Online Blackjack Guide NZ

Whether you visit a land-based casino or an online casino or enjoy a Friday night game amongst friends, Blackjack will always remain a popular table game amongst players worldwide. The game is simple, with many variations available to play.

Traditionally a table game shared amongst pals, today Blackjack has morphed into an online sensation. It is widely available at online casinos in New Zealand. Players that visit both online and live casinos, can feats on various Blackjack tables. The goal of the game being a simple one: reach the perfect score of 21.

Today, we take a walk down memory lane, whilst talking about one of the most celebrated table games of all time. We will tell you how the Blackjack table originated, and the tech advancements. Finally, we will offer some insight on how you can start playing online and the betting options, live dealer options and more.

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The History of Blackjack

Many debate the origins of Blackjack games, with credit given to the French court dating back to “vingt-un” (twenty-one). Originating in Europe, the popularity of these games started spreading across the globe. The game offered new variants developed in Spain, North America, and Rome.

In 1899, the game was rebranded as simply Blackjack, with various bets developed to attract players to the newly launched games. While it offered many variations, the goal remained one: to not bust, meaning going over the score of 21, with your score needing to beat the dealer.

Today, the game is available both online and at land-based casinos. There are several ways to win, whether playing against a computer or the traditional Blackjack games vs. a live dealer.

How to Play Blackjack

Whether you are playing Blackjack online or not, the game's rules are the same across the board. The first step is joining a table, where you will be asked to place your bet to see the game kick off. The initial cards are dealt, with both the player and the dealer hand receiving the first pair of cards. Cards are dealt with both you and the dealer not seeing each other's decks. This is where you decide if you need a hit (more cards) and ask the dealer to deal the next card.

This is where you evaluate your overall hand: are you close to reaching the perfect score of 21, and if you are dealt additional cards, will you go bust? If you decide to land another face-up card, you ask the Blackjack dealer for a further hit.

The next stage of the game is for the dealer's hand. The dealer takes additional cards. When both the player and the dealer are happy with the deal, everyone's hand is shown, with all face-up cards on display. Now that everyone's cards are displayed on the game table, who is the closest to the main goal of 21? If either player goes over the score of twenty-one, this means a Blackjack bust. Here, the other player wins, irrespective of the total score of the second player’s cards.

Once the game is complete, with the winner announced, another game can begin.

Blackjack

A regular game of Blackjack against the computer - played at iBET casino.

Types of Blackjack Available Online

You can enjoy a great online blackjack game when visiting New Zealand online casinos. It can either be accessed through a site's table section or by visiting the live casino. In both sections, you can rest assured that the game selection is extensive. Here are some of the best and most played blackjack games at online casino sites in New Zealand.

Popular Blackjack Variants

  • 5 Hand
  • Multihand Pro Online
  • Single-Hand Online
  • Double Exposure Online
  • 11 with Side Bets
  • Double Exposure Three-Hand
  • 777 Blazing
  • Perfect
  • Traditional
  • Infinite

The above games are commonly located via the table section at online casinos in New Zealand. Via this section, Blackjack tables can be joined for free play or real money. Playing for free offers you many perks, one of which is building up your knowledge and strategy. Since live dealer games are only available for real money wagers, and cannot be played for free, we always suggest that online casino players test the game, learn the betting options, and get a better understanding of the game before playing for real money. Once you feel you have enough Blackjack knowledge and skill, you can head over to the live casino section and binge on one of the below live games.

Live Blackjack Variants

  • Live Blackjack – This type of Blackjack game offers players additional features such as the 21+3 side bet options. Additionally, the Perfect Pair betting option is also available when playing Live.
  • Speed – Speed Blackjack is a faster version of the traditional version, that also follows the same rules. When players are offered the first two initial cards at the start of the game, everyone will be asked to Split, Double Down, or Hit. This will happen at the same time, offering faster gameplay.
  • Infinite – While many tables are only played between the player and the dealer, Infinite Blackjack allows an infinite number of players to join the table. During the game, there are lower bet limits and also four optional side bets (Any Pair, 21+3, Hot 3, or Bust It).
  • Lightning – When playing Lightning Blackjack, players will enjoy the traditional gameplay that Blackjack offers, coupled with many multipliers and RNG-based lightning cards. Any wins secured will see you walk away with a game win multiplier of 2x up to 25x.
  • Free Bet – The Free Bet Blackjack variant offers players the same traditional gameplay of the classic game with the added benefits of the 'Free Splits' and the 'Free Double Down'. This type of game variation is also offered as Infinite Blackjack, where multiple players can join the table.
  • Power – Power Blackjack is a type that allows you to Double, Triple, and Quadruple down on the two initial cards that you are dealt by the dealer. This type of Blackjack game requires the usage of 8 decks, with all the 9s and the 10s removed from the decks before the gameplay commences.
  • Salon Prive' – Salon Prive is a high-stakes Blackjack variant, where players can enjoy higher stakes and wagers. These types of tables are more targeted at high roller players, where a minimum bankroll amount would need to be met to sit and play.

