Online Blackjack Sites

Our Picks for the Best Online Blackjack Sites in New Zealand

Whether you're new to blackjack or an experienced player, our online blackjack guide will help you choose the right blackjack site, with the casino bonuses and diverse game options.

Best Classic Online Blackjack Sites

Traditional online blackjack uses a Random Number Generator (RNG) to replicate the randomness of a physical deck shuffle. The game software undergoes rigorous testing to ensure fairness.

We found these top blackjack sites offer the widest selection of traditional and specialised variants:

Our Top Pick - Mr Vegas

Mr Vegas stands out to us as the best online blackjack casino with over 50 RNG blackjack games, blending classic options with innovative twists. Favourites like American Blackjack sit alongside unique games, such as the atmospheric Dragons of the North Blackjack, which brings a mythical touch to the blackjack table.

Advantages of Classic Online RNG Blackjack Games

• Fast-Paced Gameplay: Playing one-on-one against the house ensures a smooth and efficient experience with no need to wait for other players to act. Each hand is quick, making it ideal for focused and distraction-free play.
• Low Minimum Bets: Traditional RNG blackjack games often allow low minimum stakes, making them accessible to those with smaller bankrolls.
• Practise and Improve: Most classic online RNG blackjack games include a demo mode, letting players practise strategies, refine decision-making and build confidence without any risk.

Best Live Blackjack Sites

Live blackjack replicates the experience of a real blackjack table on your screen, with professional dealers using physical cards, streamed live and providing the option for direct interaction.

These blackjack casinos provide the widest range of live tables, stakes and innovative features for players seeking a truly authentic blackjack experience:

Our Top Pick - PlayOJO

PlayOJO is our choice as the best place to play live blackjack online, with over 250 live dealer tables for all stake levels. A favourite with Gambling.com members is Blackjack Party, praised for its lively atmosphere, music and enhanced features. With OJOplus, players also get money back on every blackjack hand.

Advantages of Live Dealer Online Blackjack

• Social Gameplay: Interact with dealers and, in some cases, other players via live chat for a more engaging blackjack experience. You can even ‘play behind’ others, relying on their play.
• Enhanced Transparency: Watching dealers handle physical cards in real time builds provides a level of transparency and trust unique to live blackjack games.
• Unique Variations and Higher Stakes: Live blackjack features exclusive versions, such as Blackjack Party and Power Blackjack, which are unavailable in RNG formats, plus tables with higher betting limits for high-rollers.

Varieties of Blackjack Games

Whether you’re playing against a virtual dealer or a real one, the objective is always the same: beat the house by getting as close to 21 as possible without going over. However, software providers have created many variations with unique features designed to suit every type of casino blackjack player. 

Here are 10 popular online blackjack games to try:

• Atlantic City Blackjack: A player-friendly version that allows splitting your hand up to three times, splitting any two cards of matching value and doubling down on any two cards.
• Double Exposure Blackjack: Both of the dealer's cards are revealed face up, giving players additional information to guide their decisions. This advantage is offset by the dealer winning all ties and blackjack paying only 1:1.
• Lightning Blackjack: Introduces a multiplier mechanic that requires a 100% ‘Lightning Fee’ on each initial bet, unlocking potential multipliers of up to 25x for the next hand.
• Vinnie Jones Blackjack: Brings the iconic footballer and actor to the table as a virtual dealer, with commentary and reactions delivered in his trademark style.
• Blackjack X-Change: Adds a strategic twist by letting players buy and sell cards mid-game. Trade weaker cards to improve your hand or sell valuable ones for instant payouts.
• Blackjack Surrender: Offers players the option to 'surrender' their hand after the initial deal, forfeiting half their bet. This can be a smart choice when facing unfavourable odds, such as a hard 16 against a dealer’s 10.
• Free Bet Blackjack: Offers free ‘double’ and ‘split’ bets, balanced by a rule where a dealer busting on 22 results in a ‘push’ (your original bet is returned).
• Blackjack Party: A lively live dealer game featuring two dealers, upbeat music and a social atmosphere - perfect for players who enjoy a fun-filled blackjack experience.
• Power Blackjack: Provides an interesting twist with the ability to double, triple, or quadruple your bets after the initial deal - even after a split. However, the removal of 9s and 10s from the deck alters strategy significantly. 
• Infinite Fun Fun 21 Blackjack: Features unique rules, bonus payouts and side bets for more dynamic gameplay. Players win on any total of 21, even if the dealer also has 21, adding a player-friendly edge.

