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Top 5 Online Casinos in SA: A Review of the Best Sites

The South African online gambling landscape has evolved into a sophisticated market, offering players a wealth of options that combine world-class gaming technology with local flair. With the convenience of playing in South African Rand (ZAR) and the availability of local payment methods like EFT and EasyEFT, South Africans no longer need to look abroad for a premium casino experience. However, with so many options available, identifying the truly elite platforms requires a deep dive into game variety, security, and promotional value.

In this review, we break down the top five online casinos currently dominating the South African market.

1. Springbok Casino: The Undisputed King

Springbok Casino has long held the title of South Africa’s favorite online gaming destination. Its branding, centered around the iconic national animal, immediately resonates with local players, but it is the substance behind the style that keeps them coming back. Powered by Realtime Gaming (RTG), Springbok offers a massive library of over 300 games, ranging from high-octane video slots to classic table games.

What sets Springbok apart is its localized approach. The customer support is top-tier, and the promotions are specifically tailored to the SA calendar. For a deeper look at their bonus structures and payout speeds, you can read this comprehensive Springbok Casino review. Their mobile platform is exceptionally robust, ensuring that whether you are in the heart of Johannesburg or on a beach in Durban, the gaming experience remains flawless.

2. Yebo Casino: Modern Elegance

Yebo Casino brings a sleek, modern aesthetic to the SA market. It has gained a massive following by focusing on user experience and rapid transaction processing. Yebo understands that South African players value efficiency, particularly when it comes to withdrawing winnings.

Their “Win-Win” cashback program is one of the most generous in the industry, providing a safety net for players during losing streaks. The slot selection is particularly impressive, featuring numerous progressive jackpots that often reach seven figures in Rands. To understand why this platform has become a staple for high rollers, check out this Yebo Casino review. Their loyalty program is also a highlight, rewarding consistent players with tiered benefits that truly add value to the gaming experience.

3. Silver Sands Casino: The Veteran Choice

Silver Sands Casino is a name synonymous with online gambling in South Africa. Having operated for over two decades, it is the “old guard” of the industry, offering a level of trust and stability that few newcomers can match. While its interface leans toward the classic side, its software is frequently updated to ensure modern security standards and game performance.

Silver Sands is famous for its massive multi-deposit welcome bonuses and weekly coupon codes. They have mastered the art of the “incentive,” ensuring there is always a reason to log in. For a breakdown of their latest coupon codes and technical specifications, refer to this Silver Sands Casino review. It remains a top choice for players who prefer a tried-and-tested environment with a high degree of brand reliability.

4. Thunderbolt Casino: Lighting Up the Market

Thunderbolt Casino is the “edgy” younger sibling in the local market. It targets a demographic that appreciates fast-paced action and frequent, “flash” promotions. The site is vibrant and incredibly easy to navigate, making it an excellent choice for newcomers who might feel overwhelmed by more complex platforms.

Thunderbolt excels in its interactive features. They often run social media contests and unique challenges that allow players to earn free spins and “no-deposit” bonuses. Their “Weekend Party” and “Phuza Thursday” promotions are particularly popular, leaning into South African culture to create a fun, communal atmosphere. It’s a high-energy site that proves online gambling can be as much about entertainment as it is about winning.

5. Europa Casino: International Flair for SA

While many of the top sites are locally branded, Europa Casino earns its spot by providing an “International” experience that fully supports the South African player. Unlike the RTG-focused sites mentioned above, Europa is powered largely by Playtech, offering a different flavor of games, including the famous Age of the Gods series.

Europa is the go-to for players who crave a Live Dealer experience. Their live studios are world-class, offering immersive Blackjack, Roulette, and Baccarat that make you feel as though you’ve stepped onto a floor in Monte Carlo. They fully support ZAR and offer localized support, bridging the gap between global variety and local convenience.

Conclusion

Choosing the right online casino in South Africa depends on your personal priorities. If you value tradition and high-value coupons, Silver Sands is a natural fit. For a culturally resonant and balanced experience, Springbok remains the gold standard. Meanwhile, Yebo and Thunderbolt offer modern, fast-paced alternatives for the contemporary player.

Always remember to gamble responsibly and ensure that the site you choose is licensed and offers fair gaming through certified Random Number Generators (RNG). With any of these top five choices, you are guaranteed a secure, high-quality gateway into the world of online gaming.

Mastering the Deck: A Local’s Guide to King Johnnie Online Blackjack Australia

Mastering the Deck: A Local’s Guide to King Johnnie Online Blackjack Australia

For Australian players seeking a blend of urban grit and high-end gaming, the neon-soaked corridors of “Spin City” provide a familiar yet exhilarating backdrop. While the platform offers a massive array of entertainment, it is the strategic depth of the card tables that truly defines the experience. When it comes to kingjohnnie online blackjack australia, players are discovering a world where skill, patience, and the right environment collide to create the ultimate “21” experience.

