Blackjack Guide NZ – The Best Blackjack Casinos Online

Blackjack is a casino staple and one of the best games you’ll ever play. It’s sometimes categorised as a table game. Other times as a card game. We think this is simply a winning game.

It has one of the lowest house edges among all casino games and simple gameplay to go with it. Of course, there are lots of casinos where you can enjoy this game. The best blackjack casinos are licensed and offer great bonuses to give you a starter boost on your blackjack bets.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of blackjack, how to play, strategies, variants, and more. Find out the best online casinos with blackjack games for kiwis.

  • Deposit NZ$10+, Get up to NZ$1,000 over 2 Deposits + 200 Free Spins
    Wildz Casino Review
    • Brilliant bonuses and ongoing promotions
    • More than 2,500 games including live dealer
    • A casino that packs a punch
    x35 wagering on bonus x35 wagering on wins from free spins Max bet NZ$5 per spin Minimum deposit NZ$10 60-day expiry. 18+ Play responsibly. Terms and Conditions Apply.

    Welcome Bonus - Up to NZ$1,000 Plus 200 Free Spins

    This casino has gone WILD with its opening offer to attract new players. You can enjoy a magnificent matched deposit offer of up to NZ$1,000 when joining Wildz Casino, plus 200 free spins. This opening offer plays out over your first two deposits. Here’s how it works: 
    • First Deposit - 100% matched deposit up to NZ$500 plus 200 free spins
    • Second Deposit - 50% matched deposit up to NZ$500
    Your bonus cash will need to be wagered x35 times before you can withdraw any winnings. In other words, if you deposit NZ$100 and receive a NZ$100 bonus, you will need to win and spin at least NZ$3,500. Free spins are awarded at a rate of 25 per day for the first eight days following your deposit. You will also need to wager any wins from free spins x35 before making a withdrawal. This is a lovely opening offer that comes with wagering requirements that are slightly less than the industry average of x40.
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  • Deposit NZ$30+, Get up to NZ$4,000 + 300 Free Spins over 4 Deposits
    Just Casino Review
    • More than 3,500 games
    • Brilliant bonuses
    • Superb studios
    New players only, One account per household/IP address, Bonus active for seven days, X40 wagering bonus and free spin wins, Bonus wins capped at NZ$5,000, Wins from free spins capped at NZ$300, Max bet while wagering is NZ$8

    Welcome Bonus - Matched Deposit Bonus up to NZ$4,000 Plus 300 Free Spins

    HUGE! That’s the only way to describe Just Casino’s opening offer to attract new players. It’s an eye-catching matched deposit offer, up to NZ$4,000, with a thrilling 300 free spins up for grabs. This welcome offer plays out across your first four deposits; here’s how it works:
    • First Deposit - 100% matched deposit up to NZ$500 plus 100 free spins - no bonus code)
    • Second Deposit - 100% matched deposit up to NZ$500 plus 50 free spins - use bonus code JUST2
    • Third Deposit - 50% matched deposit up to NZ$1,000 plus 50 free spins - use bonus code JUST3
    • Fourth Deposit - 25% matched deposit up to NZ$2,000 plus 100 free spins - use bonus code JUST4
    Clearly, you’ll need to deposit a lot more by deposits three and four to max out this offer, but you can redeem this bonus for as little as NZ$30 per deposit. To convert this offer into cash, you will need to wager/play through the bonus and any wins from free spins 40x. This is bang on average for the casino sign-up world and, given the huge matched deposits on offer, very worthy of consideration.

    Terms & Conditions

    • New players only
    • One account per household/IP address
    • Bonus active for seven days
    • X40 wagering bonus and free spin wins
    • Bonus wins capped at NZ$5,000
    • Wins from free spins capped at NZ$300
    • Max bet while wagering is NZ$8
    • Not all games contribute to wagering requirements - check before you play
    +
  • Deposit NZ$20+, Get 100% Matched Bonus up to NZ$1,750 + 50 Free Spins
    CashWin Casino Review
    • Bountiful bonuses
    • Thousands of games
    • Sportsbook and Casino
    New players only, Minimum deposit NZ$35, X35 wagering both bonus and deposit amount, X40 wagering on free spin wins, Max bet NZ$9

