Playtech is one of the leading suppliers of software for the online gambling industry. With some 10 years of experience and a large staff of talented programmers Playtech software consistently offers some of the most unique and entertaining gaming formats available in online casinos.

The cornerstones of the Playtech offerings are some 90 games of poker that are made available to players in countries, and languages, around the world. The graphics and sound quality of all of the company’s products are unsurpassed in the industry and its reputation for reliability and superb customer support and service is well known.

For many players, one of the most entertaining aspects of Playtech software is the Live Dealer concept that the company developed. In these games a live person is actually visible in the corner of the screen thanks to video streaming. Whether its dealing cards in blackjack or baccarat or spinning the wheel in roulette, the live dealer adds a sense of realty to the experience. If you’ve ever grown tired of the graphics of an online casino and wished for the interaction with a live dealer, these games are for you.

Playtech software is also at the forefront of the technology that is currently driving the newest element of online gambling – delivery to and access by way of mobile communication devices such as cell phones.

One of the most uniquely intriguing games available through Playtech software is the card game known as Blackjack Switch. Like most of the Playtech casino games, this one has an attractively low house edge of only.17%. And while relatively standard blackjack rules are followed, several clever twists on the legendary game of blackjack have created a fascinating new gambling experience.

The player first chooses a seat at either a single player or multi player table. Two hands are then dealt to each player and the player’s wagers on each hand must be of equal size.

The first exciting catch is that prior to taking a hit the player may switch the top cards of the two hands. This gives the player an attractive advantage of being able to improve one, or both, of the hands. From there on the rules are fairly standard with the exception that a player’s blackjack pays only even money. This reduces the players’ payoffs, of course, but that reduction is offset to a great degree by the advantage of being able to switch the top cards.

Another fun option in the game is known as the Super Match side bet that you can win if your initial four cards contain two or more matching cards. The payoffs on the Super Match bet are based on the number of winning matches, if any, from one pair or two pair to three or four of a kind.

Unfortunately, Playtech casinos are no longer available to U.S. players as a result of gambling legislation that took affect in 2009. Recent indications from the U.S. Congress, however, may lead to a repeal of that legislation this year. If so, the wonderful Playtech software might once again be available in casinos that are open to U.S. players in the near future.

By Cary Clark
Cary Clark is an avid traveler & prolific writer who has written extensively for newspapers, travel magazines & city walking guides. For the latest updates on gambling news, top ten online casinos & sports betting visit Casino-Affairs.com, an online casinos guide.