Online Blackjack in New Zealand

Complete Guide to Online Blackjack in New Zealand

Are you seeking to play the stellar game of blackjack, become an expert, and beat the dealer to smithereens in one go? If your answer to these queries is "Yes," one thing is for sure: you'd want to get the ball rolling at the best online blackjack sites in New Zealand. 

Our dedicated team of betting professionals have done the legwork to create a list of the best online blackjack platforms for your wants. Using strict benchmarks, they have taken a look at 100s of blackjack sites to sift out mediums that "deliver the goods" in terms of rewarding and immersive gameplay. 

These sites have numerous blackjack games and a ton of incentives to make the thrill of wagering evergreen.

Music to your ears? If yes, let's get going!

How We Chose the Best Online Blackjack Casinos in New Zealand

You don't just go with the first site that pops up in your "Best Blackjack Sites in New Zealand" Google search result. To get the best online blackjack gaming journey, you must place wagers at the top gambling platforms. 

Although sifting out the top blackjack destinations may seem a tad bit complex at the surface, we've created a list of stellar options using these markers as a guide:

Licensing and Safety

Commencing your blackjack adventure at a secure and safe platform is a must. Therefore, you must choose a blackjack site licensed by a recognised body in the iGaming industry. 

The blackjack sites on our list are certified by reputable bodies like the Malta Gaming Authority, Government of Curaçao, and the UK Gambling Commission. Featuring add-ons to reduce fraudulent activities, these platforms rank high for providing a haven as you race to the "21."

Game Variety

The best New Zealand blackjack sites go the extra mile to incorporate a slew of blackjack games, ranging from RNG blackjack and live dealer blackjack. 

On these sites, players can access hundreds of top blackjack titles from leading software developers like Evolution Gaming and Pragmatic Play. Blackjack games from these providers ensure that Kiwi gamblers have a swell time from start to finish.

Payout Percentages

The payout percentages on a blackjack game give an insight into the winning values a bettor will make during a select gambling stint. So, if an online blackjack game has a 95% RTP (Return to Player), you'll get NZ$95 for every NZ$100 wagered.

However, note that the RTP is purely theoretical. Thus, the gambling returns after a timeline might be slightly different from what you expect. 

Nonetheless, a blackjack title's RTP offers an excellent analysis of your winning margins. Using these values, you can accurately decipher what blackjack game pays higher and variations that pay lower. 

Unlike other casino titles, blackjack games have higher RTP values, with some mediums reaching 99.60%. 

The casino sites on our list have blackjack games with high RTPs to grant gambling Kiwis a chance at getting multiple winning combinations in a single stint. 

Customer Service

Customer service is the bane of the best NZ blackjack sites. When players have issues ranging from deposits, withdrawals, and inability to place wagers, the casino's helpdesk is the first port of call. The blackjack sites that make their way onto our list are those with several help options, including live chat, email, and phone support. 

We also ensure that these mediums are available 24/7. This add-on should tickle the fancy of Kiwis seeking to resolve their issues without encountering nagging hoops. On our top NZ online blackjack sites, access to a smooth gambling journey isn't just a possibility but a certainty. 

Mobile

Most NZ gamblers don't go around with bulky PCs and desktops. Rather, they depend on mobile devices to facilitate bets on their favourite blackjack games. 

The blackjack sites on our list all integrate HTML5 and CSS coding to make their mobile websites intuitive and navigable for NZ gamblers. 

Some casino sites even go a step further by featuring a proprietary application for iOS and Android devices. On the best NZ blackjack gambling platforms, access to an immersive and thrilling adventure is possible 24/7.

Range of Payment Methods

Real money is required to get the ball rolling on your preferred blackjack titles. Fostering deposits and payouts at the best blackjack sites in New Zealand is seamless.

These platforms have popular NZ payment alternatives such as MasterCard, Visa, ecoPayz, Skrill, and Trustly. To give users anonymity, some of these sites integrate cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Litecoin, and Dogecoin.

