Easy Blackjack by Evolution – Simplified Fun or Over-Simplified Flop?

Evolution Gaming has added yet another twist to its blackjack repertoire with the release of Easy Blackjack, a game that takes the Infinite Blackjack format in an entirely new direction. While the name suggests simplicity, a closer look reveals a unique—but arguably controversial—take on traditional blackjack. Is this a stroke of genius or a gamble that doesn’t pay off? Let’s dive in.

How Does Easy Blackjack Work?

At first glance, Easy Blackjack looks nothing like traditional blackjack. Instead of individual hands, only the dealer’s cards are dealt. Players bet on one of five possible totals (16, 17, 18, 19, or 20) and hope their chosen total beats the dealer. This structure strips away player decisions—no hitting, standing, splitting, or doubling down—making it a pure betting game.

The dealer always follows standard blackjack rules, drawing to 16 and standing on 17. The “16” betting spot exists as a proxy for betting on the dealer busting, as any total below 17 guarantees a dealer win otherwise.

Betting Options and RTP Breakdown

Here’s where the game gets polarizing. While the five betting spots appear straightforward, the payouts and odds reveal an uneven playing field:

• 16 Bet (Dealer Bust): Best RTP at 97.23% with a 2.45:1 payout for a 3-card bust. However, the dealer only busts roughly once every four hands.
• 17, 18, 19, and 20 Bets: Lower RTPs with diminishing returns. For example, betting on “20” pays only 0.13:1, making it a high-risk, low-reward option.

There’s also a Bust It side bet, which offers massive payouts for multi-card dealer busts (up to 250:1 for an 8-card bust). However, its RTP is a meager 93.8%, making it a long-shot gamble.

How Does Easy Blackjack Compare to Other Evolution Games?

Easy Blackjack feels worlds apart from other Evolution blackjack offerings like Infinite Blackjack or Infinite Bet Stacker Blackjack. Both Infinite Blackjack games allow players to engage with classic blackjack strategies and feature side bets for added excitement. Easy Blackjack, however, abandons player interaction entirely, reducing gameplay to betting on numbers.

When compared to Infinite Bet Stacker Blackjack, which lets you build progressive bets for higher payouts while still playing traditional hands, Easy Blackjack feels restrictive. The lack of decision-making, limited payouts, and absence of a “21” bet detract from the classic blackjack experience.

For players seeking a fast-paced variation, Speed Blackjack from 2020 or even the quirky Power Blackjack provide far more engaging gameplay while retaining the essence of blackjack. Easy Blackjack, in contrast, caters to those who prefer simplicity over strategy—though at a cost.

Who Is Easy Blackjack For?

That’s the million-dollar question. Easy Blackjack’s stripped-down format might appeal to newcomers who find traditional blackjack intimidating. However, the lower RTP and limited payout options make it a poor substitute for regular blackjack games. Even Evolution’s official website hints at this being a casual game for light entertainment rather than a serious gambling option.

If you’re looking to learn blackjack, this isn’t the place to start. As the game removes player decision-making, basic blackjack strategy is irrelevant. And for seasoned players? The limited payouts and reduced control likely won’t hold much appeal.

Final Thoughts

While Easy Blackjack might attract curiosity, it’s unlikely to win over die-hard blackjack fans. The game’s simplicity is both its selling point and its downfall—it’s quick, easy to understand, but ultimately unfulfilling for players seeking meaningful engagement or fair payouts.

If you’re considering trying it, stick to the 16 bet for the best odds. Otherwise, you’re better off exploring Evolution’s other blackjack games, where player decisions and classic gameplay still hold sway.

In the battle between innovation and tradition, Easy Blackjack feels like a misstep for Evolution—a game that simplifies too much and delivers too little. If Infinite Bet Stacker Blackjack is the clever cousin that rewards risk-takers, Easy Blackjack is the overly cautious relative who doesn’t know how to have fun.

If you’ve tried Easy Blackjack (you can do so at Evolution's partner casinos from December 11) let me know your thoughts. Is it a refreshing change, or does it leave you longing for Evolution’s more traditional blackjack games?