Best live blackjack casinos in NZ for 2024

How does live blackjack work?

Rather than using random number generator (RNG) software, live blackjack games are hosted by real-life dealers and broadcast live via a webcam by online casinos.

In live blackjack, players generally have 10-30 seconds to place their bets before the round starts. The host then deals the cards. When it’s your turn, you can choose to stand, hit surrender, double down or split, depending on the strength of the dealer’s upcard. You win if you hit blackjack or make a hand closer to 21 than the dealer. You can interact with the dealer and the other players in a live blackjack game through the live chat function. 

Live blackjack rules

Live dealer blackjack is based on the classic card game, whereby the aim is to beat the dealer’s hand by reaching a score of 21 or as close as possible without exceeding this number. 

In most blackjack games, the dealer must stand on 17, while the player can hit or stand on any number. Standing means you’re happy with your cards while hitting means you want another card to try and reach 21.

Every number card is worth its face value, while picture cards are worth 10. An ace can be worth one or 11. Therefore, the best hand you can get is a picture card plus an ace, known as ‘blackjack’.

In most game versions, blackjack pays out 3:2, while any other winning hand pays out 1:1. 

Many live blackjack variations will allow you to double down on a bet, doubling your bet’s value in return for just one more card from the dealer. You can also split your cards when you receive a pair, letting you play two hands rather than one.

How to play live blackjack online

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to how to play live blackjack at an online casino in New Zealand:

1. 1

   Select a trusted and licensed NZ live blackjack casino from our list above.

2. 2

   Log in or register at the casino. Those of you registering for the first time must submit personal details like your name, email address, date of birth, etc., and agree to the casino’s terms and conditions. 

3. 3

   Once registered, head to the Banking/Cashier section to deposit funds via a secure banking method (e-wallet, bank transfer, debit card). Activate any sign-up promotion or ongoing bonus offered.

4. 4

   Locate the ‘Live casino’ tab and browse the available live dealer blackjack games.

5. 5

   Check the live blackjack betting limits and place a qualifying bet as per your budget. 

Live blackjack variants

As well as classic live dealer blackjack, there are lots of live blackjack variants online, including the following popular games:

Blackjack Party

This fun-filled, seven-seat live blackjack variant from Evolution Gaming features music and two live hosts who are there to get the party started. Besides that, the game follows conventional blackjack betting options. You can also bet on several side bets, including perfect pairs and 21+3.

Power Blackjack

In Power Blackjack, nines and 10s are removed from the deck (meaning 64 cards less in the shoe), and you can double, triple, or quadruple your bet after seeing the first two cards, even after a split. Again, most standard blackjack rules apply, and four optional side bets exist.

Blackjack Switch

This live blackjack variant lets you place identical wagers on two hands at the table. Then, when a second card is dealt, you can opt to switch this card for the one dealt to the other hand.  Another important difference between this variant and standard blackjack is that the dealer’s hand of 22 doesn’t count as ‘bust’. Rather, it’s counted as a ‘push’ (draw), unless a player gets blackjack via a switch or split.

Speed blackjack

Speed blackjack is a fast-paced live blackjack title that rewards quick decision-making, as the player who decides to hit, double down, or split the fastest will be dealt their next card first. This version is up to 40% faster than standard blackjack.

Free bet blackjack

Free bet blackjack is very similar to traditional blackjack play, but with a few differences. For instance, you can double down for free on hard nine (5-4, 6-3, or 7-2), 10, and 11 and split for free on all pairs other than 10, J, Q, or K. 

VIP blackjack

This live dealer game is tailored to high rollers, as the betting limits are higher than other live blackjack games. Along with being able to play much larger stakes, players are treated like VIPs at these tables.  

Live blackjack casino bonuses for NZ players

When you create an account at an online casino to play live blackjack, you can access various casino bonuses to boost your bankroll. The most common is a sign-up bonus, which may match your initial deposit. No-deposit bonuses are also sought after, as they provide bonus funds without requiring an initial deposit. 

Before committing to the offer, you should read through the terms and conditions of any casino bonus to familiarise yourself with the wagering requirements and timeframe.

