Best legal New Zealand online gambling sites

Legalization of online gambling is one of the most contradictory topics in gambling industry. Even New Zealand players find trouble in understanding legality of sites hosted in their own country.

This is probably because laws and regulations of online gambling will vary from one country to the next. For instance, some countries might allow online gambling but the casino’s headquarters might be prohibited from the region while others might ban online gambling completely. This is why some banks don’t allow online gambling transactions.

Trying to change these rules might not be as easy as it seems. Therefore, you should ensure that you are on the safe side of the law before gambling online with real money. Lucky for you, this page addresses all the gambling laws that might prohibit you from gambling in NZ. The best thing about New Zealand is that her laws allow you to gamble online. This implies that you can enjoy any game at any time as long as you abide with the laws.

Getting Started

Once you set foot in New Zealand, you can play online casino game without worrying about local authorities. In addition, these laws allow you to gamble at online casinos that are based on other countries. Unfortunately, New Zealand based companies are not allowed to host any casino games. Due to regulations prohibiting ‘remote interactive gambling’, you will never come across any home based gambling sites in NZ.

All laws governing online gambling in New Zealand are managed from Gambling Act 2003. This is the basis from which the country regulates remote interactive gambling. This act also prohibits people from hosting casinos using telephones, radios, computers or other devices from within the country.

The only organizations allowed to run limited internet gambling are Lotteries Commissions and The Racing Board. If you really love gambling at New Zealand friendly casinos, you can always go to overseas sites reviewed at our website.

Even though New Zealand allows gambling from overseas online casinos, it restricts online casino advertisements. According to Gambling Act, both online and land-based casino operators are not allowed to advertise via local media.

However, the only limitation that comes with New Zealand legislative law is that it doesn’t limit the number of online casinos one can play from. This makes it really hard for players to separate legit sites from shady ones. This is why you need to know how to choose legal sites. Here are some tips that might come in handy:

  • Trusted online casinos will always place their licenses and audits on an easy to find location. Most of them have an eCOGRA logo at the bottom of their home page.
  • Attend online casino forums where you will get to know the reputation of a site in terms of payment and gameplay. You might also consider asking your friends about a specific site.
  • Don’t be afraid of going through online casino reviews present at our website.
  • Legit sites will always have multiple payment methods. In addition, their withdrawal time duration is fast.
  • Good sites will always have a fast responding customer support.
  • Don’t allow welcome bonuses fool you. Some rogue online casinos attract vulnerable players with incredibly huge bonuses.

Our team has identified https://casinokiwi.com as a great resource for their analysis of all the casinos available to New Zealand players. They have combined their knowledge in narrowing down only the best sites legal in New Zealand. If you are looking for a way of making money through internet gambling in New Zealand, try using their reviews to get the best site. This way, you will play at safe sites without worrying about laws or getting scammed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it legal to gamble online in New Zealand?

As long as you are playing on sites hosted overseas, you are good to go. Domestic companies are not allowed to host any casino games while foreign companies are fully legal in New Zealand.

Should I download the software to Play?

No, you don’t have to download the software to play. There is an Instant Play option which allows players to play directly from the web browser. This option is suitable to Mac or Linux users.

Will I be taxed for my winnings?

In New Zealand, you will only be taxed if you use gambling as a means of generating income. Otherwise, you are not obligated to pay any taxes from your winnings.

Will I have any trouble in making withdrawals?

No, you won’t. There are no restrictions in New Zealand which prevent people from making withdrawals to their e-wallets or bank accounts.

How many Banking options can I use?

In New Zealand, you can use any payment option – from bank transfers, to credit/debit cards, to e-wallets to prepaid products. There is also a POLi program which allows you to make online banking payments. It is very popular in Australia and New Zealand. In short, you should ensure that you use trusted banking options.

Glossary of Terms

Online blackjack is not only a table card game but is also a strategy game. This implies that a player must be conversant with some of the terms used at a blackjack table. Of course, not all terms will come in handy while playing but there are some which will really improve your odds of winning if applied correctly. For instance, terms such as doubling down, hitting, splitting, insurance, surrender etc. will definitely have an impact on the odds present at the table. Here are some important terms used at Aura Game:

Action – Any gambler must have come across this term while playing for real money. It refers to the amount of money played in a specific session. For instance, if you place ten bets each worth $4, the total action is $40.

