Evolution unveils Pre-Decision feature in its blackjack

“Pre-Decision makes the game more fun, and allows operators to pack more Blackjack games and excitement into every hour,” says Fredrik Bjurle, Evolution’s Director of Products.

In a standard game of Blackjack all players get dealt their first two cards, but then there’s an inevitable time lag while each player, one by one, waits for their turn to make their initial betting decision.

“Pre-Decision cuts the waiting time to a minimum by allowing all players to make this initial decision to Hit, Stand, Double Down or Split at the same time as player 1 is asked to make his or her betting decision”, explains Bjurle.

“That means virtually instant betting for all players at the table and also, by our estimates, almost 10% more games every hour.”

 “Higher game throughput results not only in a significant extra revenue opportunity for operators but also maintains interest amongst players. With multi-tasking behaviours becoming more and more common, anything that helps to maintain players’ interest and attention is likely to extend session times and loyalty,” continues Bjurle.

How players make their Pre-Decision bet

In the first instance, the Pre-Decision bet is offered via four icons that appear by the player’s betting spot. The icons denote the four possible initial betting decisions, left to right: (+) Hit, (-) Stand, (x2) Double Down and (<>) Split.

If no Pre-Decision is made, the player sees a larger reminder. The betting options shown are always relevant to the player’s hand. Where a player makes a Pre-Decision to Split or Double Down but has insufficient funds for that bet, they will be re-offered the chance to Hit or Stand.

This latest new release, which follows the recent addition of Perfect Pairs and 21+3 side bets, is scheduled to go live for all Evolution licensees on 19 June 2014.

Pre-Decision currently applies to the desktop version of the game. Live Blackjack Pre-Decision on Tablet is being developed in parallel with Live Blackjack on iPhone/Android Smartphone, which Bjurle says is scheduled for release later in 2014.