Best NZ Real Money Blackjack Casino Sites Online

To help all of our New Zealand visitors enjoy online casino blackjack, we created a guide that caters to beginners who want to learn everything about the game. Learn the rules, tips and strategies, practise for free or claim any of our exclusive promotions and bonuses to play for real money, and much more. Benefit from our proved and trusted casino sites review process to find the best NZ blackjack online casinos for you in 2024 starting with our Top 10 list below.

Written by Bonnie Gjurovska 29 minute read

New Zealand Top List of Best Blackjack Casinos in 2024

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  21. Load More
how we evaluate online blackjack casinos nz

How We Review Online Blackjack Sites for Kiwi Players

There are thousands of online operators providing blackjack as a casino game. This makes it very difficult for newcomers to know where to register and play the fascinating game of 21. Thankfully, we at Top 10 Casinos New Zealand have decades of experience and understand what Kiwis expect when it comes to the best blackjack NZ casinos. Before an operator is recommended to you, we conduct a thorough analysis to ensure it is safe, reliable, trusted, and packed with a sensational range of games and promotions on desktop and mobile devices. Our evaluation process is unbiased and honest so you can rest assured that our suggested casino establishments are the best in the business. Below, you'll find all the factors we check before an online casino is recommended to you.

blackjack history

The History of Blackjack

Blackjack is an immensely popular and widely played card game in New Zealand. However, when and where did the classic game of 21 come from and how did it evolve into the fascinating game we love to play today? We at Top 10 did some extensive research into the history and provided a detailed overview of the origins of the game, how it spread across America, the start of blackjack strategies, and how it evolved into what you'll find in 2024.

The Origins of Twenty One

While it's widely accepted that blackjack evolved from twenty-one, an earlier but similar game, the origins of 21 are somewhat unknown and disputed. Most historians believe that the first version originated during the Roman era when wooden blocks were used to symbolize numbers. However, this has never been properly confirmed. The earliest written reference to a game called 21 is in a short story by Miguel de Cervantes known as Rinconete y Cortadillo which is believed to have been written in 1602. Cervantes was a gambler himself and is best known for Don Quixote. The short story mentions the objective of reaching 21 points without going over and refers to the Ace card counting as 1 or 11.

This implies that it was played at the start of the 17th century in the former region of Castile with later references published in France and Spain to corroborate this. However, it's still unclear how far back it dates back to and it's something that remains unsolved to this day. It's widely accepted that 21 was first played in land-based casinos across France at the beginning of the 18th century. The format used in the game was from the French version, known as Vingt-et-un, featuring and combining elements of veintiuna and other card games, such as Chemin de fer and Ferme. The game grew in popularity and was regularly enjoyed by the Royal Court during King Louis XV's reign. Alternative versions started to emerge in Europe, including Quinze in France, Trente-Un in Spain and Sette e Mezzo in Italy.

The Birth of Blackjack in America

The game of twenty-one reached North America for the first time during the 18th century courtesy of French colonists. It was equally efficient at gaining popularity and was quickly made available at several gambling halls across New Orleans during 1820 when it was legalized in the United States. It spread across the country primarily due to a French woman named Eleanor Dumont who immigrated to Nevada City in 1854. As a skilled card dealer, she established her own gambling parlor called 'Vingt-et-un' and promptly earned the reputation as 'the woman dealer'. This was an extremely rare sight at the time and people traveled great distances to see her in a gambling establishment.

She eventually earned the nickname 'Madame Moustache' due to the line of dark hair above her upper lip and the extravagance and flair with which she dealt cards. Eleanor Dumont passed away in 1879, but gambling halls continued to grow in number and popularity into the 20th century, expanding the profile of twenty-one even further. The rules of the game also slowly advanced into what is recognized as blackjack today. No one knows when the name of the game changed from twenty-one to blackjack but many believe that it occurred during World War I. Casinos offered a lucrative bonus to any player who managed to win a round while holding an Ace and a black Jack (the Jack of spades or clubs).

