Pragmatic Play Blackjack

Launched in 2007, TopGame experienced success by serving a wide range of US
facing online casinos in the late 2000’s and early 2010’s.

Unfortunately, their software was associated with rogue operators that were
known for poor customer service and pay out issues. Several of the casinos they
served – including 1920s Casino, Rialto, Vegas Nights, and Rome Casino – are now
closed.

Rome Casino is especially notorious because they were caught offering certain
TopGame provided slots that had missing wild symbols. Rome failed to take the
slots off their site when it became an issue, and TopGame took heat for
developing faulty games.

TopGame also had other in house issues; namely their poor customer support
and software being prone to glitches.

Based on these problems, it’s little surprise that TopGame experienced
financial trouble in 2015. An investment group out of Malta purchased the failed company and renamed it
Pragmatic Play.

Besides the rebranding, Pragmatic Play has obtained licensing from the
Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) and was
nominated for awards by eGaming Review
in 2016 and 2017.

The company’s reputation has been fixed thanks to a change of ownership. But
what we’re interested in is finding out how their blackjack games stack up to
the rest of the industry.

That being said, let’s look at common elements in their games, along with
their selection and more on the company.

General Aspects of Pragmatic Play Blackjack

Only 3 Games

Pragmatic Play only offers three blackjack variations, which is on the lower
end when compared to other providers.

The games include multi-hand blackjack, double exposure, and royale
blackjack. Considering that one of these is just a multi-hand variant, it’s hard
to say that Pragmatic offers three different games.

We knew coming in that Pragmatic Play is known for its slots games first. But
it’d be nice to see them expand on the blackjack selection because these are the
same variants that TopGame offered.

Graphics

The graphics and detail in each table vary depending upon what game you
choose. Here’s a look at the variations between each game:

• Multi-Hand Blackjack – This is our least favorite variant in terms of
  looks because the table is so bland. Specifically, the wooden frame lacks
  detail, the blue felt takes up too much of the screen, and the colors are
  muted. The one thing we like about this version is how detailed the stacks
  of chips in the background look.
• Double Exposure – In contrast to multi-hand blackjack, double exposure’s
  background chips look dull and are poorly detailed. But the overall
  appearance is better because the wooden frame looks great and the green felt
  pops.
• Royale Blackjack – This table has a similar appearance to double
  exposure blackjack, meaning we like the royale version too. Our only
  complaint is that the wooden frame is less impressive.

Table Layout

Just like the graphics, the table layout varies depending upon what game you
pick. The main division comes between multi-hand blackjack, and double exposure
/ royale, which we’ll cover below:

• Multi-Hand Blackjack Layout – This table features three spaces on the
  table where you can make bets and play hands. Rather than having different
  chip denominations laid out, you use plus & minus buttons in the lower
  left-hand corner to change your wager. Hand actions are listed in the lower
  right-hand corner after you click Deal.
• Double Exposure & Royale Blackjack Layouts – Both of these games feature
  5 spaces on the table, but you can only use the one in the center to place
  bets and play. Chip denominations are laid out in the lower right-hand
  corner, and hand actions are in the lower-center potion of the screen.

Music

Pragmatic Play’s multi-hand blackjack features piano music that makes you
feel like you’re in an elegant casino. This isn’t to say that you’ll want to
listen to the tune, but it’s a nice option to have.

Neither double exposure nor royale blackjack offer music, and we’re not sure
why because they look like newer games.

All three games have a voice that announces the results of each hand. We
didn’t find the voices annoying during our short sessions, but we can see them
getting on one’s nerves after a while.

Minimum & Maximum Bets

Double exposure and royale blackjack both have $1 minimum bets and $100
maximum wagers. Chip denominations include: $1, $5, $10, $25, $50, and $100.

Multi-hand blackjack has a $1 minimum bet and $50 max wager. Chip
denominations include: $1, $5, $10, $25, and $50.

One thing we don’t like about multi-hand blackjack’s betting is how the chip
denominations are selected. As mentioned before, you use plus/minus buttons to
select chips.

