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Online Blackjack in Australia
Blackjack is one of the most famous casino card games in the world. Playing online blackjack is becoming increasingly popular in Australia. Our guide will teach you where and how to play blackjack online, give you tips and strategies for winning big, and introduce you to different blackjack variations.
How We Choose Which Blackjack Sites to Recommend
Almost every online casino site offers blackjack games, but we’re here to separate the best casinos from the rest. When selecting the best online blackjack sites, our experts review a few criteria. We look at the blackjack games offered and make sure the site has a variety of quality games. We also look at the casino’s safety record and licensing, customer service, banking options, and overall user experience. A site won’t make our list of best blackjack casinos if it doesn’t tick all the boxes.
How Does Online Blackjack Work?
Online blackjack is a digital version of the classic casino game. It allows players to enjoy the game from anywhere on their digital devices. It follows the same rules as traditional blackjack, where the goal is to beat the dealer by getting a hand value closer to 21 without going over.
Online blackjack gives players some advantages over in-person blackjack. First, it is more convenient, allowing players to choose when and where they want to play. Second, online casinos offer bonuses and promotions that can boost a player’s bankroll. Finally, there is more game variety than at in-person casinos. Players can choose to play against the computer with games controlled by a random number generator (RNG), or they can try their luck with a real, live dealer over video stream. Both options are available for Aussies to play.
Popular Blackjack Games Online in Australia
When you play blackjack at a brick-and-mortar casino, you might only find one or two variations of blackjack to choose from. When you play online, however, you have oodles of options. Below are just some of the various blackjack games you can find online:
- Single Deck Blackjack – single deck blackjack is a variation of blackjack played with a single deck of 52 cards. This version is popular among strategic players who enjoy counting cards. It typically has a house edge of around 0.15%-0.5% depending on the individual casino’s rules.
- Live Dealer Blackjack – live dealer blackjack is an online variation of blackjack that replicates the in-person experience of a live casino. Depending on the rules of the casino, the house edge could be between 0.5%-1% but generally mirrors the house edge of standard multi-deck blackjack games.
- European Blackjack – European blackjack is played with two decks of cards and has key differences that affect the dealer. For example, the dealer only receives one card face up initially and may not check for blackjack until the player has made their decision. This game has a slightly higher house edge of around 0.39%.
- Spanish 21 – Spanish 21 is a blackjack variation where all 10s are removed from the deck. This gives the house a slight advantage, but players are compensated with more liberal rules for doubling down and bonuses for certain hands. This variation has a house edge between 0.4%-0.8%.
- Perfect Pairs – This is a popular online blackjack side bet. Players can wager on the chance that 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 – double exposure blackjack is unique in that both the dealer and player’s cards are dealt face up, giving the player a strategic advantage. 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 is The Best Blackjack Game?
Since there are so many online blackjack games to choose from, it’s hard to narrow down which one is best. Single deck blackjack is always a favourite. It has a low house edge and is popular among strategic players who enjoy counting cards. Live blackjack is also preferred since it mimics the experience of in-person blackjack. Cards are dealt by a real dealer, making this variation exciting and engaging. We recommend trying out a few different games to see which one you prefer.
Free Online Blackjack vs Playing with Real Money
When playing blackjack online, you can play for free or for real money. There are advantages and disadvantages to both. Playing for free allows you to try different games and get a sense of the rules for each one. You can also play endless rounds without worrying about depleting your bankroll. Of course, when playing for free you can’t win real money and don’t have the option of cashing out if you win big. Here are the pros and cons of playing for free vs. playing online blackjack for real money.
Pros
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Gives you a chance to practise your strategy
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Get a sense of rules and gameplay
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Try different variations without depleting your bankroll
Cons
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Gameplay could get boring after long stretches
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You can’t cash out for real money if you win big
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Not as exciting or engaging as real money play
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Live dealer games aren’t available for free play
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How to Play Blackjack Online
Players who are familiar with in-person blackjack will find online blackjack easy to pick up. The basic rules are the same. However, there are a few differences you need to be aware of first. Here’s how to play blackjack online:
- Visit Online Casinos to Find One You Like – First, you need to select a casino you like. We recommend starting with a few of our recommended blackjack sites. Check out the user interface, browse the bonuses, and sign up once you find a casino that suits your style. From there, all you have to do is create an account.
- Browse Through the Site’s Blackjack Games – The next step is to browse the game options. Most online casinos have a page dedicated to blackjack or you can find them under ‘table games’ or ‘live dealer games’. If you’ve found a good blackjack site there should be several variations to choose from with different rules, graphics, and themes.