The Start of Blackjack Strategies

Once the game was widely known as blackjack, it was still regarded as a game of chance for several decades as no studies were done into the probabilities involved. The first mathematically-based attempt to formulate an optimal yet basic blackjack strategy was published in 1956 by James McDermott, Herbert Maisel, Wilbert Cantey and Roger Baldwin called 'The Optimum Strategy in Blackjack'. Known as the Four Horsemen of Aberdeen, their paper was featured in the Journal of the American Statistical Association and eventually became the foundation of countless efforts to devise strategies to offer the player the best chance of winning. One of the most notable publications was by Ed Thorp in 1963 who used the calculations from Roger Baldwin to verify the basic strategy in his book called 'Beat the Dealer'. He also released an updated version of the blackjack strategy in 1966.

Apart from outlining strategies, Ed Thorp's publication was one of the first to educate players on card counting where they could try to measure the number of cards remaining in play and how this affected the outcomes for the round. While most skilled players had been delving into card counting since the 1950s, the process was now easily accessible to anyone. To combat this, casinos decided to increase the number of decks at their blackjack tables to make card counting more difficult and trained their dealers to spot anyone who was attempting it. Since then, there have been multiple published works in the field of blackjack strategies, including Jeffery Ma's The House Advantage, James Grosjean's Beyond Counting, and Peter Griffin's The Theory of Blackjack.

The Popularity of Blackjack Today

Blackjack has remained immensely popular into the 21st century and is still the most widely played game in land-based casinos and at the best blackjack sites online. As blackjack moved into the online realm, it enabled players to enjoy the game at any time and created more unique and fascinating versions too. As with most games, blackjack is also available in a tournament format where significant cash prizes of $1 million or more are up for grabs to the winner. Some of the most popular tournaments include the World Championships, the Las Vegas Hilton Million-Dollar Tournament, the Ultimate Blackjack Tour and the World Series of Blackjack. The game has also been featured in popular movies, such as The Hangover, The Gambler and 21. What's even more impressive is that you can also play blackjack against a real live dealer on desktop and mobile devices thanks to the innovation of live dealer games. More on that later in this Top 10 NZ blackjack guide.

blackjack rules how to play

Basic Game Rules on How to Play Blackjack

The black jack rules can be grasped within a couple of minutes. However, betting options and table rules may differ, depending on the variant. There are several variants online and we cover the most popular game types below for your convenience. But, before you start exploring the variants you can enjoy, you will first need to understand how to play the game. In every round, seated players will start by placing a bet into their corresponding betting positions, also referred to as 'boxes'. Every table will indicate the minimum and maximum bet amount and the bet sizes that can be selected by clicking on the chip icon. After all, bets have been placed, you will receive two face-up cards in front of your box while the dealer will either receive two cards where one is face-down and one face-up (Atlantic City style) or one face-up card (European style), depending on the variant you are playing.

The primary objective is to beat the dealer. To achieve this, your hand needs to have a higher score than the dealer's hand and shouldn't exceed a total value of 21. Alternatively, you can win the round by having a score lower than 22 when the dealer's hand exceeds 21. When your total hand value is 22 or over, this is referred to as 'busting' and you will instantly lose your wagered money. When prompted, you can draw additional cards to your hand to increase the total value. Once you are finished drawing cards, the dealer will finish their hand. Please ensure that you understand the rules of the variant you are playing as this is a vital aspect of how it is played and can lead to important strategic decisions. The best hand in the game is blackjack. This can pay up to 3:2 on your bet and consists of an Ace and any card valued at 10, including Ten, King, Queen or Jack. Blackjack needs to be dealt on the first two cards and is unbeatable unless the dealer also has blackjack which then ends in a tie.

