Movies usually feature blackjack as the game of choice for the main protagonist, and that’s not coincidental. Blackjack is a popular card game, in large part because of the simple rules. Learning how to play blackjack is not complex – players beat the dealer when the total of the cards dealt is near or exactly 21.

Some South African bettors believe that all blackjack games are similar, yet, while the rules are typically the same, the way an online casino is structured influences the player’s experience. After legalizing gambling in South Africa over 26 years ago, multiple platforms started offering this card game, and our guide filters the best online blackjack sites.

How We Identify The Best South African Online Blackjack Sites

Choosing an online blackjack site may seem like an easy task, but rushing through the process can potentially rob you of lucrative promotions and immersive games. Investing the time when researching options will pay dividends in the long run, and South African players can benefit from our in-depth study of blackjack sites.

• Safety & Trustworthiness: Gambling is legal in South Africa, but the question is, are sites abiding by the rules? Reviews from players, the history of the online casino, and game developers associated with the platform all speak volumes about a gambling sites’ reputability.
• Legitimacy: When a player deposits hard-earned rands, some assurance is expected that the funds get entrusted to an online casino with oversight from government institutions, and licenses signal industry standards are respected.
• Finding diverse payment options: Having fun is one aspect, but the main point of gambling is to make a profit, and payment providers dictate deposit and payout options. The priority is to focus on a diverse cashier section that adapts to current trends.
• Blackjack Bonuses: Promotions are the key recruiting tool for betting sites, with blackjack players benefiting from sign-up bonuses and various reload and cryptocurrency promotions. This motivates bettors to stay at the table and play a few more hands.

Top 5 South African Blackjack Sites

The guiding principle in selecting an online casino is to know what games you want to play. For blackjack punters, there is no dilemma, and our research has narrowed the choice to the most appropriate platforms.

1.  YesPlay

YesPlay was originally a Lucky Numbers lottery in South Africa that was founded in 2002. It launched an online casino and sportsbook in 2016, expanding its portfolio to include a vast array of casino games and fixed-odds betting markets for sports. However, the casino also provides a plethora of Lucky Number lotto games from all across the globe. YesPlay is based in the Western Cape and its target audience is punters from South Africa.

YesPlay features a top-range collection of casino games, you will find everything that you are looking for whether it's slots, table games including baccarat, blackjack, or roulette or live games. There are dozens of different versions of blackjcak including live dealer blackjack where you play against a real dealer. If you want to play quickly Speed Blackjack might be for you.

They are fully regulated, the parent company is SA Sportsbook (Pty) Ltd trading as YesPlay, a licensed betting operator as registered by the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board with Bookmaker license: 10180204-010.

Read our YesPlay Review or visit YesPlay.

2.  Bet.co.za

Bet.co.za was established in 2011 and is an online casino and sportsbook that provides an excellent array of fixed-odds sports bets and casino games.

There are over 30 live dealer games at Bet.co.za and they are all supplied by Evolution. Evolution is one of the top live dealer game developers, creating all sorts of fantastic casino games that are brought in HD. Bet.co.za offers players plenty of picks, from classic casino games such as Blackjack and Roulette to games such as Mega Ball, Crazy Time, Dreamcatcher and Fan Tan. If you want multiple variants of classic blackjack that this is a top casino.

The slots are provided by developers such as Red Tiger and NetEnt. There are over 90 slots, which is not a massive range of games, but these are all carefully picked by the casino for their playability. Games such as Gonzo’s Quest Megaways, Cash Volt, Rainbow Jackpots Power lines, and Starburst are some of their biggest hits.

If you are into lotteries, then Bet.co.za is the place for you. It covers over 160 Lucky Numbers games from around the world, and the action is non-stop.

Its sportsbook covers 30 different types of sports and they are especially popular with soccer and cricket. They offer pulse bet, full and partial cash out, as well as offering a a solid in-play platform where you can bet live on Soccer, Tennis, Cricket and more.

They are fully regulated, the parent company is Betcoza Online (RF) (Pty) Ltd trading as Bet.co.za. They are licenced and regulated by the Western Cape Gambling & Racing Board. Registration Number: 2010/005430/07.

Read our Bet.co.za Review or visit Bet.co.za

3.  Fafabet Casino

Fafabet is a South African online casino and sportsbook that has a lot to offer. It is a proudly local company that was launched in 2022 and is a player favorite amongst South Africans.

The slots and video poker at Fafabet are supplied by Pragmatic Play and AGT. These include everything from classic slots to arcade games that have more complex gameplay and of course to classic variants of video poker. The content provided by Pragmatic Play includes some of the most popular slots such as Gates of Olympus, Big Bass Bonanza, Mustang Gold, Buffalo King Megaways, and more.

They feature multiple variants of all popular table games, including live versions of baccarat, blackjack, and roulette.

Fafabet is licenced by the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board. This makes it 100% safe for players and punters alike. The company also works with the South African Responsible Gaming Foundation to help raise awareness for gambling addiction and offers deposit limits and self-exclusion tools to help players control how much they spend.

Read our Fafabet Casino Review or visit Fafabet Casino.

4.  Betshezi

Players and punters can enjoy a great range of casino titles and sports betting opportunities at Betshezi. This South African operator was launched in 2022 and is regulated by the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board, and is based in Cape Town. Betshezi may be relatively new to the industry, but it has already garnered a lot of attention for its fantastic games and sports coverage.

