Pragmatic Play Blackjack Azure Game Details
Software Provider : Pragmatic Play
RTP : 99.28
Type of Casino Game : Live Dealer
Decks : 8
Blackjack Payout : 3:2
Insurance Payout : 2:1
Minimum Bet : 5.00
maximum bet : 1000
maximum payout : 100:1
Side Bets : YES
Multihand : YES
Live Chat (Live Dealer) : YES
INTRODUCTION
Pragmatic Play caused quite a splash when they first announced their entry into the Live casino space. Since then, the team’s live dealer section has grown larger, expanding to offer more games. As fun as these releases are, many players stuck to what they know best: blackjack! That is why the software provider decided it was time to give that classic a second look. With Blackjack Azure, players can enjoy a multi-seat option, early decisions, Deal Now, Auto Stand and more.
If you stick to playing basic blackjack strategy, this game offers a 99.28% RTP. However, Pragmatic Play will try to tempt you away from playing optimally by using side bets. Blackjack Azure is played with eight decks, with each deck holding fifty-two cards. All the action is streamed directly from Pragmatic Play’s studio.
HOW TO PLAY BLACKJACK AZURE
Unlike many recent blackjack launches, Blackjack Azure limits the number of players per table. Only seven casino members can be actively playing at any given time. Other players can participate thanks to the Bet Behind function. One player can play up to two positions on the table. That is another advantage of playing this Pragmatic Play blackjack: the ability to enjoy multihand fun.
Once you secure a seat, you can participate in a betting round. Players can place wagers on the main bet and the two available side bets. Choose one of the coin values, and then place it on all the stakes you want to play. Bets have to be selected before the betting timer runs out.
Once all wagers are played, the host will draw cards for the player and dealer positions. Players can see both of their cards, but only one of the dealer’s cards. The other is in a face-down position. Once these cards are dealt, players can choose to hit, stand, split or double their hand. The player may draw additional cards, depending on how you play the round.
The dealer reveals their second card after you finish your turn. If needed, they will draw additional cards as well. The goal of both sides is to score exactly twenty-one with their first two cards. If neither side does this, then the side closest to twenty-one will win. Exceeding twenty-one results in a bust for both player and dealer. Busting is an automatic loss, so cross your fingers and hope it dodges you!
EXTRA FEATURES
Blackjack Azure takes advantage of the Bet Behind feature to keep players entertained when they do not have a seat. Players watch seated casino members draw and play cards and can choose to predict which player will win. If the player you picked wins the round, you also receive a prize for correctly predicting the winner. Bet Behind payouts are identical to the main blackjack bet.
On top of the Bet Behind bonus, players can also take advantage of two side bets. The first one is the Perfect Pair side bet. This wager pays if the first two cards are dealt to the player form a pair. There are three types of pairs, each one paying differently.
- Mixed pair: two cards with the same number but different colours (two black and two red). Pays 6:1
- Coloured pair: two cards with the same number and colour, but different suits (two of hearts and two of diamonds). Pays 12:1
- Perfect pair: two identical cards in terms of number, colour and suit (two Queens of Hearts). Pays 25:1
Another fun side bet is 21+3. This side bet tries to form a valid three-card poker hand using your first two cards and the dealer’s visible card. If you form an eligible winning combination, you will receive an appropriate cash prize.
- Flush pays 5:1
- Straight pays 10:1
- Three-of-a-kind pays 30:1
- Straight flush pays 40:1
- Suited Trips pays 100:1
PAYOUTS
Side bets pay a lot more than Blackjack Azure’s main bets. However, their odds of winning are much lower. If you stick to the standard blackjack strategy, you can achieve a 99.28% RTP playing main bets. Much higher than what any side bet will be able to give you!
The downside of that is that a regular main bet win only pays 1:1. If you get lucky and your first two cards draw twenty-one, you could score a 3:2 blackjack win instead. Finally, playing and winning the insurance bet pays 2:1. Not that we would recommend playing insurance bets, since the odds on it are not great.
what we like
- Bet Behind and two side bets
- Can use basic blackjack strategy
- Very high RTP
what we don’t like
- Low payouts outside of side bets
BLACKJACK AZURE (PRAGMATIC PLAY): CASINOBLOKE’S VERDICT
It is important to remember to keep your expectations tempered. Blackjack Azure will not drastically change the standard blackjack experience. However, it adds plenty of extra goodies that make it more enjoyable. Bet Behind and playing two hands at once will be more than enough to tempt some players to try this game.
Pragmatic Play Blackjack Azure total score:
97%
Game developed by:
Release year:2020
Available on:Desktop, Mobile