Blackjack In South Africa – Online & Offline

Blackjack, also known as 21 in South Africa, was said to have originated in France. The objective of this game is to beat the dealer’s hand by scoring 21 or closer to 21. But if the dealer scores closest to 21, you lose.

In the modern blackjack card game, any 10-value card with an ace is considered blackjack.

Blackjack in South Africa – Play Online

Punt Casino
Punt Casino Online

You can play online Blackjack in South Africa. You can do so by following the steps:

  1. Choose a Reputable Online Casino:
    • Select an online casino that is reputable, licensed, and regulated. Ensure the casino uses secure technology to protect your personal and financial information.
  2. Create an Account:
    • You can sign up for an account at the online casino. This usually involves providing some personal information and creating a username and password.
  3. Deposit Funds:
    • Deposit money into your online casino account using a secure payment method. Most online casinos accept credit/debit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers.
  4. Navigate to the Blackjack Section:
    • Once your account is funded, navigate to the blackjack section of the online casino. These may be labelled as “Table Games” or “Card Games.”
  5. Choose a Blackjack Variant:
    • Online casinos often offer various blackjack variants. Choose the one you want to play. Common variants include Classic Blackjack, European Blackjack, and Blackjack Switch.
  6. Place Your Bet:
    • Click on the virtual chips to place your bet. Most online casinos have a minimum and maximum bet limit for each table.
  7. Receive Your Cards:
    • After placing your bet, you’ll be dealt two cards. The dealer also receives two cards, with one card face up.
  8. Make Decisions:
    • Depending on the cards you receive, you’ll have several options:
      • Hit: Take another card.
      • Stand: Keep your current hand.
      • Double Down: Double your bet and take one more card.
      • Split: If you have two cards of the same value, split them into two hands.
  9. Dealer’s Turn:
    • Once all players have made their decisions, the dealer will reveal their facedown card and follow a set of rules. The dealer typically hits until they have a total of 17 or higher.
  10. Winning and Payouts:
    • If your hand is closer to 21 than the dealer’s hand without going over, you win. Payouts are usually 1:1, but blackjack (an Ace and a 10-value card) often pays 3:2.
  11. Repeat or Cash Out:
    • After the round, you can play another round or cash out your winnings.
  12. Check Casino Promotions:
    • Many online casinos offer promotions, bonuses, and loyalty programs. Check for any special offers or bonuses related to blackjack play.

Remember to check the specific rules and interface of the online casino you’re playing at, as they may vary slightly between platforms. Also, you have the choice to play for free or play with real money.

Blackjack in South Africa – Play Offline Free

BlackJack 777 Free Offline App
Blackjack 777 Free Offline App

There are hundreds of offline free blackjack apps for mobile players in South Africa. You can visit the iTunes store for iPhone Blackjack apps or the Google Play Store for Android Blackjack apps.

Most of these apps are offline and can be played for free without spending money. Follow the steps below to play blackjack offline for free.

  1. Download a Blackjack App:
    • Visit your device’s app store (Google Play for Android or the App Store for iOS) and search for “Blackjack,” ” Blackjack offline,” or “Blackjack Free.” Choose a reputable app with positive reviews.
  2. Install the App:
    • Download and install the app on your mobile device. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
  3. Open the App:
    • Once the app is installed, open it by tapping the app icon.
  4. Select Game Mode:
    • Many Blackjack apps offer different game modes, including a free-play or practice mode. Look for an option like “Practice,” “Free Play,” or “Offline Mode.”
  5. Place Your Bet:
    • In the free-play mode, you’ll typically start with a virtual balance of chips. Place your bet by selecting the virtual chips and placing them in the designated area on the virtual Blackjack table.
  6. Receive Your Cards:
    • After placing your bet, you’ll be dealt two cards. The dealer will also receive two cards, one face-up and one face-down.
  7. Make Decisions:
    • Depending on your hand and the dealer’s face-up card, you can hit, stand, double down, or split (if you have a pair).
  8. Dealer’s Turn:
    • Once you’ve made your decisions, the dealer will reveal their face-down card and follow the house rules for hitting or standing.
  9. Winning and Payouts:
    • If your hand is closer to 21 than the dealer’s without exceeding 21, you win. Payouts are usually 1:1, and Blackjack (an Ace and a 10-value card) often pays 3:2.
  10. Repeat or Start a New Game:
    • You can play another round with your virtual balance or start a new game.
  11. Explore Settings:
    • Check the app’s settings to customize the game to your preferences. This might include adjusting the game speed, turning sound effects on or off, or changing the appearance of the cards.

Remember, playing Blackjack offline on a mobile app doesn’t involve real money so that you can enjoy the game without any financial risk. It’s a great way to practice your skills and have fun in a risk-free environment.

Blackjack in South Africa – Play In Real

Blackjack at Montecasino
Blackjack at Montecasino

You can play Blackjack in South Africa for real. That can be done by visiting a real land casino near you. This can be great fun and adventure, too.

Here are some renowned casinos in South Africa where you can play blackjack in real life.

