Live Online Blackjack Vs. Online Poker: Which One Is Better?

There are two main types of casino games — games of chance, which are based on luck, and games of skill, where the player’s actions or bet decisions can affect the outcome, at least to a certain degree.

The most distinctive representatives of the latter category are poker and blackjack.

In terms of gameplay, these two casino classics are nothing alike. Among the few similarities they share, one stands out in particular: their widespread availability in the US iGaming market.

Each online casino has several variations of blackjack and poker on hand, in both RNG and live dealer format. Meanwhile, some casino operators run standalone poker rooms featuring a range of tournaments and cash games. Whether you enjoy blackjack or poker, you will be spoiled for choice.

The question now becomes — which one should you choose? Which one is better for casual players, and which offers the best payout odds?

This article will answer these questions and provide an in-depth comparison of live online blackjack and online poker.

Live Online Blackjack

Blackjack is a staple of the casino industry. The game of ‘21’, as it’s affectionately called, is played with one or more decks of cards. Most commonly, six-52-card decks are used.

The goal of blackjack, regardless of the variant, is to score higher than the dealer’s hand without going bust — exceeding a total of 21.

Luck plays a significant role in blackjack, and that has to do with the cards you’re dealt. Skill, however, will take you farther in the game. If you play blackjack ‘the right way’ and use the optimum strategy correctly, the house edge can be reduced to 0.5%, which is among the lowest of all casino games.

The popularity of blackjack has carried over to the online sector. Alongside slots and roulette, it’s typically the most well-represented game type in US casino sites. Live dealer variations of blackjack tend to gain more traction because of their resemblance to real-life counterparts. Playtech, Evolution Gaming, and Pragmatic Play all offer their own versions of live blackjack, which vary in odds, presentation, and side bet availability. Minimum bets start at $0.10 and go all the way up to $10,000 or more at some VIP tables.

Online Poker

Poker is arguably the most popular card game on the planet. People around the world enjoy playing it at home for fun or at gambling establishments such as poker rooms or casinos.

Like blackjack, poker has found its way into online casinos and virtual poker rooms. While online poker comes in many forms and variations, Texas Hold’em tops the heap in terms of popularity.

A distinction here should be made between standard Texas Hold’em, in which you compete against other players, and casino poker (the live dealer version), which is played against the house.

Throughout our comparison analysis, we will be referencing traditional Texas Hold’em that is available in digital poker rooms. This is a game of pure skill and relies on your ability to bluff, read and outmaneuver your opponents.

Texas Hold’em can be played as a cash game or via a tournament in online poker rooms. Depending on the stake level, there are the minimum and maximum buy-ins in cash games. Tournament buy-ins are fixed — for a certain buy-in — you get the same number of chips.

Live Blackjack vs. Online Poker

Since each game fits a different playstyle, risk aversion, and budget, it would be subjective to claim one is better than the other. Both are exciting and unique in their own right.

In light of that, we have outlined a few pros and cons of both games and let you decide which one is more appealing to you.

Online Blackjack Advantages

● Easy to play: Blackjack is a game that’s easy to learn and a bit tricky to master. You can jump right in on the action without much research or any pre-existing knowledge of the game and still be successful. Regardless of whether you employ advanced betting tactics, you’ll still squeeze out a solid house edge. In poker, you’ll get crushed for subpar performances.
● More promotions are available for online blackjack: Online casinos offer a range of promotions to their users, some of which are tailored around live dealer blackjack games. You may get a cashback deal or be offered a chance to compete in a live blackjack tournament. Overall, better perks are available for online blackjack players than poker players.
● More immersive than online poker: Live dealer blackjack mimics the real version (offered in retail casinos) to a T, offering the same authentic experience. Pretty much everything is the same, except you’re not physically touching the hands. Online poker is computerized and lacks the social aspect.

Online Poker Advantages

● Skill-based: Luck is a lesser factor in poker than in blackjack. Consequently, the more skilled you are, the more successful you’ll be. In poker, you can win a thousand hands in a row, whereas in online blackjack, the built-in house advantage makes this impossible.
● More personalized experience: Poker rooms offer native apps and clients that are integrated with all kinds of tools and features.
● Larger payout potential: Blackjack payouts are typically 1.5x your stake, but poker payouts can exceed 10,000 of your tournament entry fee.

Final Thoughts

Various types of players find online poker and live dealer blackjack appealing for different reasons. If fun is the primary factor when it comes to deciding which of these games you should play, it can be a teeter-totter since both online poker and live blackjack are immensely entertaining.

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