lucrative card combination is suited trips that will earn you 100:1. The 21+3 bet has a house margin of 3.70%.
Lucky Lucky
Lucky Lucky is based on the two player’s and the dealer’s face-up card, just like 21+3. However, it pays for different combinations with a total of 19 or 20 paying 2:1 and a suited 21 paying 15:1. Then, we have 678 paying 25:1, 777 granting 50:1, suited 678 paying 100:1 and the top prize of 200:1 paid by suited 777. The house advantage on the Lucky Lucky bet is 3.90%
Top 3
Again, we have a side bet based on three cards, two player’s cards and the dealer’s face-up card. It pays on a 3 of a kind 90:1, a straight flush 180:1 and a suited 3 of a kind 270:1. Being the riskiest side bet, Top 3 has a house edge of 9%.
Buster
This is potentially the most lucrative optional bet with the top prize standing at a staggering 2,000:1. You win on it when the dealer busts and the number of cards they bust with determines how much you get paid. If the dealer busts with 3 or 4 cards, you get paid 2:1, if they bust with 5 cards, you earn 4:1 while 6 and 7 cards can earn you 18:1 and 50:1 respectively. If the dealer busts with 8 cards, you cash in 250:1. The biggest payouts are delivered when the player has a blackjack and the dealer busts with 7 cards (800:1) and 8 cards (2,000:1). Another high-risk bet with a house margin of 6.17%