In a world of live dealer games, does RNG blackjack still have its place?

It's no secret that the invention of live dealer gaming has taken the online casino world by storm. Online slots are still streaking ahead, but in terms of competitors, live casino games are the only category that stands a chance of catching up.

RNG table games long lingered behind slots, perhaps for the simple fact that a good grasp of the rules was necessary to really enjoy them. However, since the live dealer switch, many prominent companies have been investing in RNG table games once more. Let’s take a look at online blackjack as an example and see how the live dealer experience currently stands up to the RNG version.

Innovations in RNG Blackjack

If RNG games are to keep up with their live dealer counterparts, then innovation is the only way. Already, enhanced graphics and more immersive user interfaces are making the RNG option more appealing. The earliest incarnations of RNG blackjack had graphics reminiscent of Microsoft Solitaire - without the option to change the pattern on the back of the deck!

Nowadays, it goes without saying that graphics are better, but further options such as virtual and augmented reality are bringing RNG gaming to life. Online casinos are now starting to offer personalized suggestions to players, through the use of AI. If it appears that someone is playing particularly quickly, for example, they might receive a suggestion to try out a game of Multihand.

Further Gamification

Gamification is an interesting topic, particularly when discussing games already. All aspects of the online gaming industry want to increase the ways that players can compete with each other, but RNG games are taking it the furthest. Leaderboards, badges, rewards, and achievements are all elements that these games have added to them. These drive players to engage more often with the games, to bump up their rankings and achieve success. Live dealer games include some of these gamification ideas too, but to a much lesser extent overall.

Social Elements

It might be tempting to assume that live dealer blackjack wins the social debate, but thanks to new technologies, it’s easier than ever to make RNG blackjack a social affair. Live dealer games almost all have a chat box function and none of them use your microphone for you to chat. While most RNG blackjack games don’t yet have a chat box function, it could be integrated in exactly the way it is in live dealer titles. The multiplayer option is also a possibility for RNG games, allowing those who prefer the RNG format to enjoy the same social elements as live dealer fans.

Player Preferences

As it stands, one of the biggest contributing factors to the rise of live dealer blackjack is what players want. Player preferences determine which games get investment and which don’t. It’s so far become clear that players want a table game experience that’s as close to a real casino as possible. In this sense, RNG blackjack simply can’t compete with live dealer games.

However, some players like the low-pressure environment of RNG blackjack, as well as the ability to play quickly, without distraction. It’s convenient too, always being available on mobile devices and never lagging, even with an unstable internet connection. This convenience and speed make it ideal for those five-minute gaming sessions - and of those, there are many. Few of us can carve out half an hour or longer to enjoy a proper session of live dealer blackjack, so having the option of a truly quick play version is a helpful one.

The Big One, Budget

The final consideration in terms of player preferences is a big one, the budget. Live dealer games tend to be the most expensive games per bet of any game available at online casinos. Many of them have a minimum bet of at least $2, sometimes $5 and more. For high rollers, this isn’t a consideration, but for those who prefer to game on a budget, RNG blackjack stands out as the obvious choice.

RNG blackjack games sometimes have bet options starting as little as a few cents. This, compared with the relatively fast gameplay, means you can play dozens of rounds and be well under budget, in both time and money.

Bonuses

While slot games are king when it comes to bonuses, there are many that you can use on RNG table games too. However, the number of bonuses that are available for use on live dealer games is vanishingly small. Being able to use a bonus on a game and have it count toward the wagering requirement is a big consideration for many gamers. For keen live dealer fans, it might not be enough to dissuade them from their usual choice, but for those players who are on the fence, it could sway them towards the RNG experience.