Gameplay Options & Strategy Charts

The gameplay options are presented differently based on the game.

The double exposure and royale tables both offer a full-screen button in the
lower right-hand section, and a menu (gear) icon in the top right-hand area.

The menu includes options for:

• Changing game speed to slow, normal, and high.
• Turning sound effects on and off.
• Changing the dealer’s voice to male, female, and off.

Multi-hand blackjack offers options for game rules (I), sound, and menu in
the lower left-hand corner. The menu offers options for:

• Regular and turbo speed.
• The ability to turn the music and sound effects on and off.
• Turning the voice to male, female, or off.
• Looking at your game history.
• The I button lets you view the multi-hand blackjack rules.

You can also click Strategy buttons on all three games to pull up strategy
charts for each variant.

While you can find blackjack strategy charts all over the internet, we love
this feature because it gives you specific strategy for Pragmatic Play.
Furthermore, it’s really helpful because you can have your strategy chart and
game on the same screen.

Desktop, Instant Play & Mobile Platforms

TopGame was one of the slowest adopters in terms of instant play and mobile
formats. This meant that players were relegated to using download software
through PC.

But they eventually became compatible with instant play (PC & Mac) format and
mobile devices. That said, Pragmatic Play blackjack is now available on all
desktop and mobile products.

Return to Player RTP

One nice thing about Pragmatic is that they list RTP for their games on the
website. This is notable considering that TopGame didn’t list either the rules
or RTP for their games – making the true payback a mystery.

Here’s a look at RTP for all three variations:

• Double Exposure Blackjack = 99.69% RTP
• Multi-Hand Blackjack = 99.62%
• Royale Blackjack = 99.60%

Double exposure’s RTP rates good when compared to the industry average, while
multi-hand and royale blackjack are above-average.

Player Security

As covered before, Pragmatic Play is licensed by the MGA. As part of their
licensing agreement, their games must be integrated with player protection
software. Going further, their games are tested to ensure that they offer fair
play.

They also participate in the Gamblers Anonymous program to promote socially
responsible gaming. Pragmatic Play offers resources upon request for players who
may have a gaming addiction.

Gaming Labs Certification

The MGA requires that all of its licensees have their random number
generators (RNGs) tested by either eCOGRA, iTech Labs, Technical Systems
Testing, or Gaming Laboratories International (GLI).

GLI is one of the world’s premier testing facilities for fair gaming, so it
means something when casinos have GLI certification.

Furthermore, GLI approval helps Pragmatic Play move beyond the problems that
TopGame experienced with their faulty slots in 2009.

Pragmatic Play Blackjack Games

Multi-Hand Blackjack

Rules

The rules for Pragmatic’s multi-hand blackjack are standard for the industry,
and you can see them listed below:

• Natural blackjack (21 w/ first two cards) pays 3:2 on your bet.
• The dealer stands on a soft 17 (A6).
• You can double down after splitting.
• You can double down on any two cards.
• You can only split hands once
• The dealer peeks at their hole card for a blackjack if their up card is
  10 to A.
• No surrender.
• 8 decks are used.

Return to Player RTP

Pragmatic Play’s multi-hand blackjack has 99.62% RTP, which is above average
for the industry.

In comparison to most land-based blackjack games, this version offers the
following notable advantages: 3:2 blackjack payouts (instead of 6:5); dealing
standing on a soft 17; and double down after splitting.

Rules that increase the house edge include: not being able to re-split hands;
no re-splitting aces; and 8 decks.

How to Play

On the table, you’ll see three flashing spaces where you can place bets. This
differs from many multi-hand variations we’ve played, where you must place chips
in the center space first before activating the other hands.

You can put chips in 1-3 spaces, which represent how many hands you’ll be
playing. Chip denominations can be adjusted with the plus & minus buttons in the
lower left-hand corner.

As soon as you put chips down, you’ll see options for Deal and Clear Bets.
When you’re satisfied with your wager(s), click Deal to receive your cards and
see the dealer’s up card.

Based on the hand, you’ll have the following options: hit, stand, double
down, and split (w/ pairs).