Bankroll – This is the total amount of money a player wishes to play with during a particular session. Some sites call it the stake.

Bust – This is where the total hand value goes above 21. If the player busts, he/she automatically loses. The same rule applies to the dealer. However, if both the dealer and player bust, the player loses to the casino.

Burn Card – This is the card located at the top or the front of the deck after every reshuffle. The dealer usually takes this card and places it in the discard tray. This card my or may not be revealed to the players.

Cage – This is the cashiers shop. A blackjack cage is where all monetary transactions such as buying and redeeming chips are carried out.

Chips – These are plastic coins used at a blackjack table. Each chip comes with its own value. For instance, Black chips are worth $100 while red chips go for $25. Blackjack chips have no value outside the casino.

Comp – These are loyalty points offered to players when they gamble with real money. At land based casinos, comp points can be redeemed for meals, hotel rooms and more. At online casinos, you can redeem these points for real money prizes.

Counter – This refers to the person or machine responsible for counting blackjack cards.

Cut Card – This is a plastic card given to a player after each reshuffle. This card is used to cut the deck. Its main purpose is to eliminate card counting.

Drop Percentage – This is the portion of money a casino takes from a player’s original stake due to the house edge. For instance, if the house edge is 10% and your bankroll is $50, you will eventually lose $5 to the casino.

Flat Bet – This is a constant bet size for all the hands. For instance, if you bet with $30 for all hands without changing the amount, this is a flat bet.

Foreign Chip – This is a chip issued by one casino but can be redeemed at another casino for real money.

Hard Hand – This is a hand where the Ace card has a value of 1.

Head On – This is where you and the dealer are the only one at the table. There are no other players.

High Roller – Also called a big spender. This is a player who places very huge bets per hand.

Hit – Taking an extra card.

Hole Card – This is any card which is dealt face down. The dealer is the one who has a face down card. He/she exposes it after all players have played.

House edge – This refers to the advantage the casino has over the player.

Insurance – This is a side bet which the player places if the dealers up card is an Ace. It’s usually up to 50% of the original stake and players win 2:1.

Junket – This is a group of players who travel together to gamble at a casino. The casino organizes the junket.

Late surrender – This is where a player surrenders if the dealer doesn’t have a natural blackjack. The player retains 50% of the best if the dealer doesn’t have a Blackjack, otherwise he/she loses.

Pair – When a player gets two cards of the same value.

Pat Hand – This is a hand with a value between 17 and 21.

Pit Boss – A casino employee who supervises all players and dealers within a specific pit.

Play Upcard – A card which is dealt face up.

Push – Where the dealer’s and player’s hand have the same value.

Running Count – This is the total point count from hand to hand. It starts from the start of the deck or shoe.

Shill – A casino employee who pretends to be a player so as to attract players to a particular table.

Soft hand – A blackjack hand in which the Ace card is counted as 11.

Stand – Not taking an extra card when it’s your turn to play.

Toke – This is another term for tipping the dealer.

Basic Blackjack Strategy

There is no greater feeling than winning, winning and winning. The best thing about card games is that players have the opportunity of manipulating or predicting the outcomes. This is why most players love playing Blackjack for real money. Even though the game is dependent on luck, you will require some skills if you want to increase your odds of winning.

What is a basic strategy?

Blackjack’s basic strategy is a chart created using a computer from simulations of millions of blackjack hands. These computer simulations reveled all the mathematical probabilities of improving a blackjack hand. For instance, the strategy tells the player which decision to take for each hand.

The basic strategy will vary from one variation to the next. By using the basic strategy, a blackjack player will eliminate the 5% advantage the casino has over an unskilled player. It’s important to know that the basic strategy will only help you to increase and lower the house edge. You will not always win each time you apply the basic strategy.

There are some factors which will affect the basic strategy rules:

  • The number of decks – you cannot use a single deck strategy in a multi-deck strategy.
  • The rules present at the table.
  • The game variation.