Betshezi’s live dealer games are certainly its main attraction. The casino provides games from CreedRoomz and Vision Casino, which include all the major casino games such as Roulette, Blackjack, Poker, and Baccarat. There are numerous versions of these games that may have slight changes in the rules or special side bets, such as FreeBet Blackjack, Richie Roulette, Super 6 Baccarat, Bet on Poker, and more. Betshezi includes Dragon Tiger, Keno, Sic Bo, and various Lotto-styled live dealer games.

Betshezi has a handful of instant games and lotto-styled games. These titles have free demos which players can try before playing with real money. Be sure to check out Keno, Striker, Blast, Talisman and Power Ball

Read our Betshezi Review or visit Betshezi.

5.  Playa Bets

Established in 1990, this is an established sports book that offers multiple betting shops in KZN and the Western Cape and they offer a mobile betting platform. Playa Bets is considered South Africa’s one stop betting destination for retail and online customer’s country wide.

They are backed by a highly experienced management team which have been registered bookmakers in Mpumalanga, the Eastern Cape, Western Cape and Kwa-Zulu Natal.

Playa Bets offers a unique world class product to local players across South Africa. With over 12000 live sporting betting events, 378000+ live betting markets and over 1 million Sports Betting opportunities every month, Playa Bets customers will always be in the action.

Playabets MP (Pty) Ltd trading at playabets.co.za is licensed by the by the Mpumalanga Economic Regulator under license number 9-2-1-09689.

Conclusion

Blackjack's enduring global popularity is boosted by the enthusiasm of South African players who prefer to play the game online. Options are plentiful, and while most games get supplied by identical providers, how the platform supports them can make or break a bettor's gambling adventure.

The sites we identify in our review offer the most comprehensive blackjack package that can provide numerous hours of entertainment for newbie punters and experienced South African players.

The post 5 Best “South African” Online Blackjack Sites (August 2023) appeared first on Gaming.net.

Blackjack is an elegant and classy card game played with a deck of 52 cards. Whether being played at physical arenas or online casinos, the game is fun and nail-biting. Despite Blackjack requiring a particular skill set to play, it's simple, and its rules are easy to understand. To novice Canadian folk trying to learn the game, it might seem challenging at first. Nonetheless, after getting the hang of it, it becomes more straightforward and entertaining.

Therefore, to help you understand the game, we have a comprehensive guide on how to play Blackjack for beginners ready. It has everything from rules, odds, card values to Blackjack strategies. Nonetheless, the Canadian gambling market has an overwhelming number of casinos offering the classic Blackjack game. So, to help narrow down your scope, we have handpicked the top 5 Blackjack sites.

These sites have spectacular features and will provide you with numerous variations of Blackjack. Additionally, if you're a live dealer enthusiast, these casinos have renowned software providers offering the best Live Blackjack games. Hence, these are the 5 best Blackjack sites in Canada.

1.  Jackpot City

Established in 1998, Jackpot City features multiple variants of this classic table game including European Blackjack, Atlantic City, Vegas Strip, Classic Blackjack, etc. Also, the casino has a live casino with popular Blackjack versions like Live Blackjack, Party Blackjack, Blackjack VIP, etc. Live dealers in real-time host the live-dealer Blackjack versions via an HD video stream.

They also offer over 500 slot machines, table games such as baccarat, craps, roulette, live dealer games, and video poker. Additionally, these games come from popular providers like Evolution Gaming and Microgaming with futuristic themes and cutting-edge graphics.

What's more, the operator is amongst the longest-serving Canadian online casinos, with over 20 years of operation. Hence, you'll receive top-of-the-line 24/7 customer support, fast payouts, and award winning software. Thus, it's the perfect platform for all gamblers.

Read our Jackpot City Casino Review or visit Jackpot City.

2.  Yukon Gold

Yukon Gold Casino is a platform launched in 2004 which has been around for nearly 20 years now. That gave it more than enough time to establish itself and prove its quality to users around the world. It is licensed by iGO, iGaming Ontario to operate in Ontario, and it also holds an eCOGRA certificate. The platform is known for its minimum deposit, which is only $10. In terms of games, the platform gets its game library from Microgaming, offering slots, table games, live games, and more.

As far as payment methods go, there are only a handful, but covers all major methods being used by people all over the globe, including Canada. Things such as Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, PaySafe Card, as well as direct bank transfers are all supported. Meanwhile, if you encounter any issues, you can contact customer support via email or live chat. While phone calls are not supported, the platform is available on mobile devices, so you can also access it and play from smartphones and tablets.

The casino features multiple versions of blackjack including Atlantic City, Classic, Double Exposure, European, Spanish, Vegas Downtown, and Vegas Strip blackjack.

Android and iOS apps are available for mobile users.

Read our Yukon Gold Review or visit Yukon Gold.

3.  Zodiac Casino

Zodiac Casino gets its games from Microgaming and Evolution Gaming — both massive and well-known companies in game development. Thanks to these partnerships, it can offer around 500 casino games, such as slots, video poker, arcade-style games, blackjack, roulette, craps, baccarat, and more. If you wish to play live games, those are available as well. Depositing money is very simple, and you can do it via Interac, PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, bank transfer, or Paysafe Card. And, as is the case with most reputable casinos, customer support is pretty reliable, and available via live chat and email.

Zodiac Casino is an established casino, launched in 2002. It has a reputation as a reliable and trustworthy platform, holding multiple licenses — Malta Gaming Authority and another by the UK Gambling Commission, iGO (to operate legally in Ontario), plus the eCOGRA certificate on top of that. It is also perfect for first-time gamblers as it offers a minimum deposit of only $1. However, this is only for the very first deposit you make, and all following ones will have a minimum of $10.

