Online Casino 
Blackjack
Card Game Variations
Written by: Kim Birch | The review was last updated: 03 July 2024 | Fact-check by: Jasmin Williams
Blackjack isn't just some niche game you'll find at a few casinos. It's a major player in the gambling world, with heaps of variations to keep punters coming back for more. No wonder it's got so many different versions - it's a favourite for loads of serious gamblers.
Blackjack kicked off in French casinos back in the 1600s, then made its way to North America in the 1700s. It took a while, but now it's one of the most well-known casino games around the globe.
Over time, blackjack has changed quite a bit. Players might've gotten a bit bored with the classic version, so casinos had to get creative. That's led to some pretty cool new ways to play.
To be honest, you'll find way more blackjack variants online than you would at your local betting shop. Some punters swear by one particular version. Keep reading - you might just stumble across your new favourite way to play blackjack.
BACK TO TABLE OF CONTENTS
When it comes to pokies at brick-and-mortar casinos, some blackjack variations are more common than others. You might find certain variants only at specific venues, which adds to their appeal. But with the rise of online blackjack, the game has really taken off. Now, punters can enjoy any blackjack variant they fancy from the comfort of their own home - something that was once just a pipe dream.
Creating a new blackjack variant doesn't require reinventing the wheel. Some are nearly identical to the classic game, with just a small twist like a special side bet. Others take a completely fresh approach, offering a totally different experience. Take Face Up 21, for instance. In this version, you can see both of the dealer's cards before making your move. To keep things fair, though, the rules give the dealer a bit of an edge.
While these variants can offer some sweet perks, it's crucial to get your head around the rules before diving in. Some might not be as rewarding as classic blackjack, but they can be a right laugh. So if you're after a bit of fun and aren't too fussed about maximising your winnings, giving a new variant a go could be just the ticket.
Our advice? Always read the rules and make sure you're happy with them before putting any real money on the line. If there's a free demo mode available, it's well worth having a crack at that first to see how the game plays out.
Free game
Auckland's Sky Tower Spurs Kiwi Twists on Classic Blackjack Games
Before diving into the deep end, it's smart to get your feet wet with classic blackjack - a staple at live casinos. Unlike some pokies that rely purely on chance, blackjack rewards skill and strategy. A savvy player can boost their wins and minimise losses with the right approach.
We've got a free demo of online blackjack ready for you on the left. Give it a go to sharpen your skills before putting your money on the line. It's a no-risk way to get your head around the game.
BACK TO TABLE OF CONTENTS
Vegas Strip is one of the more popular versions of blackjack that's gained traction worldwide. Originally only available in Las Vegas, this American-style game can now be enjoyed at reputable online casinos across the globe, including here in New Zealand. Let's unpack why this variant has become such a hit with punters.
You can play Vegas Strip in single-hand or multi-hand mode. Multi-hand lets you play several hands at once, but it's a bit risky if you're new to the game or still finding your feet.
This version uses four decks of cards. It used to be played with just one, but they upped it to four to make card counting trickier.
You can double down on any initial hand and after splitting cards. Splitting is allowed up to four hands total. Different 10-value cards (like a Q and J) can be split too. After splitting, you're free to double down or keep splitting if the cards fall that way.
The dealer stands on soft 17 and checks for blackjack. Most casinos offer a 3:2 payout for blackjack, but some pay 6:5. It's worth avoiding the 6:5 payout as it's not in your favour.
Rules can vary slightly between casinos, so it's always a good idea to give them a quick read before you start playing.
BACK TO TABLE OF CONTENTS
When pokies got the green light in Atlantic City, the casinos rolled out Atlantic City Blackjack. This version's a real winner, with player-friendly rules and a smaller house edge. It's got a bit in common with Vegas Strip Blackjack, which makes sense given Atlantic City was keen to give Vegas a run for its money.
The game uses 8 standard decks, which keeps the card counters at bay. One of its key features is the late surrender option. After the dealer checks for blackjack and doesn't have it, you can surrender and only lose half your bet. It's a handy way to cut your losses if you play it smart.
While late surrender is the standout, there's more to like about Atlantic City Blackjack. You can double down on any two cards and split up to 3 times, giving you 4 hands. Aces can only be split once though, and you'll only get one more card on each split ace.
