Is the Soft 17 Rule enforced when playing blackjack at an online casino
Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games among players in Australia. Therefore, it is available on all of the best casino websites. Gamblers in the country can choose any operator from aussielowdepositcasino
There are occasions when we here at ReadyBetGo want to bring you interesting facts about the gambling industry When something catches our eye, we will publish it for your enjoyment. 
website and explore different variations of this table game. Casino fans can also engage in a Blackjack game run by a live dealer from the comfort of their homes, or just practice in a demo version.
However, anyone looking to engage in 21 should be aware of the Soft 17 rule for two reasons. First, it influences the way the dealer plays. Second, the tactic is very important due to how payouts work in blackjack. For pokies, it is drastically different, and if you go through payout rate explanation, you will know that it all comes down to luck. However, payout rates apply blackjack a bit differently, as minor tweaks to how the dealer plays affect the house edge. The same goes for the soft 17 rule. So let’s explain it in detail and see how online casinos go about it.
What Is Soft 17 in Blackjack?
First, you need to understand the concept of soft hands and hard hands. 21 is a comparing game between you and the dealer, and both parties start with a two-card hand. Whoever has the higher points total is a winner.
As the name suggests, your total should not exceed 21 or you will lose the game. The cards 2-10 are worth according to their face value, whereas J, Q, and K score 10 points apiece. However, A can be scored as 1 or 11 depending on your hand. So, it is up to you to decide its worth.
When you count your Ace card as 1, then you have a soft hand. However, when it is scored as 11, you have a hard hand. This changes your options since you probably won’t score more than 21 and go bust. Because of that, you can play your hand more aggressively.
However, when Blackjack enthusiasts talk about this rule, they refer to how the dealer has to play his hand. According to this rule, the dealer must hit on Soft 17.
How Does the Soft 17 Rule Impact the House Edge?
The house edge represents an approximate percentage amount that an online casino operator will win from you in the long run. These statistics are a mathematical average that applies if you engage in enough Blackjack games. If the game information suggests it has a house advantage of 0, 50%, it means that the house will probably win back 50 cents for every bet of $100.
However, you should know that when the game rules are changed, this affects the house edge. In particular, if the online casino changes the rules regarding the dealer standing or hitting on Soft 17, the house edge percentage changes. For example, the percentage goes up by 0,2% if the dealer keeps hitting on this hand. Consequently, the amount you will lose increases too.
Source: Pexels
Does Every Blackjack Game Include the Soft 17 Rule?
The gambling industry had to accommodate a new generation of casino players, so now gamblers can explore multiple versions of Blackjack. They can even find it in the live section of a particular online gambling platform. However, it is important to point out that operators don't enforce this rule for every Blackjack variant.
It also depends on the chosen betting website. For example, some gambling brands require that the dealer always hits on a dealer's hand of Soft 17. Others insist that the dealer stands on it. Every online gambling site has a set of rules governing each game, including Blackjack. Therefore, it is best to check whether a preferred platform and version incorporate this rule since this can influence your betting strategy.
Is the Soft 17 Rule Beneficial for the Player?
Many Blackjack lovers believe that the dealer will bust more often if he has to follow this rule. While this is true, the dealer's hand usually improves as the game progresses. Then, the house is in a more favourable position. Take a look at the probabilities for the dealer's final hand after standing on this hand:
- A total of 18 (14.62%)
- A total of 19 (14.04%)
- A total of 20 (18.85%)
- A total of 21 (7.65%)
- Exceeding a total of 21 (29.60%)
Below, you can see the same statistics for hitting on this hand:
- A total of 18 (14.82%)
- A total of 19 (14.24%)
- A total of 20 (19.06%)
- A total of 21 (7.86%)
- Exceeding a total of 21 (30%)
The numbers show the house has an advantage when the rule is in place. The likelihood of busting increases by 0, 4%. It is safe to say that playing a Blackjack game with the dealer who stands on Soft 17 is more beneficial to the player.