Aura Game’s Simple strategy

For years, Aura Game has been advising newbies to always master the basic strategy before using real money. However, not all people are able to memorize the basic strategy. This is why we have presented a Simple Strategy. The house edge incurred while using Simple Strategy is 0.53% which is closer to basic strategy’s 0.4% house edge. Here is its chart:

As a newbie, you should know that:

  • A hard blackjack hand is the one which has no aces or has aces which are counted a 1, otherwise the hand is a bust.
  • A soft hand is the one with at least one ace which can also be counted as 11 without causing a bust.
  • If you have a hard 10 or 11, you should double if your points are more than the dealer.
  • If the strategy tells you to double, but you have at least 3 cards or table rules prohibit soft doubling, you should hit. Stand if you have a soft 18.
  • If the strategy tells you ‘don’t split’, any hand should be treated as a total of 8, 10 or 20.
  • If the strategy tells you to surrender at 16 versus 10, but the rules don’t allow you to take this action, then hit.

Basic Strategy Charts Layout

If it’s your first time to look into the basic strategy, you might be scared. It seems complicated but its very simple to use and understand. For instance, about a third of the hands are played the same way regardless of the dealer’s up card. The other hands can be played in one or two ways depending on the dealer’s up card.

On the basic strategy charts, Player’s hand is on the left while the Dealer’s is at the top. During the game, follow the dealer’s up card value down the column until it intersects with your hand. Here are good examples of basic strategy charts:

Hard Totals
Dealers Up Card
Hard Totals 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 T A
8 H H H H H H H H H H
9 H D D D D H H H H H
10 D D D D D D D D H H
11 D D D D D D D D D H
12 H H S S S H H H H H
13 S S S S S H H H H H
14 S S S S S H H H H H
15 S S S S S H H H H H
16 S S S S S H H H H H
17-20 S S S S S S S S S S
Soft Totals
Dealers Up Card
Soft Totals 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 T A
A 2 H H H D D H H H H H
A 3 H H H D D H H H H H
A 4 H H D D D H H H H H
A 5 H H D D D H H H H H
A 6 H D D D D H H H H H
A 7 S D D D D S S H H H
A 8 S S S S S S S S S S
A 9 S S S S S S S S S S
Pair Splitting
Dealers Up Card
Pairs 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 T A
2 2 P * P * P P P P H H H H
3 3 P * P * P P P P H H H H
4 4 H H H P P H H H H H
5 5 D D D D D D D D H H
6 6 P* P P P P H H H H H
7 7 P P P P P P H H H H
8 8 P P P P P P P P P P
9 9 P P P P P S P P S S
10’s S S S S S S S S S S
A’s P P P P P P P P P P

Key

  • H – Hit
  • S – Stand
  • D – Double
  • P – Split

In some cases, the choices given by the strategy charts may appear odd. This is why we have provided a Dealer Bust Probabilities chart below. It shows how the up card affects the probability of a dealer bust.

Dealer’s Uphand 17+ 18+ 19+ 20+ 21 BJ Bust
2 65% 51% 37% 24% 12% 0% 35%
3 63 49 36 24 12 0 37
4 60 47 35 23 11 0 40
5 58 46 34 22 11 0 42
6 58 41 31 20 10 0 42
7 74 37 23 15 7 0 26
8 76 63 27 14 7 0 24
9 77 65 53 18 6 0 23
10 71 60 49 38 4 8 21
A 58 45 32 19 3 31 11

Additional Tips

You should use card counting together with the basic strategy if you desire to beat the dealer at almost every hand. There is also a basic strategy engine and calculator which might come in handy while playing at online casinos.

Blackjack Layout Table

By now you probably know that blackjack is a table card game. We have gone through strategies, rules and even download blackjack software. It’s time to take a closer look at a blackjack table layout. How it looks like, chips and rules to follow while at the table.

It is important to note that whether you are playing online or land based blackjack, each comes with its own rules. The rules are usually printed or available on the table cover and the card next to the dealer.

Some casinos, especially online casinos, offer single deck blackjack games where the dealer holds the deck and distributes the cards. Today, a wide majority of gambling sites offer multiple decks ranging from 2 to 8 decks. The advantage of using multiple decks is that the game will flow faster as frequency of re-shuffling is low. Also, by using multiple decks, casinos eliminate the habit of card counting.