Although payment method extensivity is great, we also consider the transaction limits on available mediums and their fees. The platforms on our list have decent payment thresholds and offer free transactions.

A Comprehensive Guide to Online Blackjack in New Zealand

Blackjack has been around since the 1800s. Although it made waves in land-based casinos, betting Kiwis can now get in on the action at numerous NZ casino sites. 

Despite its fame, blackjack newbies see this pulsating game that involves charging to the "21" as complex. 

In this segment, we'll take you through the ins and outs of online blackjack in New Zealand. From an in-depth overview of this gaming format to the major strategies and tips required to amass wins in blackjack, we'll lay it all out to you.

All you need to do? Keep READING!

Blackjack Defined

Blackjack is a banking game famous in multiple New Zealand online casinos today.

Unlike other casino titles that'll see you competing with an RNG, online blackjack involves a face-off with a dealer. 

The goal here? 

Reaching 21 first with the cards dealt to you.

The game of blackjack starts with the player and dealer having two cards each. In this game, the "Ace" symbol is either valued at 1 or 10. Thus, it's up to a gambler to find ways to reach 21 — blackjack's winning hand. 

The other symbols — jack, queen, and king — have a value of "10" each.

A blackjack game continues until the dealer or gambler gets to 21. During a stint, players hit (receive another card) or stay (stick with available cards) as they vie for a winning hand. 

Most times, bettors with a cumulative card value of 15 or 16 choose to stay as picking a high-valued card can mar their chances of getting to 21. However, this tactic will backfire as your opponent (the dealer) may get the winning hand by hitting.

However, note that several blackjack games might see dealers sticking to a particular card. This policy is used in several titles. Thus, we advise viewing the T&Cs of a blackjack game before placing wagers. 

NZ bettors can also access side bets when they wager on their favourite blackjack titles. This option comes to the fore when the dealer starts with an Ace.

If dealt cards form a pair, splitting it is a great idea. 

Why?

It allows you to create a new hand and get access to twice your wagered funds. Using this tip also works the trick if the dealer's hand isn't great. 

Besides splitting, another option featured on an online blackjack table is the "Doubling Down." Engaging this alternative will see you increase an initial wager. Once you've done this, you'll have to "stand" after receiving a card. 

Doubling down is usually the go-to choice for gamblers with an "11" in hand. Since there's a huge possibility of getting an Ace or a face card worth 10, success here is bound to yield an astronomic winning value.

The Beginner's Guide to Playing Online Blackjack

Although we've looked at some vital aspects of online blackjack in the preceding paragraphs, newbies will require a detailed guide to kick-start their adventure in full gear. Without further ado, let's get started.

If you want to learn about the intricacies of blackjack, you must first choose an NZ casino site that caters to blackjack gaming. Heading to the deepest ends of the Internet isn't needed as all the platforms that aid this gambling format appear on our well-researched list. 

The sites on our list give you the perfect headstart with a generous Welcome Bonus. Usually in the shape of a 100% match bonus, you'll get your first deposit back as a "bonus." If you intend to follow the bonus route, note that you'll have to meet a distinct wagering requirement to convert your bonus wins into withdrawable funds. 

Once you've keyed into a bonus, you'll have to seek an outlet to put it into good use. Top NZ blackjack casinos have 100s of blackjack alternatives. Although it may be impossible to test them all, we recommend trying their major forms. 

At this point, learning about adoptable strategies and tips is likely to yield positives during gameplay. 

Some think of blackjack as a game of skill. Albeit valid, note that blackjack has some element of fortune in the mix. So, your actions and inactions can either make or mar your blackjack adventure. 

As we've established earlier, blackjack starts with two cards dealt to the dealer and player. The primary goal of blackjack is to get a higher hand than the dealer, as long as it doesn't exceed "21." Unlike the obtainable at land-based casino venues, NZ gamblers don't compete against each other, but a dealer. 