    Welcome Bonus - 100% Bonus up to NZ$1,750 Plus 50 Free Spins

    What an opening offer! CashWin Casino offers new players a phenomenal 100% matched deposit bonus up to NZ$1,750, as well as 50 free spins. And because this casino also has a sportsbook, fans of the footy can choose a 30% cashback bonus up to NZ$500 instead. Here's how the casino welcome bonus works. All you have to do is deposit between NZ$20 and NZ$1,750, and CashWin will 100% match it. There are a couple of key terms and conditions you need to be aware of. Mainly, you will need to wager/play through both your deposit and bonus amount x35 before converting any wins into withdrawable cash. Free spins must be played on Bonanza Billions, and any wins from free spins will need to be wagered x40 before you can turn a profit. This is a mighty eye-catching opening offer, sure to appeal to players in New Zealand.

    Terms & Conditions

    • New players only
    • Minimum deposit NZ$20
    • X35 wagering both bonus and deposit amount
    • X40 wagering on free spin wins
    • Max bet NZ$9
    +
  • Deposit NZ$10+, Get up to NZ$1,000 Bonus over 3 Deposits + 500 Points
    Christchurch Casino Review
    • A legend of a land-based casino
    • More than 2,000 games
    • Classy casino
    20+ ● New players only ● Terms and Conditions apply ● Please play responsibly ● GamblingTherapy.org

    Welcome Bonus - Up to NZ$1,000 Bonus Plus 500 Loyalty Points

    This classy-looking casino welcomes new players with a lucrative matched deposit bonus of up to NZ$1,000 plus 500 loyalty points. The minimum amount you will need to deposit to redeem this offer is NZ$10. The joining package is available on your first three deposits. Here's how it works:
    • 1st Deposit - 100% matched bonus up to NZ$200
    • 2nd Deposit - 100% matched bonus up to NZ$300
    • 3rd Deposit - 50% match bonus up to NZ$500
    You will also receive 500 loyalty points on your first deposit. Clearly, you'll need to deposit more by deposit three if you want to max out this opening offer. Players will need to wager or play through both bonus and deposit x30 before it can be turned into real withdrawable cash. For example, if your first Deposit is NZ$10 and your bonus is NZ$10, then the total wagering requirement will be NZ$600.

    Terms & Conditions

    • New players only
    • X30 wagering bonus and Deposit
    • 30-day expiry once you join
    • Max bet NZ$5
    • Deposits via Skrill and Neteller not eligible
    +
  • Deposit NZ$10+, Get 100% up to NZ$2,000 + 200 Free Spins over 3 Deposits
    Leo Vegas Casino Review
    • A great platform from a top Swedish firm
    • Sports fans will delight in antepost markets
    • Claim ongoing rewards from the VIP scheme
    18+. LeoSafePlay.com. Promotional T&Cs apply. Please play responsibly.

    Leo Vegas Welcome Bonus - Up to NZ$2,000 Plus 150 Free Spins

    For a casino with a lion as its mascot, this opening offer is simply paw-fect! Leo Vegas welcomes new players with a huge 100% NZ$2,000 matched deposit bonus plus 150 free spins. Here’s how it works:
    • First Deposit - 100% matched up to NZ$1,000 plus 50 Free Spins
    • Second Deposit - 100% matched up to NZ$500 + 50 Free Spins
    • Third Deposit - 100% matched up to NZ$500 + 50 Free Spins
    To release the cash and free spins you will need to wager your deposits 20x. This is excellent value for an opening offer in an industry where 40x is the average. Clearly, if you want to max this offer out, you’ll need to deposit the full NZ$ amount but don’t worry if you haven’t got that amount to play with. The minimum deposit to redeem this offer is just NZ$10. Lastly, because Leo Vegas is also a sportsbook, live casino and online bingo room there’s a choice when it comes to opening offers including:
    • Bingo offer up to NZ$250 plus 50 Free Spins
    • Matched free sports up to NZ$50
    • Up to $2,000 Cash Live Casino
    But remember you can only pick one! We recommend always reading the terms and conditions of any offer but because we’re nice we’ve listed the main ones below for you.

