Play Blackjack Online for Real Money
If you enjoy blackjack and want to play it online, then we have some good news for you. Online blackjack has grown in popularity worldwide, and many casinos now allow you to play it virtually.
Even though South Africa doesn’t allow online casinos to operate in the country, South Africans can still play blackjack online by visiting offshore casinos.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the best online blackjack casinos in South Africa. As well as blackjack, these websites offer a range of slots and casino table games to keep you entertained when you’re not playing this card game.
We’ll also cover the rules of the game, pros and cons, and our criteria for ranking the best online blackjack casinos in this article. Whether you want to play online or find the best site for loyalty benefits, the ideal blackjack online casino is ready and waiting for you.
Recommended Blackjack Online Casinos in South Africa 2024
What is Blackjack?
Blackjack, commonly known as 21 in North America, is one of the most played casino games in the world. Although slots have surpassed blackjack in popularity at online casinos, it remains one of the most famous casino card games. It is available in almost all casinos, both online and offline.
Blackjack is a casino banked game, which means that instead of competing against each other, players compete against the house. In this card game, the goal is to get a hand with a greater count than the dealer’s, up to but not surpassing 21.
If you’re serious about increasing your blackjack winnings, you should familiarise yourself with the game’s rules and find the best strategy for your playing style.
How to Play Blackjack Online
What are the Rules of the Game?
Blackjack is a high-strategy game with odds in the player’s favour. One reason for the game’s popularity is that the rules aren’t incredibly complicated to learn. We’ve briefly gone over the rules below.
Card values and decks
The number of decks used in online blackjack varies based on the casino and the game. The pip value displayed on the cards from 1 to 9 is allocated. The value of an ace is either eleven or one. The king, queen, and Jack are known as face cards and bear the value of ten.
Rules during gameplay
- The cards are jumbled, and the wagers are placed at the start of the game. Each player is dealt a card, laid face up on the table, commencing from the left. The players are handed the second card in the same manner, and they can now see both of their cards and are all set to start playing.
- When you play blackjack, there is just one goal to achieve: defeat the dealer. To accomplish this, you must get as close to 21 as possible without exceeding it. However, this isn’t enough to win. For you to win, the dealer must either have a lower hand than yours or go bust, i.e., exceed 21.
- The hold card is the dealer’s second card, laid face down. If the first card is an ace or a ten, the dealer can only take a brief look at the hold card. The game is over if both of the dealer’s cards total 21.
- The dealer is always the last to play. After playing all hands, the dealer pays out all the winnings and recovers any losing bets.
Differences online
When you play online, the cards will automatically shuffle before you deposit your wager. Your alternatives will be presented on the screen once both cards have been dealt. If your hand totals more than 21, it’s an automatic bust, and the game ends.
Rule Variations
Blackjack is one of the most widely played casino games in the world. While many South Africans have played the game in casinos across the country, many are unaware of its various varieties. Other variants of the game exist around the globe that allow players to beat the dealer with better odds for their money.
The rules can differ between casinos and affect what you do in specific instances. These slight differences can also influence the best strategy to adopt and the overall house advantage.
Below are a few of the most popular blackjack variants, as well as a brief explanation about each.
European Blackjack
Along with American Blackjack, the European version is one of the most popular varieties. Essentially, the European version restricts players' decision-making more than the American version. Unless the player already has blackjack, the dealer's blackjack beats any other 21-value hand. The game is then a push.
The dealer takes a soft 17 and does not check for blackjack in the middle of the game. Players can only double down and split once on hands with a value of nine, ten, or eleven. Furthermore, the players can only split face cards with the same value.
American Blackjack
American Blackjack (also known as Classic Blackjack) is the most popular version, alongside the European version.
The stage of the game at which the dealer takes his hole card is what makes this variety different. Before the player decides on their hand, the dealer receives their hole card, i.e., the face-down card.
There are various significant distinctions between the two forms in terms of core aspects and basic game strategy, such as splitting and doubling down.
Spanish 21
The Spanish 21 version of the game is conducted with a six-deck shoe. Players are dealt two cards and must continue to receive cards until they choose to stop ('stand') without exceeding 21.
After a player has placed a wager, they are dealt cards and decide whether to hit or stand. The dealer will do the same. The player with the best hand wins.
Players in Spanish 21 can split their paired cards and bet with two hands. If the player is dealt another pair, a re-split is possible. If you have a winning hand, you will be paid 1/1.
