Ladbrokes Blackjack 5

For casino software developers, blackjack is the easiest live casino game to get right, but it’s also the easiest to get wrong. Why? Because they are tempted to do too much and often move too far away from the original version.

However, Playtech Live learned from the mistakes of its predecessors. Ladbrokes Blackjack 5 is the perfect testament to that. This exclusive game is available only to Ladbrokes Casino members, but it made waves throughout the UK. It breathes new life into an old game while staying true to its roots.

Today, we’re looking at Ladbrokes Blackjack 5 and its features and unique elements. Let’s dive into the core of the matter, shall we?

Ladbrokes Blackjack 5 aims to bring the original version of live blackjack closer to beginners. Thus, it’s designed to be as straightforward as possible. Admittedly, the UI is one of the simplest we’ve seen, allowing the stream from the studio to take complete control over the screen.

On the left side, there’s a taskbar-style menu that displays the following options - Payouts, Min/Max Bets and Bet Slip. The last option is a unique feature offered by Ladbrokes, and we’ll discuss it a bit later. As for the controls, players can add seats, double, place side bets and split, all by selecting one of the ‘buttons’ visible on the screen.

Overall, Ladbrokes Blackjack 5 has a laid-back atmosphere. The sounds aren’t too loud, and there aren’t any overly ‘aggressive’ animations. Instead, players see the dealer sitting at the table, with a TV screen behind him, showing announcements for other games available in the lobby.

Most developers opt for a non-intrusive UI that’s separate from the video part of the game. The Ladbrokes Blackjack 5 developers cleverly traversed this by adding the controls as standalone parts. As a result, it makes Ladbrokes Blackjack 5 much more user-friendly than the average blackjack variant.

As mentioned previously, the game is based on the original blackjack rules. However, there are also two prominent side bets added to the mix. First, let’s take a look at how a hand works, along with some basic rules:

• The game's primary goal is to get a better hand total than the dealer while not surpassing 21.
• Cards 2 through 9 are worth their face value, while suited cards are worth 10. Aces can be either 1 or 11, depending on which value is more suitable.
• Each game starts with the Player and the Dealer getting two cards. The dealer’s second card is hidden until after the player reveals his.
• Once the cards have been dealt, the player can Hit (ask to be given another card), Double (double the bet and get another card) or Stand (hold the sum they have).
• If either side exceeds 21, they bust immediately, and the other side wins regardless of their hand.
• The dealer always stands when they reach a 17 without an Ace, also known as the hard 17. A soft 17 includes an Ace since it can be either 1 or 11.
• Ladbrokes Blackjack also allows Splitting. This occurs when the player gets two of the same card. They can either keep the cards and treat them as their sum or turn them into two hands. In that case, the bet is automatically doubled, and each hand receives another card.
• Splits are only allowed on the first move, and split hands can’t be doubled individually.

Playtech Live is known for its unique way of introducing features without disturbing the game's original form. Ladbrokes Blackjack 5 is no exception. The first and most exciting feature players will enjoy is the Bet Slip creator.

Since Ladbrokes is also a licensed bookmaker, players can immerse themselves in various sports betting endeavours whilst sitting at the table. It’s an innovation that aims to save time and help one focus on blackjack instead of switching between windows.

21+3 and Player Pair/Dealer Pair duo of side bets is a nice touch. It gives players additional options if the main bet loses. Betting behind is also possible, and it even comes with a lower minimum bet.

The info about payout rates and min-max bets is also a nice touch. That just reinforces our first impression that Ladbrokes Blackjack 5 is the right choice for beginners.

Main Bet:

• Blackjack - 3:2
• Winning Hand - 1:1
• Insurance - 2:1

21+3:

• Suited Three of a Kind - 100:1
• Straight Flush - 40:1
• Three of a Kind - 30:1
• Straight - 10:1
• Flush - 5:1

Player/Dealer Pair:

• Perfect Pairs (identical cards) - 25:1
• Coloured Pair (same colour, but different suit) - 12:1
• Red/Black Pair (same number and colour) - 6:1

The minimum bet is £5 for the main bet, but £1 for every side bet. As for the maximum, the main one lets players wager up to £5,000, whereas others put the cap at £500.

Ladbrokes Blackjack 5 embodies everything dazzling about this legendary casino game. With excellent camera work and a lightweight UI, it serves as the perfect introduction to any beginner.

If you don’t like gimmicks and overly complicated game mechanisms, Ladbrokes Blackjack 5 seems like the right fit. So, register at Ladbrokes Casino and try it out!