Stay updated on the latest pokies, top bonuses, and new casino launches by subscribing to our newsletter. It’s like hitting the jackpot with every email. Aussie casino enthusiasts, sign up today!
Online Blackjack in Australia
Blackjack is one of the world’s most iconic card games, and Aussies are increasingly turning to online platforms to get in on the action. Our guide will walk you through where and how to play online blackjack, offer tips and strategies to help you win big, and introduce you to different blackjack variations available online.
Best Casinos to Play Online Blackjack for Real Money in 2024
Discover the top online casinos for real-money blackjack in 2024. Enjoy exciting gameplay, secure transactions, and high-quality platforms offering the best blackjack experience. Find your ideal site today.
How We Choose the Best Blackjack Sites
Almost every online casino offers blackjack, but we’re here to help you find the cream of the crop. When selecting the top online blackjack sites, our experts focus on several key factors. We assess the range of blackjack games on offer and ensure the casino provides a variety of quality options. Additionally, we check the site's safety and licensing, customer service, banking options, and overall user experience. A casino only makes our list if it ticks all the right boxes.
How We Choose the Best Blackjack Sites
Almost every online casino offers blackjack, but we’re here to help you find the cream of the crop. When selecting the top online blackjack sites, our experts focus on several key factors. We assess the range of blackjack games on offer and ensure the casino provides a variety of quality options. Additionally, we check the site's safety and licensing, customer service, banking options, and overall user experience. A casino only makes our list if it ticks all the right boxes.
Popular Blackjack Games Online in Australia
When you play blackjack at a brick-and-mortar casino, you might only find one or two variations to choose from. However, when playing online, you have a wide range of options. Below are just a few of the popular blackjack games available online:
• Single Deck Blackjack: This variation uses a single deck of 52 cards and is favored by players who like card counting. The house edge in Single Deck Blackjack is usually between 0.15% and 0.5%, depending on the specific rules of the casino.
• Live Dealer Blackjack: Live Dealer Blackjack offers a real-time casino experience with a live dealer streaming the game to your device. The house edge typically ranges from 0.5% to 1%, reflecting the house edge found in standard multi-deck blackjack games.
• European Blackjack – Played with two decks, European blackjack has some key rule differences. For instance, the dealer only receives one card face up initially and doesn’t check for blackjack until the player has made a decision. This variation carries a slightly higher house edge of about 0.39%.
• Spanish 21 – In this version, all 10s are removed from the deck, giving the house a slight advantage. However, players benefit from more flexible rules for doubling down and bonuses for certain hands. The house edge typically ranges from 0.4% to 0.8%.
• Perfect Pairs – This is a popular side bet where players wager on whether their first two cards will form a pair. It is an exciting option but increases the house edge to between 2%-11% depending on the individual casino’s rules.
• Double Exposure Blackjack – In this unique version, both the dealer’s and the player’s cards are dealt face up, giving the player an advantage. To balance this, the house adopts other favourable rules. To compensate, the game has rules in favour of the house. Depending on the specific rules, the house edge could be between 0.69%-1% and offers an interesting twist for players.
What’s the Best Blackjack Game?
With numerous online blackjack games available, choosing the best one can be challenging. Single deck blackjack is a popular choice due to its low house edge and appeal to strategic players who enjoy card counting. Another favorite is live blackjack, which replicates the in-person casino experience with real dealers and live-streamed gameplay, adding excitement and engagement. To find your ideal game, we recommend trying out several variations to see which one suits your preferences.
Free Online Blackjack vs. Playing with Real Money
When playing blackjack online, you have the option to play for free or for real money. Each approach has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Playing for free lets you explore various games and familiarize yourself with the rules without risking your bankroll. You can enjoy unlimited practice without worrying about losing money. However, playing for free means you can’t win real money or cash out any winnings. Below are the pros and cons of playing blackjack online for free versus for real money.