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Top 5 online casinos for live dealer games

To save you the trouble, we’ve done the research and found the top five casinos in NZ that offer the best selection of live casino games: 

Live blackjack deposits & withdrawals

You need to deposit cash into your account to get started with live dealer blackjack for real money. You can deposit via POLi, which is a secure and popular payment method supported by many of the leading online casinos in New Zealand. 

Alternatively, you can get started with a Visa or Mastercard deposit, which are safe, secure and simple deposit methods that are widely supported. 

When you win money at the live blackjack table, you can leave the winnings in your account to fund future gameplay or withdraw it. Payments made via e-wallets typically offer the fastest withdrawal times, taking up to 24 hours to process, while bank transfers take the longest, taking 5-7 working days.

Visa

Paysafecard

Bank transfer

Mastercard

Neteller

Bitcoin

PayPal

POLi

Skrill

Popular live blackjack software providers

You can enjoy live dealer blackjack online from various software providers, including: 

Evolution Gaming

The biggest live casino provider in the world, with a massive selection of live blackjack titles, including Power Blackjack and Infinite Blackjack.

Pragmatic Play

Pragmatic Play is known for offering fun takes on classic games, with popular titles including PowerUP Roulette and Boom City.

Playtech

Like Evolution, Playtech is a renowned live casino software provider with several engaging live blackjack games.

Live blackjack mobile apps

Thanks to the latest mobile technology and roll out of 5G, you can now play top live casino titles from your mobile device, either through your browser or by downloading a mobile app. 

JackpotCity, Spin Casino and Ruby Fortune offer some of the best mobile apps in NZ for iOS and Android devices, boasting slick functionality, impressive games libraries, secure payment methods, and quick payouts. Find out more about mobile casinos in our guide. 

Live blackjack vs traditional online blackjack

Both live blackjack and standard online blackjack have their advantages and disadvantages. It all comes down to personal preference. Our table below should help you evaluate the two versions and decide which is best suited to you:  

Top 5 tips for how to win live blackjack

There are many blackjack strategies you can employ to try to improve your chances of winning. If you’re a beginner, here are a few simple tips that should help you get started: 

1. 1

   Familiarise yourself with blackjack rules before playing.

   The more you understand the rules, the greater your chances of winning.

2. 2

   Always check the game’s house edge to identify good value live blackjack games.

   The lower the house edge, the better your winning chances. 

3. 3

   Research blackjack tips that you can incorporate into your betting strategy.

   For instance, always split on 8s and aces, Never split on 4s, 5s, or 10s, and stand on hands of 19 or more.

4. 4

   Always gamble responsibly.

   To ensure you have fun, always bet within your means, and don’t chase losses.

5. 5

   Check blackjack payouts.

   Look for live blackjack games that offer 3:2 payouts. Some casino sites will reduce this to 6:5 to compensate for game variations that favour players' odds.

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Live blackjack FAQs

• Which are the best casinos for live blackjack in NZ?

  JackpotCity, Ruby Fortune and Spin Casino are some of the best casinos for live blackjack in New Zealand.

• What is live dealer blackjack?

  Live dealer blackjack is a casino game hosted by a real-life dealer and broadcast via an online casino. You can interact with the dealer while playing with your hands.

• Is live dealer blackjack legit?

  Yes, live dealer blackjack is legit, provided you play at a trusted, licensed and legal online casino in New Zealand like those recommended on this page.

• How do you win live dealer blackjack?

  To win live dealer blackjack, you must have a hand of 21 or closer to 21 than the dealer. This pays out 1:1, while blackjack pays out 3:2. 

• Can I play live dealer blackjack for real money?

  Yes, live dealer blackjack is a game you can play for real money. Select a licensed online casino and deposit funds to get started. 

• Can I play live blackjack for free?

  While you can play RNG blackjack for free via demo games, live dealer blackjack games require a real money bet. This is because of the added costs incurred by the provider of having a studio, human dealers and streaming the games to players. 

Simon Young

Verified expert

Global content writer

Simon is the chief wizard at Magic Word Media, a global authority in online casino content writing. He was a national newspaper journalist for many years before moving into iGaming marketing. He now runs his own agency, presenting thoroughly researched and well-written content for casino players the world over.

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