In the live dealer games comparison between blackjack, baccarat, and roulette, many players wonder: which live casino game pays the most? Payouts are important, but they don’t tell the full story. Each game brings its own unique features, strategies, and appeals. In this blog, we’ll explain how each game works, weigh its pros, and help you decide which live dealer game suits you best.
What is a Live Dealer Game?
If you’ve ever played table games like baccarat, blackjack, craps, or roulette in a physical casino, you’ll understand the unique experience. Playing these games online through apps or websites is convenient, but it cannot fully replicate the excitement of a real table with a live dealer.
Live dealer games bring the casino experience to your screen by streaming real dealers conducting games in real-time. Unlike RNG games, live dealer games use actual cards, wheels, or dice managed by human dealers in a studio. Players place bets through the platform, but can see every action of the dealer live. Online casinos such as AB33, Gempak99, and UEFA888 offer popular live dealer games. Many players prefer live dealer games because they combine the ease of online play with the authenticity of a land-based casino.
Blackjack
How to Play?
In live dealer blackjack, the goal is to beat the dealer’s hand without exceeding 21. Players are dealt two cards to start and may choose to “hit” (take another card) or “stand” (keep their total). Other options (depending on the variant) include doubling down or splitting pairs. If your total goes over 21, you bust and lose.
Popular live blackjack games:
- Classic Blackjack Live
- Infinite Blackjack
- Blackjack Party
Strategy to Win:
1. Stand on 12-16 when the dealer shows 2 to 6:
If your hand totals between 12 and 16 (excluding pairs), and the dealer’s visible card is between 2 and 6, it’s usually best to stand. This takes advantage of the dealer’s higher chance of busting with a weak upcard.
2. Hit on 12-16 when the dealer shows 7 through Ace:
When your hand value is between 12 and 16 (excluding pairs), and the dealer has a strong upcard of 7 to Ace, you should generally hit. This increases your chances of improving your hand, as the dealer is likely to have a stronger total.
3. Always split Aces and 8s:
If you’re dealt a pair of Aces or 8s, splitting them into two separate hands is strongly recommended. Splitting Aces gives you two opportunities to build strong hands starting with 11, while splitting 8s helps you avoid a difficult 16, which is a weak total.
4. Double down on 11 against the dealer’s 2 to 10:
When your first two cards add up to 11 and the dealer’s upcard is between 2 and 10, doubling down is advisable. This means doubling your bet to receive one more card, maximizing your chance to get a 10-value card, and building a strong hand.
5. Hit or double down on Ace-6:
With a hand made up of an Ace and a card between 2 and 6, either hitting or doubling down is recommended. The Ace can count as 1 or 11, allowing you to adapt your play to improve your hand based on the next card.
Baccarat
How to Play?
Baccarat (often “Punto Banco”) is a game in which players wager on which hand will win: the “Player”, the “Banker”, or a “Tie”. Two cards are dealt to each side, and sometimes a third card is drawn following fixed rules. The hand is closer to a total of 9 wins.
Popular live baccarat games:
- Punto Banco Baccarat
- Speed Baccarat
- Baccarat Squeeze
Strategy to Win:
1. Martingale Strategy
The Martingale system is one of the simplest and oldest betting approaches in baccarat. It involves doubling your bet after every loss, with the idea that when you eventually win, you recover all previous losses plus a profit equal to your original bet. For example, if you start with a $10 bet and lose, your next bet would be $20. If you lose again, you double it to $40, and so forth. This strategy requires a large bankroll and strong discipline, as your bets can increase quickly during losing streaks.
2. Paroli Strategy
The Paroli system takes a more cautious approach by increasing your bet only after a win, rather than after a loss. This positive progression strategy aims to maximize winnings during streaks while limiting losses during downturns. For instance, if you win with a $10 bet, you double to $20 on the next round. Winning again raises the bet to $40. After three consecutive wins, the bet resets to the original amount. This strategy is less risky than Martingale and suits players looking to make the most of winning runs.
3. Fibonacci Strategy
Based on the well-known Fibonacci sequence (1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, etc.), this strategy adjusts bets by moving forward in the sequence after a loss and stepping back two positions after a win. For example, you might start with a $10 bet; if you lose, you move to the next number in the sequence and increase your bet accordingly. After a win, you step back two numbers, reducing your bet size. The Fibonacci system is more conservative than Martingale and can help control losses while steadily building profits over time.