Pros
-
Practise your strategies without risk -
Learn the rules and gameplay
-
Explore different variations without depleting your bankroll
Cons
-
Can become repetitive after a while -
No option to cash out real money if you win
-
Not as exciting as playing for real money
-
Live dealer games are typically not available for free play
How to Play Blackjack Online
Players who are used to in-person blackjack will find online blackjack straightforward to learn. The basic rules remain the same, but there are a few differences to be aware of. Here’s how to play blackjack online:
1. Visit Online Casinos to Find One You Like – Start by choosing a casino that appeals to you. We suggest beginning with a few of our recommended blackjack sites. Explore the user interface, review the bonuses, and sign up once you find a casino that matches your preferences. Then, simply create an account to get started.
2. Browse Through the Site’s Blackjack Games – Next, check out the available blackjack games. Most online casinos feature a dedicated blackjack section or list the games under ‘table games’ or ‘live dealer games’. A well-rounded blackjack site should offer several variations, each with its own rules, graphics, and themes.
3. Click on a Game to Learn More – When you find a game that interests you, click on it to get more details. The game info will provide rules, betting options, and control instructions. Take a moment to familiarise yourself with the game or try a few free rounds before placing any real bets.
4. Place Your Bets (and Optional Side Bets) – Once you’re comfortable with the game, you can start placing your bets. Depending on the version, you might drag chips onto the virtual table or select a bet amount. Some games offer side bets, where you can wager on specific card combinations or outcomes for a chance at extra winnings. Check the game information to see all available side bets.
5. Click ‘Play’ or ‘Deal’ to Reveal Your Cards – Once you’ve placed your bets, click ‘play’ or ‘deal’ to begin the game and reveal your hand.
6. Make Your Decisions – Use the game controls to decide your next move. You can choose to hit, stand, double down, split, or take other actions, just as you would in a live game.
7. Winner Gets Decided Through Dealer Rules: After all decisions are made, the dealer plays out the hand according to the house rules. Winnings are automatically added to your account based on the game’s outcome.
Card Values Explained
In online blackjack, the card values are pretty straightforward: numbered cards are worth their face value, face cards (like Kings, Queens, and Jacks) are worth 10 points, and Aces can be worth either 1 or 11 points, whichever benefits your hand the most. A ‘hard hand’ either doesn’t contain an Ace, or has an Ace that must be counted as 1. A ‘soft hand’ includes an Ace that can be counted as 11 without busting.
5 Rules to Live By
Here are some tried and true blackjack rules from our experts. Keep these in mind when you’re playing your next game:
1. Always split a pair of Aces or Eights.
2. Always hit a hard 12 when the dealer shows a 2 or 3.
3. Always double down on a hard 11.
4. Always hit a soft 18 if the dealer has a 9, 10, or Ace.
5. Never split a pair of Fives.
Basic Strategy Chart
Players often rely on blackjack charts to make statistically optimal decisions for every possible hand dealt. These charts are based on probabilities and help you minimise the house edge by guiding you towards the best move. Typically, the dealer’s upcard values are shown across the top of the chart, while the player’s hand values are listed down the side. To decide your action (whether to hit, stand, double down, or split), find the intersection of your hand value and the dealer’s upcard.
Betting Options and Payouts
Online blackjack offers various betting options that can enhance both the excitement and strategy of the game. The primary bet is placed at the start of each round, where players wager on whether they can beat the dealer by getting a hand closer to 21 without going over. Beyond the main bet, players can choose to ‘hit’, ‘stand’, ‘split’, or ‘double down’. If you’re dealt two cards of the same value, you can choose to split them, creating two separate hands and doubling your initial wager. Doubling down means doubling your bet in exchange for standing after receiving one more card. The table layout clearly indicates where to place your bets, with designated spots for the main bet and any side bets, like ‘Perfect Pairs’, which provide extra chances to win. Make sure to check the payout structure of the particular game you’re playing, as this can vary from one version to another.
Online Blackjack Tips and Strategies to Win
Online blackjack combines chance and skill, making it one of the few digital casino games where strategic play can make a difference. Here are some tips and strategies to help you win at online blackjack:
• Use the Blackjack Strategy Chart
◦ Blackjack strategy charts are incredibly useful tools for players. These charts are based on statistical probabilities and offer a mathematical approach to making the best possible decisions based on the dealer’s upcard and the player’s hand. By following a strategy chart, players can avoid common mistakes, reduce the house edge, and boost their chances of favourable outcomes over time.
