Online Blackjack: The Best Blackjack Casinos in NZ 2023
Blackjack is one of the best games to play at an online casino, thanks to the huge rewards it offers, entertainment, and, more importantly, its simplicity. With so many online casinos in NZ now offering blackjack games, it is hard to find the perfect casino site for all of your needs.
Fortunately, the team at CasinoCrawlers has created this blackjack guide to answer all your questions about the game and help you find the best blackjack casinos. Let’s begin!
New Casinos with Blackjack
| Rank | Casino | Cash bonus with 1st deposit | Minimum deposit | Terms and Conditions | Play |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Cash bonus with 1st deposit
100% up to 500 NZ$ |
Minimum deposit 20 NZ$ | Read review Play | |
| 2 |
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Cash bonus with 1st deposit - | Minimum deposit 5 NZ$ | Read review Play | |
| 3 |
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Cash bonus with 1st deposit 121% up to 300 NZ$ | Minimum deposit 10 NZ$ | Read review Play | |
| 4 |
|
Cash bonus with 1st deposit
120% up to 600 € |
Minimum deposit 10 € | Read review Play | |
| 5 |
|
Cash bonus with 1st deposit
400% up to 6800 NZ$ |
Minimum deposit 5 NZ$ | Read review Play | |
| 6 |
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Cash bonus with 1st deposit 250% up to 2000 € | Minimum deposit 20 € | Read review Play | |
| 7 |
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Cash bonus with 1st deposit 220% up to 1100 € | Minimum deposit 20 € | Read review Play | |
| 8 |
|
Cash bonus with 1st deposit
69% up to 400 € |
Minimum deposit 20 € | Read review Play | |
| 9 |
|
Cash bonus with 1st deposit
150% up to 400 € |
Minimum deposit 10 € | Read review Play | |
| 10 |
|
Cash bonus with 1st deposit
100% up to 400 $ |
Minimum deposit 20 $ | Read review Play | |
| 11 |
|
Cash bonus with 1st deposit
100% up to 800 NZ$ |
Minimum deposit 20 NZ$ | Read review Play | |
| 12 |
|
Cash bonus with 1st deposit
100% up to 1000 NZ$ |
Minimum deposit 20 NZ$ | Read review Play | |
| 13 |
|
Cash bonus with 1st deposit
100% up to 400 € |
Minimum deposit 10 € | Read review Play | |
| 14 |
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Cash bonus with 1st deposit 100% up to 1000 € | Minimum deposit 10 € | Read review Play | |
| 15 |
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Cash bonus with 1st deposit 200% up to 500 NZ$ | Minimum deposit 20 NZ$ | Read review Play | |
| 16 |
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Cash bonus with 1st deposit 100% up to 500 NZ$ | Minimum deposit 10 NZ$ | Read review Play | |
| 17 |
|
Cash bonus with 1st deposit
100% up to 750 NZ$ |
Minimum deposit 30 NZ$ | Read review Play | |
| 18 |
|
Cash bonus with 1st deposit
120% up to 850 NZ$ |
Minimum deposit 10 NZ$ | Read review Play | |
| 19 |
|
Cash bonus with 1st deposit
400% up to 2000 NZ$ |
Minimum deposit 15 NZ$ | Read review Play | |
| 20 |
|
Cash bonus with 1st deposit
100% up to 500 NZ$ |
Minimum deposit 25 NZ$ | Read review Play |
Best Casinos with Blackjack
Basic Blackjack Rules
Blackjack is a straightforward game, and single or multiple players can compete against the croupier. There are a few possible outcomes in Blackjack:
- A: Get a card value of 21 or close to it.
- B: Beat the dealer by getting a bigger hand than theirs.
- C: Lead the dealer to draw cards with a combined value of above 21, thereby making them “go bust.”
The player who defeats the dealer will win double the amount of the dealer’s bet (1:1). Whoever hits blackjack (the value of 21) will win a payout of 3:2 of the original bet.
A player is given two cards at the start of a blackjack round and can make one of the following moves:
- Stand: Stick with the cards.
