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A COMPLETE ONLINE BLACKJACK GUIDE FOR AUSTRALIAN PLAYERS IN 2024

Blackjack is one of the most played card games in the world. Playing online blackjack is also 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.

WHERE TO PLAY BLACKJACK ONLINE

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HOW WE RATE ONLINE BLACKJACK CASINOS

When it comes to choosing online blackjack casinos, there are a few things our experts prioritise.

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Game Variety

We like seeing a good variety of blackjack games. Both RNG games and live dealer games are preferred. There must be multiple versions of blackjack games available.

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Safety

The online casino should be encrypted and have a reputable and secure gambling licence. We also look for fair casino games and certified random number generators.

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Bonuses

We look into the blackjack bonuses offered at the online casino. Not only are we looking at match percentages and max value, but also at the bonus terms.

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Live Blackjack

A good number of live blackjack tables is a must for any respectable online blackjack casino. We want multiple blackjack versions and a wide spread in betting limits.

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Customer Support

We expect to get prompt and professional help when we’re stuck, so great customer support is a must. There should be several contact channels, such as email and chat.

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Mobile Compatibility

Modern online blackjack casinos should be available to play on any device. Sites that load fast and have a full range of games and services for mobile users are crucial.

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HOW TO PLAY BLACKJACK – A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

Playing online blackjack couldn’t be easier, as this game is quick to learn. Here, we’ll break down how a round of blackjack works when playing at an online casino. Since American Blackjack is considered the standard version, this game is the one we’ll explain in detail here. If you’re playing a different version, read the game rules before betting.

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Step 1

Choose a Blackjack Game and Table

Start by finding your spot around a blackjack table. (Or simply start the game if you’re playing RNG online blackjack.) A typical blackjack table fits seven players.

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Step 2

Join the Game By Placing a Bet

You can bet anything you’d like within the table’s betting limits. Simply click the chips on the virtual table when the betting round starts, and voila! – you’re in on the game.

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Step 3

Get Your Cards

Moving clockwise, the dealer will deal one card at a time to each player. Players will be getting two cards, both facing up. The dealer will get one card face-up and one face-down.

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Step 4

Play Your Hand

When you have your cards, you need to decide what to do. You can hit, stand, double down, or possibly split. If the dealer has an Ace face-up, you can also choose to buy insurance. Once you’ve played your hand to get as close to 21 as possible, without passing, you can stand. If you pass 21, you’re bust and out of the game.

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Step 5

Watch the Dealer Play the Casino’s Hand

If you’re lucky enough to be dealt an Ace and a 10-value card (10, Jack, Queen, or King) in your initial two-card hand, you’ve scored a blackjack! This magical combination pays out at a higher rate, usually 3:2, compared to a regular win.

Keep your eyes peeled for any juicy bonuses offered by online casinos, too. Some casinos might have special blackjack bonuses or promotions that can add some extra dough to your winnings.

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Step 6

Showdown Time

When the dealer is done playing their hand, the game round is over. If you won, you’ll collect your winnings. If the dealer won, you’ve just lost your bet. If you and the dealer have the same result, it’s a push, and you’ll get your bet back.

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Blackjack Card Values

A standard deck of cards

The game of blackjack is played using a standard deck of cards. If it’s only one deck that’s being used, you’re playing the game of Single Deck Blackjack. For other versions of the game, either 6 or 8 decks are typically used.

Each card carries its numerical value, except for those suave face cards – the Jacks, Queens, and Kings are worth a solid 10. The Aces, on the other hand, are pretty special, as they can be worth either 1 or 11, depending on what suits your hand.

If you have a hand without an Ace, then your hand is called a hard hand. For example, an 8 and a 10 is a hard 18. If your hand contains an Ace, you can choose between a hard and a soft hand. For example, an 8 and an Ace are either a soft 19 (Ace valued at 11) or a hard 9 (Ace valued at 1).

Note that there is no value added to card suits when you’re playing online blackjack. The only thing that matters is the value of the card itself, and it’s immaterial which suits you have combined.