Switch
Switch is a multi-hand version of the game; a player must play two hands simultaneously. That means they set two (equal) stakes at the beginning of each round.
Each hand is then dealt two cards in the usual way, but the player may switch one of the cards from each hand with a card from the other.
A switch allows the player to potentially create stronger starting hands, giving them a significant advantage.
Pontoon
Pontoon is based on the same principles as blackjack. You must beat the dealer with a hand as near to 21 as possible without exceeding it.
The game starts with the players getting two cards face up. The dealer's cards are dealt face-down, so they are not visible to the players immediately.
The card values are identical to those in a regular game of blackjack. The ace might be either a 1 or an 11. The ten and face cards are given a value of ten, while the other cards (2–9) are given their pip value.
After the cards are dealt with, the players can choose from several options, many of which are similar to those in blackjack.
Double Attack
Double Attack blackjack is similar to conventional versions of the game, except the order in which the cards are dealt differs. The first card is dealt with the dealer, face up.
Based on this up card, players determine whether or not to double their stake in the Double Attack betting box. If the dealer has a 2-8, the best play is to double.
While a player can place a lower wager on the Double Attack bet, the best strategy is always to double if the card is not a 9 or 10 value card or an ace.
The remaining cards are dealt face up to the players, with one extra face-down card handed to the dealer. Players are granted insurance if the dealer's upcard is an ace. Insurance pays a rate of 5-2.
The dealer checks for blackjack if the dealer's upcard is a ten-value card or an ace. If the dealer has it, the game ends, and every player loses, except for those who have blackjack (they will then try to beat the dealer.)
The game continues if the dealer does not have blackjack and the players take turns.
History of Blackjack
There is some uncertainty about when and where blackjack was founded. However, one widely recognised theory among researchers is that the game originated in France and was played in most casinos around 1700.
The French cards were known as “Vingt-et-Un,” which translates to “Twenty-one” in English. The cards are also thought to have been derived from the popular card game Chemin de Fer at the time. This card game was popular in the French Royal Court during King Louis XV’s reign.
Blackjack’ supposedly arrived on American soil in the 18th century with the entrance of French immigrants. The game evolved in America, eventually becoming a legalised casino card game in New Orleans in 1820. Since then, the rules have been adjusted and changed several times.
Even now, the sport is evolving and growing. Now, it is mainly played online and offers players some of the best winning opportunities.
Pros & Cons: Playing Blackjack Online
Playing blackjack online has several benefits and drawbacks. As a result, learning about those factors before making a decision is beneficial. You should be aware of the following advantages and disadvantages of online blackjack:Pros
- One of the most appealing aspects of online blackjack is that you can play at any time
- The game is suitable for players of all skill levels, whether beginners or seasoned veterans
- Almost every website includes a tutorial section where you may learn the basics of the games
- Players can always try out free blackjack games before going to paid blackjack sites
Cons
- You cannot count cards or track shuffling with RNG blackjack games
- One of the problems with online blackjack bonuses is that they are not all free; some have conditions linked to them. Before you can cash out, you must bet your bonus amount a certain number of times.
- There may be problems if the players find the games to be addictive
- There is always the chance you could lose money playing online
How We Rate the Best Casinos for Online Blackjack
We take our casino evaluations extremely seriously, and we strive to provide our users with the most accurate casino information possible. We’ve devised a detailed list of criteria that blackjack casinos must meet to make our list of the best sites.
We’ll walk you through each step of our criteria in the next section to understand what we’re looking for and how we put each casino to the test.
Great Bonuses and Promotions
Everyone enjoys a bonus offer that boosts their casino balance, and you'll find them at almost all online sites. Our experts not only look for the most spectacular deals but also ensure they have fair terms. The best casinos must offer a Welcome Bonus, VIP and Loyalty Programs, Deposit Bonuses, and appropriate wearing requirements to check all of the boxes.
Safety and Security
We ensure that we evaluate the security and trustworthiness of a casino. We recognise how critical it is for players to have complete confidence in their finances and personal information security.
We look for a casino license from a recognised body, whether it is independently regulated or not. Any casino we recommend must also have SSL Encryption to verify that it provides a secure, fair, and honest service.
Casino Reputation
We always look at the general reputation of the casino among industry experts as well as players when compiling our list of recommended sites.
If there are reports of problems with cashouts, we'll give the system a shot and investigate further. We'll get on the phone with them and put them to the test if there are any rumours of customer service issues.
On the other hand, if we hear great stories about a particular online casino, we'll verify these too.