- Hit: Collect extra cards. Players can draw as many cards as they want until they bust, meaning their hand has exceeded 21.
- Double: If the player thinks their chances are good, they are allowed to double their bet. After this is done, the player can draw one extra card.
- Split: A player with a pair of cards or two different cards with a combined value of 10 can choose to double their bet or split the cards. This gives the player two hands and one more card from the dealer. Afterwards, the player is expected to double, hit or stand with regard to the respective hands.
To get a more in-depth guide on how to play blackjack, visit our ‘how to play blackjack’ page.
Where to Find a Top Online Blackjack Casino
How We Pick the Best Online Casinos Which Offer Blackjack
Our expert team at CasinoCrawlers goes through each casino which offers blackjack and chooses only the best which make our list. To do this, there are certain criteria which we look at. Below are some of the features we take a closer look at.
Blackjack Game Selection
Of course, the best Blackjack Casinos would have a huge variety of different online blackjack games. We recommend casinos which also offer different variations of standard blackjack, such as Spanish 21 and Blackjack Switch, to name but a few.
Bonuses & Offers
Many casino bonuses do not specifically relate to blackjack. That’s why we focus on casino bonuses which all types of players can benefit from, from poker lovers to blackjack enthusiasts. These include no deposits welcome bonuses, first deposit bonuses, and low-wagering bonuses.
Security & Licensing
We ensure players who want to play blackjack are doing so only at trusted and secure casinos. This means only regulated and licensed sites make our lists.
Payment Methods
To be able to play blackjack for real money, it is necessary for players to have access to fast and secure payment methods. We take out our magnifying glasses and inspect the banking options of each casino, what the deposit and withdrawal limits are like, and how quick are the transaction times.
Customer Service
It is only natural to want to be able to contact a casino operator immediately should any problems arise while playing blackjack. Top casinos should have a 24/7 customer service team, which you can contact by live chat, phone, and e-mail.
Pros & Cons: Playing Online Blackjack
Online casinos have made it easier than ever to play blackjack. Players can now gamble from their homes and have plenty of variants available at their fingertips. Despite its numerous advantages, playing blackjack online also has some downsides. Check out these pros and cons below.Pros
- You don't have to wait for the decision of other players, neither do you have to wait for the dealer to shuffle the cards
- Sign up bonuses are offered to new players when they complete their registration form
- It is easier to find a better house edge in online blackjack
Cons
- Players are more prone to losing money because they often bet more online
- Online bonuses sometimes come with impossible wagering requirements that make it difficult to redeem the bonus winnings
- Practicing some strategies like card counting and shuffle tracking are impossible to do online
Different Types of Blackjack
Blackjack has a lot of variants. Some are only available in certain countries, and you can only find others online at blackjack sites. The following are some of the popular variants of blackjack you can play.
Blackjack Switch
This variant is a multi-hand blackjack that requires players to play two hands. This means the player must place two stakes that are equal at the beginning of each round.
Live Blackjack
This is a blackjack variant that you can play in a live casino. It features a real blackjack table and real decks of cards shuffled and dealt by a human croupier.
Atlantic City Blackjack
In Atlantic City blackjack, the aim is to beat the dealer, and at the beginning of each hand, eight 52-card decks are shuffled together. Dealers get one card and automatically check for blackjack if they have a ten-value card or an ace. Read more about Atlantic City blackjack in our dedicated guide.
European Blackjack
This variant is like the standard version found in casinos, except for some basic rule changes.
Perfect Blackjack
This is a variant that introduces a side bet. The side bet wins in this game if the player is dealt any pair. Payout varies from one blackjack site to the other and is based on the rank of the pair. Suited pairs usually receive higher payouts.
Online Blackjack Card Values
It is easy to work out the value of the cards dealt to you. Regardless of the card suits you hold, the most critical factor is the value. Here is a breakdown of blackjack card values:
| Ace: | 1 or 11 |
|---|---|
| 2: | 2 |
| 3: | 3 |
| 4: | 4 |
| 5: | 5 |
| 6: | 6 |
| 7: | 7 |
| 8: | 8 |
| 9: | 9 |
| 10: | 10 |
| Jack: | 10 |
| Queen: | 10 |
| King: | 10 |
Free Online Blackjack vs Real Money Blackjack
You’ll be able to play online blackjack for free or for real money. Most casinos offer both types of blackjack, so players can play for fun or gamble, depending on their mood.
