Softswiss Blackjack Software and Casino Sites

Founded in 2008 and headquartered in Curacao,
Softswiss got their start developing
online auction software. But they’ve since made a smooth transition to the
online gaming world; now supplying software to multiple casinos.

This is an impressive feat given that Softswiss is competing against giants
who’ve been in the iGaming industry far longer.

They’ve carved out a niche by focusing on modern technology, innovation, and
flexibility in service. Softswiss is also one of the pioneers in developing
gaming solutions for Bitcoin casinos.

That being said, they’re a great choice if you appreciate both Bitcoin and
blackjack.

Speaking of the latter, let’s cover more on what Software blackjack offers in
terms of graphics, table layouts, and games. We’ll also cover more on the
company and where you can find their blackjack variations.

General Aspects of Softswiss Blackjack

Small Selection with Multi-Hand Variations

Softswiss offers five different blackjack games, two of which are the
multi-hand variety.

While multi-hand blackjack variants are popular, we don’t consider them truly
separate games. For this reason, we say that Softswiss has a small selection of
games.

The difference between the standard and multi-hand version is that the latter
sees you play 1 to 3 hands per turn. Considering that it takes almost as long to
make your bets for three hands as it does to play one, many players will have
just as much fun playing single-hand blackjack.

Graphics

The Softswiss blackjack graphics vary depending upon where you’re looking on
the table.

The best part is the wood edge of the table and its steel cup-holders, both
of which recreate the brick-and-mortar casino feeling.

We also like the stacks of chips at the back of the table since they offer
solid detail, including reflections from the chip stacks.

The felt is too muted and takes away from the excitement of playing. The
graphics on the card shoe and background curtain could also be improved.

Overall, Softswiss blackjack looks average and neither adds nor takes
anything away from the experience.

Table Layout

This blackjack software looks different from most products that we’ve
reviewed, starting with the table view.

Rather than giving you an overhead view, Softswiss’ games put you closer to
the table surface.

We don’t like this vantage point because it feels like you’re looking at a
sea of green felt. If Softswiss was going for a realistic vantage point, this
doesn’t cut it because the view feels like your face is close to table level.

Another difference is that the chips are hovering above the bottom of the
screen. Most blackjack games place chips on the right side of the table.

Chip denominations include: $1, $5, $10, $25, and $100.

You’ll also see a placard in the back that shows the minimum bet is $1 and
the max wager is $100.

Music

Before you start playing a Softswiss blackjack game, you’ll be asked if you
want to listen to music.

The music isn’t our first choice because it’s something that would play in an
elevator. But it’s worth listening to in the beginning since you can easily turn
it off if with the speaker icon.

Gameplay Options

In the upper right-hand corner, you’ll see options for maximizing the screen,
hand stats, turning music on/off, and a menu for further options. Here are
additional notes on these options:

• The hand stats drop-down menu lets you see results from recent hands,
  and set how many cards are dealt before the deck is cut.
• The menu for further options lets you control music and sound effects
  with sliding bars, and look at all of the rules.

Instant Play & Mobile Platforms

Softswiss blackjack is available at online casinos that offer mobile
compatibility and instant play (PC & Mac).

Return to Player RTP

The biggest downside to Softswiss blackjack variants is that they don’t offer
high RTP when compared to other online providers.

The best-paying games are (American) blackjack and multi-hand blackjack,
which both offer 99.44% RTP. The worst-paying is European blackjack, which
delivers 99.33% RTP.

Considering that the industry average is 99.5%, you won’t get any value when
playing Softswiss products.

Software Security

Softswiss’ website claims that they employ experts who are deeply focused on
security to provide a strong protection system.

They also feature fraud prevention options that casinos can use to protect
their customers’ information.

iTech Labs Certification

The Softswiss software has been verified by iTech Labs to ensure that the
random number generator (RNG) offers fair and totally random results.

Based in Australia, iTech Labs is one of the industry leaders with regard to
software certification. They’re also one of the labs that the Malta Gaming
Authority approves for RNG testing.

Online casinos that use Softswiss products can also apply for licensing in
Alderney, Gibraltar, and the Isle of Man.

Softswiss Blackjack Games

As mentioned before, Softswiss doesn’t have a robust lineup of blackjack
games. Their offerings include standard blackjack, multi-hand blackjack,
Multi-Hand Blackjack Pro, blackjack surrender, and double exposure.