A shoe is where multiple decks are stored. The dealer will always pull the cards from the slot at the front of the shoe. Players cards are usually dealt face down in a single deck game while in multiple deck games, they can be face down or face up depending on the variation. The odds of winning are more or less the same. Dealer’s cards are usually dealt one face up and one face down unless the rules of the game are different.

In most cases, blackjack tables come with 5 to 7 seats or betting spots around the table. The game will start as soon as you take your seats. The position of the seat doesn’t any effect on the odds present at the table.

The base is the seat present to the dealer’s far left while the one at the other end of the table is known as third base. Here is a good shot of how a blackjack table looks like:

During the game, cards will always be shuffled each time a player cuts the deck. In a single deck game, the dealer lifts the top part of the deck and lays it next to the portion at the bottom. However, in multiple deck games you will be given a plastic card-sized stop. Put it anywhere near the middle and the dealer performs the rest.

When it’s time to bet, you will have to place your bet on in the circle inform of you. You will not be allowed to touch the chips again. At the end of your hand, you may either lose your chips or win more from the dealer.

During dealing, the dealer starts from his/her left. Each player and the dealer receives one card, face up. A second card is handed to each player still face up but the dealer’s second card is face down. This is known as the hold card. This implies that players can only see one of the dealer’s card. This enables you decide whether to stand, hit, surrender, split or double down.

What is the importance of a Cut Card?

The main reason why the dealer places the cut card before dealing is to prevent other players from Card Counting. Card counting is a skill used by players to memorize played cards (high value cards) so that they can predict how many winning hands are available at the shoe. Players who have mastered card counting and the basic strategy will always have an advantage over the casino.

The part of cards behind the Cut card which are not used in play are known as The Plug. This action is known as plugging the deck.

Dealing Cards from a Shuffling Machine

Today’s casinos have replaced hand shuffling and dealing from a shoe with a Continuous Shuffling Machine (CMS). This machine increases game time and eliminates extra decks. The other reason why modern casinos use the CMS is to eliminate Card Counting.

After the dealer finishes to deal a hand, remaining cards are placed back into the CMS and mixed with other cards. This shuffler uses an elevator system which places the cards on one of the 19 shelves. Any of this shelves can be selected and delivered to the shoe for dealing.

Blackjack Chips

Some casino games use coins to place bets while others use cards. Blackjack uses chips. Chips are small discs which replace money at a blackjack table. Each coin has its value and they make money calculations easier. In addition, chips prevent the dealer from paying the player incorrectly. After the game, players can exchange their chips for money at the casino cage, cashier station or gaming table. Outside the casino, the chips have no monetary value.

The design and color of the chip determines its value:

  • White chips – $1
  • Red chips – $5
  • Blue chips – $10
  • Green chips – $25
  • Black chips – $100

There are other conventional colors available to high rollers.

How to best Play Blackjack

Blackjack is among the most played table card games at both online and land based casinos. The reasons are quite simple – the game offers players the best odds of winning at any given hand and has very simple rules. Don’t be discouraged if you find the basic strategy quite complex at first. You need to do a little practice on the free games and you will be good to go.

Blackjack games are also known as 21. This is because players with a hand value of 21 or closest to 21 without crossing over automatically win. For instance, if you get a 10 point card and an Ace (valued 11) you automatically win.

During the game play, each player competes with the dealer. If the dealer is closer to 21 than the player, the casino wins, the player loses. Your first hand is made up of two cards. If your first two cards have a value of 21, you will win one and a half times your original stake. This hand is called a natural blackjack. At most online casinos, a Blackjack is dealt at least once for every 20 hands.

If your initial hand is less than 21, you can ask for an additional card. This extra card should help you get closer to 21 without crossing over. Taking an additional card is known as a Hit while refusing to take an extra card is known as a Stand. Anyone who goes over 21 automatically loses and this is called a bust or break.

After the cards are dealt, the dealer completes his/her hand. If the dealer busts before the players, the players win. If both hands have the same value, this is known as a Push or Tie – no one wins or loses. If the dealer has a lower hand, the players win. The only instant that the dealer wins is if he/she is closer to 21 than the players.

All other wins are paid 1:1 except when using insurance.