We recommend using free blackjack games first if you’ve never played blackjack before. This provides plenty of benefits; firstly, you can learn all blackjack rules and practise different strategies. Secondly, you can make mistakes without risking your actual money.
You can also play free online blackjack if you have exhausted your daily or weekly gambling budget and want to continue playing. We recommend only playing blackjack at real money online casinos if you know the rules, are prepared to risk money and feel confident in your blackjack abilities.
Playing Online Blackjack at Mobile Casinos
Most Kiwis love to game on the go these days. Fortunately, the best casinos know this and, as a result, offer great mobile compatibility. This means you can play online blackjack from your iPhone, android or tablet. In fact, tapping, dragging and other touchscreen movements translate smoothly to blackjack moves.
Online Blackjack Strategy: How to Win
Online blackjack is popular because anyone can quickly learn how to play it. By using a blackjack strategy, a player will have a better chance of winning.
The aim of the game is to receive cards and beat the dealer by getting as close to 21 as possible without going over the number. You place a bet before receiving your first two cards, and afterwards, you can ask for an additional card or “stand” if you choose not to continue. Here are some basic strategies for blackjack games are explained below:
Strategy: Dealer stands on soft 17
This is a common strategy used in online blackjack. Unlike what most players believe, standing on soft 17 is more advantageous for the player than when the dealer hits on soft 17. This is because the dealer has two opportunities to make a stiff hand of 17 or better. The dealer’s average hand amount is about 18.5, so when a dealer stands on 17, it’s good news for the player.
Strategy: Dealer hits on soft 17
When a dealer hits on soft 17, the player can double down on an 11 if the dealer shows an ace. Also, if the dealer has a 6 and you have a soft 19, you should double down. Lastly, if the dealer has a 2, you will double down on a soft 18.
Play Free Blackjack First
Something else you can do to improve your blackjack strategy is to play free games first. Most blackjack sites offer demo games that allow you to play a real blackjack game without risking any money. By using these games, you can practice, learn the rules, and become skilled at blackjack.
Ways to Increase and Decrease the House Edge
Like most online casino games, online blackjack has a fixed house edge. The house edge is designed to favour the house, and it is common knowledge that the house always wins. A house edge can be defined as a guaranteed percentage that is returned to the casino for every game you play.
As a player looking to win big, a proper understanding of the house edge is significant. With the knowledge of how the house edge works, winning can be much easier for you.
Listed below are three ways you can beat the house edge in a blackjack game.
Count cards
Players use this blackjack strategy to determine if the upcoming hand will give a probable advantage to the dealer or the player.
Shuffle tracking
Shuffle tracking is a blackjack strategy that gives the player an advantage. The player tracks certain cards or card sequences through a series of shuffles which help predict the next cards to be dealt.
Identifying concealed cards
The dealer receives two cards, one up (exposed) and the other down (hidden). Players can find a way to identify cards to the extent of knowing the value of those facing down. This blackjack strategy can help them beat the dealer.
Common Blackjack Terms You Should Know
To make life easier for yourself at the blackjack table, there are some terms you should familiarise yourself with:
Hit
This is when you request another card from the dealer after receiving your two original cards.
Stand
This is when a player does not want to collect any more cards. That is, the player already has a total of 19 with their two cards and is trying to avoid going over 21.
Double down
If you think that receiving an extra card will help you beat the dealer, you are free to double your initial bet and draw one card. Double down allows you to bet of your original amount again.
Split
When a player receives two great opening cards, they are allowed to split the cards and have two active hands.
Surrender
Some blackjack variations allow players to surrender their hand, and only half of their stake will be returned to them. Surrender means you forfeit half of your bet if you believe that you can’t defeat the dealer.
