Playing blackjack at pokies sites

Other than the fact both games can be played for the chance to win real money, there are little to no similarities between blackjack and the pokies. However, for lovers of the slots who are looking to branch out and try something different, you’ll be pleased to know your online pokies account can also be used to access games of real money blackjack. We explain the basics of blackjack and where you can play for real money bets online between spins on the pokies.

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The rules of blackjack

Vegas Strip blackjackBlackjack (also known as 21) is a classic card game considered to be the most popular of all casino table games. Although many players can be seated around a blackjack table, you play directly against the dealer and all other players are irrelevant. The aim of the game is to receive a hand with a value as close to 21 as possible, without going over 21, which is an automatic loss. In order to win, your hand must also be better than the dealers.

The deal starts out with two cards. Once you’ve viewed your initial hand, you must then decide whether you wish to hit (receive another card) or stand (stick with your initial hand). If you win, you typically receive double your bet, unless you receive a natural blackjack (where your first two cards equal 21) in which case the payout is usually higher.

Blackjack is played with a standard deck of 52 playing cards, excluding the jokers. Number cards two through 10 are counted at face value, while J, Q and K are worth 10 and Ace can be valued as either one or 11.

How to play online blackjack

To play blackjack online for real money bets, you’ll need to have a registered account with a reputable online casino, like the ones recommended in our table above. If you already have an online pokies account, you can use your same login details to access blackjack games, as well as other casino games like roulette, video poker and virtual scratchies. Blackjack games at our recommended casinos are all available for instant-play, which means you can play directly over your standard Web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, etc) with no downloads required.

Once you’ve loaded your chosen blackjack variant, click the betting chip you wish to wager, drag it onto the blackjack table and click to deal your hand. A natural blackjack will automatically win, otherwise you need to choose the relevant buttons to ‘hit’ or ‘stand.’ The dealers hand will not be revealed until you’ve chosen to stand with your hand. All winnings and losses will be automatically credited or debited from your account.

Blackjack can be also played at our recommended pokies sites or free in practice mode, so you can familiarise yourself with the rules of the game and the virtual play format before risking any of your own money. If you’re new to 21, we recommend taking advantage of the free-play option so you feel comfortable with the game before laying down a cash bet.

What online blackjack variants are available?

When it comes to online twenty-one, Microgaming and Net Entertainment are the big guns as far as blackjack software goes, plus you’ll also find a decent blackjack selection from BetSoft. These leading game developers have come up with all kinds of entertaining variants which provide a fun spin on the classic blackjack format, so even if you’re a dedicated blackjack player, chances are you’ll find a game online you haven’t come across before. Here are some of the most popular blackjack titles you’ll come across at our recommended casinos:

Super 7s Blackjack

  • Classic Blackjack
  • European Blackjack
  • Vegas Downtown Blackjack
  • Double Exposure Blackjack
  • Vegas Strip Blackjack
  • Atlantic City Blackjack
  • Big Five Blackjack Gold
  • Bonus Blackjack Gold
  • Spanish 21 Blackjack
  • Super Fun 21
  • Multi-Hand Blackjack
  • Single Deck Blackjack
  • Pontoon
  • Super 7 Blackjack
  • 21 Burn Blackjack
  • American Blackjack

Within these titles you’ll find all kinds of variants, like NetEnt’s Pro Series and Microgaming’s Gold Series, with low limit, standard and high limit games available so there’s a game to suit all bankrolls. Typically, you can play 21 online from around $1.00 to $100 per hand, but you will also find games offering min and max bets which are more lenient.

Live dealer 21

Live dealer blackjackIf you want to replicate the feeling of playing in a land based casino, live dealer blackjack is the way to go. These are games hosted by real dealers (usually attractive women) from real casino studios, and streamed to your computer in real time using high-def video feeds. You still get to place your bet using a computerised table and remain anonymous behind your computer screen, but the difference is you get to watch the action unfold in real life, with real cards being used against a real human.

Live dealer 21 is ideal for those who enjoy a faster paced game, those who are wary of random number generated games, or those who simply enjoy the social aspects of playing against a real person. Chat options are usually available, so you can also interact with other players around the table if you wish.

Live dealer blackjack (as well as live roulette, baccarat, poker, keno and lotto) is available at our recommended online casinos for real money play only. It’s also available for mobile play for your smartphone or tablet at Guts Casino.

Is blackjack a good choice for pokies players?

Although both are hugely popular with online gamblers, blackjack and the pokies couldn’t be more different. While the pokies depend purely on luck, blackjack does require some basic skills and strategies to improve your chances of winning. If you’re looking to try a game requiring a little more brain power than just the click of a spin button, blackjack is well worth a try, but whether or not this game is for you will come down entirely to your personal tastes.

Keen to sharpen your blackjack skills and branch out beyond the pokies? Sign up at Royal Vegas Casino and claim up to $1200 in matched deposit welcome bonuses, and you’ll gain full access to the extensive range of Microgaming pokies and blackjack games, including live dealer titles.