The casino features European, Vegas, as well as live versions of blackjack where you can play against a live dealer.

Android app is available for mobile users, the iOS app is in development and should be launched shortly.

Read our Zodiac Casino Review or visit Zodiac Casino.

4.  Spin Casino

Spin Casino has been catering to Canadian folk since its launch in 2001. It's a multilingual site with a Vegas-like theme and a user-friendly interface. Also, the casino is available through downloadable software and instant play. You can enjoy playing Blackjack on the go with various devices such as tablets and mobile (iOS and Android).

The operator has a multitude of games from popular software providers like Evolution Gaming, NetEnt, Microgaming, etc. These games include video slots, table games, video poker, Esports, and live dealers.

That said, the Blackjack variations include American Blackjack, European, Atlantic City, Vegas Strip, Classic Blackjack, etc. Interestingly, you can play the Multi-hand versions of these games. If the thrill of beating a croupier excites you, the operator has a live casino to quench your thirst. So, the games in this category include Infinite Blackjack, Party Blackjack, VIP, Diamond VIP, Diamond Blackjack, etc. While playing, you can enjoy fast payouts and stellar customer support to boot.

Read our Spin Casino Review or visit Spin Casino.

5.  Casino Classic

Casino Classic partners with gaming behemoth Microgaming to offer over 500 games, including all of the popular classic table games such as baccarat, craps, roulette and of course blackjack.

The Casino was established in 1999, it is eCOGRA certified, as well licensed by Kahnawake Gaming Commission, Malta Gaming Authority, and iGaming Ontario.

Depositing money to the platform is very simple, and you can do it via popular eWallets like PayPal, Skrill, or Neteller; as well as by bank transfers, debit cards like Visa and Mastercard, or by prepaid vouchers like PaySafe Card. The minimum deposit is $10, while the minimum withdrawal is $10 for all methods apart from the direct bank transfer, which has a minimum of $300. And, if you have a question about the platform, we recommend that you check out its FAQ or contact customer support via live chat or email if the FAQ doesn’t offer the answer that you need.

Android app is available for mobile users, the iOS app is in development and should be launched shortly.

Read our Casino Classic Review or visit Casino Classic.

Conclusion

With our elite list of casino recommendations, you're sure to have an unmatched gaming experience. Our experts have tested each element of these casinos, with a focus on the blackjack, and they all ticked the right boxes of our selection criteria. Some of the casino elements we critiqued include licensing, Blackjack variations available, software providers, payment methods, speed of payouts, and customer support.

Therefore, the above casinos are safe, secure, and tailored to suit every Canadian Blackjack enthusiast. However, we would recommend gambling responsibly since it could be addictive to others. So, always remember only to wager what you can afford.

The post 5 Best Canadian Online Blackjack Sites (August 2023) appeared first on Gaming.net.

Card games don’t come more famous than Blackjack. On any casino floor, Blackjack is the most played card and table game. So, what really is Blackjack? It’s a card game played with between 1-8 decks of 52 playing cards. Each card has a different value. For example, playing cards from 2 to 10 are assigned their pip or face value. Also, J, K, and Q are worth 10 points each, while Aces (A) are valued at either 1 or 11.

Players will receive cards from the dealer, and the player with a greater hand value than the dealer wins. In addition, if your hand has a total value of 21, you automatically win. That’s why sometimes the game can be referred to as 21. Blackjack’s a game of finesse and strategy rather than luck. However, it’s an exciting and thrilling game for virtuoso players.

For newbie players trying to play Blackjack, you can read our handy how-to-play Blackjack for beginners guide. The prevalence of Bitcoin is no longer in doubt. New online platforms that accept Bitcoin are on the rise. Bitcoin, among other cryptocurrencies, is revolutionizing the iGaming industry. They offer fast transactions with lower to zero fees while providing anonymity and security. What gambler wouldn’t love that?

In that regard, we have crafted a list of the best BTC Blackjack sites available on the Internet. Interestingly, Bitcoin Blackjack gameplay is still the same as other casinos. The currency is the only change you’ll experience. Our casinos have the best variations of the game alongside other excellent features. Read on to find out more.

1.  7 Bit Casino

Lavishly topping our list is 7 Bit Casino that has been in operation since 2014. It’s a multilingual site available in 10 languages. In addition, it’s among the best Blackjack Bitcoin casinos available. It has diverse variations of the game from respected game studios.

These software publishers include Playtech, Pragmatic Play, Microgaming, NetEnt, etc. Thus, the game variants include Back Blackjack, Atlantic City Blackjack Gold, Blackjack Gold, European, Red Queen, Multihand Blackjack, etc. Additionally, you can play the live-dealer and demo versions of these variants.

However, the casino accepts other cryptocurrencies like Ethereum, Bitcoin Cash, Tether, and Litecoin. So, the options are several. Players can also make deposits via traditional fiat alternatives such as Visa, MasterCard, and so on. The casino has a 4-tier welcome bonus offering a staggering 5 BTC plus 200 free spins in rewards.

This Curacao licensed platform provides around-the-clock support services via live chat and email. There’s also a FAQ section that will offer much help. Furthermore, the casino uses 128-bit SSL encryption to protect players from fraudsters. Don’t miss out! Sign up and live the experience.

Read our 7 Bit Casino Review or visit 7 Bit Casino.

2.  BC.Game

BC.Game is one of the best places for playing casino games and making sports bets using cryptocurrency. The casino was launched in 2017 and belongs to BlockDance BV. When entering the website, you will feel a sense of arrival as you are flooded with promotions, displays with the latest wins, recommended games, and more. What makes this casino even more exciting is the fact that you can play any game or place any bet using cryptocurrencies.

