Pontoon Review – Top-Rated Playtech Blackjack
This Pontoon review shows a blackjack variation developed by Playtech with just a few substantial differences from the classic blackjack. To play it online, you need to know its rules and the best places that offer it. If you are on the hunt for blackjack with a slightly different type of gameplay and winning odds, try the game below.
| ♠️ Full Name | Pontoon |
| 💻 Software | Playtech |
| 💸 RTP | 99.64% |
| ♥️ Blackjack Pays | 3:2 |
| 🤵 Live Dealers | No |
| ⬇️ Min Bet | £0.01 |
| ⬆️ Max Bet | £1250 |
| 🔄 Best Alternative | Blackjack Switch |
| 🏆 Best Casino | Ladbrokes |
| 🎁 Best Bonus | Bet £10, Get £30 Welcome Bonus |
| 💳 Recc. Payments | |
| Launched on | 15/10/2016 |
Use the page content structure above to get a glimpse of the four key topics we will discuss in this Pontoon review. Each section can take you straight to the desired information. Learn the ground rules, explore the strategy card or play for free, it’s all a click away.
Right at the end, with our final verdict, we’ll tell you where to find the best online casino bonuses for playing Pontoon, plus a few other blackjack game variations with a lot to offer. For a great selection of casinos, you can see our guide about the UK’s best blackjack sites.
The Pontoon Online Blackjack Overview
Playtech released its Pontoon online version in the distant 2016, and it quickly became popular among online blackjack fans. The Pontoon RTP is 99.64% which is relatively higher than other popular blackjack variations. It uses eight decks, while the betting range goes from a minimum of £0.01 to a maximum of £1250.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Pontoon
Every game has its advantages and disadvantages, but the truth is that players nowadays have become pickier when it comes to where they spend their money. This applies with full force, especially for table games where a lot of betting possibilities are possible. Here are the pros and cons of the Playtech Pontoon blackjack online that could sway our opinion about the game positively or negatively.
- Wide Betting Range
- High RTP Rate
- Eight Playing Decks
- No Insurance
- No Surender
- No Side Bets
The trick is to find the game with the most features you like to use because we all know that modern blackjack games come with various in-game options. We can tell that Playtech Pontoon online has a lot to offer to those who like classic blackjack. Still, the disadvantages might turn off some players, but overall, we can say that the current version is quite decent.
How to Play Pontoon Online
- Choose a safe and reputable online casino.
- Check if there is an available Pontoon demo play.
- Get familiar with the rules of Pontoon.
- Explore the game`s in-game features.
- Make sure you sign up if there is a blackjack bonus.
Game Rules, Bets & Features
| RTP | 99.64%. |
|---|---|
| Blackjack Pays | 3 to 2 |
| Number of Decks | 8 |
| Dealer Rule | hit on soft and stand on hard 17 |
| Dealer Peek | yes |
| Insurance | no |
| Surrender | no |
| Split | yes |
| Re-split | up to 3 hands |
| Double | yes |
| Double After Split | yes |
| Hit Split Aces | yes |
| Side Bets | no |
| Multihand | yes |
Pontoon is a variation of the classic blackjack game, with its main rule focusing on getting a hand as close to 21 without going over, but here come the differences. The dealer’s first two cards are placed facing down on the table, and he is allowed a peek as opposed to you.
The game is played with 8 card decks, and you can place up to five different bets. The classic 21 blackjack can be beaten by only two card situations here. The first one is getting a Pontoon – an ace and a 10-valued card combination or a 5 Card Charlie, meaning that holding any five cards without busting will make you a winner too.
The dealer must hit on soft and stand on hard 17, whilst the player cannot stand until they have a hand of at least 15. Splitting and doubling are allowed, but there is no insurance available. A Pontoon will pay you 2:1 and will beat every other hand.
The 5-Card-Trick comes second, having the same payout and beating every other hand besides a Pontoon. As with all of the Playtech fun gambling card games, this one has amazing graphics and a super intuitive touch allowing even the newest player to get around quickly and trouble-free.
Depending on your hand, you will be given clear options like Hit, Double, Stand, and Split. There is a Fast Play option for the impatient ones, while the overall atmosphere could be modified with the help of five different table colours. As you can see, Pontoon has similar to all other blackjack rules but slightly different, keep reading to learn more about its specifications.
