why do some online blackjack variants have way different rules than others
Most of it is definitely to boost the house edge. Stuff like 6 to 5 blackjacks or dealers hitting soft 17 give the casino a pretty clear mathematical bump. Live Dealer tables push even more variants since they want to stand out and attract casual players who might just see the new side bets or flashy rules as fun extras, even if they cost you in the long run. I still hunt for classic double deck blackjack with the most standard Vegas rules I can find online, but when they’re pushing side bets or weird limits, I just pass. Ever find a live table that felt truly fair for the player? I’m always chasing that balance.