This is an infographic about blackjack card values

BLACKJACK BASIC RULES

The goal of the game is simple: beat the dealer without going over 21. You’ll be going head-to-head with the dealer, who represents the casino. You’ll have multiple choices of how to play your hand, and you must choose which option you want to go for.

The only time you don’t have an option is when you’re getting an Ace and a card valued at 10. This combination, when you get 21 with only two cards, is called a Blackjack. This is already the best hand possible, so no further play is needed. Note that a total of 21 with three or more cards does not qualify as a blackjack hand, that’s simply 21.

Now, let’s have a look at how the game is played.

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Hit

Get a new card

Hit is the option you go for when you want to get a new card. You can hit as many times as you’d like until you are at or above 21. If you pass 21, you’ve automatically lost the game round.

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Stand

End the game round

Stand is the option when you’re happy with your hand as it is. Choosing to stand means that you’re done with your game. Next up is simply to wait for the dealer to play his or her hand, to reveal the outcome of the game round.

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Doubling Down

Bet all on 1 more card

Doubling Down means you’ll take one more card and at the same time double your bet. No matter what your hand total is after Doubling Down, this will be your final result.

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Split

Play with multiple hands

Split is an option if you have two cards of the same value. You can choose to split them into two hands and get two new cards to make up two full two-card hands. This also doubles your bet. Different versions of blackjack can have various rules regarding which cards can be split and how many times you get to split.

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Surrender

Give up your hand

If you don’t like your cards, you have the option to surrender. This means you’re ending the game round, without playing your hand. This will give you half your bet back. Note that you can only surrender if you have not yet chosen to hit, stand, or make any other move after receiving your cards.

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Insurance

Protection against dealer Blackjack

If the dealer’s face-up card is an ace, you’ll be given the option to buy insurance. This is in case the dealer ends up with a Blackjack hand. Insurance cost half your bet, and in most versions of blackjack, the dealer will immediately check for blackjack. If the dealer has Blackjack, you’ll be given your bet back.

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The Dealer's Rules

Playing by house rules

The dealer has a strict set of rules to play by, and the dealer can’t make their own choices. In most standard blackjack versions, a dealer has to hit until they reach 17. At some casinos or tables, the dealer also must hot on a soft 17. Thereby, they stand on a hard 17 or a soft 18.

BLACKJACK PAYOUT

If you win when you’re playing online blackjack, you’ll typically get a win of 2:1. Basically, you’ll get 2x your bet as a win. In addition, if you get a Blackjack hand, you’ll get a 3:2 payout for this combination, no matter if you win that round or get a push with the dealer.

The exact payouts in blackjack may vary between different versions. For example, some online blackjack games will pay a Blackjack win as 6:5, or give the dealer a win if you achieve a push. So if you’re playing any other version than the classic American Blackjack version, please check the table rules. Typically, the applicable payouts will be displayed on the table felt.

Blackjack Variation Payout for Blackjack House Edge (%)
American Blackjack 3:2 ~0.42%
European Blackjack 3:2 ~0.39%
Spanish 21 3:2 ~0.40% to ~0.78%
Single Deck Blackjack 3:2 ~0.17% to ~0.48%
Perfect Pairs – normal win 3:2 ~3.37% to ~8.61%
Perfect Pairs – mixed pair 6:1 ~3.37% to ~8.61%
Perfect Pairs – coloured pair 12:1 ~3.37% to ~8.61%
Perfect Pairs 25:1 ~3.37% to ~8.61%
Double Exposure 1:1 ~0.67% to ~0.69%

How to Win at Blackjack

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Manage Your Bankroll

Whenever you participate in online gambling, you should ensure that you have a bankroll management strategy. When playing blackjack, we recommend that each bet does not supersede 5% of your total bankroll. This enables you to ride out unlucky streaks, which are, unfortunately, bound to occur sooner or later.

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Use a Blackjack Strategy

Blackjack is a card game that’s a mix of a game of chance and a game of skill. Betting with a strategy will always help long-term. And, keep in mind that the house edge is contingent on you playing “perfect blackjack.” Use a blackjack chart to maximise your chances of winning every game round.