Not all NZ online casinos offer these variants, so check if your preferred options are available before signing up.

How To Play Blackjack Online in NZ

After opening an account and depositing at one of the NZ blackjack sites listed on this page, select your preferred game variant from the casino lobby, such as those mentioned above.

When you enter a blackjack game, take a moment to review the betting options and rules to ensure they align with your preferences. 

Blackjack’s appeal lies in its simplicity. At the start of each hand, you are dealt two cards, with one of the dealer’s cards face up. In some variants, the dealer’s second card is dealt only after you've completed your action. You can choose to draw additional cards ('hit') or stick with your current hand ('stand').

If your hand’s final value exceeds the dealer’s without going over 21, you win.

Additional options include 'splitting' pairs of cards and 'doubling down' on certain hands. To improve your decision-making, refer to a blackjack strategy chart that shows the optimal moves for every situation.

Online Blackjack Tips

Here, our blackjack experts share five essential tips to improve your online blackjack gameplay:

1. Know When to Stand on 12 or 13

New blackjack players often ‘hit’ with a starting hand of 12 or 13, but this can be a mistake if the dealer’s upcard is weak (4, 5, or 6).

Since 10s, Jacks, Queens, and Kings all count as 10, the dealer’s hidden card is more likely to be a 10. For example, if the dealer’s upcard is a 5, their total could be 15, forcing them to draw again and risk busting.

The smarter play is to ‘stand’ on 12 or 13 when the dealer shows 4, 5, or 6. While it won’t win every hand, this strategy improves results over time.

2. Don’t Split Tens

Beginners might see splitting tens as a chance to create two strong hands, but it’s not a smart long-term play.

A hand totalling 20 is already in a strong position. Splitting here introduces unnecessary risk, turning a probable win into two potentially weaker hands with higher chances of losing.

Even if the dealer shows a weak upcard, like a 5 or 6, stick with your 20 - it’s one of the strongest hands in blackjack. Don’t risk a likely win for marginal gains.

3. Double Down on 11

Doubling down is a great way to maximise winnings when the odds are in your favour. It lets you double your bet and take one more card.

The best time to double down is when your starting hand totals 11. There’s a strong chance your next card will be a 10, giving you 21. Even an 8 or 9 leaves you with a strong hand.

Exception: Avoid doubling down when the dealer’s upcard is an ace, as this increases the chance of the dealer having blackjack, negating your advantage.

4. Never Take Insurance

When the dealer’s upcard is an ace, blackjack games offer an insurance bet. This costs half your original wager and pays out if the dealer has blackjack.

While tempting, insurance is a losing bet in the long run. Statistically, the odds of the dealer having blackjack don’t justify the cost. Simply put, skip insurance - it’s not worth it over time.

5. Bet Within Your Bankroll

Managing your bankroll responsibly is essential for enjoying online blackjack and maintaining sustainable play. Start by setting a clear budget and sticking to it.

For example, if your budget is $100, avoid placing $10 bets - a few bad hands would quickly deplete your balance. As a general rule, we recommend limiting wagers to no more than 5% of your bankroll per hand.

Beginners, however, are advised to start with 1% or less to maximise gameplay, opting for tables with lower minimum bets to make their bankroll last longer.

As your balance grows, consider increasing your bet sizes gradually to aim for bigger wins. But always stay within comfortable limits and resist the temptation to chase losses.