The payout's usually 3 to 2, but some casinos might offer 6 to 5. Steer clear of those if you can. The dealer stands on soft 17, and insurance is on the table if you fancy it. Just keep in mind, if you split aces and hit blackjack, it only counts as 21.
All up, it's a top-notch blackjack variant. But you'll need to know your stuff to make the most of that late surrender option, so new punters might want to cut their teeth on simpler versions first.
BACK TO TABLE OF CONTENTS
Try European Blackjack online for free at BETO Pokie's website.
European Blackjack's a popular choice for punters in both brick-and-mortar and online casinos. It's got its roots in Europe, hence the name, but the core gameplay's similar to classic blackjack. You're still aiming to get cards totalling 21 or as close as possible without going over.
This version uses between 2 and 8 decks. Fewer decks might make it a bit easier for card counters, so if you're handy with numbers, you could use this to your advantage.
In European Blackjack, you play your hand before the dealer gets their second card. This means the dealer can't check for blackjack straight away. Keep in mind, if the dealer hits blackjack, you'll lose unless you've also got one, which would result in a draw. Basically, having 21 doesn't guarantee a win against the dealer's blackjack.
You're limited to splitting once per hand and can't double down more than once. Splitting's only allowed for identical 10-value cards. Doubling down's restricted to hands of 9, 10, or 11. You can double down after splitting, though.
European Blackjack isn't groundbreaking, but it's worth a go if you're after a slight twist on the classic game. Some online casinos even offer a perfect pairs side bet in tweaked versions of European Blackjack, adding an extra layer of excitement.
BACK TO TABLE OF CONTENTS
In Double Exposure blackjack, both the dealer's cards are face up. Sounds choice, right? Well, the casinos weren't born yesterday. They've tweaked the rules to keep their edge.
The house wins all ties except for natural blackjacks, and those only pay even money. That's a bit rough on your wallet. No insurance bets here, and doubling down might be an option depending on where you're playing.
You can split once, but with aces, you're limited to one extra card shared between both hands. No surrendering either, which isn't a shock as it's rare in most variants. The dealer might hit or stand on soft 17 - go for casinos where they stand if you can. It's better odds for you.
Rules can vary a tad between different providers, but the core stays the same. If you're keen to try something new and don't mind the trade-offs, give Double Exposure a crack. It's an interesting spin on the classic game.
Try Live Blackjack variants like you'd find in Kiwi brick-and-mortar casinos.
BACK TO TABLE OF CONTENTS
Ever heard of progressive jackpot pokies? Well, Progressive Blackjack offers a similar chance to win big, something that's been missing from classic blackjack. The good news is that the gameplay's pretty much the same as regular blackjack, so you won't need to learn any new tricks.
This version typically uses 6 decks, but can go up to 8. The progressive jackpot keeps growing as more punters have a crack at winning it. They keep a bit of seed money so the jackpot doesn't start from scratch if someone wins the lot. After a win, the progressive jackpot kicks off again from a decent amount.
Usually, you'll need to place a $1 side bet to be in with a shot at winning the progressive jackpot. Your chances depend on the number and suit of aces you get. Land 4 aces of the same suit and you'll take home the entire jackpot. There are smaller prizes for getting at least 2 aces of any suit.
Keep in mind, you'll get a much bigger payout for aces of the same suit as they're harder to come by. Even if you don't hit the jackpot, the smaller payouts can add up if you land them regularly. Still, don't get your hopes up too high - it's not often you'll see 2 or more aces.
Some casinos offer multi-hand Progressive Blackjack, but check if you can win jackpots this way before you play. We reckon multi-hand Progressive Blackjack is the way to go if you want to boost your chances of snagging that jackpot.
BACK TO TABLE OF CONTENTS
Kiwi-style rules, dealer busts and low house edge in Spanish 21
Spanish 21 is a cracker of a blackjack variant with some choice rules you'll fancy. Of course, there's a bit of give and take - you can't expect the casino to hand over the keys, can you? But this version's a real goer, offering heaps of perks without asking too much in return.
Plenty of punters reckon this beats standard blackjack hands down, thanks to its flash rules. It's similar to the classic game, but here's the kicker: Spanish 21 ditches all the 10 cards, leaving you with 48 cards in the deck instead of 52. Sounds a bit rough, eh? But don't worry, you get some sweet bonuses to make up for it.