    Terms and Conditions

    • Minimum deposit of NZ$10
    • 21 days to claim following registration
    • Free spins have no wagering requirements
    • You must wager the deposit 20x before receiving your bonus
    • Free spins must be played on Gold Blitz
    • Only select slots contribute 100% to wagering requirements - check games before spinning
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  • Deposit NZ$10+, Get 100% up to NZ$300 on your First Deposit
    William Hill Casino Review
    • Leading player in the gambling industry
    • Easy to navigate site on multiple channels
    • Great selection of slots and Live Casino events
    18+ Play responsibly. Terms and conditions apply.

    Welcome Bonus

    The welcome bonus that William Hill has dreamt up for the benefit of its new clients is somewhat limited. But this is perfectly understandable. As one of the biggest names in the gambling industry, William Hill Casino has no real reason to attract new customers, as new customers will invariably flock to them due to brand awareness and its trustworthy reputation. Perhaps, then, a 100% matched deposit bonus, from a minimum of NZ $10 up to a maximum of NZ $300, is a good offer. As with all bonuses, wagering requirements are attached. It is a little disappointing that William Hill Casino requires you to wager 40x your bonus before winnings are withdrawable. The industry standard is 35x, so William Hill Casino requires you to dig a little bit deeper before you can profit from its initial offer. You should also be advised that bets on different products contribute differing amounts to wagering requirements.
    PROMOTION GAME STAKE CONTRIBUTION
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    Premium Blackjack 50%
    Premium European Roulette 0% to 50%
    All other games listed on the website 0%
    Wagering Conditions
    The contribution that bets on Premium European Roulette make towards wagering commitments depends on the percentage of outcomes that are covered on individual spins.
    COVERAGE BET PERCENTAGE OF THE TABLE COVERED STAKE CONTRIBUTION
    Low table-coverage bet 0-25% 50%
    Medium table-coverage bet 25.1%-48% 25%
    High table-coverage bet 48.1%-100% 0%
    Roulette Bet Rules
    It is unusual for bets that are placed on roulette games to be counted towards wagering conditions for a deposit bonus, so this is a welcome feature of the William Hill reward, however, this enthusiasm is tempered by the restrictions that are placed on table coverage. In summary, A limited bonus from the global brand leader.
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  • Deposit NZ$30, Get 100% Matched Deposit Bonus up to NZ$1,000
    Rant Casino Review
    • Bonuses galore
    • Complete quests to win prizes
    • Quality high-volatility games
    New players only Seven days to claim 30-day expiry Minimum deposit NZ$30 X35 wagering bonus plus deposit Only slots contribute 100% to wagering requirements

    Welcome Bonus - 100% Matched Deposit Bonus up to NZ$1,000

    Rant Casino offers new players a phenomenal 100% matched deposit bonus of up to NZ$1,000 when they join. Plus, depending on what you play, you could receive up to 25% cashback in the process. Simply sign up and make a deposit between NZ$30 and NZ$1,000 to have your deposit matched. There are, of course, a couple of key considerations. Namely, you will need to wager both your deposit and bonus x35 before you can withdraw any winnings from this offer. But be quick; you’ll only get seven days to redeem this offer once you sign up.

    Terms & Conditions

    • New players only
    • Seven days to claim
    • 30-day expiry 
    • Minimum deposit NZ$30
    • X35 wagering bonus plus deposit
    • Only slots contribute 100% to wagering requirements
    +
  • Deposit NZ$30+, Get up to NZ$3,500 + 100 Free Spins over 3 Deposits
    Deposit NZ$220+ to redeem the highroller offer
    50 Crowns Casino Review
    • Brilliant bonuses
    • More than 10,000 games
    • Live dealer heaven
    New players only X40 wagering requirement Spins on select games Standard offer minimum deposit is NZ$30 Max bet NZ$8