• Bankroll Management is Critical
◦ Managing your bankroll is key to avoiding significant losses and keeping your game going for longer. Set strict limits on how much to bet and stick to a budget. This prevents you from burning through your funds too quickly and promotes more controlled gameplay. It also helps with handling the emotional highs and lows that come with intense games, reducing impulsive decisions.
• Never Take the Dealer’s Insurance
◦ While dealer’s insurance might be tempting (as it pays 2:1 if the dealer has blackjack), the odds aren’t in your favour. With the chance of the dealer getting blackjack around 9:4, the insurance bet carries a much higher house edge—around 7%-8%, compared to the lower house edge of the regular game. In the long run, it’s better to skip the insurance and focus on sound strategies instead.
• Avoid Side Bets in Most Cases
◦ Side bets in blackjack can add extra excitement and the chance for big wins, but they usually come with a steep house edge. While fun, it’s best to avoid side bets unless you're comfortable with the increased risk.
• Look for Favorable Tables and Rules
◦ Certain rules can favor the dealer and increase the house edge, making the game more challenging for players. To improve your chances, consider these factors:
■ Multiple Decks: Games with more decks dilute the impact of card counting and increase the house edge. Look for tables with fewer decks to reduce this effect.
■ Dealer Wins Ties: In many blackjack versions, if the player and dealer tie, the dealer wins. Seek out games where ties push, meaning no one wins or loses in the event of a tie.
■ Payouts Less than 3:2: Traditional blackjack offers a 3:2 payout for a natural blackjack. Some online versions offer reduced payouts, such as 6:5 or 1:1. Avoid these lower payouts if possible to maximize your potential winnings.
• Practise on Free Games First
◦ Though you can’t win real money from free games, practising gives you a chance to understand how the game works, how the betting structures are laid out, and whether any side bets are worth it. Free games also provide a good opportunity to sharpen your strategies.
• Only Use Bonuses When They Make Sense
◦ Casino bonuses can give your bankroll a nice boost, but only if they’re worth it. Keep in mind that most casinos only allow blackjack and other table games to contribute 5%-10% to wagering requirements, while pokies contribute 100%. Always read the terms and conditions carefully before accepting any large bonuses to make sure they work in your favour.
Play RNG or Live Blackjack at Online Casinos
When you decide to play blackjack online, there’s a wide range of game variations to choose from. But before picking a specific version, you’ll need to decide whether to play with a live dealer or on a machine by yourself.
RNG Blackjack
If you’re playing alone on a machine, you’re playing RNG (Random Number Generator) blackjack. The rules are the same as in other forms of blackjack, and there are multiple game variations to explore. The main difference is that the game is controlled digitally, meaning a random number generator determines which cards are dealt.
Live Blackjack
The most popular way to play online blackjack today is with a live dealer. In these games, you play at a virtual table alongside other players, with a real-life dealer physically dealing the cards. The games are streamed from a studio, and the cards are shuffled and dealt in real time.
Australians’ Online Blackjack FAQs
Is live blackjack better than RNG blackjack?
It depends on your preference. Live blackjack offers an authentic, immersive experience that mimics a real casino atmosphere. RNG blackjack, on the other hand, is faster-paced and great for players who enjoy solo play in a virtual environment. Neither is better—it's about what type of gameplay you enjoy.
Can Australians legally play online blackjack?
Yes, Australians can legally play online blackjack at licensed offshore casinos. While online casinos can't operate within Australia, there's no law preventing Aussies from accessing games hosted by international sites.
Can online blackjack be rigged?
No, not if you're playing at a reputable and licensed casino. Random number generators (RNGs) ensure fairness in online blackjack, and trusted providers regularly undergo audits by third-party agencies to maintain game integrity.
Can I use a strategy chart in live dealer games?
Yes, you can. Strategy charts are useful and most live dealer games follow standard rules, allowing you to reference them. Just make sure to act quickly, as live games move in real-time.