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Take Advantage of Bonuses

Online blackjack casinos offer casino bonuses, and many of these can be sued to play blackjack. In some cases, there are also exclusive bonuses available to use on live dealer games, such as blackjack. By increasing your bankroll with a bonus, you can extend your gambling session, or up your betting strategy.

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HOW TO PLAY PERFECT BLACKJACK

If you want to have the greatest theoretical chances of winning every game round, you need to play using a blackjack chart. This is a table that tells you exactly what to do, with any given card. And, it’s not only considering your cards but also the cards of the dealer.

By playing perfect online blackjack using a blackjack cheat sheet, you’ll have the greatest mathematical chance of winning. But, if you prefer playing without using a chart, you can also memorize some of the basic strategy rules. This can come in handy especially if you’re planning on playing blackjack at a brick-and-mortar casino.

When to Hit

Hitting is like asking for an extra card to increase your hand’s total value. Here’s when it’s usually a good idea to hit:

  • When your hand’s value is 11 or lower: Since you can’t go bust with just one more card, it’s safe to hit and aim for a stronger hand.
  • When your hand’s value is 12 to 16 and the dealer’s face-up card is 7 or higher: These situations can be tricky, but if your hand is low and the dealer seems strong, hitting gives you a chance to improve your hand and avoiding getting beaten by the dealer’s high total.
  • When you have a soft hand (a hand containing an Ace): Soft hands give you flexibility since the Ace can be counted as either 1 or 11. Generally, you can hit on a soft hand without the risk of going bust.

When to Stand

Standing means you’re happy with your hand and don’t want any more cards. Here are a few scenarios where standing is usually a good choice:

  • When your hand’s value is 17 or higher: If your hand is already quite strong, standing can be a smart move to avoid the risk of going bust unnecessarily.
  • When the dealer’s face-up card is low (2 to 6): If the dealer’s visible card is on the lower side, they have a higher chance of going bust. In such cases, standing on a lower-hand value, like 12 or higher, can be a good strategy to let the dealer take the risk.

When to Double Down

Doubling down is an exciting move that allows you to double your original bet and receive just one more card. Here’s when it’s often a good idea to double down:

  • When your hand’s value is 9, 10, or 11: These values offer a strong foundation for doubling down, especially if the dealer’s face-up card is low. Doubling down gives you a chance to increase your bet and potentially score big if the next card works in your favour.

When to Split

Splitting pairs occurs when you’re dealt two cards of the same value. Here’s when splitting can be advantageous:

  • When you’re dealt a pair of Aces or a pair of 8s: Splitting Aces gives you a shot at getting two strong hands, with each Ace serving as the foundation for a potential blackjack. Splitting 8s, on the other hand, helps you avoid a weak hand total of 16.
  • When the dealer’s face-up card is low or mid-range: Splitting other pairs, like 2s, 3s, 6s, or 7s, can be favourable when the dealer appears weak. It allows you to potentially turn a weak pair into two stronger hands, increasing your chances of beating the dealer.

THE WORST BLACKJACK BETS & RULES

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Just because a game offers a specific feature, it doesn’t mean that it’s a good idea to participate in it. Some games should be discounted altogether, while others have some special bets and options that are best avoided. Here are some of the worst best and rules you should stay away from when playing online blackjack:

  • Don’t play games where a Blackjack payout is 6:5. The standard is 3:2, and those are the versions you should play. Look at the table felt to see which Blackjack payout applies.
  • Avoiding side bets is almost always a good idea. The standard house edge in blackjack can be lower than 1%, but this does not include side bets. Side bets have a much higher house edge than the normal bets, which means your chances of winning are bad.
  • The possibility of doubling down on any hand is important if you want to take full advantage of this bet type. So playing with rules that limit your options for this is a bad idea.
  • As with doubling down, the same applies to splitting. You want to be able to do this on any card values, whenever you’d like. Therefore, blackjack game versions where this is limited are best avoided. Also, be aware of games where you can’t double down after splitting.