    Welcome Bonus - Bonus up to NZ$3,500 Plus 100 Free Spins

    In the hyper-competitive world of online casinos it's vital you stand out from the crowd. And that's exactly what 50 Crowns has done with its opening offer - by offering a whopping NZ$3,500 plus 100 free spins. This welcome bonus is split across your first three deposits and if you want to make the most of it you'll need to sign up as a high roller on your first payment. Here's how it works:
    • First Deposit - Use the code HIGHROLLER and deposit up to NZ$2,000, and 50 Crowns Casino will match it. Alternatively, use the promo code CROWNS and deposit up to NZ$700 and enjoy 100 free spins as well as a 100% matched bonus.
    • Second Deposit - Your second deposit is matched 50% up to NZ$600 using the promo code 50CROWNS.
    • Third Deposit - A third deposit will see your amount matched 100% up to NZ$900 plus 100 free spins. You will need to use the promotional code 100CROWNS.
    Big spenders will need to deposit a minimum of NZ$220 to redeem the highroller offer. The standard first deposit offer requires a deposit of just NZ$30. Free spins are on select games and are awarded in two batches of 50. Both the bonus and any wins from free spins will need to be wagered x40 before you can withdraw any winnings. In terms of wagering requirements this is bang on the money for an opening offer, and what an opening offer!

    Terms & Conditions

    • New players only
    • X40 wagering requirement
    • Spins on select games
    • Standard offer minimum deposit is NZ$30
    • Max bet NZ$8
    +
  • Deposit NZ$20+, Get 100% Matched Bonus up to NZ$1,750 + 50 Free Spins
    Zip Casino Review
    • Great bonuses
    • Brilliant gameplay
    • Sportsbook and Casino
    New players only , Minimum deposit NZ$35, X35 wagering both bonus and deposit amount, X40 wagering on free spin wins,Max bet NZ$9

    Welcome Bonus - 100% Matched Deposit Bonus up to NZ$1,750 Plus 50 Free Spins

    Nothing gets our hearts pumping faster here at Casinos.win than a big matched deposit offer with free spins. Join this casino today and enjoy a 100% bonus up to NZ$1,750, as well as 50 free spins. Alternatively, if you're a sports fan, you can choose a 30% cashback bonus instead. Here's how the casino welcome bonus works. Deposit anywhere between NZ$20 and NZ$1,750, and Zip Casino will 100% match it. You will, however, need to wager/play-through both your deposit and bonus amount x35 before converting any wins into withdrawable cash. Free spins must be played on Bonanza Billions, and any wins from free spins will need to be wagered x40 before you can turn a profit. This is a hearty welcome offer worthy of consideration.

    Terms & Conditions

    • New players only
    • Minimum deposit NZ$20
    • X35 wagering both bonus and deposit amount
    • X40 wagering on free spin wins
    • Max bet NZ$9
    +

Author:

Anne Ifeanyi

Last Updated:

08/01/2024

Table of Contents

Introduction to the Blackjack Game

Blackjack is a card game where the goal is to get a hand total closer to 21 than the dealer without going bust (over 21). According to researchers, the history of blackjack dates back to 1760s France, where it was called Vingt-et-Un (meaning 21). It was derived from Chemin de Fer, a French Royal Court during King Louis XV’s reign, and which still exists as a variant of modern online baccarat.

The first mention of the term blackjack was in 20th century Nevada, where gambling halls began offering bonus payouts for winnings that included an Ace and a black jack (a jack of spades or clubs). The standard game uses a 52-card deck, but many casinos will use multiple decks of cards shuffled together, usually six to eight decks. Regardless, the fundamental rules of how to play blackjack stay the same.

Steps to Playing Online Blackjack

Land-based blackjack has a few more specificities regarding which player goes first, how to indicate bets and other table etiquette. On the other hand, online blackjack is a lot simpler since there’s more of a one-on-one approach. Simply:

  1. Launch the game at a recommended blackjack casino.
  2. Set your bet by selecting any of the betting options on the screen. Blackjack has some of the largest betting ranges. You can often bet as little as 50p and as much as £5,000.
  3. Hit ‘Play’ to deal the cards.
  4. Play your hand after assessing the cards dealt to you and the dealer’s up card.
  5. Wait for the dealer to play their hand.
  6. See who scores closer to 21.

