In Pontoon, you choose when two, three, or four cards are dealt. After five cards are dealt, your hand is automatically folded. You cannot see the dealer’s cards after this, so you cannot take them into account at non-GamStop casinos you can enter with £5. Therefore, it’s wise to keep playing until you have a score of at least 16. Our experts recommend playing on a score of 14 or lower.
Pros and cons of Pontoon
One of Pontoon’s biggest advantages is its high payout percentage at non GamStop casinos. With an average RTP of 99.60%, you’re pretty close to the theoretical maximum return. In that respect, Pontoon is one of the most advantageous games you can play in the live casino. Add to that the 2:1 payout for a Pontoon or a Five Card Charlie, and it’s clear that there are serious winnings to be had. The game pace is also fast, and the tension builds quickly. Especially because you can only stand after 15 points, you’re often forced to take risks. This keeps the game sharp and provides much more action than a more cautious Blackjack variant.

The biggest disadvantage? In the event of a tie, the banker wins. That can sometimes feel unfair, especially when you’ve built a strong hand. And while the rules are largely the same as Blackjack, the small differences can be confusing. Not every non GamStop casino uses the exact same rules, so it’s important to check how the game works there beforehand. The fact that you don’t see the banker’s cards also makes it harder to make strategic decisions.
Advantages
• High RTP of 99.6%
• Simple for beginners
• The game is similar to Blackjack
• 2:1 payout at Pontoon and Five Card Charlie
Disadvantages
• In case of a tie the banker always wins
• No view of the dealer’s cards
• Rules may vary from casino to casino
Conclusion
Pontoon is a welcome change of pace for anyone familiar with classic Blackjack at non GamStop casinos. The game is similar in many ways to its more familiar counterpart, but with just enough twists to keep it fresh and challenging. This starts with the names: no “hit” or “stand,” but “twist” and “stick.” Even the dealer is simply called “banker.” Sounds quirky, and it is.
If you’d like to try your luck at Pontoon, you can. However, it can be difficult to see the forest for the trees when searching for a good and reliable non GamStop casino. That’s why we’ve done the research for you. Take a look at our top list of the best online casinos to play Pontoon at and see for yourself if this live game is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pontoon
What are the odds of winning at Pontoon?
The odds of winning in Pontoon depend on the combination of cards you hold. If you play Pontoon with the optimal strategy, you’ll have a payout percentage of 99.60%.
What is the best strategy to win at Pontoon?
The best strategy in Pontoon is to make the right choice every time you get a turn. These choices include twisting, sticking, doubling, and splitting. The correct choice depends on the values of the cards.
What is the highest payout at Pontoon?
The highest payout is 21 points when playing ‘Pontoon’. ‘Charlie’ also has an equally high payout. The payout for both is 2:1.
Is it better to play classic Blackjack or Pontoon?
Whether you’re better off playing classic Blackjack or Pontoon depends on your own preferences. However, the house edge is lower in Pontoon, giving you a slightly better chance of winning in the long run.
What does “Charlie” mean in Pontoon?
Playing “Charlie” means you’ve collected five cards. The game automatically stops, and you win.
How many people can play Pontoon with?
Pontoon can be played with multiple people simultaneously. You play against the banker (live dealer), but one table usually fits eight people. However, this depends on the online casino.