Here, kings, queens, jacks and tens have a value of 10. Aces have two different values of either eleven or one and you can choose the value for your hand. Winning hands will usually pay 1:1 and are referred to as even money or evens. Therefore, if you wager 30 chips and win, you will receive 30 chips in profit over and above your original bet. Whenever you have a tie with the dealer's hand, it's referred to as a push. When this occurs, you will receive your original bet but will not receive additional money. The most common difference between blackjack variants is whether the dealer draws on soft 17. In some NZ blackjack variants, the dealer is required to stand on soft 17, while in others the dealer is required to hit. In all blackjack variants, the dealer must hit on any soft or hard total of 16 or under.

How to Surrender, Double Down and Split

While playing NZ blackjack in land-based or at the best Canadian online casinos, your actions aren't just limited to sticking to what you've been dealt or drawing more cards. In certain situations, you will also be presented with additional options. These options will depend on the initial two cards you've been dealt, giving you the option to surrender, double down or split. Below, we included an overview of each of these options to help you make a more informed decision while playing at the best blackjack sites for NZ in 2024.

Overview of Online Blackjack Gameplay Options

While playing the classic game of 21 at top NZ blackjack sites, you will be presented with several decisions that you can make during each round. The decisions that are available to you will depend on the cards that you have been dealt and the variant of the game you are playing. Below, we included the traditional options that are available to you. We also urge you to try the best online blackjack in NZ for free to learn these gameplay options before playing for real money in 2024.

Game Play Option Description Hit This game play option is when you request additional cards to potentially improve the value of your hand. Cards will be drawn one at a time until you are satisfied with your total hand value or when you reach 21. Stand You can choose to stand when your total hand value is 21 or when you are satisfied with a lower hand value. You use the stand option to indicate that you are done and to avoid risking the chance of your hand exceeding the total value of 21. Split In certain blackjack games, when your initial two cards have equal value, such as jack-ten, seven-seven or ace-ace, you can make an additional bet (equal to your starting wager) and create a second hand to play against the dealer. Double Down This game play option will allow you to place an additional bet, equal to your starting wager, in exchange for one additional card to your hand. You will automatically stand once you double down. Surrender In certain blackjack variants, you will be allowed to forfeit your wager and end the hand immediately. You will also receive 50% of your bet when you take surrender. Insurance In certain variants, when the first card of the dealer is an ace, you can bet half of your original wager and receive a 2:1 payout when the dealer has blackjack. You will break even if the dealer's hand is blackjack.

Popular Game Variants at the Best NZ Blackjack Sites

While exploring our list of trusted casinos for NZ, you'll come across a wide variety of different variations to keep you excited for hours on end. However, if you are a newcomer to the world of virtual or online casinos, you might be overwhelmed by the vast selection of variants as well as the plethora of other games, incluidng top online slots, video poker titles, excellent online roulette games, progressive jakcpots, and more. It's for this reason that we included some of the most popular games that you'll find online. Before you start, we recommend that you review whether the dealer is required to hit or stand on soft 17, how many decks are used and the payout you'll receive on blackjack as these can vary from one variant to the next. With that in mind, let's take a look at the popular game types you'll find in New Zealand.

blackjack bonus casino

Promotions and Bonuses at Top Blackjack Sites in NZ

If you want to claim the most generous promotions and bonuses in the online gaming industry, you'll struggle to beat the offers in our Top 10 list of the best NZ blackjack sites in 2024. Whether you are searching for exclusive no deposit deals, rewarding welcome packages, lucrative ongoing promotions or captivating blackjack tournaments, you'll find them all at Top 10. Below, we included some of the most popular promotional offers you can claim as a Kiwi player. Unfortunately, most online casinos don't offer blackjack bonuses but you can't still use these offers to increase your bankroll and prolong your betting experience on desktop and mobile devices.

Free Bets and No Deposit Bonuses

Free bets and no deposit offers give you the perfect opportunity to test the waters of a new site before playing for real money. Once credited, you can review the game selection, payment methods, mobile app, user interface and other promotional offers before making a deposit. You can also use no deposit bonuses to win real money and use your winnings on a wide variety of games. Make sure to browse through our list of top NZ no deposit offers to gamble risk-free.