Roulette
How to Play?
In live dealer roulette, you place bets on numbers, groups, colors (red/black), or ranges (e.g., 1–18 or 19–36). The dealer spins a physical roulette wheel and drops a small ball; where the ball lands determines the winner. Bets are settled accordingly.
Popular live roulette games:
- European Roulette
- American Roulette
- Lightning Roulette
Strategy to Win:
1. Oscar’s Grind Strategy
Oscar’s Grind is a progressive betting approach aimed at making a small profit of one unit per betting cycle. You begin by wagering one unit and continue placing the same bet after losses. Once you win, you increase your bet by one unit and continue until you’ve achieved your profit goal, then you reset the process. This method focuses on slow, steady gains without risking large amounts quickly.
2. Labouchere System
The Labouchere system, also known as the cancellation system, starts with setting a target amount to win and breaking it down into a sequence of numbers. Your bet is the sum of the first and last numbers in the sequence. If you win, you remove those numbers; if you lose, you add your bet to the end of the sequence. This continues until all numbers are canceled out, ideally reaching your target profit.
3. Andrucci Strategy
The Andrucci Strategy is a high-risk approach based on the idea that certain numbers appear more frequently over time. You start by placing random bets and tracking the outcomes for about 30 spins. Then, you focus your bets on the numbers that appeared most often. However, there is no proven evidence that any numbers are due to come up more frequently, so this strategy can lead to rapid losses if not used cautiously.
Blackjack vs Baccarat vs Roulette: Which Live Dealer Game Suits You?
Ultimately, your choice between blackjack, baccarat, and roulette depends on your playing style and what kind of experience you’re after.
- If you love strategy and control, Blackjack offers the lowest house edge and rewards players who apply skill and strategy.
- If you enjoy high-risk, high-reward thrills, Roulette is perfect for those who want excitement and the chance of big payouts with minimal decision-making.
- If you prefer a simple, steady game with frequent wins, Baccarat is ideal for players who want easy gameplay with a good balance of risk and reward.
Advantages of Live Dealer Games
Enhanced Player Engagement
Live dealer games offer a more interactive experience compared to RNG (random number generator) games. Players can chat with dealers and other participants, creating a social environment that closely resembles the atmosphere of land-based casinos. This interaction appeals to both new and seasoned players.
Attracting Diverse Player Segments
Online casinos gain advantages by including live dealer games, as these titles attract a wide range of players. Offering live games increases the time players spend on the site and encourages them to explore beyond traditional slot games, adding variety to the casino’s game portfolio.
Improved Accessibility and Technology
Thanks to advancements in video streaming and internet speeds, live dealer games are now fully accessible on mobile devices without loss of quality. This improvement allows players to enjoy a seamless live casino experience anytime and anywhere, making live dealer games a vital part of modern online casinos.
Final Verdict: Which Live Dealer Game Offers the Best Returns?
Blackjack stands out as the most rewarding option for long-term live dealer players. Its high return-to-player (RTP) rate and low house edge make it the most favorable choice for those seeking consistent profit through skill-based play. Baccarat offers balance. With simple rules and reliable returns, particularly through the banker bet, it provides a steady experience with fewer fluctuations. Meanwhile, roulette delivers the biggest payout potential. Although based heavily on chance, its high-risk bets can lead to significant wins, especially with straight-up number wagers. Each game brings its own value. Your choice should depend on whether you prioritize skill & strategy, high-risk high-reward, or consistent returns. By exploring these three popular live dealer options, you can find the perfect fit for your online casino adventure in casino online Malaysia.
FAQs
1. Can I chat with dealers and other players in live dealer games?
Yes, live dealer games typically include chat features, creating a social and interactive atmosphere.
2. Are live dealer games available on mobile devices?
Yes, advancements in technology now allow live dealer games to be played smoothly on mobile phones and tablets.
3. Which live dealer game is best for beginners?
Baccarat is often recommended for beginners due to its simple rules and straightforward betting options.
Joseph Martel is an experienced iGaming writer who has been working in the online gaming world for over 10 years. He writes clear, helpful content about online casinos, betting, and gaming platforms. Joseph’s goal is to help readers understand how iGaming works, whether they’re players, operators, or just curious. His easy-to-read style and deep knowledge make him a trusted name in the iGaming industry.
