Blackjack Party is a live variation of 21, developed by Evolution Gaming. As you can probably tell by the name, this game is all about having fun and enjoying a more social, interactive gambling experience from the comfort of your home. The table is hosted by two staff members – a live dealer and a presenter – who are constantly chatting with each other and the players.
Rundown of the Rules and the Payouts
Blackjack Party is dealt from an 8-deck shoe and follows the standard American rules of 21. The live dealer always stands on 17, and players can double down on any two-card starting total. Doubling down after a split is not permitted. This is a hole-card game, but the dealer does not peek for blackjacks when their upcard is a ten.
You can split your initial hand as long as both cards are of equal value. Resplitting is not allowed in Blackjack Party. Hitting split aces is not an option, either. The live dealer automatically draws only one additional card for each Ace. Insurance is offered when the dealer’s upcard is an Ace, and it pays 2 to 1. Blackjacks pay at the standard rate of 3 to 2, while all other winning hands pay even money.
Gaming Interface and Remarkable Features
Blackjack Party is easy to recognize in the Evolution Gaming live lobby because the table is manned by two staff members: a garishly clad live dealer and a presenter who discuss a variety of topics with the players. This creates a laid-back atmosphere and enables you to relax even if you are a rookie.
The game comes with several features of interest, starting with the Bet Behind option. This feature allows you to place a wager on a hand dealt to another player whenever the live table is full. You and the seated player share the same outcome and receive the standard payouts for winning hands.
The action unfolds to the sounds of an upbeat soundtrack, which complements the banter of the table personnel. The live chat feature lets players chime in on whatever the dealer and presenter are currently discussing. There is also a Switch View function that gives players an enlarged view of the betting layout. Multi-tabling and mobile play are also possible with Blackjack Party.
Closing Thoughts
Evolution Gaming’s Blackjack Party is a highly entertaining live variant of 21 that is ideal for low-stakes gamblers who play casually on a tight budget. The biggest attractions here are the chatty dealers and the Bet Behind feature, which lets you join the game even when there are no vacant seats. Last but not least, Blackjack Party offers solid win potential, with an optimal theoretical return of 99.28%.