Hearts Blackjack is one of three games from Playtech’s Studio 21, which focuses on delivering authentic, immersive live dealer games. Our Hearts Blackjack review gives you a thorough summary of the game and explains what it has to offer in detail. It is a standard version of blackjack that takes place in a bespoke TV studio. Playtech, which has been around since 1999, has been steadily building its portfolio of live dealer games in recent years.
Below you will find Gambling Zone’s list of the best online blackjack sites in the UK where you can play Hearts Blackjack.
Blackjack is a card-comparing game where you and the dealer compete to see who can get the closest to 21. Hearts Blackjack, like other live dealer games, has you play against a real-life dealer. There can be lots of other players, but they do not affect your gameplay in any way; it is always just you versus the dealer.
The game starts with a betting round. During this, you will place your main wager and any optional side bets (we will provide more information on these later on). Then the game starts. You and all other players receive two cards face-up, while the dealer receives one card face-up, the other face-down.
You get to deal with your hand first, and there are several options available. These include hitting (taking an extra card), standing (taking no more cards and ending your turn) and doubling up (doubling your bet then hitting and standing).
Once you are done, the dealer acts on their hand, though they have to follow specific rules. When the dealer has finished, whoever is the closest to 21 wins. Note that face cards are all worth 10 and the A can be worth 1 or 11. If anyone goes over 21 at any time, they lose.
When playing Hearts Blackjack, you can bet with a range of amounts from £5 to £5,000. The minimum bet size is quite high, so the game is not the best choice for budget players. It is, however, suitable for those who have a large bankroll and do not mind placing large wagers. The most you can win is 270x your bet, which is possible if you win one of the side bets.
Playtech has created quite a few live dealer games in recent years. Here are summaries of some of the provider’s live blackjack games. See how these compare to Hearts Blackjack and give them a go if you find them appealing.
This live dealer blackjack game does not have a limit on how many players can take part at any time. Also, each player can have up to five hands at once, giving them plenty of chances to try strategies and beat the dealer to 21.
This is similar to Unlimited Blackjack, except it only displays the cards you have played, making it look like you are the only person taking part. The game also has two extra side bets: Busted (pays if the dealer goes bust) and Top 3 (pays depending on your first two cards and the dealer’s face-up card).
In this live blackjack game, random cards receive a multiplier. If you win and your hand includes a card with a multiplier, it will apply to your payout.
While Hearts Blackjack sticks to the standard blackjack rules, it has a number of optional side bets you can place. Each of these gives you an extra chance to win a payout, though as always there is a risk that the bet will not pay out. The game also has a few special features that can enhance the gameplay.
There are three side bets available in Hearts Blackjack: 21+3, Top 3 and Pairs. The 21+3 bet pays if your first two cards and the dealer’s face-up card form a winning poker hand. As for Top 3, this is an extension of the 21+3 bet and it only pays if you get one of the three highest-ranking poker hands. The Pairs bet is self-explanatory: it pays if your first two cards are of the same value.
This is an option that lets you join a table and bet on the performance of one or more other players. Essentially, you are betting on whether a player wins or loses.
If there are a small number of players at the table, you can use the Deal Now feature. This is a request that the betting round end earlier than usual.
This is a feature that lets you occupy more than one seat during a game. You can therefore have more than one hand to bet on.
Hearts Blackjack is a typical blackjack game that uses the basic rules of the game. The payouts are therefore what you would expect them to be. In the table below, you will see the payouts for both the main bets and the optional side bets.
Main Bets |
Payout |
Winning Hand |
1:1 |
Insurance |
2:1 |
Blackjack |
3:2 |
21+3 Side Bet |
Payout |
Suited Three of a Kind |
100:1 |
Straight Flush |
40:1 |
Three of a Kind |
30:1 |
Straight |
10:1 |
Flush |
5:1 |
Pairs Side Bet |
Payout |
Red/Black Pair |
6:1 |
Coloured Pair |
12:1 |
Perfect Pairs |
25:1 |
Top 3 Side Bet |
Payout |
Suited Three of a Kind |
270:1 |
Straight Flush |
180:1 |
Three of a Kind |
90:1 |
Takes place in a state-of-the-art studio.
Several optional side bets you can place.
Option to sit at more than one seat.
Able to bet on another player’s performance.
Hearts Blackjack is an excellent addition to Playtech’s already impressive collection of games. It offers players an engaging and immersive gaming experience, with the game taking place in a smart, eye-catching studio and using top-of-the-range software and equipment. In short, Hearts Blackjack does an excellent job of bringing real-life blackjack to online casinos. It follows the game’s standard rules while offering several side bets and special features. You can play the game with bets ranging from £5 to £5,000. Since it has an RTP of 99.46%, you should not lose too much money over long-term play.
Rating: 9
Below are a few common questions about the Hearts Blackjack game.