Comparison of live dealer blackjack across providers

[danadc]

After 6 months of extensive testing across multiple live dealer providers, I've compiled a comprehensive comparison focusing on key aspects that matter to serious players. All testing done with $25-100 min bets, played 100+ hours on each platform.

1. Evolution Gaming:
   • Fastest dealing speed
   • Most professional dealers
   • Excellent stream quality
   • Multiple side bet options
   • Higher minimum bets
   • Tables often full during peak hours
2. Pragmatic Live:
   • Lower minimum bets
   • Good basic strategy variations
   • Decent stream quality
   • Fewer side bets
   • Some dealers seem inexperienced
   • Occasional technical issues
3. Playtech:
   • Most consistent dealing style
   • Good table limits range
   • Unique side bets
   • Slower dealing speed
   • Limited peak hours availability
   • Stream quality varies

Specific Findings:

1. Dealing Speed (hands per hour):
   • Evolution: ~140-150
   • Pragmatic: ~120-130
   • Playtech: ~100-110
2. Side Bet RTP:
   • Evolution: 95.2%-97.5%
   • Pragmatic: 94.8%-96.9%
   • Playtech: 95.0%-97.1%
3. Peak Hour Availability (EST):
   • Evolution: 24/7, busy 7PM-2AM
   • Pragmatic: Limited 3AM-6AM
   • Playtech: Tables close 2AM-8AM
4. Average Wait Times:
   • Evolution: 2-5 mins peak, <1 min off-peak
   • Pragmatic: Usually instant
   • Playtech: 1-3 mins peak, instant off-peak

Additional Notes:

• Evolution still king for serious players but expensive
• Pragmatic good budget option if you can handle slower pace
• Playtech solid middle ground but availability issues
• All tested using same basic strategy
• Minimum 1000 hands per provider for statistical validity

Happy to share more detailed stats or answer specific questions. Also interested in hearing others' experiences, especially with different stake levels.

 

[tosoge7713]

evolution only way to go fr fr rest be looking like they filming with nokia phones lmao

 

[sapit222]

Quality post. Been exclusively on Evolution past 2 years but Pragmatic's lower minimums looking tempting now.

 

[bill_collins]

Very thorough analysis. One thing to note - Playtech's side bet RTP varies by market/region.

 

[danadc]

Very thorough analysis. One thing to note - Playtech's side bet RTP varies by market/region.

@bill_collins good point, all my testing was from US region. Should've mentioned that.

 

[LeoInVegas]

Playing since 2018, can confirm these numbers match my experience. Evolution dealing speed is unmatched.

 

[vogafox]

Also worth noting Evolution's multi-camera angles. Really helps spot marking/shuffling issues.

 

[WellerD]

yo but pragmatic dealers way more fun tho evolution too serious sometimes

 

[sinner_olaf]

who cares about dealers being fun? i want my cards dealt right hic

 

[Nicholas_Paul_Kettler]

Most professional analysis I've seen here. Might be worth adding average tip expectations for each provider.

 

[danadc]

Most professional analysis I've seen here. Might be worth adding average tip expectations for each provider.

@Nicholas_Paul_Kettler good suggestion. Will track tipping impact on service in next update.

 

[5.o.2]

Interesting data set. Have you considered correlation between dealing speed and player errors? Faster isn't always better.

 

[jax_garrison]

Evolution's standard operating procedures appear superior. Consistent shuffle timing, clear card placement.

 

[FakeOrgasm]

still remember when ezugi had those blurry cams... dark times

 

[beckisback]

kewl comparison! what about table limits tho? some of us old school players like lower stakes

 

[danadc]

kewl comparison! what about table limits tho? some of us old school players like lower stakes

@beckisback Pragmatic and Playtech definitely better for lower stakes. Evolution minimum usually $25+.

 

[Unsoldier]

imporatnt note: always check if your chosen provider is licensed in your jurisdiction. not all available everywhere

 

[p@yd@y]

any of these got proper UK licenses mate?

 

[bill_collins]

any of these got proper UK licenses mate?

@p@yd@y All three are UKGC licensed but Evolution has most UK-specific tables.

 

[timtowin]

yall really writing essays about blackjack while im here clicking slots