During blackjack gameplay, going over 21 will see you lose out to the dealer. However, if the dealer has a card value over 21, you'll win that round. 

This analogy is tell-tale of the fact that there's no great or bad hand in blackjack gaming. For instance, you can lose even if you have a "20." Conversely, regardless of your hand, a win is possible if the dealer's cumulative card value exceeds 21. 

So, what happens if the dealer and player get to "21" simultaneously? Well, this scenario happening results in a draw. When a tie occurs, you'll receive your stake. 

Another thing to note as a newbie blackjack gambler is "odds." The odds on blackjack games differ depending on the casino site. Thus, you must research to sift out a platform with decent values to earn astronomic wins. 

Blackjack fields a deck of 52 cards, each with unique values. Here are some notable mentions:

• Ace: Worth 11 or 1 in blackjack
• Jack, King, and Queen: Valued at 10 each
• 2 - 10 Cards: All equal to face value

During gameplay, gamblers are allowed to "hit" and get more cards to improve their hands. However, they can decide to "stay" if they don't want their cards to exceed 21 or feel that the dealer's hand will surpass this value on their next hit. 

Notable Blackjack Outcomes

Although blackjack is a gambling variation that denotes unpredictability, here are some outcomes you're bound to encounter during gameplay.

Top mentions include:

1. The player collects a card worth 10 and an Ace to boot, while the dealer doesn't get any. If this occurs, the player will win and might receive a distinct blackjack bonus. 
2. The player's cumulative card count exceeds 21, and the dealer wins.
3. The dealer's hand value surpasses the 21 mark, and the player wins.
4. The dealer and the player are dealt cards that'll see them get to 21. A draw or push occurs when this happens, and the player will receive their initial stake in full.

Now that we've looked at the specifics of blackjack and its notable outcomes, let's see what blackjack formats are available at the best NZ casino sites. 

Blackjack Game Types

Blackjack games are grouped into different categories, including:

Classic Blackjack

Classic Blackjack adopts the original blackjack form in its entirety. When cards are dealt to the dealer and the player, one faces up, and the other faces down. 

In Classic Blackjack, the goal is to reach 21 before the dealer does. However, if your hands surpass 21, you'll bust (lose) while the dealer wins. 

The player that gets to 21 with a unique combination of an Ace and face card will earn a "Blackjack."

Progressive Blackjack

Progressive Blackjack games bear semblance to other blackjack titles. In these games, NZ bettors have the luxury of placing bets on a distinct progressive jackpot. 

These optional side bets can grant you mesmeric wins if you're LUCKY!

European Blackjack

European blackjack tows the path of Classic Blackjack. Nonetheless, in European Blackjack, a player will have both cards face up. Conversely, the dealer will have one card face up and the other face down. 

However, there's a downside to European Blackjack. 

During gameplay, the dealer doesn't check the cards for blackjack after dealing all available cards. 

This rule gives the dealer an advantage as you'll keep on betting while they hold the "winning hand."

Multi-hand Blackjack

As the name suggests, Multi-hand Blackjack is a form of blackjack that allows NZ gamblers to make multiple bets at once. 

Although this blackjack format will see an increment in stakes, it provides more chances of winning.

Spanish 21 Blackjack

Spanish 21 Blackjack is set up like Classic Blackjack. However, this blackjack form grants for card redoubling up to three times. 

Also, cards with a cumulative value of 10 don't appear in the decks (six to eight decks are available per stint). Spanish 21 Blackjack allows for doubling upon splits. 

Live Blackjack

Many NZ online casinos now integrate live blackjack into their résumé. These games give Kiwi bettors to compete against real-world dealers. 

Since live casino alternatives use HD cameras to give gamblers multiple viewing angles, blackjack gaming is immersive. It's just like placing wagers at your favourite physical casino, albeit separated by a veil — your PC or mobile screen. 