There are over 7,000 games to pick from at BC.Game, covering a wide range of different types of slots, table games, live dealer games including blackjack, and many other hidden gems. On the list of providers, the first name you will see is BC.Game.

That’s right, the casino also develops its own exclusive games, and there are plenty of interesting options. After that, the reel will show you many top-rated game creators such as Pragmatic Play, Red Tiger, NoLimit City, NetEnt, Play’n GO, and more.

Read our BC.Game Casino Review or visit BC.Game

3.  Bitstarz Casino

Another prominent Bitcoin platform on our list is the 5/5-star rated Bitstarz Casino. The SoftSwiss software powers this Curacao eGaming licensed casino. In addition, you’ll find well-known game studios contributing to the casino’s Blackjack game library. Hence, these software developers include YGGDRASIL, Pragmatic Play, NetEnt, etc.

So, the present Blackjack games include VIP Blackjack, American, Classic Blackjack, Multihand Blackjack Pro, Infinite Blackjack, and Blackjack Surrender. Players who love the thrill of Live Blackjack will find variants of the game like Classic Speed Blackjack, among others. These games run on an RNG technology that ensures all outcomes are spontaneous.

Furthermore, you can play these games via several devices like PC, mobile, and tablet. Bitstarz Casino has enticing welcome bonuses and promotions to keep you entertained all through. The casino accepts both conventional and modern payment methods like Skrill, Neteller, Bitcoin Cash, Dogecoin, etc. Hence, you’ll get to enjoy swift transactions with unlimited customer support via different channels. Become a star with Bitstarz Casino.

Read our Bitstarz Casino Review or visit Bitstarz Casino.

4.  Katsubet

Katsubet Casino is a Dama N.V. owned and operated online platform with licensing from the Curacao Government. It’s an Asian-themed site with an easy-to-navigate platform. Also, its crisp interface allows access from multiple devices such as tablets, PCs, and mobile (iOS & Android). The casino has enormous Blackjack types, including the live dealer variations.

Therefore, the Blackjack titles include Vegas Strip Blackjack, European, Hi LO Blackjack, Blackjack Gold, Classic Blackjack, Multihand Blackjack, etc. Also, you can play the live versions of the game hosted by live dealers via a live HD video stream.

The casino has plenty of lucrative welcome bonuses, promotions, and a VIP program to reward regular customers. Being a Bitcoin casino, Katsubet accepts popular cryptocurrencies like Ethereum, Dogecoin, and Tether. Alongside these digital currencies, you can also deposit or withdraw with conventional fiat currencies.

This multi-lingual platform offers 24/7 client support services, and its Blackjack titles use the RNG software to determine game outcomes. It’s a top-shelf Bitcoin platform. Give it a try!

Read our Katsubet Casino Review or visit Katsubet Casino.

5.  Cloudbet Casino

Cloudbet Casino is a self-proclaimed number one Bitcoin platform, and rightly so. It accepts payments via cryptos only, and it provides a decent number of them to prove. Dogecoin, Bitcoin Cash, Tether, Link, Ethereum, etc., are the crypto payment methods. So, you can enjoy fast payouts and deposits. In addition, it's multilingual, and its games are integrated for gameplay across various platforms like PC and Mobile.

Its Baccarat variants are crafted with a Cryptographic Blockchain Technology that's more flawless than the standard RNG software. The Curacao Gaming Authority licenses the casino making it a safe, honest, and secure gambling venue. Also, it employs the 128-bit Secured Socket-Layer tech to protect its clients' crucial data.

Interestingly, the operator offers all of the popular versions of blackjack including American and European versions. If you desire a physical casino-like experience, there's a live casino for you.

The casino's welcome package is undoubtedly enticing, with up to 5 BTC up for grabs. Players also get treated with loads of more promotions and a VIP scheme. Customer support is available anytime you need help via live chat. You can also reach them via email.

UK & USA Residents are Prohibited

Read our Cloudbet Casino Review or visit Cloudbet Casino.

6.  Mirax Casino

Another option is Mirax Casino, a casino that launched in mid-2022.

The platform is available around the world, although there are some countries that are prohibited from accessing it, including the UK, France, and the Netherlands. However, those who can access it get to enjoy plenty of benefits, including easy registration, great welcoming, deposit, and other bonuses, multiple payment methods, many VIP rewards, and more.

There are over 100 different game providers offering their software through the Mirax Casino platform, all highly reputable and known for offering top-shelf games. Play’n Go, Yggdrasil, Betsoft Gaming, NoLimit City, and Quickspin are only some of the providers that we found to be working with Mirax Casino. They offer multiple versions of blackjack.

Read our Mirax Casino Review or visit Mirax Casino.

7. 21Bit Casino

21bit Casino is home to a seemingly endless list of casino titles from numerous software providers. They support a wide range of cryptocurrencies including BTC, BCH, ETH, LTC, DOGE, USDT & XRP.

The slots at 21Bit Casino are brought by industry powerhouses such as NetEnt, 1×2 Gaming, ELK Studios, Playson, Pragmatic Play, Red Tiger, and more. Be sure to check out titles such as Johnny Cash from Bgaming, Riot from Mascot, Razor Shark from Push Gaming, and Bigger Bass Bonanza from Pragmatic play – and other entries in the “Hot” section.

21bit Casino leaves no stone unturned in its live casino collection. There are hundreds of titles lined up, including masses of Live Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat, Poker, Game Shows and more. You can find live games in different languages, those that have added side bets or changes in the rules, speed games, VIP games and also first-person live games, which bring an added sense of realism to the games. The live games come from Evolution, which is arguably the top provider of live casino games.