When the round is over, a voice (if activated) announces whether you’ve won
or lost the hand(s), and you’re prompted to choose New Bet or Rebet. The latter
option sees you make the exact same wager(s) without having to deal with the
chips again.

If you have questions about the rules at any point, click the I button to see
the specifics of how this game works.

Strategy

What’s great about Pragmatic Play blackjack games is that you can access a
strategy chart at any given time. While we don’t like the format of the
multi-hand chart (player cards go horizontal), this is a helpful feature that’s
not offered through other providers.

Below is a look at Pragmatic’s recommended strategy to achieve multi-hand’s
top payback of 99.62%:

• Your total is 5 to 8: always hit.
• Your total is 9: double down when dealer’s up card is 3 to 6. Hit when
  their card is 2 and 7 to A.
• Your total is 10: double down when dealer’s up card is 2 to 9. Hit when
  their card is 10 to A.
• Your total is 11: double down when dealer’s up card is 2 to 10. Hit when
  their card is A.
• Your total is 12: hit when dealer’s up card is 2 to 3 and 7 to A. Stand
  when dealer’s card is 4 to 6.
• Your total is 13 to 16: hit when dealer’s up card is 2 and 7 to A. Stand
  when their card is 3 to 6.
• Your total is 17 to 21: always stand.
• Your cards are A2 or A3: hit when dealer’s up card is 2 to 4 and 7 to A.
  Double down when their card is 5 to 6.
• Your cards are A4 or A5: hit when dealer’s up card is 2 to 3 and 7 to A.
  Double down when their card is 4 to 6.
• Your cards are A6: hit when dealer’s up card is 2 and 7 to A. Double
  down when their card is 3 to 6.
• Your cards are A7: stand when dealer’s up card is 2 and 7 to 8. Double
  down when their card is 3 to 6. Hit when their card is 9 to A.
• Your cards are A8 to A10: always stand.
• You have a pair of 2’s or 3’s: split when dealer’s up card is 2 to 7.
  Hit when their card is 8 to A.
• You have a pair of 4’s: split when the dealer’s up card is 5 to 6. Hit
  when their card is 2 to 4 and 7 to A.
• You have a pair of 5’s: double down when dealer’s up card is 2 to 9. Hit
  when their card is 10 to A.
• You have a pair of 6’s: split when the dealer’s up card is 2 to 6. Hit
  when their card is 7 to A.
• You have a pair of 7’s: split when the dealer’s up card is 2 to 7. Hit
  when their card is 8 to A.
• You have a pair of 8’s: always split.
• You have a pair of 9’s: split when the dealer’s up card is 2 to 6; 8 to
  9; and A. Stand when their card is 7 and 10.
• You have a pair of 10’s: always stand.
• You have a pair of aces: always split.

Double Exposure Blackjack

Rules

Double exposure differs from other blackjack games in that both of the
dealer’s first two cards are exposed. Because of this, it’s a unique game with
much different strategy than other variations.

The one complaint we have is that, unlike the multi-hand version, this game
doesn’t have a rules screen. But we were able to discern most of the rules based
on what’s written on the table and our short session:

• Natural blackjack pays 1:1 on your bet.
• The dealer hits on a soft 17 (A6).
• You can double down after splitting.
• You can double down on any two cards.
• You can only split hands once.
• The dealer peeks at their hole card for a blackjack if their up card is
  10 to A.
• No surrender.
• 8 decks.

Return to Player

RTP for Pragmatic’s double exposure is 99.69%, which is good when compared to
other online blackjack games.

Given that you can see the dealer’s first two cards, double exposure offers a
decided advantage when compared to other blackjack games. This means unfavorable
rules must be included to keep the return from surpassing 100%.

The most-notable rule is 1:1 payouts on natural blackjacks. Most online
blackjack games offer 3:2 payouts, but switching to an even-money payout
increases the house edge by 2.27%.

While this sounds high, it’s needed to counteract the big advantage that you
get from seeing the dealer’s second card, which would normally be a hole card.