Insurance
If a dealer starts the hand with an ace, you can purchase insurance for half of your total original wager. This protects you from the level of loss that would typically occur if the dealer gets blackjack.
Bust
Bust means that a player has run out of money by exceeding 21. A player can also go bust by standing on less than 21, but the dealer's total card value is higher than yours and less than 21.
Push
A push is when a player ties with the dealer, a situation where the player is neither the winner or loser.
Alternative Casino Games to Online Blackjack
Getting a bit tired of blackjack, or in the mood for another challenge. Here are some alternative casino games you may want to check out:
Online PokerPlay at the best online poker sites in New ZealandGo to page
Online RoulettePlay at the best online roulette sites in New ZealandGo to page
Online PokiesPlay at the best online pokie sites in New ZealandGo to page
Online ScratchiesPlay at the best scratchies sites in New ZealandGo to page
Online CrapsPlay at the best craps sites in New ZealandGo to page
A Brief History of Blackjack
The origin of blackjack is relatively unknown. Some people believe that blackjack originated in China, while others think it originated in Spain during the 17th century. However, most researchers believe the game was most likely first played in France around 1700. According to these experts, the cards were called “Vingt-et-Un” or “Twenty-one” in English. It is believed that these cards bore a resemblance to Chemin de Fer, the popular card game of the time.
The game’s rules back then are no longer what they are today, as there have been some changes along the way. During the game’s early days, players were not allowed to double, and a round of betting took place between each of the cards dealt. But all that has changed now.
Conclusion – Online Blackjack
If you’ve read this guide, you’ll know that blackjack is a relatively straightforward game to play. There are plenty of strategies you can employ to beat the dealer and win big, but we recommend doing the following:
- Learn the basics of the game
- Select suitable blackjack sites
- Try your hands-on demo games before going live
- Start small until you’re more confident.
- Analyze every session and play responsibly.
Online blackjack is available for demo play, allowing you to try out different variants of the game without wasting real money. After practising, you’ll be ready to play a real game of online blackjack! Browse our recommended list above and find the best casino for your needs.
References
- Wikipedia. “Blackjack”, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blackjack
Online Blackjack FAQ
Can I trust online blackjack?
Yes, you can trust online blackjack games. The games are not rigged and can be fairer than those at land-based casinos. Online blackjack games are fair and honest, and can easily be reported to the appropriate authorities if players are suspicious. However, players must ensure they play online blackjack at licensed casino sites to enjoy fair games.
Can you beat the house in blackjack?
The house will always win no matter how good you are at the game. So basically, you can’t beat the house in blackjack. However, there are ways to improve your chances of winning; with the right strategy, you can win big.
What is the return-to-player in blackjack?
The return to player (RTP) is the house edge and how much money players receive from the casino. It can be calculated by subtracting the house edge of your preferred blackjack variation from 100%. Theoretically, the RTP of blackjack is 99.54%.
Is blackjack legal in New Zealand?
Yes, it is. Playing online blackjack in New Zealand is legal as long as it is done at regulated and licensed casinos. Players can enjoy the game and withdraw winnings with easy and secure payment methods.
What are the top 3 tips for playing online blackjack?
There are lots of ways to increase your chances of winning at online blackjack. Although the game has its fair share of challenges, it is not impossible to succeed, especially if you follow these tips: learn the rules; do a test run with free blackjack games; stick to a budget.
Can I play online blackjack with other players?
Yes, there are plenty of live casinos where you can participate in live online blackjack games with other players. These games usually have a live dealer, allowing you to interact with other players.
Should you count cards in online blackjack?
You can count cards in online blackjack, assuming it is a live game. If you're playing a computer-generated game then you won't be able to count cards.
Where can I practise online blackjack?
Most casinos offer free demo blackjack games where you can practise online blackjack. Check out the casinos on our list to find sites with free blackjack games.
Lily, a Casino Content Specialist, has amassed an impressive wealth of experience in the iGaming industry for well over a decade. She infuses this experience with each review, casino guide, and blog post. She spends her time playing titles like Mega Moolah and Starburst when not writing or spending time with her family in Auckland.
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