Amaya, as a major casino software provider in all major sectors including sports betting, poker and lotteries offers both online and offline products. Amaya games, and in particular the table games, have a realistic look and feel, with an appreciation for unexpected detail such as cup holders and card shufflers on the table. The sound and graphics are quite expectedly very good, and the point of view is from real eye height, which adds a certain authenticity.
Like most of the top tier casino software solution companies, Amaya run casinos boast a plentiful selection of blackjack games. Although a number of these blackjack game options will be discussed in detail, it is incumbent on players to work out for themselves that the most sensible option is always the game with the lowest house edge. With respect to Amaya blackjack, the lowest house edge can be found at the single-deck blackjack tables.
The Blackjack Single Deck Game
The Amaya Blackjack single-deck game permits players up to three hands each. This game has the best set of rules, with a single deck, a soft 17 for the dealer and players can double 9 to 11 and have a once-off split. The house odds with shuffling after every hand is only 0.26%.
The additional advantages, and ones that can decrease the house odds further are that Amaya use a continuous shuffling machine, which reputedly further reduces the house edge by some 0.1%, and the fact that effective use of basic strategy and effective card counting can lower it further.
Additional Game Variations
Like varieties in the internet betting NZ, amongst the other variations of real money blackjack that Amaya provides are European Blackjack, Vegas Blackjack and Atlantic City Jackpot. In European Blackjack, six decks are used, five hands can be played at a time, and the house edge is 0.52%. Vegas Blackjack uses four decks and has a house edge of 0.40%. In Atlantic City Blackjack, the eight decks mean a house edge of 0.49%.
Amaya blackjack games also feature three highly specific variations that have specific side bets that affect the odds. In Lucky 7 Blackjack, the house edge is also 0.49%, but the casinos primary advantage is when players use the ‘Lucky 7’ side bet option. In Blackjack Micro Limit, there are several additions to the rules such as suited blackjack paying better, but the game averages out to a 0.46% house advantage. Blackjack Perfect Pairs allows side bets on the first two dealt cards and ends up with a house edge of 0.55%.
The Live Dealer Attraction
Live Dealer Blackjack is one of the major growth areas for Amaya Blackjack. A live casino feed is streamed 24/7, with grid, video and dealer views. The game is played with eight decks and the table has a seven-seat maximum with a shuffle about halfway through the shoe. The odds on this particular version of blackjack are the worst for the player, but the added entertainment value and increased costs for the casino in providing live dealers is nevertheless very much appreciated.
Players can practice blackjack play at the Amaya website, and some games will offer a strategy advice feature. The game play settings in all the blackjack games are also highly adjustable and players will always be able to access strategy sheets and playing advice at these venues, be they online or mobile.