Another unfavorable rule is that the dealer hits on a soft 17, instead of
standing, which adds 0.21% to the house edge.

But even with these rules included, you still get a really good RTP at 99.69%

How to Play

This game plays largely like the multi-hand version that we covered earlier.
But the main differences include where the chip denominations are, and how you
see two dealer cards before making any decisions.

As for the chip denominations, they’re laid out in a row in the lower
right-hand corner. Each time you select one of the chips, you must then click
the center space to use it as part of your bet.

Regarding the dealer’s two visible cards, this doesn’t impact the game from a
rules standpoint. But it does play a big role in strategy.

Strategy

Again, Pragmatic Play lets you access strategy cards on the game screen.
Below you can see Pragmatic’s recommended strategy advice that’ll help you
achieve double exposure’s 99.69% RTP:

• Your total is 5 to 7: hit when dealer’s score is 4 to 13; 17 to 21; and
  AA to A6. Double down when their score is 14 to 16.
• Your total is 8: hit when dealer’s score is 4 to 11; 17 to 21; and AA to
  A6. Double down when their score is 12 to 16.
• Your total is 9: hit when dealer’s up card is 2; 7 to 11; 17 to 21; and
  AA to A6. Double down when their score is 5 to 6 and 12 to 16.
• Your total is 10: hit when dealer’s score is 9 to 11; 17 to 21; AA to
  A2; and A6. Double down when their score is 4 to 8; 12 to 16; and A3 to A5.
• Your total is 11: hit when dealer’s score is 10 to 11; 17 to 21; A2; and
  A6. Double down when their score is 4 to 9; 12 to 16; and A2 to A5.
• Your total is 12: stand when dealer’s score is 4 to 6; 12 to 16; and A3
  to A5. Hit when their score is 7 to 11; 17 to 21; AA to A2; and A6.
• Your total is 13: stand when dealer’s score is 4 to 6; 12 to 16; and AA
  to A5. Hit when their score is 7 to 11; 17 to 21; and A6.
• Your total is 14: stand when dealer’s score is 4 to 6; 11 to 16; and AA
  to A5. Hit when their score is 7 to 10; 17 to 21; and A6.
• Your total is 15: stand when dealer’s score is 4 to 6; 10 to 16; and AA
  to A5. Hit when their score is 7 to 9; 17 to 21; and A6.
• Your total is 16: stand when dealer’s score is 4 to 6; 8 to 16; and AA
  to A5. Hit when their score is 7; 17 to 21; and A6.
• Your total is 17: stand when dealer’s score is 4 to 16 and AA to A5. Hit
  when their score is 17 to 21 and A6.
• Your total is 18: stand when dealer’s score is 4 to 17 and AA to A6. Hit
  when their score is 18 to 21.
• Your total is 19: stand when dealer’s score is 4 to 18 and AA to A6. Hit
  when their score is 19 to 21.
• Your total is 20: stand when dealer’s score is 4 to 19 and AA to A6. Hit
  when their score is 20 to 21.
• Your total is 21: always stand.
• Your cards are A2: hit when dealer’s score is 2 to 11; 17 to 21; and AA
  to A6. Double down when their score is 12 to 16.
• Your cards are A3 or A4: hit when dealer’s score is 4 to 5; 7 to 11; 17
  to 21; and AA to A6. Double down when their score is 6 and 12 to 16.
• Your cards are A5 or A6: hit when dealer’s score is 4; 7 to 11; 17 to
  21; and AA to A6. Double down when their score is 5 to 6 and 12 to 16.
• Your cards are A7: hit when dealer’s score is 8 to 11; 18 to 21; and AA
  to A5. Stand when their score is 7, 17, and A6. Double down when their score
  is 4 to 6 and 12 to 16.
• Your cards are A8: stand when dealer’s score is 4 to 11; 17 to 18; and
  AA to A6. Hit when their score is 20 to 21. Double down when their score is
  12 to 16.
• Your cards are A9: stand when dealer’s score is 4 to 12; 17 to 19; and
  AA to A6. Hit when their score is 18 to 21. Double down when their score is
  13 to 16.
• Your cards are A10: always stand.
• You have a pair of 2’s or 3’s: split when dealer’s score is 4 to 6 and
  12 to 17. Hit when their score is 7 to 11; 18 to 21; and AA to A6.
• You have a pair of 4’s: split when dealer’s score is 6 and 12 to 16. Hit
  when their score is 4 to 5; 7 to 11; and 17 to 21.
• You have a pair of 5’s: double down when dealer’s score is 2 to 8; 12 to
  15; and A3 to A5. Split when their score is 16. Hit when their score is 9 to
  11; 17 to 21; AA to A2; and A6.
• You have a pair of 6’s: split when dealer’s score is 4 to 6 and 12 to
  17. Hit when their card is 7 to 11; 18 to 21; AA to A2; and A6. Stand when
  their score is A3 to A5.
• You have a pair of 7’s: split when dealer’s score is 4 to 6 and 12 to
  17. Hit when their score is 7 to 10; 18 to 21; and A6. Stand when their
  score is 11 and AA to A5.
• You have a pair of 8’s: split when dealer’s score is 4 to 8; 12 to 17;
  and A5 to A6. Hit when their score is 18 to 21. Stand when their score is 9
  to 11 and AA to A4.
• You have a pair of 9’s: split when dealer’s score is 4 to 6; 8; 12 to
  16; 18; and A4 to A5. Hit when their score is 19 to 21. Stand when their
  score is 7; 9 to 11; 17; AA to A2; and A6.
• You have a pair of 10’s: split when dealer’s up card is 13 to 16. Hit
  when their score is 20 to 21. Stand when their score is 4 to 12; 17 to 19;
  and AA to A6.
• You have a pair of aces: split when dealer’s up card is 4 to 10; 12 to
  16; and AA to A6. Hit when their score is 11 and 17 to 21.