Let’s take a closer look at each of these games with regard to their rules,
RTP, how to play, and strategy. Also note that some of what we cover with the
standard game applies to the other versions, so we’ll avoid rehashing this info.

Standard Blackjack

Rules

Softswiss doesn’t designate this version with a special name. But the rules
are similar to the blackjack games you’ll find in North American casinos.

Below you can see the main rules for Softswiss’ standard game:

• 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 only double down on totals of 9 to 11.
• 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.
• 6 decks are used.

Return to Player RTP

RTP for Softswiss’ standard blackjack is 99.44%. This is tied with the
standard multi-hand variant for top blackjack RTP among the Softswiss variants.

Earlier, we covered how this is below the industry average for online
blackjack payback. But 99.44% is still better than what you’ll find in American
brick-and-mortar casinos.

Most land-based casinos only pay 3:2 on blackjacks, and let the dealer hit on
a soft 17. These two rules combine to increase the house edge by 1.59%.

But when compared strictly to online games, Softswiss’ blackjack is stingy on
double down totals and how many times you can split hands. It also uses 6 decks,
which pushes the house advantage up 0.56% in comparison to the single deck
version.

How to Play

Each round begins with you selecting a chip denomination(s) as your bet.
Every chip you choose floats from its hovering position onto the table.

If you wish to remove the chips, click your stack and the X button that shows
up beside it. The size of your current wager is listed in the lower right-hand
corner under Total Bet.

When you’re satisfied with your bet, click Deal to receive your first two
cards.

Depending upon your cards, you now have the following options: hit, stand,
double down, split, and surrender. Note that the latter option only comes into
play in blackjack surrender.

Once the hand is finished, you can either click Rebet to use the exact same
wager, or New Bets to choose a new chip denomination(s).

As discussed in the options section earlier, you can click the menu and look
at the rules for specifics on each game.

Strategy

We haven’t found any strategy charts online that specifically address
Softswiss. That said, the following shows strategy for a standard blackjack game
where you can only double down on 9 to 11:

• Your total is 4 to 8: always hit.
• Your total is 9: double down when dealer’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 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 their card is 7 to A. Stand when their
  card is 2 to 6.
• Your total is 17+: always stand.
• Your cards are A2 to A6: always hit since double down isn’t available
  for these totals.
• Your cards are A7: stand when dealer’s up card is 2 to 8. 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 4 to 7.
  Hit when their card is 2 to 3 and 8 to A.
• You have a pair of 4’s: always hit.
• 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 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.

Multi-Hand Blackjack

Rules

The rules from standard blackjack apply to this multi-hand version. The only
difference is that multi-hand lets you play up to 3 hands per turn.

It also means that multi-hand blackjack plays differently, which we’ll
address later.

Return to Player

The standard multi-hand variation offers the same 99.44% RTP as the standard
single-hand game.

This makes multi-hand blackjack a desirable variation when focusing
specifically on Softswiss products. But again, 99.44% RTP is nothing special in
online gaming.

How to Play

The general rules for multi-hand blackjack are the same as what’s featured in
the standard game. But given that you can play multiple hands, it’s worth
discussing how this differs from the single-hand version.

You start playing a hand just like you would with any other Softswiss
blackjack game, placing a chip(s) in the center circle.

After doing this, you can click on the left and/or right circle to make
another bet. When the desired space is highlighted, click one or more of your
chips to place another wager.

If you want to play all three hands in a turn, make sure that each space has
a chip in it. When you’re satisfied with the number of bets, click Deal to
receive cards for one or more of your hands.

Once the round is finished, you can either click Rebet to play the exact same
wagers and number of hands, or choose New Bets to start over.

Strategy

Strategy for the multi-hand game is the same as the standard version, no
matter how many hands you play.

But the one thing we suggest is that you take it easy with the number of
hands you play per turn.

Multi-hand blackjack doesn’t give you an advantage over the house – it just
exposes you more to the house advantage.

We’re not saying that you should never take advantage of the chance to play
2-3 hands per turn. After all, having more action in a round is fun, and you can
play all three hands for $3.

But if you’re worried about bankroll management – which you should be – don’t
get carried away with this and play three hands on every single turn.

Multi-Hand Blackjack Pro

Rules

The big difference between Multi-Hand Blackjack Pro and the standard
multi-hand game is that you can place bonus bets on your first two cards.