- Click On a Game to Learn More – Once you’ve found a suitable game, you can click on it to learn more. The game information should give you the rules, the bets you can make, and how the controls work. Take time to familiarize yourself with it or play a few free rounds before you make a wager.
- Place Your Bets (and Optional Side Bets) – When you’ve familiarized yourself with the game, you’re free to place your bets. Depending on the version, you may need to drag chips to the virtual table or click on a bet amount to play. Side bets allow you to place wagers that certain card combinations or circumstances will happen and could net you a big win. You can review all side bets available in the game information.
- Click Play or Deal to See Your Cards – When all bets have been made, click ‘play’ or ‘deal’ to start the game and see your hand.
- Make Player Decisions – From here you can use the controls to make decisions about the game and your hand. You can either hit, stand, double, split, etc. just like you would in a real, live game.
- Winner Gets Decided Through Dealer Rules – Once all decisions have been made, the dealer plays out the hand based on the house rules. Any winnings will automatically get added to your account.
Card Values Explained
In online blackjack, the card values are straightforward: numbered cards are worth their face value, face cards are worth 10 points, and aces could either be worth 1 or 11 points — whichever is more advantageous to your hand. A ‘hard hand’ either does not contain an Ace or contains an Ace that must be counted as 1. A ‘soft hand’ includes an Ace that can be counted as an 11 without busting.
5 Rules to to Live By
Here are our experts’ tried and true blackjack rules to live by. Keep these in mind when you sit down to play your next game:
- Always split a pair of aces or eights
- Always hit a hard 12 when the dealer shows a 2 or 3
- Always double down on hard 11
- Always hit a soft 18 if the dealer has a 9, 10 or Ace
- Never split a pair of fives.
Basic Strategy Chart
Players use blackjack charts to make statistically optimal decisions for every possible hand that could be dealt in the game. They are based on the probabilities of various outcomes and help players minimize the house edge by choosing moves with the highest expected values.
Charts are typically laid out with the dealer’s upcard values across the top and the player’s hand values along the side. To determine your action (either hit, stand, double down, or split) find the intersection of your hand value and the dealer’s upcard.
Betting Options and Payouts
There are several betting options that can enhance the excitement and strategy of online blackjack. The primary bet is placed at the beginning of the round. Players wager whether they can beat the dealer by getting a hand closer to 21 without going over.
Beyond this, players can choose to ‘hit’, ‘stand’, ‘split’ or ‘double down’. Players may split their hand if they are dealt two cards of the same value. This creates two separate hands and doubles their original wager. Doubling down involves doubling your bet in exchange for standing after receiving one additional card.
The table layout makes these betting options clear. There are marked areas for the main bet as well as designated spots for side bets like ‘Perfect Pairs’, which offer additional ways to win. It’s important for players to familiarize themselves with the payout structure of the specific game they’re playing, as it can vary.
| TYPE OF WIN | PAYOUT |
|---|---|
| Standard Winning Hand | 1:1 |
| Natural Blackjack | 3:2 or 6:5 (depending on the game) |
| Double Down Win | 1:1 |
| Split Hand One Hand Win | 1:1 |
| Split Hand Both Hands Win | 1:1 per hand |
| Perfect Pairs Side Bet – Mixed Pair | 6:1 |
| Perfect Pairs Side Bet – Coloured Pair | 12:1 |
| Perfect Pair Side Bet – Exact Pair | 25:1 |
| Insurance Bet | 2:1 |
Online Blackjack Tips and Strategies to Win
Online blackjack is a game of both chance and skill and one of the few digital casino games that can be influenced through strategic play. Here are a few tips and strategies for winning at online blackjack:
- Use the Blackjack Strategy Chart
- Strategy charts are one of the most useful tools for players. Charts are based on statistical probabilities and provide a mathematical approach to making optimal decisions based on the dealer’s upcard and the player’s hand. By following a chart, players can avoid common mistakes, minimise the house edge, and maximise their chances of favourable results over time.
- Bankroll Management is Critical
- Proper bankroll management can help players avoid significant losses and allow them to continue playing over time. Set limits on how much to bet and stick to a budget. This can prevent you from depleting funds too quickly and allows for more controlled gameplay. It can also help players deal with emotional stress and impulsivity when games get intense.