Main Objective

Most players tend to mistake the main objective of playing Blackjack games is to get as close to 21 as possible without crossing over. However, Aura Game tends to disagree with that statement. The realistic objective/goal is to beat the dealer. For instance, you can beat the dealer with a hand value of 13 which is way far from 21 as the dealer is also prone to busting.

The bets and the deal

At online blackjack, you will often play as a single player. However, if there is a multi-player option, each table holds between 1 and 7 players. Each player will be required to place his/her bets in the circle present at the table. The dealer will deal two cards to each player, face up. He will also deal two cards to himself, one face up and one face down. This gives you a hint on how close he is to 21. Keep in mind that other players don’t count as you are playing against the dealer and not them.

The Play

After everyone has cards, the play will start with the right most player and continues up to the left most player. The higher hand wins as long as it doesn’t go over 21. If both the dealer and player bust, the player still loses. Players have the following options:

  • Stand – End your turn without taking an extra card.
  • Hit – Take an extra card if you feel the hand is way far from 21. You can hit as many times as you want.
  • Doubling Down – This allows you to double your wager. Here, you will take only one extra card.
  • Splitting – This is where you separate a pair of cards which have the same value. Each card will be a separate hand and you will have to place another bet for the additional hand. Each hand can hit or stand.
  • Surrender – This option allows players to give up their cards before the dealer calls a blackjack. You will only lose 50% of your bets. Not all casinos offer this option.

Each player gets only one turn per hand. It will not come back to you. Players can hit as many times as they want, but once hitting is over, that’s it.

Once players are done, the dealer flips over his/her hole card. The dealer must hit until he has a hand value of 17 or more. In short, the dealer can make decisions depending on what the players have.

Winning and Losing

Any face card J, Q or K is counted as ten while an Ace is counted as 11. Any other card has a value equal to its face value. However, an Ace can be counted as 1 if the 11 leads to a bust. The rick behind playing blackjack is fairly simple – basic strategy and card counting.

Real Money Blackjack

There is nothing better than playing blackjack games for real money and keep winning. Real money blackjack games allow players to make profits from their bankrolls. However, players should be very cautious before signing up with an online casino. There are rogue sites which will only be after your money. This is why you need to know how to look for a legit online casino before investing with your real money.

Here, at Aura Game, you will get to know what to do before playing blackjack for real money and benefits for using real money to gamble. Some of the most reputable blackjack casinos include:

Rank Casino Bonus Software Provider
1. Jackpot City Casino $/€/£ 1,600 Microgaming
2. Platinum Play Casino $/€/£ 1,500 Microgaming
3. Royal Vegas Casino $/€/£ 1,200 Microgaming
4. Gaming Club Casino $/€/£ 350 Microgaming
5. 7 Sultans Casino $/€/£ 500 Microgaming
6. Ruby Fortune Casino $/€/£ 750 Microgaming
7. Crazy Vegas Casino $/€/£ 500 Microgaming
8. Golden Riviera Casino $/€/£ 1,400 Microgaming
9. InterCasino $/€/£ 250 Cryptologic
10. All Jackpots Casino $/€/£ 1,600 Microgaming

What to do before playing with real money

Learn the basic strategy

To be on the safe side, always master the basic strategy before inventing your real money. The basic strategy enables you to increase your chances of winning at each hand. Also, you must be familiar with the rules. Know what various terms mean and when to use them.

If you are a new player, you should take advantage of the free games and trainer. In doing so, you will be able to familiarize with basic features of the game.

Inspect the site for legitimacy

There is nothing as bad as investing your money in a rogue online casino. Such sites will ensure that you will never get your money back. There are some few features that will show you if a site is legit or rogue:

  • A legit site will always have a valid license from gaming authorities such as Malta and Isle of Man. Licenses are always located on an easy to find place such as the bottom of the web page.
  • An eCogra symbol should also be available. This proves that the site offers a fair gameplay and has been audited for fairness and security.
  • A good site should have a positive reputation from other players. Go through casino reviews and forums to find out what other players are saying about the site. You might also consider asking your friends about their experience in particular casino.
  • Take a look at their payment options. Legit casinos will always have multiple payment options which are recognized worldwide such as Skrill, PayPal, Neteller, credit cards and more. In addition, legit sites will always process winnings almost instantly or in less than 48 hours.
  • Don’t register in a site because of the bonuses offered. Most rogue casinos offers players a 500+% match bonus only to lure them to their trap. Stay away from such bonuses. Also, take a look at the wagering requirements tied to such bonuses.
  • Legit sites are always appealing. They are well organized and simple to use.
  • The customer support of a legit online blackjack casino will always be there for its players. This is a very important factor to consider if will be playing for real money. A rogue site will not have a reliable customer support – in fact, they will never respond to any disputes.
  • Take a look at the software provider. A good site should be powered by a reputable software provider such as Microgaming, Playtech, RTG, Cryptologic and WGS.

Remember, even after learning the rules and basic strategy, you are not yet ripe to place huge bets. Start off with small bets and increase gradually as you gain experience.

Benefits of Playing for Real Money

One of the major advantages of playing with real money is that you will get to see the fruits of your effort. Real money blackjack allows you to win huge prizes not only from dealers but also from tournaments.

Playing for real money gives you the chance of enjoying casino bonuses and incentives such as bonuses, comps and promotions. Some of popular bonuses include; match bonuses, reload bonuses and loyalty bonuses. Promotions are available each week/month for both VIPs and casual gamblers.

Real money games offer a wider selection of games. Some blackjack variations such as progressive blackjack are not available in free games. This will also improve your decision making skills.

Lastly, the more you play blackjack for real money, the more the comp points you gain. These points will grant you a ticket to VIP section which comes with exclusive features such as personal managers, faster withdrawal processing and more.

Disclaimer

Blackjack is a game of chance and skill hence you might lose at times. If you are on a losing streak, learn when to quit and come back another day.

Blackjack Download

Any online gambling software will come in two forms – Instant version or Download version. Each of the mentioned modes has its advantages and limitations. Now that you are on this page, you will get all the best sites for blackjack download client. Aura Game provides you will only trusted online casinos where you can download and install the client in your computer.

To spice things up, any download software found in this section comes with other fascinating casino games such as slots, roulette, video poker, and more. Therefore, you can comfortably enjoy playing other games for free or real money. Here are the most popular blackjack software available in the internet.

Las Vegas USA Blackjack

This is a totally free software. It comes with free blackjack games which can be downloaded and installed in the PC in just a matter of seconds. There are also real money games where you will get to win cash prizes and amazing bonuses. To gain access to the download link, you should create a casino account with valid personal details. After account verification, the link will be available. This software has a very simple user interface.

7 Sultans Blackjack

You don’t have to pay anything to download this software. It is offered by 7 Sultans Casino. The software allows players to play for fun and real money. This gives players a good opportunity of perfecting their blackjack skills. There are over 500 online casino games to choose from out of which 20+ include blackjack variants. In addition, 7 Sultans Casinos is the best for practicing multi-deck blackjack strategies and card counting. Just sign up, get the link, download, install and start playing.

Bet365 Blackjack

This is yet another 100% free blackjack software. Have you ever come across a popular blackjack variation known as Blackjack Switch? This variation is well-known as it allows players to switch their cards before hitting or standing. Bet365 is one of the few casinos that offers players the chance of enjoying this game. Their blackjack software allows players to play as single player and multi-player. In multi-player blackjack games, you will play and chat with other players. These games tend to have bigger prices than single player ones.

Roxy Palace Blackjack

This blackjack download software is free to any player. It has been around for many years hence comes with a wide variety of games and features. There are also progressive jackpot games at Roxy Palace. These game variations come with huge progressive jackpots which can change your life if you manage to walk away with it. There are also free games available to new players who desire to practice before playing with real money.

InterCasino Blackjack

This software is totally free and is easy to install and use. It comes with up-to-date blackjack variants including multi-hand and multi-player versions. The casino doesn’t offer live dealer blackjack games. Also, there are free and real money gameplay options for all players.

Benefits of using Download Software

There are many benefits of using the Blackjack download client over Instant version. First, the client comes with many game variations. Each time the site adds a new blackjack game, you will be notified instantly. Secondly, this software comes with a stable user interface. This implies that you will not experience any crashing or lagging during gameplay. Third, there are exclusive features such as live chat and multi-player options which are only available in download option. Lastly, you can enjoy your games for fun without getting connected to the internet.

