Developer Pragmatic Play has introduced a new rule variant to its live blackjack offering: Double Down After Split. The feature is now live across all Pragmatic Play blackjack tables, including Classic Blackjack, Speed Blackjack, and Privé Lounge.
In standard blackjack, players can split pairs into two separate hands. The new feature allows players to also double their bet on one or both of those hands after a split – something not commonly available in many online blackjack variants.
This adjustment expands gameplay options and can potentially improve outcomes for players who follow basic blackjack strategy, which is a set of mathematically optimal decisions based on the player’s hand and the dealer’s visible card.
According to Pragmatic Play, this rule change can increase the return to player up to 99.59% in certain versions of the game. Most affected tables now have an RTP of around 99.41%, excluding ONE Blackjack, which retains a higher value.
Double Down After Split went live on May 28, 2025, and is now standard across all Pragmatic Play live blackjack games. It can be accessed through participating online casinos that offer the provider’s live casino suite.
Rule variations like Double Down After Split are often used by providers to appeal to more experienced players and to differentiate their tables. For players familiar with blackjack strategy, this change may offer slightly improved odds and increased flexibility in decision-making.