How We Rate the Best Online Blackjack Casinos in New Zealand

We have an expert rating system for how we choose top casinos. When it comes to finding the best online blackjack casinos NZ, here are some key factors we consider:

Generous Bonuses and Promotions

We prioritise online casinos offering generous bonuses and promotions tailored to blackjack players. These can include welcome bonuses, deposit matches, free spins, or exclusive blackjack casino promotions. Generous bonuses provide an excellent opportunity to boost your bankroll and enhance your gaming experience.

Blackjack Variety

The best online casinos provide an extensive selection of game variations. There should be a variety of blackjack games too, including classic blackjack, European blackjack, Atlantic City blackjack, and more. A diverse selection ensures that kiwis can enjoy different rules and gameplay styles.

Blackjack for Real Money

Blackjack is a fun game but it’s even more exciting when there’s real winning potential. We make sure to check for real-money blackjack games. Top-rated blackjack casinos offer a wide range of tables with varying betting limits, ensuring there’s something for every player, whether you’re a casual player or a high roller seeking thrilling stakes.

Blackjack for Free

The best blackjack casinos should provide options for playing blackjack for free. Free play modes are a valuable feature for beginners and experienced players alike. They allow you to practise your skills, test strategies, and familiarise yourself with the game before wagering real money. Free online blackjack is also great for those who simply want to enjoy the game without risking real money.

Licence and Security

A licensed casino demonstrates compliance with stringent standards of fairness and security. As such we prioritise blackjack online casinos that hold valid licences from reputable regulatory bodies like the MGA and the UKGC. We also evaluate the implementation of encryption technology to safeguard your personal and financial information.

Mobile Gaming

In today’s mobile-centric world, we assess the mobile compatibility of online casinos. Top-rated platforms offer mobile-responsive websites or dedicated apps, enabling you to play blackjack on your smartphone or tablet. A seamless mobile gaming experience ensures convenience and flexibility.

Understanding Blackjack House Edge and Odds of Winning

The house edge in blackjack is the mathematical advantage the casino has over players in the long run. It is a percentage that represents the average amount of each bet that the casino expects to retain as profit over time. One of the reasons for the popularity of this game is that it has one of the lowest house edges, going as low as 0.5% when you apply basic strategy.

The primary contributor to the house edge is the fact that the dealer plays their hand after all the players have acted. This gives the dealer a positional advantage, as players can bust before the dealer even plays.

Additionally, the house edge can be influenced by the player’s skill level and the strategy employed during gameplay. It can also vary based on the game’s specific rules. For example, the payout for a blackjack can affect the house edge. In standard games where a blackjack pays 3:2, the house edge is generally lower compared to games where the payout is reduced to 6:5. You’ll have better odds of winning on a 3:2 blackjack table.

Here’s an overview of some common variants at blackjack casinos along with their approximate house edges:

VariantHouse Edge
Classic Blackjack0.5%
European Blackjack0.39%
Atlantic City Blackjack0.35%
Vegas Strip Blackjack 0.36%
Spanish 21        0.38%
Pontoon0.39%
Double Exposure0.69%
Blackjack Switch0.17%
Super Fun 21      1.30%

Note that these house edge values represent the lower end of the spectrum. Blackjack odds fluctuate based on game rules, skill, and strategy. So you must apply some strategy to your gameplay for the best chances of winning.

Blackjack Casino Payouts

Wondering what you receive when you win in this game? For non-blackjack winning hands, such as a regular win, the payout is 1:1 or even money. This means you win an amount equal to your original bet. Suppose you bet $10. You’d receive your stake back plus an additional $10 profit.

The most notable payout in this game is for achieving a blackjack. Typically, blackjack pays out at odds of 3:2, meaning you receive 1.5 times your original bet as winnings. Using the previous illustration, you’d receive $15 in profits.

Payouts depend on the specific rules of the game being played, so they can vary between different blackjack casinos and game variations. Some casinos may offer a lower payout of 6:5 for blackjack. This is less advantageous for players, so you should ensure you are playing at a 3:2 in order to maximise your winnings.