Even though this option has many advantages, it has the following limitations. The software is not compatible with Mac and Linux OS users. However, these users can use a Windows emulator software to use this software. It also requires fast internet to download some exclusive games. Players cannot start playing as soon as they sign up. They must download and install the software.

To download the software, you must ensure that you meet the minimum PC requirements for better gaming experience. Fortunately, any blackjack download software is light hence most computers can run it without any problems.

What about Instant Play Options?

Instant Play is also known as Flash Play. This mode allows players to access their games directly from their web browser. The main advantage of Instant play is that it’s compatible with both Linux and Mac OS. Additional benefits include – you don’t need huge internet packages to download and you can play your games as soon as you sign up.

However, instant play option has the following limitations – comes with limited game variations and it has a less stable user-interface. In addition, you must be connected to the internet to play your favorite blackjack games and some features are limited.

To use this mode, you must install the recommended flash player and web browser.

The Basic Strategy

The basic strategy is the most important thing when playing blackjack games. Without the basic strategy, you will be handing over your bankroll to the casino. Most players make the mistake of playing blackjack for real money without taking into account what will happen next. The truth is that any decision made while playing blackjack will affect the overall outcome of the game.

Unlike other casino games such as slots, roulette or keno, blackjack offers players the opportunity to enjoy positive outcomes. For instance, you can reduce the house edge to as low as 0.4% if you apply the perfect basic strategy.

Blackjack’s basic strategy involves applying simple rules which can easily be mastered. This is because they make sense and most of them require some mathematics. By following each and every step offered by the strategy chart, you will increase your odds of winning on each hand. It’s important to know that using the basic strategy doesn’t guarantee an automatic win. You might lose once after consecutive wins.

Here, at Aura Game, you will find the basic strategy chart. There are also strategies which can be used when playing multi-deck blackjack games. Newbies are always advised to start off with the basic strategy before looking into other strategies. Without much ado, let’s look into two tactics which will totally improve your odds of winning when playing blackjack online.

Basic Strategy

To begin with, the basic strategy wasn’t invented by humans. It was created by a computer program which simulated millions of blackjack hands and their possible outcomes. The first simulation was done by Julian Braun of IBM. These simulations showed probabilities of improving a blackjack hand or beating the dealer by following a certain action – to split, double down, surrender and more.

In the long run, all basic strategy rules are indisputable. Any decision made during the game will be dictated by dealer’s cards and player’s cards. By using the basic strategy perfectly, you will terminate the 5% edge the casino has over an unskilled player. This is why blackjack is among the most profitable games at online and land based casinos.

A standard blackjack deck contains 52 cards excluding the jokers. Sixteen cards from each deck have a hand value of 10 making it 30% of the deck. If you include the 9s, this increases to 38% and later to 46% if you include the 8s.

With this information, take a look at the dealer’s down card. There is a high probability that it’s an 8, 9 or 10. What about the six up card? There is a 50-50 chance that then hand is a 14, 15 or 16. Have you seen how easily you can increase your odds of winning? This is just a glimpse of how the basic strategy works. The Basic Strategy Below table below is optimized for both single and multi-hand blackjack.

Dealers Hand 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 A
Y
o
u
r

H
a
n
d

< 7 H H H H H H H H H H
8 H H H D D H H H H H
9 D D D D D H H H H H
10 D D D D D D D D H H
11 D D D D D D D D D D
12 H H S S S H H H H H
13,14,15 S S S S S H H H H H
16 S S S S S H H H H H
17+ S S S S S S S S S S
A9 S S S S S S S S S S
A8 S S S S D S S S S S
A7 S D D D D S S H H S
A6 D D D D D H H H H H
A5, A4 H H D D D H H H H H
A3, A2 H H D D D H H H H H
A-A SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP
10-10 S S S S S S S S S S
9-9 SP SP SP SP SP S SP SP S S
8-8 SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP SP
7-7 SP SP SP SP SP SP H H S/SU H
6-6 SP SP SP SP SP H H H H H
5-5 D D D D D D D D H H
4-4 H H H D D H H H H H
3-3 H H SP SP SP SP H H H H
2-2 H SP SP SP SP SP H H H H
Dealers Hand 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 A

Key

  • H  = Hit

     S  = Stand

    D  = Double Down

    SP  = Split

    S/SU  = Surrender if able, otherwise Stand

Card Counting

This technique works perfectly when used together with the basic strategy. You must be familiar with the game to master card counting. Visit our card counting section for more information.