This game also has some small rule differences, including how many decks are
used, and not being able to double down after splitting.

Here are the main rules for Blackjack Pro:

• Natural blackjacks pay 3:2.
• The dealer stands on a soft 17.
• No doubling down after splitting.
• You can only double down on 9 to 11.
• You can only split hands once.
• Dealer doesn’t peek for blackjack.
• No surrender.
• 4 decks are used.

Return to Player

RTP for Multi-Hand Blackjack Pro is 99.38%, which is tied with blackjack
surrender for Softswiss’ second lowest-paying variation.

On a high note, 4 decks is the lowest amount used in any of Softswiss’
blackjack games. The house edge decreases 0.06% when moving from 6 decks to 4.

But what drives up the house advantage is that you can’t double down after
splitting.

How to Play & Making Bonus Bets

The process of playing Multi-Hand Blackjack Pro is relatively the same as the
standard multi-hand game. But the key difference involves the aforementioned
bonus bets.

To make a bonus wager, you must first place a regular bet in the center
circle. Once this is done, you’ll be able to click the bonus circle and place a
chip(s) in it.

Another thing you can do after placing the first regular wager is bet on more
hands. To do so, click the left and/or right circles to place your bet(s).

Any additional wager you make allows you to place a corresponding bonus bet.
Remember that each bonus wager must be equal or less than the regular bet.

In total, you can play up to three hands and three bonus wagers in a single
round.

Bonus Bet Paytable

• 2 jacks of spades = 100x your bonus bet.
• Pair of jacks (any suit) = 25x bonus bet.
• First dealt card is jack = 10x bonus bet.
• Any other combination = losing bonus bet.

Strategy

The only strategy difference that you’ll encounter with Multi-Hand Blackjack
Pro versus the standard version is whether that you make a bonus wager.

With the 25 / 50 / 100 pay table, this bet carries a 4.93% house edge.

Given that the Multi-Hand Blackjack Pro house advantage is 0.62% when perfect
strategy is used, bonus bets are a bad proposition. Anybody who’s purely focused
on winning money will skip this side wager.

But if you want to make a dollar bonus bet every now and then to spice up
play, then this is good from an entertainment perspective.

Double Exposure Blackjack

Rules

A common element in blackjack is that you can only see the dealer’s up card,
while their hole card remains face-down until your hand is complete.

But double exposure differs greatly because both dealer cards are exposed.

This is a huge advantage because you have more information to base decisions
on. But the downside is that several other rules are modified in the house’s
favor.

Below you can see notable rules from Softswiss’ double exposure blackjack.

• Natural blackjacks pay 1:1.
• Dealer stands on a soft 17.
• Dealer wins all ties, with the exception of a natural blackjack.
• You can only double down on 9 to 11.
• You can split once.
• No surrender.
• 8 decks are used.

Return to Player

RTP for Softswiss’ double exposure blackjack is 99.31%, which is their
worst-paying blackjack variation.

We’re not surprised by the relatively low RTP because double exposure is
never a high-paying game to begin with. Even still, this remains a game that’s
purely for enjoyment, rather than for serious players who want to win.

How to Play

This game plays just like any other Softswiss blackjack variation that’s
currently available. The only exception is that the dealer gets two face-up
cards instead of one.

While this doesn’t impact the process of playing double exposure blackjack,
it does make for some interesting strategy, which we’ll cover next.

Strategy

The ability to see both dealer cards means double exposure strategy is
different from the average blackjack game. It’s also more extensive because the
dealer has a larger range of score totals to account for.

Below you can see what you do in each situation in double exposure blackjack:

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

Blackjack Surrender

Rules

Blackjack surrender is similar to other Softswiss blackjack games, with the
main exceptions occurring with the surrender rule and number of decks. Here’s a
look at the main rules for blackjack surrender:

• Natural blackjacks pay 2:1.
• Dealer stands on a soft 17.
• You can only double down on 9 to 11.
• You can split once.
• Late Surrender is allowed.
• 8 decks.

Return to Player RTP

RTP for blackjack surrender is 99.38%, which is average for a Softswiss game.

This variation’s rules are similar to the standard versions. But notable
exceptions include the surrender rule and 8 decks being used.