You should always be careful with blackjack and its variations because things could easily get out of control, and you can lose all your money in no time. This type of game must be played responsibly and with a strategy. If you want to learn more about the available Pontoon tips, look at the following paragraph.
Pontoon Strategy Chart & Tips
Pontoon has one of the highest RTP – 99.6% and one of the lowest house edges – 0.38%. To help you obtain these great numbers, we have found and attached the best blackjack strategy card. It is elementary – just connect the row and the column that match the total of your hand and the number of cards (2, 3 or 4) and follow the recommended action for the given situation. Use it if you are just starting or require optimal consulting.
Making strategy chart-based decisions is effective in most cases but for the sake of not having unreal expectations is good to keep in mind that the house edge is still there even though it has been brought to its absolute minimum. This means there is a chance to lose even following the „cheat sheet“ instructions. Therefore, our advice is also to use the advantage of generous welcome offers displayed at the best Pontoon online casinos.
How to Play with Real Money
When you switch to real-money play, you must be prepared to lose some money unless you don’t take advantage of the different Pontoon online bonuses you can encounter in all of the best-rated online blackjack casinos. They will help you reduce your losses and increase your winnings, which depends entirely on your luck.
Recommended Pontoon Online Casinos to Play in 2024
It is essential to understand that we use very detailed criteria when sorting out online casinos. Your safety and one of your bank details are what concern us most. Then we focus more on the gaming selection, platforms’ user-friendliness, how many gambling features there are, and what other players say about the platform in question.
All of the above-mentioned Pontoon online casinos meet our expectations and answer all the criteria we follow. In that sense, it doesn’t matter which one you choose because they are all on the level. However, we recommend signing up with at least two different platforms, so you can track their promotions regularly and take advantage of the best ones.
The Best Pontoon Casino Bonus for November 2024
The generous online casino promotions are why gamblers enjoy the digital betting universe. The welcome bonuses are usually made to attract as many new players as possible, but they come with specific terms like wagering requirements or validity time. They also change regularly to keep the interest and flow of new players.
- Wagering:
- 40x
- Min. Deposit:
- £10
- Validity:
- 30 days
If you are a blackjack fan looking for promotions targeting Playtech Pontoon online, you should aim at match bonuses that deliver complementary funds. Usually, such promos give 100% up to a particular sum you get when you deposit—knowing that you can now guess that the best blackjack bonuses are match promotions. Because you don’t need free spins or any other incentives, you only need money. The more you get – the better.
Pontoon Free Play
If you are wondering how to utilise all these rules and the strategy card above, here is a bright idea. Give the demo version of the game a free trial, but keep in mind that the free demos at some of the top Pontoon online casinos require registration. Additionally, some countries restrict them, so if you don’t see demos available, it is because of one of those two reasons.
For the sake of your authentic experience, the demo version fully resembles the real Playtech game and is the best no-risk way to see the rules in action without losing a penny. The only thing you will do is gain experience and maybe build a rewarding strategy for when the time comes to switch and to real money.
Take your time and research this Playtech game without stressing over making the wrong move or decreasing your bankroll. Use the strategy chart and test its influence on the gameplay and the financial results. This will help you become a Pontoon master, and if you like its slightly different vibe, you will have the perfect training to rock the Pontoon real money casino game next time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pontoon
It is okay if you cannot memorise everything from the first go. Therefore, we have gathered the most frequently asked questions about the game of Pontoon by Playtech and everything you need to know about the best places to try it for free or for real money.
Final Thoughts & Other Blackjack Games
Pontoon online is an exciting game that looks like classic blackjack, but once you start playing, all the differences will slowly show up. It has a unique structure that brings diversity and a perfect RTP. Both Pontoon and the 5-card-trick pay 2:1, but in case of a push, the player loses the placed bet.
The game is worth your attention, and we believe we have already proved it in this Pontoon review. For those who would like to try something different or just return to the blackjack game’s classic roots, we have prepared three further blackjack variations. Check them out in the table below.
To wrap it all up, Pontoon is a fun game which has been around for quite a while now, successfully gaining its share of fans. Its modified structure and beneficial rules are what attract most players. If you want to try it, we suggest doing that in a trustworthy casino like Ladbrokes.
Its leading market positions are well deserved, and you will be awarded a nice cash bonus just for starting. Jump right in, and good luck. If you are looking for something different to try out, maybe gambling with dice is the right fit for you.