PLAY FREE ONLINE BLACKJACK

The best way to get started as a new blackjack player is by playing blackjack for free. This allows you to test out all the different betting options, and get to know the game. If you’re looking to try a new version of blackjack that you’re not yet fully familiar with, the free blackjack games are the way to get started.

Most online casinos offer free blackjack games. These will be the RNG games, where you play on a machine, kind of like a blackjack pokie machine. You simply start the game in demo mode, and then you get a balance of play money. With these funds, you can test out new strategies or simply enjoy the entertainment.

Once you’re ready to start betting and playing real money blackjack, you can switch to real money mode. At this point, you can also choose to play live blackjack if you wish.

FREE VS. REAL MONEY ONLINE BLACKJACK AUSTRALIA

We recommend all players try free blackjack before risking any of their own money on the game. This will allow you to hone your strategy and learn how the blackjack works when playing online. However, when playing at an online casino for real money is when the real thrills begin! Here are some of the pros and cons of playing blackjack for real money.

  • Pros

  • A wider selection of high-quality games
  • Opportunity to use bonus funds to play
  • Bigger thrills and more excitement
  • Chance to win real money

  • Cons

  • Chance to win real money
  • You’re risking losing your money
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BEST ONLINE BLACKJACK BONUSES

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Match Deposit Bonuses

A match deposit bonus is always the best way to increase your bankroll. These are bonuses you’ll get frequently when playing at an Australian online casino. The very first match deposit bonus you’ll receive as soon as you sign up at a new blackjack casino site.

Before you partake in a match bonus, you need to read the bonus rules. Not all of these bonuses are made to play online blackjack. There might be specific terms regarding game types, or the wagering contribution. This might also differ between RNG blackjack and live blackjack.

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Cashbacks

Cashbacks are bonuses that most table game players appreciate. Then again, this is a bonus you’ll only get if you’ve been unlucky at the blackjack table. You start by making a deposit and playing with your own money. Then, if you lose, the casino will give you a portion of your losses back.

Cashback bonuses most often apply to all game types, including blackjack. Sometimes, you’ll get a cashback as a one-off bonus offer, but more commonly this is given weekly or monthly. It’s your accumulated losses in the period that decides how much you’re getting back.

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Loyalty Programs

Loyalty programmes are always great for regular and active players. By playing, you’ll most often be accumulating points of some sort, and these take you up in VIP status or levels. Points can then be exchanged for bonuses. Most often you’ll get cash as your loyalty bonus, but it can also be other bonus offers.

If you’re a regular player we always recommend that you choose a casino with a great loyalty programme. Long-term, this will always pay off, as you’ll be rewarded according to your activity.

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.

Different Types of Online Blackjack in Australia

Blackjack is not just one game, as it’s more considered to be a game type. The standard version of the game is what’s called American Blackjack. At online casinos, you’ll always find multiple tables offering this classic version, but that’s far from the only option you have. There are many, many variations of blackjack that you can play online. Below, we’ve outlined some of the most common versions that you might find at Australian online casinos.

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American Blackjack

Play the classic blackjack game

American Blackjack is the standard version of this game. That’s also why this version can often be found as simply being called ‘Blackjack’ at online casinos. All other versions of blackjack have their roots in the rules of this game version. As such, this is the game we always recommend that novice blackjack players start with.

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European Blackjack

Sophisticated and Strategic

European Blackjack is a refined version of the game, featuring a few distinct rules. Here, the dealer receives the face-up card, but the second hole card is left in the shoe. The dealer only draws this card once all players are done playing their hands. This mainly affects the use of insurance, as the dealer won’t check for a Blackjack hand until you’ve already finished playing your hand. There are also some limitations to splitting certain pairs.

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Spanish 21

Blackjack without 10s

Spanish 21 is like a fiesta of blackjack, offering a unique twist on the classic game. In this variant, all the 10-value cards are removed from the deck, providing a fresh challenge. But fear not, as the game compensates with exciting bonus payouts. Here, you’ll get a payout based on how many cards you need to reach a total of 21.