License
A gaming license is a state-issued license that allows you to deal, run, carry on, or conduct any gambling game, gaming equipment, slot machine, racebook, or sports pool.
The license can be used to run a gaming salon as well. It is illegal for anybody to engage in any gambling activity without a valid permit; therefore, we only recommend online casinos that have been approved by a legitimate organisation and have a valid license.
Mobile and Tablet Gaming
A few decades earlier, the gambling world shifted from brick-and-mortar casinos to the online domain. Now, we're seeing a significant shift from desktop computer gaming to smartphone and tablet gaming.
When we review an online casino, we look for mobile compatibility. Not only do we want the games to be accessible, but we also want the mobile gaming experience to be identical to that of playing on a desktop computer.
Blackjack for Real Money
If you live in South Africa, you can easily gamble for real money. When we review a casino, we make sure that signing up is simple and that you have access to both low-limit and high-limit bets. You can play at live dealer tables at several reliable casinos listed on our website for a more authentic experience.
Blackjack Games for Free
We make sure that we review and include a variety of online casinos where you can play blackjack games for free. There's no need to register with the casino or install any software. All that is required of players is to select their preferred free game and wait for it to load.
Fast Payouts
For us to fully recommend an online casino site, it must offer speedy payouts. We go through the entire deposit and withdrawal procedure to provide an accurate picture of what to expect. We also ensure that various banking alternatives and currencies are available.
Customer Service
You'll find that no matter what site you visit, you'll occasionally require assistance from customer service. As a result, we ensure that each casino we recommend has its players' best interests in mind.
Customer service should be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, using a variety of channels. When we review a casino, we look for phone, email, and live chat support, as well as quick and knowledgeable responses. A comprehensive FAQ segment on the casino's webpage is always a plus.
FAQs: Blackjack
How can I win at blackjack?
Blackjack is a fast-paced, entertaining game. You can win by standing on hands like 12 or 13; rarely splitting tens; doubling down if you have an 11; rarely taking insurance or blackjack side bets; and spending within your budget.
Is it possible to count cards in online blackjack?
Yes, you can count cards when you play a live game of blackjack online. However, it is harder than counting cards in an actual casino, as you may have to deal with issues like video delays or buffering.
What are the rules of blackjack?
The rules of blackjack are relatively straightforward, which is one of the reasons for the game's lasting popularity. The goal is to get a hand as near to 21 as possible without exceeding it. A hand that goes over 21 is a bust. The players do not compete against one another; instead, they compete against the dealer.
How can I find a reputable blackjack casino online?
The best way to find a good blackjack casino is to check BestSouthAfricaCasinos.co.za. Each online casino we recommend has been extensively reviewed to ensure that it has the most outstanding graphics, highest payouts, and best bonuses and is safe and secure for your protection. Look for a site that offers real money and free play options; free blackjack games enable you to 'test drive' the site before risking your real money.
Where do I get blackjack software for my computer?
Some casinos require that you download blackjack software before playing a game. These options include Casino Verite, MGP'S Blackjack Analyzer, Blackjack Gold, and Statistical Blackjack Analyzer. Fortunately, most casinos are now instant-play.
Can I play blackjack online for free?
Yes, you can play blackjack online for free. Playing free online blackjack allows you to practice your strategy without putting your own money at risk. After you've gotten your bearings, you can try your hand at real money blackjack at one of our top-rated online casinos.
Is it better to surrender early if I don't have good cards?
Any hands that don't have at least a 50% chance of succeeding against the dealer's upcard should be surrendered. In blackjack, the hands you surrender are all losers, and you won't win any money back. Nevertheless, the half-bet you lose by surrendering is less than the half-bet you would lose if you played the hand, so you save money in the long run.
Are blackjack games rigged?
Online blackjack is not rigged and is just as fair as the game played in brick-and-mortar casinos. Most casinos use RNG (Random Number Generator) games for fair results.
What are the abbreviations I see at online blackjack casinos?
The majority of blackjack table rules have been abbreviated for readability. Knowing what is and is not permitted will make the game easier to play. Some of the abbreviations may appear alien unless you learn them. The following are the most common: BSE: This stands for Basic Strategy Edge, which means you can improve your odds by applying your essential strategy. DOA: Any of your initial cards can be doubled down on. D10/11: On 10s and 11s, you can only double down. DAS: You can only double down when you split a pair. ESR: Early surrender is allowed. You won't often encounter this, but if you do, you can sacrifice your first hand if the dealer has a natural blackjack (21).