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Free Bet Blackjack Review
Most players who are familiar with land-based blackjack tables have either played or come across Free Bet Blackjack.
Thanks to Evolution Gaming, this popular blackjack variant is now available to Canadians via live dealer casino gaming.
Free Bet Blackjack is quite similar to Infinite Blackjack and became an instant hit since it shares a lot of similarities with the older live casino title.
Players here, however, get a few extras, including Free Double Down and Split Bets. These two additions are, however, just the tip of the iceberg.
You can also place bonus bets, such as Hot 3, Any Pair, 21+3, and Bust It. These side bets will have you at the edge of your seat and, if luck is on your side, may result in loads of additional payouts on top of the main game.
So, get ready to play strategically, outwit the live dealer, and score major wins.
Where to play Free Bet Blackjack?
With a lot of passable online casinos mushrooming in Canada, it’s challenging for some players to decide where to play Free Bet Blackjack.
The hype with which new entrants attempt to appeal to new customers makes the selection process even more difficult.
However, besides the wide range of Evolution Gaming casinos you can choose to enjoy this iconic casino game from, there are basic features you need to look out for.
Having played at and reviewed hundreds of online casinos over the years, our team knows a thing or two about spotting the best gaming sites.
We’ve assessed the mobile and PC user-friendliness, casino bonuses, game catalogues, and banking options of the best casinos that feature Free Bet Blackjack.
We also verified if our top picks have valid licenses, effective customer support, and airtight security.
Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned player, you won’t go wrong if you pick one of the following recommended real money casinos.
How to Play Free Bet Blackjack?
First off, players can sit back and relax, and Free Bet Blackjack is played with 8 decks and follows the same basic blackjack rules that have been used for centuries.
The objective is, of course, to get a hand whose value is higher than the dealer’s, but without going higher than 21.
However, as its name suggests, the game diverges from the usual setup, thanks to “Free Bets”.
As you’ll find with another Evolution Gaming title, Infinite Blackjack, Free Bet Blackjack allows an unlimited number of players to simultaneously sit at the table and enjoy the game at any time.
The 2 starting cards are the same for every player. Instead of conventionally dealing the cards by placing them face-down on the felt, the live dealer places them in a sliding pocket.
The cards then disappear and appear on the screen as computer-generated images. As the game progresses, each player can make their own decision to Hit, Double Down, Stand, or Split.
Free Bet Blackjack provides unlimited seats by allowing players to automatically place Free bets on selected Split and Double Down bets.
Free Double Downs are allowed on hard 11, 10, and 9. In this case, the game engine automatically doubles your bet and allows you to win more if you come out on top.
Free Splits are allowed on all pairs, except K, Q, J, and 10. In this case, the game engine automatically splits your hand to boost your winning chances.
Free Bet Blackjack also features a rule where, if the dealer busts with a 22, all players’ winning hands push. All players, therefore, receive their stakes without any winnings. The dealer is also mandated to stand on all 17s.
But that’s not all. Free Bet Blackjack also features the Six Hand Charlie rule, which allows players to win their hand if they get 6 cards without busting. If the dealer lands an Ace, there is also an insurance bet.
Another feature that makes Free Bet Blackjack popular is that of side bets, including the Hot3, 21 + 3, Any Pair and Bust It.
Free Bet Blackjack features & betting options
Free Bet Blackjack is streamed from an exclusive Evolution Gaming studio, where players receive a high-quality video feed and unparalleled gaming experience.
The studio features a stunning backdrop with the live dealer seated behind the dark red table.
Both male and female dealers host the game and chat with players in impeccable English to create a sense of community.
As we mentioned before, the dealer places cards into a sliding pocket, which then relays an image to each player’s display using optical recognition software.
Unfortunately, Free Bet Blackjack doesn’t provide multiple camera angles or slow-motion replays. You can, however, access previous game results and statistics using the game history button.
Most players appreciate that Free Bet Blackjack is available on a wide range of mobile devices.
With Free Bet Blackjack, the following payouts apply:
- Natural Blackjack – 3:2
- Six Charlie rule – 1:1
- Insurance – 2:1
- Winning Hand – 1:1
If you choose to participate in optional side bets, the payouts are as follows:
21 + 3 Side Bets
- Three of a Kind/ Same Suits – 100:1
- Straight Flush – 40:1
- Three of a Kind – 30:1
- Straight – 10:1
- Flush – 5:1
Any Pair Side Bet
- Pair Suited – 25:1
- Pair Unsuited – 8:1
Bust It Side Bet
- 8 or more cards – 250:1
- 7 cards – 100:1
- 6 cards – 50:1
- 5 cards – 9:1
- 4 cards – 2:1
- 3 cards – 1:1
Hot 3 Side Bet
- Total 21/ Three 7s – 100:1
- Total 21/Same Suit – 20:1
- Total 21 – 4:1
- Total 20 – 2:1
- Total 19 – 1:1
Free Bet Blackjack RTP, volatility, minimum stake & maximum stake
Free Bet Blackjack is quite a simple game to learn and master. Players also enjoy a relatively high return to player percentages.
The RTP for the main Free Bet Blackjack game is a modest 98.45%, which is much lower than the 99.28% RTP for the classic Evolution Gaming Live Blackjack.
The side bets, however, attract different RTPs as follows:
- 21 + 3 side bet – 96.3%
- Bust it – 94.12%
- Pairs side bet – 95.9%
- Hot 3 side bet – 94.6%
Overall, Free Bet Blackjack has a better RTP than Roulette but doesn’t fare too well against basic Live Blackjack.
To play Free Bet Blackjack, you can wager as little as $1. Players who’d like to spend more to win more can bet as much as $5000.
Free Bet Blackjack hints and tips
While Free Bet Blackjack is a relatively simple and high-RTP game, players can still polish up on their game strategies to boost their winning chances.
The general rule of thumb here is to go with the basic blackjack strategy. You can easily get cheat sheets to help you along the way.
Some experts even advise players to forego some free bets. Another school of thought, however, swears by following the basic strategy but accepting every free split and free double opportunity.
As long as you realize that whichever strategy you follow doesn’t guarantee a win, you’ll be fine.
Overall, good bankroll management and sharp, focused minds make or break players’ chances of raking in big bucks while playing Free Bet Blackjack.
Final Thoughts
Free Bet Blackjack follows in the line of Evolution Gaming’s exceptional live dealer blackjack titles. The game features numerous exciting innovations, including optional side bets.
For once, players don’t have to wait for an open seat at the table. The game allows an unlimited number of players to place their bets at the same time.
While it’s fun and easy to use the free bets, it’s not always the wise move to do so.
With betting limits that range from $1 to $5000, Free Bet Blackjack allows every type of player to enjoy themselves within their budget.
The lower RTP may, however, not suit players who’re out to maximize their winning potential. Free Bet Blackjack, instead, caters more to the needs of recreational players looking for a whole lot of fun.