Spanish 21 lets you do a late surrender, similar to Atlantic City Blackjack. This option means you can keep half your bet if you reckon you're not likely to win. It's a smart move when you think your chances of losing are pretty high. Just remember, you can only use late surrender after the dealer's checked for blackjack.
Doubling down after splitting is no worries in this game. You'll win if you hit 21, even if the dealer does too. Same goes if you both have blackjack - you'll come out on top. Insurance is also on the table if you want it. Spanish 21 offers heaps of great options, but you'll need to be a bit of a pro to make the most of them all.
BACK TO TABLE OF CONTENTS
Multi-Hand blackjack online is a top choice for punters who struggle to find multiple empty seats at a busy casino. When the tables are packed, it's nearly impossible to play more than one hand at a time. But online, you can easily enjoy this pokie variant without the hassle. You can play up to the maximum number of hands allowed, potentially boosting your chances of a win.
Most games allow you to play up to 5 hands simultaneously. Like classic blackjack, each hand is treated separately, so you might win one while losing another. Our tip? Keep an eye on the dealer's upcard and play each hand strategically. Rules can vary between online casinos, so it's worth checking the specific guidelines before you start playing.
If you're an experienced player looking to up the ante, Multi-Hand Blackjack online is definitely worth a go. It's a great way to test your skills across multiple hands at once.
BACK TO TABLE OF CONTENTS
Bonus Blackjack is similar to standard blackjack but with an optional bonus bet. You can play it traditionally or take a punt on the bonus bet for bigger payouts. The bonus bet is based on your first two cards.
Here's the lowdown on the bonus bet payouts. Land a jack and ace of spades for a whopping 50 to 1 payout. A jack and ace of any other suit will net you 25 to 1. There's also a tidy 5 to 2 payout for two cards of the same suit.
This version uses just 2 decks, and the dealer always checks for blackjack. If you know regular blackjack, you only need to get your head around the bonus bet combos mentioned above.
That's our rundown on these blackjack variations. There are heaps more out there, but we can't cover them all here. For more info on blackjack and other casino games, check out our expert articles. Give our recommended casinos a go too - we only suggest the best.
Need some casino bonuses? Have a look at our quick guide on claiming bonuses below.
BACK TO TABLE OF CONTENTS
Let's dive into some common questions about different types of Blackjack you might come across at the casino or online.
Nah, every casino's got its own mix of Blackjack games. The types you'll find depend on which game providers the casino's teamed up with. If you're after more variety, your best bet is to check out the bigger casinos - they usually have heaps of partners, so you'll find a wider range of options there.
Keen to try out different blackjack games? No worries. Most online casinos let you have a go at various blackjack versions without spending a cent. It's a smart move to test drive these games for free before putting your hard-earned cash on the line.
Blackjack's got heaps of versions - over a hundred, in fact. If you're keen to learn about the most popular ones, check out our articles here on BETO. We've got all the info you need.
If the dealer lands a Blackjack straight off the bat, you'll lose your initial wager. But don't worry, they won't touch the extra cash you've put down for doubling down.
In all blackjack variants, a natural Blackjack trumps a regular 21. You score a Blackjack when your initial two cards total 21. If you land a Blackjack, you're the winner, unless the dealer also has one, which results in a draw.
Blackjack's seen its fair share of big wins. Take Kerry Packer, for instance. The Aussie media tycoon raked in a cool $40 million playing Blackjack at the MGM Grand Casino. And get this - it only took him 40 minutes. Talk about a lucky streak!
BETO's Newsletter
BETO Pokies | Tower Business Centre, 2nd floor | Swatar BKR 4013 | Malta | +356 2144 2245
Copyright 1999 - 2025. All Rights Reserved.
No Deposit Bonuses
Pokies
Roulette Guide
Blackjack Guide
Live Casino Guide
Online Poker Guide
Baccarat Guide
Bingo Guide
Game Providers
English
Čeština
Dansk
Deutsch
Eesti
English AU
Español
Eλληνικά
Français
Indonesia
Italiano
Magyar
Nederlands
Norsk
Polski
Português
Pусский
Românesc
Slovenčina
Suomi
Svenska
Tiếng Việt
Türkçe
Български
Српски
Українська
عربي
हिन्दी
বাংলা
ไทย
日本語
简体中文
繁體中文
한국어
PokerStars Casino
Book of Dead
TRY THE GAME FOR FREE