Welcome Packages

Sign-up bonuses are offered on your initial deposit and will usually double or even triple your balance with a 100% or 200% match deposit bonus. Some of our recommendations even come equipped with additional free spins, allowing you to try new and popular slots for free or for fun. With a bigger bankroll, you can prolong your gaming experience while playing and try our different betting strategies as a first-time depositor. Make sure to review the terms and conditions of welcome packages to get the best deal for your money.

Ongoing Promotions

Once you've exhausted all no deposit bonuses and welcome packages, you'll be considered an existing player where you can look forward to loads of additional promotions and bonuses to reward you for your loyalty. This can include top reload promotions, excellent cashback deals, exclusive free spins bonuses, and more. You can use these offers to increase your chances of winning on both desktop and mobile devices. Most ongoing promotions are available on a daily or weekly basis, giving you ample opportunities to hit the tables with a sizable bankroll.

Loyalty Rewards

The majority of our suggested blackjack New Zealand sites will come equipped with rewarding loyalty and VIP programs. This allows you to unlock additional perks and benefits to your experience even more worthwhile. As you climb the loyalty ladders, you can unlock higher deposit limits, faster withdrawal speeds, dedicated account managers, birthday bonuses, complimentary offers, exclusive getaways and more. Make sure to review the promotions section of each site to see what benefits you can unlock as a returning player.

Blackjack Tournaments

While you won't find a plethora of blackjack tournaments online, there are a handful of sites for Kiwi players that offer tournaments on desktop and mobile devices. This provides the opportunity to play against other players and climb a leaderboard to unlock exclusive cash prizes and rewards. Tournaments offer a more competitive environment instead of just playing against the dealer and are growing in popularity with each passing year. Take a look at our recommended list to see if any tournaments are available on your favorite variants.

Tips and Strategies on How to Win at Top NZ Blackjack Sites

Unless you have a crystal ball, there is no silver bullet that will help you win at blackjack on a consistent basis. However, if you incorporate our tips and strategies to win at blackjack, you'll have the best opportunities to beat the dealer more often. One thing to keep in mind is that blackjack comes with a built-in house edge, so don't expect to consistently win over the long run. Fortunately, if you play perfect blackjack, find the best games, have the right mindset and use sensible strategies, you'll be in the best shape to beat the dealer every time. Make sure to use our tips and strategies below to further increase your chances of winning while registering at the best sites in.

mobile blackjack casino apps nz

The Best Mobile Blackjack Casinos Online in New Zealand

Mobile gaming provides an added layer of freedom and flexibility, giving you the opportunity to enjoy your favorite games while on the move. Whether you want to use an Android, iOS or Windows operating system, you'll be pleased to know that all our suggested sites support smartphone and tablet devices. Below, we included trusted, reputable and legit mobile apps for the most popular operating systems in New Zealand. All blackjack games have been optimized to fit perfectly on a smaller screen and give you access to the same features and services as their desktop counterparts.

Trusted Mobile Blackjack Casino Apps for Android Users

The Top 10 sites on our list are compatible with a wide variety of Android devices, including Google Pixel, Samsung, Huawei, Asus and HTC to mention but a few. Players can sign up for new accounts, make deposits and withdrawals, claim promotions and bonuses, manage their accounts and try an assortment of games at the best android casinos as a Kiwi player. Browse through our list to find out more!

Reputable Mobile Blackjack Casino Apps for iOS Players

Whether you want to gamble on your iPhone or enhance your experience with a bigger screen while using your iPad, you'll appreciate the fact that all our recommendations are perfectly suited for iOS devices. Make safe and secure online transactions and explore a vast selection of black jack titles while away from home. You can also contact support, download dedicated mobile apps, and register an account at top iOS casinos in 2024.