Going from 6 to 8 decks increases the house edge by 0.03%. But the late
surrender option – where the dealer receives their up card and hole card first –
lowers the house advantage by 0.1%.

How to Play

If you’ve played other Softswiss games, then blackjack surrender won’t
require a significant adjustment.

The notable difference is that you’ll be given the option to surrender after
your first two cards and the dealer’s up card are dealt.

When you surrender, you give up half your bet. But can also get out of
unfavorable situations.

Strategy

The ability to surrender hands adds some nuances to standard blackjack
strategy. Below you can see what moves you should make based on your hand and
the dealer’s up card:

• Your total is 4 to 8: always hit.
• Your total is 9: hit when dealer’s up card is 2 and 7 to A. Double down
  when their card is 3 to 6.
• Your total is 10: hit when dealer’s up card is 10 to A. Double down when
  their card is 2 to 9.
• 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: stand when dealer’s up card is 4 to 6. Hit when
  dealer’s up card is 2 to 3 and 7 to A.
• Your total is 13 to 14: stand when dealer’s up card is 2 to 6. Hit when
  their card is 7 to A.
• Your total is 15: stand when dealer’s up card is 2 to 6. Hit when their
  card is 7 to 9 and A. Surrender when their card is 10.
• Your total is 16: stand when dealer’s up card is 2 to 6. Hit when their
  card is 7 to 8. Surrender when their card is 9 to A.
• Your total is 17+: always stand.
• Your cards are A2 to A6: always hit since double down isn’t available
  for these totals.
• Your cards are A7: stand when dealer’s up card is 2 to 8. 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 4 to 7.
  Hit when their card is 8 to A.
• You have a pair of 4’s: hit when dealer’s up card is 2 to 4 and 7 to A.
  Split when their card is 5 to 6.
• 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 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 Softswiss Blackjack Found?

Softswiss blackjack is found at over two dozen casinos, most of which are
licensed in either Curacao or Costa Rica.

As mentioned earlier, Softswiss is one of the first casinos to focus on
serving the Bitcoin market. That said, their software is found at a number of
Bitcoin-themed casinos like BitStarz, BetChain, Bitcoin Penguin, and Casino
Bitcoin.com.

TThey’re also found in other casinos that aren’t so obvious about their
Bitcoin affiliation, including Das Ist, Golden Star, LimoPlay, Loki, Megawins,
and Zig Zag 777.

Other Softswiss Games & Services

In 2012, Softswiss began transitioning away from their online auction
software business and into iGaming. This same time period saw them become one of
the pioneers in Bitcoin gaming, developing slots for sites that accept this
cryptocurrency.

Softswiss doesn’t have the largest selection of online slots, but they do
have notable 3D games. Some of their slots include: Aztec Magic, Book of
Pyramids, Brave Viking, Dominators, Fantasy Park, Lucky Sweets, Platinum
Lightning, Princess Royal, and West Town.

Software Packages

Softswiss has a heavy B2B focus, which includes developing software packages
for new casino companies.

Their software uses the Ruby on Rails web application framework, which, much like Bitcoin operates
through open source and is maintained by the web community.

TTheir software packages not only include games from Softswiss, but also a
number of other well-known providers like Amatic, Betsoft, Booming Games, EGT,
Endorphina, Evolution Gaming, GameArt, Habanero, iSoftBet, Mr. Slotty, NetEnt,
NYX, Pragmatic Play, and Zugi.

Customer Service & Player Retention

Casinos can outsource their customer service to Softswiss, which offers
support in English, German, and Russian.

Their support is available via live cat and email, and they handle everything
from software bugs to payment questions.

Conclusion

The biggest downside to Softswiss blackjack is low RTP. With games ranging
from 99.44% to 99.31%, Softswiss doesn’t give you as good of a chance to win as
many other online providers.

But if you can look past this, their games are decent.

Multi-Hand Blackjack Pro is fun because it gives you the option to make a
bonus bet. The house edge is 4.93% on this wager, but it offers you something
different than the usual drill of playing blackjack hands.

Blackjack surrender is also worth trying if you haven’t played online
blackjack with the surrender option.

The graphics and table layout don’t impress us. But we do like how Softswiss
gives you in-play options that allow you to customize your blackjack experience.

We also like the reputability behind Softswiss because their RNG is certified
by iTech Labs.

In summary, Softswiss has an equal number of good and bad qualities, making
them an average blackjack provider.