- Never Take the Dealer’s Insurance
- Dealer’s insurance can be tempting as it pays 2:1 if the dealer does indeed have blackjack. However, the odds of a dealer getting blackjack are around 9:4 which means the insurance bet has a higher house edge (around 7%-8%) compared to the regular game where the house edge is lower. Over the long term, you stand to lose more money than if you simply decline the insurance bet. Focus on optimal play strategies instead.
- Avoid Side Bets in Most Cases
- Side bets in blackjack give players an option to add more excitement to the game by presenting the potential for a big win. That said, most side bets carry massive house edges and should be avoided.
- Look for Favourable Tables and Rules
- Certain rules are designed to favour the dealer and increase the house edge, making the game more challenging for players. Some of these rules include:
- Multiple Decks – this dilutes the effect of card counting and increases the house edge as it makes it harder for players to keep track of cards and outcomes. Look for games with fewer decks.
- Dealer Wins Ties – in most blackjack versions, if the player and dealer tie, the dealer wins the game. Look for games that don’t have this rule.
- Payouts less than 3:2 – Traditional blackjack offers a 3:2 payout for natural blackjack. Some online versions, however, offer reduced payouts such as 6:5 or 1:1. Avoid these reduced payouts, if possible.
- Certain rules are designed to favour the dealer and increase the house edge, making the game more challenging for players. Some of these rules include:
- Practise On Free Games First
- While you can’t win real money playing for free, you can get a sense of how the games work, how betting is structured, and if there are any favourable side bets to play. Practicing on free games is an excellent way to hone your strategy, too.
- Only Use Bonuses When They Make Sense
- Casino bonuses are a great way to add some extra cash to your bankroll, but only if they make sense. At most casinos, Blackjack and other games typically contribute 5%-10%, if at all. Only pokies contribute 100% to wagering requirements. Always read the terms and conditions before accepting a large casino bonus.
Play RNG or Live Blackjack at Online Casinos
When you decide to play blackjack online, you have a host of options when it comes to the different variations of the game. But, before you decide on a game version, you need to decide whether to play with a live dealer or alone on a machine.
RNG Blackjack
If you play alone on a machine, then you’re playing RNG blackjack. The game rules are the same as in other blackjack types, and there are multiple game versions to choose between. The major difference is that the game is digitally controlled. This means that a random number generator decides which cards are being dealt.
Live Blackjack
The most popular way of playing online blackjack nowadays is by playing with a live dealer. You’ll be playing at the same table as other players, and the cards are physically dealt by a real-life dealer. These games are streamed from a game studio, and the cards are being shuffled at the table.
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Australians’ Online Blackjack FAQs
Here are the most frequently asked questions that Aussies want to know about online blackjack:
Is live blackjack better than RNG blackjack?
It depends. Live blackjack offers players a more immersive experience which can make the game feel more authentic. Players who love a traditional casino atmosphere will enjoy this variation. RNG blackjack is faster-paced and more widely available. It’s great for players who prefer solo play and enjoy the virtual environment. One is not necessarily better than the other. It all comes down to personal preference.
Is online blackjack rigged?
No. If you’re playing online blackjack at a reputable licensed casino, then the games are perfectly fair. Random number generators built into the games ensure that each game is equitable, and the games by leading providers are consistently audited for fairness by third parties.
Is online blackjack legal in Australia?
Yes. Australians can enjoy online blackjack at some of the world’s leading online casinos. Online casinos are not legally allowed to operate within Australia, but this doesn’t prevent Australians from legally enjoying online games at registered offshore casinos.
Can I use a strategy chart in live games?
Yes. Having a strategy chart handy can improve your game and most online games follow standard rules so you can quickly reference the chart between hands. Just keep in mind that live dealer games run in real-time—ensure your decisions are prompt to keep up with the pace of play.
Can I play live blackjack for free?
Not typically. Since live dealer blackjack is played in real time, it doesn’t allow for free play. We recommend honing your skills on some RNG games that allow players to play for free.
Is blackjack a skill based game or is it all luck?
Blackjack is a game that is heavily luck-based, but there is strategy and skills you can learn that can help influence the game’s outcomes. Practice makes perfect in blackjack.
How many decks are used in online blackjack?
This can vary based on the game you’re playing. You can find both single-deck and multi-deck games of blackjack online. The number of decks is usually indicated in the game’s rules or information section.
Can you count cards in online blackjack?
Counting cards is a popular blackjack strategy at land-based casinos, but it is generally ineffective for most online formats. During live dealer games, cards are shuffled more frequently than in-person games. Many RNG-based games use a continuous shuffle machine which shuffles the deck after each hand, and many online games use multiple decks (6 or 8) which makes card counting much more difficult.
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