Legit Mobile Casino Apps for Blackjack Players on Windows

Although Windows mobile devices are not as popular as Android and iOS, Kiwi players can still enjoy a memorable experience on Windows devices at the best NZ blackjack sites featured at Top 10. This includes the Microsoft Surface Duo, HTC Touch, HP iPAQ and Palm Treo Pro, among others. While playing at legit Windows mobile casinos, you'll have the freedom to register an account, claim exclusive promotions and bonuses, make online transactions in a safe and secure environment, and enjoy top blackjack titles while on the move.

Top Banking Options at the Best NZ Blackjack Casino Sites

Kiwi players will be pleased to know that the top NZ black jack sites at Top 10 are bursting at the seams with safe and reliable banking methods for all your deposit and withdrawal needs. Whether you want to use debit/credit cards, e-wallet options, prepaid cards, cryptocurrencies, or bank transfers, you'll find them all at our suggested brands. To help you make a more educated decision, we included the top-performing payment methods that you can use on our recommended list or while playing on a budget at top minimum deposit casinos. Each of our recommendations is immensely popular in New Zealand and is reliable, safe, and trusted within the industry.

How to Play Blackjack Online for Free in New Zealand

Kiwi players will be pleased to know that there are many ways to play NZ blackjack for free in 2024. Most of our top10casinos.kiwi recommendations will come equipped with a freeplay mode, giving you demo credits to try our new titles without spending your own hard-earned money. This gives you the opportunity to learn the game rules and layout while testing strategies to see what works for you. In addition, you can claim no deposit bonuses to play blackjack for free. Although you won't be able to meet the wagering requirements with no deposit offers while playing blackjack, you can still use the free funds to evaluate the game selection to ensure your favorite titles are available before playing for real money.

Free Blackjack Online vs Real Money Blackjack

When you compare free online against real money blackjack online, you'll notice that there are a handful of differences between the two. For instance, with free, you can enjoy a wide selection of titles without spending your own money. This gives you the opportunity to learn the game rules, payouts, and side bets. You can also play free blackjack to test different strategies before investing real money. The only downside is that you won't win any real money while enjoying it for free. With real money, you will need to use your own money but you can win real money in the process. You'll need to register an account and make a deposit to enjoy real money blackjack. You'll also find a bigger selection of games once you start gambling with real money.

Comparison of Top Blackjack Online Casino Sites for Kiwi Players

When you compare online with land-based blackjack, you'll realize that online blackjack is by far the most attractive of the two. Players don't have to wait for a seat at a table and you can get through more than 200 hands in an hour compared to 60 hands at a land-based casino. You'll also find more variations of the game online. However, if you are struggling to figure out where to sign up, you'll be pleased to know that we compared the top NZ sites below to make your decision-making process a little easier.

Top New Online Blackjack Sites in NZ - April 2024

The online gaming landscape in New Zealand is constantly growing and expanding, leading to new operators being introduced regularly. The primary reason why the best new NZ sites are so appealing is that they offer bigger and better bonuses, superior game selections, improved graphics and animations, incredible security measures, and professional customer service to compete with the best in the industry. We at Top 10 always keep a close eye on the newest operators and inform our readers if we find a diamond in the rough that is worth your time and money.

Top10Casinos.com Verdict

We at Top10Casinos.kiwi believe that our comprehensive NZ blackjack guide will give you everything you need to start playing the game with more confidence. Not only did we provide the top-performing sites for Kiwi players but we also included helpful tips and strategies to increase your chances of winning, game variations you'll find online, exclusive promotions and bonuses you can use to try the classic game of 21 and so much more. The only thing left to do is to choose an operator from our list, register a new account, make a deposit and enjoy your favorite titles on desktop and mobile devices. Make sure to bookmark our page as we constantly update our guides with new and useful information to help you get the edge while playing online.

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 Bonnie Gjurovska
Written by
Bonnie Gjurovska Managing Editor

With a master's degree in business law, Bonnie ventured into the world of online gambling in 2015. Starting out as content writer, she rose through the ranks to eventually manage her own team of writers while planning and structuring content for readers. Visit Bonnie's author page to find out more.

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