  1. Montecasino (Johannesburg):
    • Montecasino is a popular entertainment complex in Johannesburg that includes a casino. It offers a variety of table games, including blackjack.
  2. Sun City (Rustenburg):
    • Sun City is a renowned resort with a casino located in Rustenburg. The casino offers a range of gaming options, including blackjack, which is a staple.
  3. GrandWest Casino and Entertainment World (Cape Town):
    • In Cape Town, GrandWest Casino offers various casino games, including blackjack. The complex also features entertainment and dining options.
  4. Emperors Palace Hotel Casino Convention and Entertainment Resort (Johannesburg):
    • Emperors Palace, located near Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport, is a large resort with a casino. It boasts various gaming tables, and blackjack is among the offerings.
  5. Caledon Casino, Hotel, and Spa (Caledon):
    • Caledon Casino is located in the Western Cape and is known for its scenic surroundings. The casino offers various gaming options, including blackjack, a popular choice.
  6. Golden Horse Casino (Pietermaritzburg):
    • The Golden Horse Casino, part of the Tsogo Sun group, is located in Pietermaritzburg and offers a variety of casino games, including blackjack.
  7. The Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment World (Port Elizabeth):
    • Situated in Port Elizabeth, The Boardwalk Casino offers a diverse gaming experience, and blackjack enthusiasts can find tables here.
  8. Tsogo Sun’s Various Casinos:
    • Tsogo Sun is a significant player in the South African casino industry and operates several casinos nationwide. Some of their properties include Montecasino, Suncoast Casino (Durban), and Gold Reef City (Johannesburg).

Before planning your visit, it’s recommended to check the specific casinos’ websites for the latest information on available games, promotions, and any changes in operation. Additionally, be aware of the legal gambling age and adhere to the casino’s rules and regulations.

How To Play Blackjack In South Africa

HOW TO PLAY BLACKJACK

This Blackjack game in South Africa is played with a standard 52-card deck and requires a certain amount of skill coupled with luck.

Here, the goal is not to beat the other players at the table but to beat the dealer’s hand.

  • The dealer starts by shuffling the cards. There could be up to six decks, but one deck will be fine if you are playing at home. Now, the dealer and himself will deal the cards to each player. The dealer will always start the deal with the person on his left.
  • In the first deal, every player is dealt two face-down cards. The dealer will deal himself with one card face-down and one face-up.
  • The dealer starts with the first player on his left, and the player looks at his cards and guesses if he can determine if he can take another card without going over 21.
  • Scoring 21 with more than two cards is not a blackjack, but you still can win this way. You are the pot winner if you total 21 before the dealer or any other player.

Strategies To Play

1. HITTING AND STANDING

Blackjack In South Africa
  • You need to decide if you want to stand or hit when you have your cards. The dealer starts with the left player and stays with that player until he goes over 21. When that first player is done with his turn, the dealer moves on to the next player and keeps moving around the table until every player has played his hand.
  • If you decide to take the hit, the dealer will toss a card face-up before you. If your hand is blackjack, turn your cards face up to show the dealer what you have. If you are playing for chips, you will instantly get a payout at this point, and the game continues with the other players.

2. THE DEALER’S HAND

THE DEALERS HAND

After the deal, the dealer will have one face-up and one face-down card before him. The face-up card will have a value of 10. The dealer will look at the face-down card to see if he has a blackjack. He will turn over the cards, take your hands, and bet away if he has a blackjack.

  1. The dealer will still take your cards if you have the blackjack, but you will keep your bet. This will be a tie if you are if you both have blackjack and if you are not playing for money.
  2. If the dealer misses having a blackjack, he will continue to play around the table. If the dealer’s face-up card is an ace, he will go around the table and ask the players if they want “insurance.”

3. INSURANCE

INSURANCE
  • If you’re playing for money, the dealer will ask you if you want insurance if his face-up card is an ace. If the dealer’s face-down card is a 10-value card, he has blackjack.
  • If you want to take insurance, you can bet up to half of your initial bet by placing your chips below your initial bet. If the dealer gets a 10-value card, he will pay off the insurance bets at two to one, but in this case, you lose your initial bet. If the dealer does not have blackjack, you will lose your insurance bets, and play will continue with the original bets.

4. SPLITTING AND DOUBLING-DOWN

SPLITTING AND DOUBLING DOWN

Split or double-down are the strategies to make your game enjoyable. You can split the hand if two cards of the same value are offered.

  • Doubling-down Blackjack In South Africa is all about doubling your bet. You can certainly employ this strategy if money is involved in your play. In doubling down, you can double the size of your original bet. It can be done by turning your card face up and placing another bet on the table equal to your real bet.
  • You are dealt one more card, which means you don’t have the choice to stand on your original hand or take any more hits once you are dealt one extra card.

Always hit a hand that accumulates 11 or within. Stand on 17 and over. If your cards total 12 to 16, the dealer’s face-up cards should drive whether to hit or stand. You should hit if the dealer has a 7 or higher and stand if the dealer has 2 or 3 points.

Do not take insurance. Always split aces and 8s. Do not ever split 4s, 5s, and 10-value cards. The odds will be against you. Do not double down below 8 points. When you have 10 points, double down if the dealer shows 2 and 9.

Takeaways

BASIC STRATEGY

Blackjack in South Africa can be played in many ways, online or offline. Although much luck is involved, it is not simply a table game of chance. You need to calculate your moves, too. You need to follow some strategies to better your odds of winning. You can use some strategies to help you play a better hand.

FAQs

Is Blackjack legal in South Africa?

Yes, blackjack is legal in South Africa. The country has a regulated gambling industry, and casinos offering blackjack must adhere to specific licensing and regulatory requirements.

What is the legal gambling age for playing Blackjack in South Africa?

The legal gambling age in South Africa is 18. Players must be 18 to participate in casino activities, including blackjack.

What are the popular variations of Blackjack played in South Africa?

Common blackjack variations played in South Africa include Classic, European, and Blackjack Switch. However, the specific variants may vary among different casinos.

How do I place bets in Blackjack?

To place bets in blackjack, players place their chips in the designated betting area on the table. Each table has minimum and maximum bet limits, and players must adhere to them when placing their bets.

What is better, online or offline, Blackjack?

Both are better. It is your choice where to play, how to play, and how comfortable you feel about risking your money or playing for free.

About the author

Guy Marlow