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Single Deck Blackjack

Perfect for card counting

If you prefer a stripped-down, minimalist approach to blackjack, Single Deck Blackjack is your ticket. As the name suggests, the game is played with a single deck of cards, making it easier to track the cards and devise winning strategies. It’s sleek, it’s simple, and it’s a great option if counting cards is your strategy to maximise your winnings chances.

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Perfect Pairs

Adding side bets to the game

Perfect Pairs is all about adding a sprinkle of spice to your blackjack experience. In this game, you have the option to place a side bet on whether your initial two cards will form a pair. If you’re dealt a perfect pair, such as two identical cards of the same suit, you’ll be celebrating some sweet bonus payouts.

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Double Exposure Blackjack

The dealer exposes both cards

In Double Exposure Blackjack, the dealer plays with both of their cards face up, giving you a sneak peek into their hand. While this may seem advantageous, keep in mind that the game introduces additional rules to level the playing field. It’s a unique twist that requires careful strategy and a keen eye. Not least must you account for losing if you and the dealer tie.

Blackjack Glossary

Before you bet any cash, you’ll first want to brush up on the terminology you’ll hear at the blackjack table. Here are some common blackjack terms and what they mean.

Blackjack Online Australia FAQs

Is blackjack online rigged for Australians?

Blackjack games are not rigged at any of the online casinos we recommend at Gamble Online Australia. Blackjack (as with all casino games) has a mathematical percentage that favours the house, although the payout percentage varies by the skill level of the blackjack participant. Blackjack games at online casinos use random number generators (RNGs) to ensure games are fair. Alternatively, the games are played with real physical cards that are drawn from a shoe.

How do you win at blackjack online in Australia?

The best way to win at blackjack online is to follow a betting chart. This allows you to play perfect blackjack. But, the odds are always going to favour the online casino. By playing with a sound strategy, you can often lower the house edge to less than one per cent.

What is the best way to learn how to play online blackjack in Australia?

The best way to learn the game of blackjack is to play for free. You can practice blackjack online by playing the demo games found at online casinos. But, before you start, make sure to read up on the rules and the basics of blackjack. You’ll find a breakdown of all you need to know right here on this page.

Do I have to play online blackjack for real money in Australia?

No, plenty of casinos make their blackjack games available to play for free too. This is a great way for new players to get introduced to gambling and the online platform. For experienced online blackjack players, this allows them to experiment with betting strategies and playing techniques without risking any real money.

You can practice playing blackjack online at one of our top-rated Aussie casino sites. Then, you can switch to play for real money when you’re ready.

Can I count cards in Australian blackjack online?

Yes, if you’re playing live blackjack you can use card counting as a strategy. However, keep in mind that most blackjack games are played with 6 or 8 decks of cards. In addition, the show has a cut card, making it difficult to accurately count cards. But, if you want to try counting cards, we recommend you play Single Deck Blackjack, as this is played with only one deck of cards.

Do I have to install software to play online blackjack in Australia?

No, at an online casino for Australian players, you can play blackjack directly in your web browser. This works both on the standard desktop site and the mobile casino site. The games load in your browser no matter which operating system or which device type you’re using.

Which casino is best for playing blackjack in Australia?

There are many Australian online casinos that are great for blackjack players. At the top of this page, you can see the complete list of all our recommended blackjack casino sites. Pick the one you like the best and claim your welcome bonus!

Where To Play Blackjack Online

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Eve Luneborg

Eve Luneborg

Sub-editor

Eve Luneborg has been working in the iGaming industry since 2014. She started out spending some years working for one of the leading online casinos in the world, based in Malta. Then, for the last seven years, she’s been sharing her experience and expertise with other players. Eve specializes in writing in-depth game guides, expert casino reviews, and how-to guides explaining how casinos and processes work.

Here at Gamble Online Australia, Eve makes sure that casino reviews and other articles are spot-on and correct for us Aussies. You can also gain insights into her thoughts about the industry by reading her weekly blog posts.

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