Online Blackjack Software Providers

Before an NZ blackjack casino makes our list of stellar platforms, we check to see if it has blackjack titles from the industry's finest in terms of software development. 

An online blackjack site partnering with top software developers for its blackjack titles denotes quality. While there are many blackjack games out there, the unique options come from these providers:

Evolution Gaming

Evolution Gaming is a top-notch software provider that thrives in producing live blackjack titles. Although most developers focus on pokies, Evolution Gaming focuses on casino game alternatives. 

So, if you're a live blackjack fan and want to get that immersive gaming experience from the comfort of your home, Evolution Gaming titles should be your "go-to."

Microgaming

Microgaming games abound at NZ online casinos, and it won't take an eternity to find one. 

Created in 1994, Microgaming has a great track record for creating stellar casino games, online blackjack titles inclusive. 

NetEnt

Formerly known as Net Entertainment, NetEnt is a top software provider that creates slick casino games that integrate high-quality visuals to make gambling fun and immersive. 

Although NetEnt has several blackjack games, this Swedish-based provider excels in pokie titles. In June 2020, this developer was purchased by industry leader — Evolution Gaming. 

Playtech

Playtech makes our list of top online blackjack software providers due to its consistency since its creation. This developer creates titles that make waves amongst NZ bettors regularly.

Playtech's online blackjack options are known for their solidity and dynamic gameplay. Hitting "Play" on a Playtech blackjack game takes you to a world where quality takes precedence. 

Playing Live Blackjack at the Best Online Casinos in New Zealand

Consider live blackjack titles if you're interested in a blackjack adventure tell-tale of heading to betting at a land-based casino. NZ casino sites with live blackjack games are in high demand since available alternatives combine the specifics of online and live casino gaming. 

So, while playing your favourite blackjack games from your home's convenience, you get to slug it out with an actual dealer. This add-on makes live blackjack games more immersive and pulsating. 

Here are some advantages of live blackjack:

Authenticity

Live blackjack games are the closest you'll ever get to the actual blackjack experience featured at land-based casinos. During live blackjack gameplay, there's a real dealer that deals cards to you. 

Live blackjack games are broadcasted globally through HD cameras available at studios owned by a particular software developer. These nifty add-ons make gaming immersive and exciting for Kiwis. 

Real Interactions

Unlike online blackjack titles that'll see you competing with an RNG (Random Number Generator), you get to interact with the dealer in live blackjack. 

For example, the top NZ blackjack casinos incorporate a top-notch chat-functionality on live blackjack games. This feature allows gamblers to communicate with the real dealer and receive fitting responses. 

Security

One benchmark we adopt when selecting the best NZ blackjack sites is security. Wagering on a live blackjack title assures you that results aren't rigged.

As the game progresses, you can see the cards dealt to you. Dealers can't use fraudulent strategies on live blackjack titles to dampen your winning chances. 

If this occurs (it rarely does), you can have the casino's license revoked by reporting their acts to their licensor. This possibility keeps all NZ blackjack sites in check, a plus for all wagering Kiwis. 

Playing Online Blackjack for Free in NZ

Are you new to online blackjack gaming and would like to get the ball rolling without spending a dime of actual money? Well, you're in luck. The blackjack sites on our list all feature blackjack games in "Demo Mode."

So, what's demo mode?

Simply put, demo mode allows you to engage your favourite online blackjack titles without risking any form of real money. This gaming mode gives you some virtual funds to play with. However, note that you won't be able to cash out your wins. 

Playing online blackjack for free is an excellent way to put basic and advanced strategies into use and see if they yield positives. You can play free blackjack on the online casino featured on our list and some other sites. 

Mobile users can access free blackjack by installing an application from the Apple Store or Google Play Store, depending on your device variation. Using these apps, you can place free bets while you're up and about. 

As a blackjack newbie, engaging free blackjack first is a must. Getting a hold of the "ins and outs" of blackjack is essential before placing real money bets. Not towing this path can see you deplete your funds at your choice blackjack casino in no time. 