UK & USA Prohibited.

Read our 21Bit Casino Review or visit 21Bit Casino.

Conclusion.

Blackjack is a thrilling game, and playing with Bitcoin, among other cryptocurrencies, makes it more explosive. However, players need a pick-me-up when hunting down the best online Bitcoin casinos. Hence, our top list of the most elegant Blackjack Bitcoin platforms couldn’t have come at a better time.

All our recommended casinos have the best variations of the game alongside unique bonuses and promotions. Register at any of our platforms and have an out-of-this-world gambling experience. While at it, please remember to gamble responsibly and set gambling limits since our casinos allow you to.

The post 7 “Best” Bitcoin Blackjack Casinos (August 2023) appeared first on Gaming.net.

Blackjack is a much-coveted game, whether being played online or in brick-and-mortar casinos. Interestingly the basic rules of the game are similar no matter where you play. It’s the most popular of all card games since it’s a game of skill rather than luck, although luck also plays its part. Sometimes, the game is referred to as 21 because that’s the winning combination. We will clarify that later in this article.

There are over 3000 online casinos in the iGaming industry. Almost all these online platforms offer the classic game along with its numerous variants. Therefore, locating the best to wager your money can be unnerving, and that’s where we, the experts, come in.

In this article, we’ll have an in-depth illustration of how and where to play the game. In addition, we’ll show you the basic rules of the game, strategies to employ, and every other minute detail. Even if you’re a rookie, don’t you worry; you’ll emerge a maestro in the craft after reading this article. Before we dive right in, everything has its origin, and blackjack’s history is riveting.

A Brief History of Blackjack

Blackjack is a table game with a debatable origin like most casino games. It dates back to the 16^th century, when the game was first heard. It was mentioned in a novel by Miguel de Cervantes, a Spanish author. In the book, the card game was referenced as Veintiuno, which is Spanish for 21. More so, the rules of Veintiuno had striking similarities to blackjack rules.

However, history has it that the game also originated in France in the 17^th century. Then it was known as Vingt-et-Un, which is French for 21 in English. Other theorists hold that the game was crafted from other card games like Chemin de Fer and French Ferme. These games were popular in France then and had almost duplicate procedures and rules. Now you understand why the debate has been inconclusive.

Blackjack later maneuvered through Europe and eventually landed in the US. Its popularity rapidly and steadily increased with time. Nevada became the first state to sanction gambling in 1931, leading to the rise in the fame of blackjack.

The Blackjack Shift

In the 21^st century, blackjack’s prominence is only rivaled by innovative slot games or slot machines. But among table games, blackjack’s supremacy is unexcelled. Since then, prominent software developers like RealTime Gaming (RTG), Microgaming, and NetEnt have engineered several variations of the games. With the industrial revolution and technological advancements, you can now play your ideal blackjack variant on the Internet.

You can play via your computer, laptop, tablets, and mobile phones (iOS and Android devices). Also, you can play the live nail-biting version of the game. The game’s played against the casino’s dealer through a live video stream; you need not visit a land-based casino. The experience is still the same, but this time in your comfort zone.

Basic Blackjack Rules

As a prerequisite for playing any casino game, you also need to grasp the gameplay rules to play this classic table game. Don’t panic; the rules are simple and easy to understand, even for an amateur. As stated earlier, blackjack is a card game and can be played with 1-8 decks of the standard 52-card playing deck. Please note that the joker cards aren’t included.

Blackjack’s table is conventionally semi-circular and can accommodate up to 12 players. The standard tables have seven spots, holding 7 players. However, there are tables with only 5 places. The dealer typically stands behind the table. The game begins with the dealer issuing two cards to players at the table face up. One of the dealer’s cards is usually face down, and you can’t see it. Depending on your cards’ value, you have several playing options with the dealer’s value also in mind. We’ll discuss these options later on.

The goal is always straightforward; beat the dealer by acquiring a value higher than his or getting 21. If you exceed the 21-mark, you’ll lose the bet. At the blackjack table, you’re playing against the dealer and not other players. How do you count the card values you asked? It’s simple!

Card Values

In a blackjack game, all cards have assigned values. The total of the cards you’re having will determine if you’ll beat the house (dealer) and win or lose. Acquiring a value less than the dealer’s means you’ve lost the round. To cut to the chase, cards from 2-10 are worth their face values. For example, 2 is 2, 5 is 5, etc.

Jacks (J), Kings (K), and Queens (Q) have a face value of 10. Aces (A) always have a value of either 1 or 11. Usually, the Ace has a value of 11, except when it would take the hand value above 21. In that scenario, its value drops to 1, but the decision is the player’s to make. Let’s put that in a table format for easy interpretation.

Terminologies

1. Soft hand– This is any hand with an Ace card valued at 11. For example, an Ace and a 4 make a soft 15.
2. Hard hand– Includes any hand with an Ace valued at 1. For example, an Ace and a 4 make a hard 5.
3. Bust– Refers to any hand with a value of more than 21. That’s considered a loss for the dealer and the player if either hand goes above 21.
4. Push– When the player’s and dealer’s hands have the same value, that’s regarded as a tie or push. Neither the house nor the player wins. The player gets their bets back.
5. Blackjack/Natural– A hand that acquires an Ace and a face card value of 10 on the first hand dealt with two cards. That hand beats all other hands except another natural.
6. Hole card– The dealer’s card that’s dealt face down.