Know Your Betting and Wagers

Before heading over and playing Blackjack, it would be wise to gather some game knowledge and strategy. Such tools will help you navigate and know your betting options. Below, we go through some key words you need to know about if you want to conquer the world of Blackjack dealer games.

Game Insurance

When you play blackjack, one of the best cards you are dealt is the Ace. If the dealer's hand has a face-up card showing and the Ace card is available, you will be asked if you would like to take out insurance. If the dealer is dealt the ten card, they will reach the score of 21, leaving you with no chance of winning. Taking a small insurance when playing Blackjack will see you not lose all of your bet money in case the dealer wins.

Double Down

If you are dealt two cards and you are happy with your position, you can decide to double down on your initial bet. This is where you will only be dealt one additional card, with the player upping the ante of the game, in the hopes of a chunkier win.

Soft Hand or Soft Total

A Soft Hand or A Soft Total is a hand that includes an Ace, granting the player a better advantage over the opponent.

Face Cards

Face Cards are the higher-ranking cards of the deck. They are the Jack, Queen, and King of any suit and offer a total value of 10.

Beat the Dealer

The goal of Blackjack is to beat the dealer, either by the dealer going over the score of 21 (busting) or by you getting close to the perfect score.

Card Value

The card value is the value of the cards being dealt. For example, the cards 2 up to 10 will give you their face value, while the face cards (J, Q, and King) grant you a value of 10 each. The Ace can either offer a value of 1 or a value of 11, depending on your game course and choice.

Burn Card

Before the dealer offers the player two cards at the initial stages of the Blackjack game, the top card in the deck is burned. This means it is discarded and not used throughout the game. This acts as a small insurance so that neither the dealer nor the player knows the face value of any cards being dealt.

Double Exposure

Double Exposure is a type of Blackjack game variant commonly found at online casinos. This means all the cards are dealt exposed (face-up cards) on the table, with both the dealer and the player knowing each other's hands.

Menu Button

When you play blackjack online, a menu button will be displayed at the bottom of your game to help you establish your next action. Through the game menu, you can place your bet, decide if you are bust, and double down on your bets in the hopes of beating the dealer's hand.

Head Up

Heads Up Blackjack is a game played between the player and the dealer, with no additional players involved.

Hit

When you ask the dealer to give a hit, this means that you would like an additional card or cards to be dealt to you.

House Edge

The house edge is the advantage that the house (the casino dealer's hand) has over the player. This is calculated mathematically, with players who count cards trying their best to beat the dealer hand, aka the house edge.

Pair

A pair is secured when a player is dealt two cards of the same face value. For example, a 3 of Hearts and a 3 of Spades.

Standing Hand

A Standing Hand is when your overall Blackjack hand offers a total of 17-21. This is when players would need to consider if an additional card is drawn, as there is a big risk of going bust.

Live Blackjack

A game of Live Blackjack played at NeonVegas Casino.

Hints and Tips to Win at Blackjack

If you are a new table games player just starting in the world of Blackjack, you might need to buckle up on your game plan to win. It offers plenty of betting options with the terminology we explained above. Still, if you are a new player, you might want to apply the below, to hopefully walk away home with a full pocket of winnings.

Become a Blackjack Guru

Although Blackjack rules are the same across all variants, some might have different betting options, and the rules slightly change from one game option to another. If you want to make it big, it would be wise to get used to the different games available, the variety of betting options, and how to play the game. Once you are backed up with a sea of knowledge, you can attempt your gambling luck at the real money tables.

Play the Free Game Options

While live Blackjack is not offered for free, the traditional non-live tables are. Whether you are a seasoned player or a new one, it is always good to practice your Blackjack strategy while playing for free or in demo mode. This way, you can learn, make mistakes, and enjoy the game without depositing real money.

Manage Your Casino Bankroll

Your casino bankroll is the foundation for all your casino gameplay. Without funds, you won't be able to play Blackjack. We always urge players to play moderately and remember that online gambling can be addictive. Many online casinos offer responsible gambling tools, such as deposit limits and wagering limits. Managing your bankroll wisely is a good start to an enjoyable gambling session. Bottom line: if you are new to Blackjack, going all in with your first bet is not a good move.

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Conclusion

Blackjack has always been a popular table game to play. Originating within the land-based casino world, the game has morphed into the online gambling sphere through the years and is widely available to play at New Zealand online casinos.

Traditional table gameplay is offered for free via the table section, while all live dealer Blackjack games can only be joined for real money wagers. With this in mind, building your strategy and betting plan is crucial. Reading strategy guides will give you insight into the rules, but playing will provide the experience needed to beat the dealer.

Start your Blackjack game with small bets and keep track of all the cards being dealt, including the dealer's hits or stands. Finally, setting a limit on your gameplay is essential. This way, you can enjoy the game responsibly and chase the perfect score of twenty-one.

Online Blackjack Guide NZ FAQ

Author information

Ryan Mitchell is a 30-year-old casino expert with over 10 years of experience in writing reviews and articles for the online gambling industry. As former roulette dealer, Ryan brings first-hand knowledge and insights. He provides our readers with detailed and trustworthy content.

Read more about Ryan

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