Playing Blackjack for Real Money

Once you've learnt the inner workings of blackjack, it's time to commence real money wagering. This option is available at all NZ online blackjack sites. 

To get started, the first thing you must do is register at your choice gambling platform. Once you've signed up, fund your casino account using your preferred payment channel. 

Afterward, head to the blackjack segment of the casino site and tap Play on an option that suits your interests. When the game loads up, you'll encounter a preset bet value. You can either increase or decrease this amount to augment your casino bankroll. 

If you're playing real money blackjack for the first time, we recommend using the casino's Welcome Bonus. 

You're still technically engaging actual money blackjack gameplay by wagering with a bonus. However, you risk less by towing the route. 

Although bonuses might seem great, they're subject to wagering provisions. Albeit attainable, note that games like blackjack contribute less to wagering requirements, meaning that you'll spend more time placing wagers to withdraw winnings from the incentive.

Understanding the Concept of House Edge in Blackjack Games

The blackjack casino platforms in NZ have an add-on called the "House Edge." This functionality is vital as it protects their interests, allowing them to grant bettors a slew of promotions and in-game incentives. 

There are distinct house edges on all casino games. Nonetheless, blackjack has a reputation for featuring a lower house edge than other gaming formats, including slots. 

Since there are different blackjack games, the house edge on these titles is distinct. 

For instance, the house edge on most blackjack games is 1% or less. Thus, it's typical to see titles with RTPs of 99.50%, 99.60%, and 99.70% at NZ online casinos. 

The amount of decks available usually determines the house edge on blackjack titles.

If few decks are in a blackjack game, the house edge will reduce significantly. Another thing that affects the house edge's value on an online blackjack title is if the dealer can hit a "Soft 17."

Payout values can also alter the house edge in a New Zealand blackjack casino site. Although most blackjack titles have the usual 3:2 payout margin, you may come across games that issue a 5:6 or 1:1 winning ratio. 

Since lower house edges denote higher win margins, search for NZ blackjack casinos that feature blackjack titles with 3:2 payouts and fewer decks. 

That way, you're bound to gain more from your wagers.

Top Tips and Strategies for Online Blackjack

Although you might get lucky in online blackjack, you'll need to learn strategies to facilitate winning streaks. In this segment, we'll give you notable tips and techniques you can adopt to ensure your online blackjack journey reeks of success. 

Top online blackjack tips and strategies include:

Learn the Specifics of Basic Strategy

Professional NZ bettors and mathematicians know that blackjack is a calculating game with a distinct success formula. The specifics of this unique formula are tagged the "Basic Blackjack Strategy." 

So, what is the Basic Blackjack Strategy? Simply put, this strategy adopts statistics to understand a player's chances of success during a blackjack stint. 

Although Basic Blackjack Strategy may seem ideal, it's a tad overwhelming to memorise. So, if you don't have a retentive memory, you'll be better off writing down its vital tips on a small notepad before tapping the "Play" icon on your choice blackjack title. 

Never Place an Insurance Bet

Although insurance might sound great in the economic arena, placing an insurance bet in online blackjack isn't advisable. 

So, what's an insurance bet?

These are side bets placed by gamblers to boost their chances of winning online blackjack. Here, you're wagering against the dealer's chances of hitting a "Blackjack." Although the 2 to 1 odds might seem enticing, note that your chances of winning an insurance wager are lower than advertised. 

Avoid Placing Progressive Bets

Most people think increasing their bets to suit their winning margins will grant them more wins. Although this strategy might work the trick while you're on a winning streak, frequent adoption is addictive and can spell doom for your online blackjack adventure.

Instead, place bets based on the cards dealt to you. If you have low-value cards, the chances of a high-value card popping up on your next hit are high. Be careful while adjusting your wagers and apply logic to get positive dividends after an online blackjack stint.