All these basic rules apply to both land-based and online casinos. Earlier, we mentioned the playing options available to players on a table. Now let’s dig deeper.

How to Play & The Blackjack Playing Options

Now that you’ve grasped the most basic rules of the game, this is where the rubber meets the road. To play a blackjack game, you need to place a bet. Bets are placed with chips and not cash. The chips can be exchanged at the cashier for money, just like in offline casinos. These chips are of different colours with different attached values.

For example, in blackjack, you can have up to 6 chips. They include white, green, red, orange, black, and purple. Depending on the casino, the value of the chips may differ. We recommend playing at Ignition Casino. To play, you need to place your preferred bets before the round begins. The dealer will then signal with gestures from left to right to indicate that no more bets are allowed.

The dealer afterwards starts dealing cards to players clockwise from their left to the right. The 1^st card is issued to each player on the table face up, and the dealer’s card is also dealt face up. In most casinos, the dealer’s first card is dealt face down. The particular procedure varies from one platform to another. The 2^nd card for the dealer is then issued face down while the players’ are issued face up.

You can be allowed to place an insurance bet if the dealer’s face-up card is an Ace or a 10. An insurance bet’s a side bet predicting if the dealer has a blackjack or not. This wager is not related to the end result of the round. To take insurance, you need to bet an additional amount of half the original bet you made. If your original stake was $100, the side bet should be $50. You’ll win the insurance if only the dealer’s hand value is 21 or has a blackjack. If not, the insurance bet’s lost.

When the dealer has a blackjack, all players lose their initial stake unless they also have a blackjack. If both the house and the player have blackjacks, it’s considered a push/tie, and the player’s bet is returned.

The Playing Options or Strategies

In the scenario that the dealer lacks a blackjack, all insurance bets are lost, and the round continues. Therefore, as a player, you have the options below, starting from the dealer’s left to the right. The following options have hand gestures to signal your decision at offline casinos. In online casinos, you simply click on your desired alternatives as they pop up.

1. Stand– You may choose to stand or take no further action if you’re satisfied with the total value of your dealt cards. You may choose to stand if hitting will take your hand value to more than 21, which will be regarded as a bust.
2. Hit– By hitting, it means you’re drawing another card, and the dealer issues the card face up to your existing hand. Note: we would recommend you hit if you’ll edge close to the 21-mark by doing so. In addition, if after the first hit, your value’s still below 21, you may hit again or decide to stand.
3. Doubling Down– If you have a beneficial hand, a total of 9,10, or 11, you may decide to double down. By doing this, you’re placing a second bet of an equal amount to the initial wager, and an extra card will be dealt. Some platforms will allow you to double down for a less amount, but we’re firmly against that. Regardless of the outcome after getting the extra card, you’ll be imposed to stand.
4. Split– If your first set of cards has similar ranks, you may decide to split the cards into two hands. You can then place an extra bet of the same amount as the first wager. That increases your winning chances at the table. The cards are then separated, and a different card is issued to complete each hand. Depending on the house rules, you may split again if you receive matching cards after the initial split. However, you can only have a maximum of 4 hands, and no further splits are accepted later on.
5. Surrender– While some casino platforms allow players to surrender, others don’t. Surrendering means that you’re giving up your blackjack hand while losing half your bet amount and keeping the other half. However, you won’t play different strategies after surrendering, and the opposite also applies.

If the dealer’s total hand value exceeds 21 or busts, all the other non-busted players’ hands win automatically. No strategy fully guarantees constant wins at a blackjack table. Nonetheless, the above techniques will maximize your winnings if expertly used.

It would be best never to prioritize taking insurance unless you have a proven working strategy. You can use other methods to have a better chance of beating the house at the game. The most popular technique widely used is the HiLo card counting system.

While playing blackjack is thrilling, entertaining, and fun, gambling could be addictive. Also, you shouldn’t wager more money than you can afford. If you have a gambling addiction, our recommended casinos provide free help on top of offering different blackjack variants. The casino allows you to self exclude to cool off and set deposit limits to manage it. It’s that easy, and you can start playing again after addressing the problem.

Blackjack Game Types

There are diverse types of blackjack that you can play at an online casino. The rules are the same, but they do differ from each other.

1. Classic Blackjack– This is the most common type of blackjack, as illustrated in this article.
2. Multi-hand Blackjack– It has the same rules as the classic variant, but you can play with multiple hands at once. That means you can have more winning opportunities.
3. Single Deck Blackjack– This type of blackjack is frequently played with 6-8 decks of 52 cards without joker cards.
4. Blackjack Switch– Here, it’s compulsory you play with two hands with equal bets. You receive the cards face-up from 6 decks. So, you can only switch the 2^nd card of each hand with each other cards. You can’t switch the 1^st card dealt on the one hand with the 2^nd card on the other hand.
5. Progressive Blackjack– This type of blackjack has a side bet with a progressive jackpot. That will make the payout of a winning hand massive than a typical payout.
6. Live Blackjack– You stream this game type via an HD live video in real-time.

Blackjack Odds and Payouts

The reason why this classic table game is prominent is because of its high payout odds. You stand to earn more cash if you beat the house. Blackjack is a game of strategy and panache, and there’s no better feeling than beating the dealer. We’ve already discussed instances you could win or lose as a player. Now let’s talk money matters.

When you win a hand, you’re paid out at 1:1 on the wagered amount. That means if you placed a bet worth $20, you’d cash out a total of $40 at the cashier. If you doubled down with another $20 and won, you’d have a staggering $80 as winnings.

