Best online blackjack casinos in South Africa for 2024
Blackjack is one of the most popular games available at casinos in South Africa. Learn the rules, explore different variants and see our experts’ list of the best sites to play real money blackjack in SA.
Top SA online blackjack sites October 2024
- 1Casino TropezRead reviewWelcome Package
100% up to R1,000 + R30,000 welcome bonus
Games: 2,400+
Win rate: 97.23%
Payout speed: 1-2 business days
- 2Europa CasinoRead reviewWelcome Package
R24,000 welcome bonus
Games: 2,400+
Win rate: 97.66%
Payout speed: 1-5 business days
- 3Springbok CasinoRead reviewWelcome Package
150% up to R11,500
Games: 300+
Win rate: 97.75%
Payout speed: 2-3 business days
- 4Yeti CasinoRead reviewWelcome Package
100% up to R3,333 + 50 free spins
Games: 3,000+
Win rate: 97.01%
Payout speed: 0-1 business day
- 5Yako CasinoRead reviewWelcome Package
100% up to R999 + 99 free spins
Games: 1,000+
Win rate: 96.6%
Payout speed: 1 business day
- 6ZAR CasinoRead reviewWelcome Package
R30,000 + 30 free spins
Games: 200+
Win rate: 97.95%
Payout speed: 2 business days
- 7Yebo CasinoRead reviewWelcome Package
R12,000 + 35 free spins
Games: 200+
Win rate: 97.64%
Payout speed: 1-3 business days
- 8Thunderbolt CasinoRead reviewWelcome Package
Up to R10,000
Games: 300+
Win rate: 96.52%
Payout speed: 2-3 business days
- 9African GrandRead reviewWelcome Package
200% up to R4,000
Games: 200+
Win rate: 96.45%
Payout speed: 2 business days
- 10Punt CasinoRead reviewWelcome Package
150% bonus + 30 free spins or R200 free chip
Games: 1,000+
Win rate: 98%
Payout speed: 1 business day
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What is blackjack?
Blackjack is a classic card game that has been played for centuries. The game’s objective is to beat the dealer with a hand equal to or as close to 21 as possible. You initially receive two cards and can stand with what you have or hit to receive another card.
The key to the game is deciding when to hit and when to stand. If you beat the dealer with a standard hand, you will earn a payout of 1:1, while beating the dealer with blackjack (K, Q, J or 10 + A) pays out 3:2.
Popular online blackjack variations
The good news is that there are many brilliant real-money blackjack games available in South Africa, from standard European blackjack to Vegas Strip blackjack, as we introduce below:
European blackjack
Perhaps the most widely played variant of online blackjack, European blackjack is a great game for beginners and enthusiasts. The dealer must stand on soft 17, while you (the player) can double down on 9, 10 or 11 and split your hand once. If you’re just getting started with this casino classic, European blackjack is the game to play.
American blackjack
The main difference between European and American blackjack is that there is a ‘hole’ card in the latter, meaning that this card is left face down when the cards are dealt. What’s more, the dealer peeks at their cards under tens and aces in American blackjack and there are no constraints to doubling down.
Atlantic City blackjack
Atlantic City blackjack is well-loved in South Africa, primarily for its low house edge of 0.40%. The payouts remain the same as standard blackjack, but the inclusion of the ‘surrender’ rule means that you can claim back a portion of your bet if you think the dealer will win the hand. Given the lower house edge, it’s an excellent variant for new players.
Vegas Strip blackjack
Though it has a much more glamorous name, Vegas Strip blackjack is almost identical to American blackjack. The key difference is that in Vegas Strip blackjack, the dealer will only peek at their cards if they have an ace. Still, it’s a fun online blackjack variant to try out at online casinos in South Africa.
Blackjack Switch
Invented by card player Geoff Hall, Blackjack Switch is an inventive game that gives you more choice. Rather than starting with one hand, Blackjack Switch allows you to begin with two hands. You can then switch the second card of each hand to form the best possible hand available, potentially increasing your chances of winning.
Spanish 21
Typically played with six decks of cards, Spanish 21 is a game owned by Masque Publishing Inc. that removes all numbered 10 cards to create a 48-card deck. What’s more, the player’s blackjack or total of 21, always beats the dealer’s equivalent. Specific 21 hands will also result in additional payouts for the player. You can also use the surrender rule in Spanish 21 and place several additional side bets.
Multi-hand blackjack
As the game's name suggests, multi-hand blackjack allows you to play with more than one hand simultaneously. Note that it’s not the same as Blackjack Switch, as you can’t switch cards between hands in multi-hand blackjack.
Live blackjack
Live casino blackjack takes gameplay to another level. You will find live blackjack games from the likes of Evolution Gaming and Playtech, and they are hosted by a real-life dealer for a truly immersive online casino experience. Within live blackjack lobbies, you will find multiple variations of the game, such as Blackjack Party, Infinite Blackjack and Speed Blackjack, among others.
How to play online blackjack
Playing online blackjack couldn’t be easier. Simply follow these five simple steps to get started with online blackjack at a legal and licensed SA casino:
- 1
- 2
Check the welcome bonus and complete the requirements to activate the promotion (opt-in, bonus code, etc.).
- 3
Make a real-money deposit via a supported payment method. Bear in mind the minimum ZAR deposit that you need to make to access the promotion.
- 4
Browse the selection of blackjack games at your chosen online casino, read the rules and betting limits, and decide which game to play.
- 5
Place a qualifying bet and play blackjack online. You can repeat your bet as many times as you like or cash out your winnings when it suits you.