Online Blackjack

Online blackjack is the most popular table card game in the internet. You will never miss it at any online casino. Of course, there are multiple benefits of playing online blackjack over land based blackjack. The only difference between these two versions is that online blackjack requires internet connection while the other doesn’t. The rules required to play are virtual identical. However, some variations come with unique sets of rules.

Another important thing to note is that odds of winning at both online and land based blackjack are the same. This is because both games are basic strategy friendly. By applying the right strategy, you can reduce the house edge and beat the house.

Playing Online Blackjack

If you have played both online and land-based blackjack, you will agree that online blackjack gaming experience is way smoother and simpler. Online blackjack is an imitation of land based blackjack in terms of chips, flashy lights and even a dealer. Some online casinos have gone to the extent of introducing live dealer blackjack games. Here, you will be able to see the real human casino dealer. You will feel like you are in the real casino.

Any actions performed at online casinos requires you to click some virtual buttons available at the user interface. For instance, if you have a 13 while the virtual dealer has a 15, you should hit by clicking the ‘Hit’ or ‘Hit Me’ button. This action will force the blackjack software to add an extra card to your existing ones. Insurance, surrender, stand, split and double down buttons are also available.

Why do some players still prefer playing at land based casinos?

The main reason why most players still prefer to gamble at land based casinos is that they will get to see the real dealer. These trust issues are brought about by the fact that rogue online casinos do exist. Such sites are interested in scamming players. Other minor reasons include; big crowds, flashy lights, meals and drinks. However, gambling at land based casinos can be somehow expensive – you must incur travel costs, be ready to place huge bets and set some money aside for drinks and meals.

Benefits of Playing Online Blackjack

Many Variants to Play From

Online casino software providers are always coming up with unique blackjack variants. Such variations are not available at land based casinos. The best thing about blackjack variants is that they come with very low house edge and exclusive bonus features.

Convenience

You can access online blackjack games from the comfort of your home. You don’t have to travel to the actual casino. In addition, online casinos are open for 24/7 hence you can enjoy your games at any time. Since you will be playing from your PC, you will have no pressure to tip anyone. At land based casinos, tipping the dealer is a common courtesy.

More hands

Online blackjack is very fast paced – hands and odds keep changing. This is because, while playing online blackjack you don’t have to wait for other players to settle or for the dealer to reshuffle the cards. Everything is done using the software.

Totally Random Outcomes

At legit online casinos, blackjack games are run using a random number generator software. This device ensures that all outcomes are totally unique and unbiased. In addition, virtual dealers are computer programs hence they never make any errors during the gameplay.

Bonuses and Comps

Online blackjack casinos are well-known for offering players huge incentives. Some bonuses which are not available at land based casinos include; no deposit bonuses, match bonuses and reload bonuses. Even though some land casinos offer comp points, their offer is not as good as that of online casinos. These comp points can be redeemed for real money.

Players can vary game speed and other features

Online blackjack client allows players to set their own pace. This enables you to play with more hands per session. The faster the game, the more you will win or lose.

Progressive Jackpots and Tournaments

Online casinos allow players to participate in structured blackjack tournaments where they can walk away with huge prizes. There are two types of tournaments – VIP tournaments and multi-table tournaments.

Progressive jackpots at online blackjack sites are way bigger than those found at land based casinos. This is because most players are competing for this prize.

How to avoid rogue blackjack sites

With thousands of online casinos to choose from, you might have a hard time in figuring out legit sites. The good news is that Aura Game offer the following tips which will come in handy when looking for legit sites:

  • The casino must be licensed by a known gaming jurisdiction such as Isle of Man.
  • Its software provider must be reputable – Microgaming, RTG, Playtech and more.
  • A reliable customer support.
  • Terms and conditions which accompany the bonus.
  • Must have multiple payment options which are well-known.