When you have a blackjack/natural, you’re paid out at 3:2 or (1.5 odds). A $20 wager would earn you $50. So, you’ll get your $20 back plus $30 as winnings. The insurance wager is paid at 2:1.

Where to Play Blackjack for USA Players

We recommend these casinos:

Ignition Casino – Our current favorite for players from the USA or Australia. Ignition casino offers eight versions of blackjack including Single-Deck Blackjack, Double-Deck Blackjack, Classic Blackjack & European Blackjack. For players that want to play with live dealers they offer 28 blackjack tables with various table limits from $5 to $10000.

The games are supplied by recognized game developers such as Revolver Gaming and RTG. These games have high-definition video graphics that allow gaming across multiple devices. More importantly, this casino has some of the fastest payouts of winnings on the planet, along with responsive 24/7 customer service.

Read our Ignition Casino Review or visit Ignition Casino.

Wild Casino – This is an online casino that caters to USA players by offering a safe gaming experience with responsive customer service. The top notch software includes an astounding 12 versions of blackjack including Single Hand & Multi-hand Blackjack, Blackjack 11, Pirate 21, Super 7, 21 Burn, as well as specialty games such as Rolling Stack Blackjack & Blackjack Tournament.

They also offer a large number of live dealer blackjack games that features table limits from $10 to $10,000. There's a generous sign-up bonus for all new players, and a myriad of deposit and speedy cash-out options.

Read our Wild Casino Review or visit Wild Casino.

Cafe Casino – Established in 2020, Cafe Casino is a relative newcomer to the gaming scene but they have established an impeccable reputation amongst players for offering state of the art games along with responsive customer support, and fast payouts.

They offer seven versions of blackjack that are all extremely super realistic and they offer the option for free practice play. If you prefer playing with a live dealer they have 2 blackjack games to choose from. New players can of course claim a generous sign-up bonus, and they offer multiple deposit options including by Bitcoin.

Read our Cafe Casino Review or visit Cafe Casino.

Where to Play Blackjack for International Players

For readers from other jurisdictions we have compiled the following guides:

Australia Online Blackjack

Canada Online Blackjack

South Africa Online Blackjack

UK Online Blackjack

USA Online Blackjack

Conclusion

To rookies trying to play the game for the first time, this guide will help you to become perfect. We’ve simplified it all to make you a great player in a matter of minutes. In addition, we’ve gone ahead to suggest the best platforms you can wager at with real money.

Sign up and deposit at any of our highly ranked blackjack casino sites and join in the fun!

The post How To Play Blackjack for Beginners (August 2023) appeared first on Gaming.net.

Blackjack is an elegant and classy card game played with a deck of 52 cards. Whether being played at physical arenas or online casinos, the game is fun and nail-biting. Despite Blackjack requiring a particular skill set to play, it’s simple, and its rules are easy to understand. To novice Australians trying to learn the game, it might seem challenging at first. Nonetheless, after getting the hang of it, it becomes more straightforward and entertaining.

Therefore, to help you understand the game, we have a comprehensive guide on how to play Blackjack for beginners ready. It has everything from rules, odds, card values to Blackjack strategies. Nonetheless, the Australian gambling market has an overwhelming number of casinos offering the classic Blackjack game.

These sites have spectacular features and will provide you with numerous variations of Blackjack. Additionally, if you’re a live dealer enthusiast, these casinos have renowned software providers offering the best Live Blackjack games. Hence, these are the 10 best Blackjack sites in Australia.

1.  Wild Fortune

Launched in 2020, Wild Fortune is an online casino that Hollycorn N.V. owns It is a haven for gamers who enjoy playing pokies, table games, and live games, with an extensive collection of casino games from some of the most respected developers in the industry.

Wild Fortune has a very well-rounded game library. They offer 20 different versions of blackjack, including single deck, multi-deck, American, European, VIP, and Super 7 blackjack. They also offer multiple variants of other popular table games such as baccarat, craps, and roulette.

There are also over 4,000 pokies and counting, which cover all types of pokies imaginable. You can find classic fruit machine pokies as well as fantasy, adventure or themed pokies. Wild Fortune has a selection which includes pokies from igaming software leaders such Amatic, Quickspin, Pragmatic Play, Thunderkick, Betsoft, Playtech, iSoftbet, Netent, and more.

For mobile users they offer both Android & iOS apps.

Read our Wild Fortune Review or visit Wild Fortune.

2.  Ignition Casino

Powered by a collection of famous software providers including Revolver, Real Time Gaming, and Rival, Ignition Casino is one of the most decorated online casinos. It brags of an enormous and diverse game library. Therefore, you can enjoy the different variants of Blackjack, such as 5 Diamond Blackjack, Blackjack Perfect Pairs, European Blackjack, Face Up 21, Pontoon, among others.

What's more, new players get to enjoy a 300% sign-up bonus up to $3000 free. With multiple banking methods, you can use MasterCard, Visa, Neosurf, and BTC. The casino offers 24/7 customer support, fast withdrawals and deposits, and mobile-powered games. So, you can enjoy our recommended games on the go.

Read our Ignition Casino Review or visit Ignition Casino.

3.  Boho Casino

Recently established in 2022, Boho Casino offers over 7900 online pokies from 98 different providers, including some of the industry’s biggest names, like Microgaming, Yggdrasil, Evolution, NoLimit City, Play’n GO, 1x2Gaming, Thunderkick, and many many others.

The casino offers a user friendly platform that makes trying out the different variants of online blackjack seamless and easy. They also offer over 760+ live casino games to choose from including blackjack, baccarat, and roulette.

The customer support is also responsive, if you have have any questions you can contact them 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via live chat.