Blackjack odds & payouts explained
One of the most important things to check before playing blackjack online is the game’s house edge. Generally, blackjack has an extremely low house edge compared to other popular casino games, with most titles offering a house edge of less than 1%. The table below gives an overview of the approximate house edge of several popular blackjack variants:
| Variant | House edge |
|---|---|
| European blackjack | 0.40% |
| American blackjack | 0.60% |
| Blackjack Switch | 0.58% |
| Atlantic City blackjack | 0.40% |
| Live dealer blackjack | Varies, from 0.50% |
Regarding payouts, most blackjack variants payout 1:1 when you beat the dealer with a standard hand. However, if you beat the dealer with blackjack (10, J, Q, K + A), you receive a payout of 3:2. Still, you should always review the paytable and check the house edge each time you play a new blackjack game, so you know what to expect.
Blackjack terms explained
The following table introduces some of the essential blackjack terms that you may come across as you play this popular card game at online casinos in South Africa:
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Bust | When the total value of your cards exceeds 21. |
| Double down | In some variants, you can double your bet in exchange for just one more card. If you’re successful, you will double your winnings. |
| Hit | The term given for requesting another card from the dealer. |
| Hard hand | A specific blackjack hand without an ace, or where the ace counts as 1. |
| House edge | The casino’s in-built advantage over the player returned as profit from every hand. |
| Insurance | An optional side bet that you can place when the dealer’s upcard is an ace. It usually pays out 2:1. |
| Natural | Another way of saying blackjack when your first two cards are an A + a 10 card. |
| Soft hand | A soft hand is when you have an ace that is counted as 11. |
| Split | In most blackjack games, you can split your hand in two when you receive a pair, enabling you to play with two hands rather than one. |
| Stand | Refers to when you’re happy with your hand and don’t want to receive any subsequent cards from the dealer. |
| Surrender | Some blackjack games allow you to throw away your cards rather than continue playing in return for half of your stake. |
| Upcard | This is the dealer’s card that you can see at the time of the initial deal. |
Top blackjack casino bonuses
The best way to play blackjack online is to unlock an online casino bonus. Bonuses and promotions come in many forms in South Africa, such as welcome packages where the casino matches a percentage of your initial deposit up to a specific limit (usually between 50% – 200%). Alternatively, you may find a no deposit bonus that provides bonus funds or free spins without requiring a real-money deposit.
Regardless of the type of bonus an online casino offers, you should read the terms and conditions carefully. Ensure you check the wagering requirements (how much of your own money you need to gamble before withdrawing any bonus winnings) and how long you have to use the offer. You can check out the best casino bonuses below:
Real money blackjack vs. free blackjack
There are some fundamental differences between playing real money blackjack and free blackjack for fun, as introduced in the table below:
| Real money blackjack | Free blackjack |
|---|---|
| ✅ Offers you the chance to win real money | ✅ Play for as long as you like without risking your money |
| ✅ Wide selection of RNG and live blackjack games available | ✅ Practise different blackjack variants before playing for real money |
| ✅ Real money blackjack is exciting as you can win each time you play a hand | ✅ Enjoy several different RNG games for free |
| ❌ Your money is at risk when you play real money blackjack | ❌ You can’t win money while playing free blackjack |
| ❌ Bet limits attached to the minimum and maximum wagers you can place | ❌ Live dealer blackjack games are not available for free |
Playing blackjack on mobile
If you plan to play blackjack on the go in South Africa, you can enjoy multiple variants on your smartphone or tablet. Most RNG blackjack games have been made with HTML5 technology, meaning they easily adjust to various screen sizes and are optimised for mobile gaming.
If the casino in question has a native app for iOS or Android, download it and play blackjack via the app for the best mobile casino experience.
Tips on how to win online blackjack
Here are some handy tips to bear in mind as you play blackjack at online casinos in South Africa:
- 1
Decide how much you would like to bet and set your limits to stay in control of your spending.
- 2
Always read the rules and game description before playing a new blackjack variation so you’re not caught out.
- 3
Mix things up and enjoy both RNG and live dealer blackjack to keep gaming interesting.
- 4
Consider counting cards as a viable strategy while playing blackjack online – you can practise while playing free online blackjack.
- 5
Always look for games with the lowest house edge to boost your winning chances while playing online blackjack in South Africa.
Best blackjack software providers
Online blackjack games are powered by award-winning game studios in South Africa, including Evolution Gaming, NetEnt, and some of the following providers:
Browse more game guides
Online blackjack FAQs
Yes, online blackjack is legal in South Africa. Create an account at a licensed online casino and play for real money no matter where you are in SA.
Yes, real money blackjack casino games are available in South Africa. You need to create an account at a casino and make a real cash deposit to play for real money payouts.
You can play blackjack online in South Africa at several leading sites, including Casino Tropez, Europa and ZAR Casino.
No, online blackjack games are not rigged. They are independently tested for fairness and payout regularly. That said, you must play at a licensed real money casino in SA to ensure the game is fair and safe.
There are so many brilliant online blackjack games, but European blackjack is one of the most popular online variants in South Africa. You can use our list above for inspiration to help you get started.
Live dealer blackjack offers a more immersive online casino experience than standard blackjack, as the game is hosted by a real human dealer and broadcast live. For this reason, many people think that it’s the better option.
This depends on your gambling strategy. Many players decide to stand on 18, while risk-takers might opt to hit on anything less than 20. You need to practise and work on your blackjack strategy to decide what works for you.