Royale Blackjack

Rules

Just like double exposure, this game doesn’t list rules. We also couldn’t
find anything online that explained what the significance is of the word royale
in the title.

Nothing in the game description suggests that there’s anything unique about
this game either. The main difference we can see is that the felt and table look
slightly different than double exposure’s setup.

Here are the rules we figured out while playing:

• Natural blackjacks pay 3:2.
• The dealer stands on a soft 17.
• You can double down on any total.
• You can double down after splitting.
• You can only split hands once.
• Dealer peeks for blackjack.
• No surrender.
• 8 decks.

Return to Player

RTP for royale blackjack is 99.60%, which is the lowest among Pragmatic
Play’s variations. But this game still pays better than most blackjack
variations in the industry.

Many of this game’s rules favor the player, including 3:2 blackjack payouts,
the dealer standing on a soft 17, doubling down after splitting, and doubling
down on any total.

The main rules that go against the player include only being able to split
hands once and 8 decks. Despite these unfavorable rules, royale blackjack still
pays well.

How to Play

Royale blackjack plays like double exposure and multi-hand blackjack. The
main difference is that you can’t see the dealer’s second card (double
exposure), nor can you play multiple hands on a single turn.

Strategy

Below is the advice that Pragmatic Play recommends on their royale blackjack
strategy card:

• Your total is 4 to 8: always hit.
• Your total is 9: double down when deealer’s up card is 2 to 6. Hit when
  their card is 2 and 7 to A.
• Your total is 10: double down when dealer’s up card is 2 to 9. Hit when
  their card is 10 to A.
• Your total is 11: double down when dealer’s up card is 2 to 10. Hit when
  their card is A.
• Your total is 12: hit when the dealer’s up card is 2 to 3 and 7 to A.
  Stand when dealer’s card is 4 to 6.
• Your total is 13 to 16: hit when dealer’s up card is 2 and 7 to A. Stand
  when their card is 3 to 6.
• Your total is 17 to 21: always stand.
• Your cards are A2 or A3: hit when dealer’s up card is 2 to 4 and 7 to A.
  Double down when their card is 5 to 6.
• Your cards are A4 or A5: hit when dealer’s up card is 2 to 3 and 7 to A.
  Double down when their card is 4 to 6.
• Your cards are A6: hit when dealer’s up card is 2 and 7 to A. Double
  down when their card is 3 to 6.
• Your cards are A7: stand when dealer’s up card is 2 and 7 to 8. Double
  down when their card is 3 to 6. Hit when their card is 9 to A.
• Your cards are A8+: always stand.
• You have a pair of 2’s or 3’s: split when dealer’s up card is 2 to 7.
  Hit when their card is 8 to A.
• You have a pair of 4’s: split when the dealer’s up card is 5 to 6. Hit
  when their card is 2 to 4 and 7 to A.
• You have a pair of 5’s: Hit when the dealer’s up card is 10 to A. Double
  down when their card is 2 to 9.
• You have a pair of 6’s: split when the dealer’s up card is 2 to 6. Hit
  when their card is 7 to A.
• You have a pair of 7’s: split when the dealer’s up card is 2 to 7. Hit
  when their card is 8 to A.
• You have a pair of 8’s: always split.
• You have a pair of 9’s: split when the dealer’s up card is 2 to 6 and 8
  to 9. Stand when their card is 7 and 10 to A.
• You have a pair of 10’s: always stand.
• You have a pair of aces: always split.

Where is Pragmatic Play Blackjack Found?

The new owners of Pragmatic Play have transformed the company from when it
was a scandal-plagued operation under TopGame. Furthermore, they’ve entered
regulated markets thanks to their MGA licensing.

Pragmatic blackjack is available at dozens of casinos, some of which include:
7Reels Casino, AC Casino, Betadonis, Boss Casino, Casino 440, Diamond VIP
Casino, GrandLuxeVIP, InterCasino, Interwetten Casino, Kings Chance, Llama
Casino, Luckystar.io, Slots Village, Slots Million, Spartan Slots, Thebes
Casino, Vbet Casino, and Winward Casino.

Other Pragmatic Play Games & Services

Just like TopGame before them, Pragmatic Play is known for their online
slots, offering over 100 games in this category. Pragmatic’s slots feature 3D
graphics, fun bonuses, and unique themes.

Some of these games include: 3 Genie Wishes, Aladdin’s Treasure, Beowulf,
Dragon King, Dwarven Gold Deluxe, Graveyard Shift, Great Reef, Hercules: Son of
Zeus, Irish Charms, Journey to the West, Mighty Kong, Panther Queen, Queen of
Atlantis, Reel Gangsters, and Transylvania.

B2B

Pragmatic Play is a B2B gaming provider that doesn’t operate or have any
control over online casinos.

But their website states that they still encourage responsible gaming from
any company who uses their products, and they work hard to avoid any
gaming-related issues.

User Protection

As we covered before, TopGame undergoes lab testing, promotes Gamblers
Anonymous, and meets licenser software standards to ensure that players are
protected and set up for socially responsible gaming.

Conclusion

While TopGame is a disgraced software company that’s gone from the gaming
scene, Pragmatic Play has proven to be the opposite in their short existence.

Not only are they licensed in the respected Malta jurisdiction, but they’re
also upfront with RTPs and provide socially responsible gaming services.

As for their blackjack, you’ll only be able to play standard versions of
single hand (royale) and multi hand blackjack, along with double exposure. This
isn’t the worst variety we’ve seen, but it’d be nicer to see five variations or
more.

Another complaint we have is that the multi hand game offers a rules section,
but double exposure and royale don’t. While numerous online blackjack games are
without rule sheets, we don’t understand why Pragmatic only added them to the
multi hand version.

Beyond the lack of variety and missing rules, we have good things to say
about Pragmatic Play’s blackjack.

Their blackjack RTP – ranging from 99.60% to 99.69% – is at the upper end of
the industry. Double exposure blackjack is especially worth playing because it
offers 99.69% payback.

One truly unique aspect of Pragmatic Play is that they offer strategy charts
within their games. This not only saves you time, but also allows you to use
specific strategy for Pragmatic’s variants.

Based on the high RTP, strategy charts, and licensing, we fully recommend
Pragmatic Play blackjack.