Best of all they payout winnings fast, regardless of where you are in Australia.

Read our Boho Casino Review or visit Boho Casino.

4.  King Billy Casino

Launched in 2017, King Billy offers over 5,000 casino games from well-known developers including Betsoft Gaming, Yggdrasil, BGaming, Evoplay and Wazdan.

Players can choose from over 4500 pokies including themed games, everything from classic 3-reel pokies to video pokies with animations, extra features and massive grids. With such an abundance of choice, you can easily spend hours playing without getting bored, and to sweeten the deal, there are free versions of all these games so you can always try them out for yourself before diving straight in. The jackpot games include a considerable number of pokies. Even if you do not win the jackpot, these games are highly thrilling and playable.

They also offer over 400 live games including multiple variants of baccarat, roulette and some of the best blackjack that we have seen anywhere. The live collection also includes gameshows, live slots, and fortune wheel-styled games.

Read our King Billy Casino Review or visit King Billy Casino.

5.  Slots Gallery

Established in 2022, Slots Gallery features over 9500 casino games from 98 different software providers, making it one of the biggest casinos in the world. Some of the software brands include all-time favorites like Microgaming, Evolution, NetEnt, Play’n GO, Yggdrasil Gaming, BetSoft, NextGen Gaming, Pragmatic Play, Real Tiger, EAGaming, Thunderkick, 4 The Player, and many more.

This means you can play at all of the most popular pokies in the world including all classical 3-reel pokies, advanced 5-reel pokies, and progressive jackpots. They offer authentic table games including multiple variants of realistic blackjack.

They offer various deposit methods including Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Skrill, Neteller, iDeal, Trustly, PaySafe Card, EcoPayz, and bank transfer.

Read our Slots Gallery Review or visit Slots Gallery.

6.  Ricky Casino

Ricky Casino’s game offering is quite impressive, and it comes from the platform’s partnership with 40 different software developers. These are all major, reputable providers that are supplying their games to casinos around the world, such as Microgaming, Amatic, Evolution Gaming, NetEnt, BGAMING, LuckyStreak, Red Tiger Gaming, Spinomenal, Yggdrasil Gaming, and many others.

In total, the platform offers more than 1,500 different casino games, with hundreds of online pokies, as well as numerous table games, live games, video poker, and more. Among the table games are all the popular ones, including roulette, baccarat, , craps, Sic Bo, Pai Gow, and of course blackjack.

For mobile users they offer both Android & iOS apps.

Read our Ricky Casino Review or visit Ricky Casino.

7.  Joe Fortune

If you've been hunting down casinos with an irresistible welcome package, then Joe Fortune is your lady luck. Grab up to $5000 plus 30 FS in bonuses when you sign-up. Bonus' awarded in three tiers; 150% match up to $2000 for the 1^st deposit.

A 75% match up to $1000 and a 120% match bonus up to $2000 are awarded for the 2^ndand 3^rd consecutive deposits. RTG, Microgaming, and Rival supply games to the casino. The casino accepts multiple banking options, such as Visa, BTC, and MasterCard.

Classic, European, Classic Single Deck, Zappit, and Perfect Pairs are Blackjack Joe Fortune's variants on offer to Australian gamblers.

Read our Joe Fortune Review or visit Joe Fortune.

8.  Aussie Play

Launched in 2019, Aussie Play is focused exclusively on serving the needs of the sophisticated Australian gambler. They offer over 200 casino games, this includes a wide variety of state of the art online pokies, video poker, table games such craps and baccarat. Best of all they offer multiple versions of authentic online blackjack.

Customer support is excellent and available in multiple ways including live chat and phone support, and the platform even has an app for those who value speed and easy access.

All in all, we believe that this is a very good online casino for Australian gamblers.

Read our Aussie Play Review or visit Aussie Play.

9.  Las Atlantis

Launched in 2020, Las Atlantis is popular all over Australia but they do seem to have a larger than average fan base in New South Wales and in Victoria.

They offer over 250 casino games including live versions of popular classics such as blackjack and roulette. Pokie players should rejoice as they offer 100s of online pokies, many with large progressive jackpots and stunning graphics.

Las Atlantis fully understands the importance of customer service, players can contact them 24 hours a day 7 days a week using both live chat and phone support.

Overall this is a great option for players who enjoy pokies, or who enjoy playing live dealer games with a special emphasis on blackjack.

Read our Las Atlantis Review or visit Las Atlantis.

10.  DundeeSlots

DundeeSlots Casino is a very young online gambling platform that debuted in 2022. It was created by a company called Dama NV, which owns and operates the platform. In fact, this is only the latest addition to a long string of online casinos that Dama NV owns. The company has launched over three dozen online casinos, each of which is considered to be top-rated, and so when it came up with DundeeSlots, it was understandable why the gambling community rushed to check out the platform, given the fact that it was created by a well-known and respected firm.

When it comes to games, the platform, like most other casinos, does not have its own. Instead, it is partnering with numerous software developers who then provide it with their top-shelf games. DundeeSlots has teamed up with around 36 software providers, and it offers thousands of various casino games including Vegas Blackjack.

Read our DundeeSlots Review or visit DundeeSlots.

Verdict

Blackjack is a game of finesse and chance. Therefore, it's no surprise that it's one of the world's most desirable casino games. The above casinos offer different Blackjack game variants, and you can play the one that suits you. In addition, the above casinos are all licensed, and they all advocate for responsible gambling since it can be addictive. Have fun while playing!

The post 10 “Best” Australian Online Blackjack Sites (August 2023) appeared first on Gaming.net.