Top Tips for Playing at Blackjack Casinos

  • Learn and Use Basic Strategy – Basic strategy is indispensable for learning how to play blackjack. Also, following basic strategy significantly improves your chances of winning, while minimising the house edge. You can use basic strategy charts while you play so it’s easy to quickly refer to them.
  • Manage Your Bankroll – Always set a budget for your blackjack session and stick to it. Make sure to avoid chasing losses or betting more than you can afford.
  • Avoid Insurance Bets – Statistically, insurance bets are not favourable in the long run. If you’re a beginner, it’s generally recommended to avoid taking insurance bets.
  • Stay Calm and Stick to Your Strategy – Emotions can impact decision-making in blackjack, and with such a thrilling game as this one, it’s easy to get carried away. You should have a strategy before you begin playing, but most importantly, you should stick to it regardless of the outcomes.

Bonus Tip: Avoid relying on hunches, superstitions, or gut feelings when playing blackjack. This game is based on mathematical probabilities, and strategic decision-making is key to long-term success. Trust in the math and make decisions based on sound strategy rather than intuition.

Here are brief explanations of some of the earlier mentioned blackjack variants:

Classic Blackjack

Classic Blackjack, also known as Traditional Blackjack, is the most widely recognised and played variation. It follows the basic rules of the game, where players aim to achieve a hand value as close to 21 as possible without exceeding it. Here, the dealer typically receives one face-up and one face-down card.

Double Exposure Blackjack

In Double Exposure Blackjack, both of the dealer’s cards are dealt face-up, providing players with valuable information. However, to compensate for this player advantage, the game introduces specific rules, such as the dealer winning on ties and blackjack payouts at even money.

Spanish 21

This variant of blackjack is played with a Spanish deck of cards, which removes the four 10-value cards. Despite the absence of these cards, the game compensates by offering favourable rules such as player-friendly bonuses for achieving 21 with specific combinations and allowing late surrender.

Blackjack Switch

Blackjack Switch introduces a unique twist by allowing players to switch the second cards of two separate hands. This variant provides an opportunity to create stronger hands. However, a dealer’s total of 22 results in a push against a player’s blackjack hand.

Live Blackjack

Live Blackjack is a variant of the game played online with a live dealer via video streaming. It aims to replicate the feel of playing in a land-based blackjack casino by offering an interactive and immersive environment. You can interact with the dealer and other participants in real time, enhancing the social aspect of the game.

Start Playing at the Best Blackjack Casinos!

Blackjack is a fantastic game that remains a top casino favourite, even though it’s been around for so long. It comes in several variants with adjusted rules, but the fundamentals stay the same. Online blackjack is a lot more player-friendly than the land-based version just because it’s faster, and you’ve got many more versions to try out at your convenience. It’s no wonder that kiwis love this game almost as much as real money pokies.

This game has some of the best odds and good payout potential too. Before you play though, you should make sure you have mastered the basic strategy. Or at least ensure you have quick access to a basic strategy chart that you can glance over at. That’s your best chance of winning in blackjack.

Blackjack Casinos FAQ

What is the objective of blackjack?

Blackjack aims to beat the dealer’s hand without exceeding a total card value of 21. You win if you get a hand value higher than that of the dealer.

Are online blackjack games fair?

Online blackjack is fair when you play at the best blackjack casinos. Reputable online casinos employ random number generators (RNGs) to ensure fair gameplay.

What is the best blackjack strategy?

The best blackjack strategy is basic strategy, which is a mathematically derived set of rules that guides players in making optimal decisions based on their hand and the dealer’s up card. Following basic strategy will enable you to minimise the blackjack casino edge and maximise your winning chances in the long run.

Should I always hit until I reach 21?

No, hitting until you reach 21 is not always the best strategy. The decision to hit stand or split depends on your hand value and the dealer’s upcard. Following basic strategy provides guidelines on when to stand, hit, double, split, etc., based on the specific situation.

Can I count cards in online blackjack?

While card counting can be effective in land-based casinos, online blackjack casino games use random number generators that shuffle the cards after each hand. Therefore, it is not possible to count cards effectively in online blackjack.

What is the house edge in blackjack?

The house edge in classic blackjack is typically around 0.5% when you apply basic strategy. However, the house edge can vary based on specific rules and variations of blackjack.