The Australian Affinity for Blackjack

In the local gaming culture, “Blackjack” (or simply “21”) has always held a position of prestige. Unlike pure games of chance, blackjack appeals to the competitive spirit of the Australian player—the desire to outsmart the house through logic and mathematical discipline. King Johnnie caters to this demographic by providing a platform that is both aesthetically pleasing and functionally superior.

The site’s dark, sophisticated “Spin City” theme isn’t just for show; it creates a low-distraction environment that is perfect for those who need to maintain focus while counting cards or calculating the probability of a dealer bust.

Exploring the Variants: Beyond the Standard Game

The beauty of playing at an online destination like King Johnnie is the sheer volume of choices. While a land-based casino might only offer one or two versions of the game, the digital lobby is packed with variants that offer different house edges and side-bet opportunities.

European vs. American Blackjack

For many players in the region, the choice between European and American rules is the first major decision. In European Blackjack, the dealer does not receive their second card until after the player has finished their hand. This subtle shift changes how you approach “doubling down” or “splitting,” especially when the dealer shows an Ace. King Johnnie provides both, allowing players to choose the rule set they are most comfortable with.

Single Deck Perfection

For the purists, Single Deck Blackjack remains the “Holy Grail.” By using only 52 cards, the variance is reduced, and the player can more easily track which high-value cards have left the deck. King Johnnie’s single-deck variants are optimized with crisp graphics and smooth animations, making every deal feel authentic and fair.

The “Spin City” Technical Advantage

Navigating a digital casino requires a platform that is as reliable as it is fast. The infrastructure supporting the blackjack games at King Johnnie is built for high-performance gaming.

  1. Instant Play Interface: There is no need for bulky downloads. The games load directly in your mobile or desktop browser using HTML5 technology.
  2. RNG Transparency: Every virtual hand is governed by a Random Number Generator that is regularly audited, ensuring that the shuffle is as unpredictable as a physical deck.
  3. Cross-Device Continuity: You can start a session on your desktop and finish it on your smartphone during your commute without losing your place or your balance.

Strategies for the Australian Player

To make the most of your time at the tables, it is essential to approach the game with a plan. Australian players often favor “Basic Strategy,” which is a mathematically proven chart that tells you exactly when to hit, stand, double, or split based on the dealer’s up-card.

At King Johnnie, the interface is designed to be intuitive, allowing you to see your total count clearly and making the action buttons prominent to avoid accidental clicks. For those looking for bigger payouts, many tables offer “Perfect Pairs” or “21+3” side bets. While these have a higher house edge, they offer the chance for significant multipliers that add an extra layer of excitement to every round.

The Social Hub: Live Dealer Tables

No discussion of the modern blackjack experience is complete without mentioning the Live Dealer lounge. This is where the city truly comes alive. Real dealers, real cards, and real-time interaction create a social atmosphere that rivals any physical casino floor in Sydney or Melbourne.

The live stream is optimized for local bandwidth, ensuring a lag-free experience where you can see every flick of the wrist. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the “Johnnie” lifestyle from the comfort of your own home, complete with a professional atmosphere and the chance to chat with fellow enthusiasts.

Conclusion: Take Your Place at the Table

Whether you are a seasoned “advantage player” or a newcomer looking to learn the ropes, the blackjack offerings at King Johnnie provide a world-class environment tailored for the Australian market. With a focus on security, variety, and a unique urban theme, it is clear why so many are heading to Spin City to test their luck against the dealer.

The cards are on the table and the dealer is waiting. Are you ready to hit or stand?

Playing Online Roulette

playing online roulette
One of the beauties of playing roulette online is that you get the chance to play the game at your own pace, under your own terms. A lot of people who enjoy the game used to get frustrated in real world casinos because of various factors. For a start, it is sometimes hard to get a seat at a busy table. No such worries in an online casino, you will never have to wear out shoe leather pacing around the table waiting for a spot to open up. At a busy table in an offline casino, there can be so many people around that you can only reach a small part of the roulette cloth to place your bets. Your lucky numbers might be 2, 5, 7 and 9 but if you?re sat at the furthest end of the table from the wheel, you just might not be able to place any chips on those numbers. In an online casino, you can place any amount of chips on any number or combination, so it takes away that problem. Real world casinos, if they are busy, can be quite boring. It can take a croupier quite a while between spins to pay out winners, scoop away losing chips, change money into chips and all the other tasks they have. Playing online, the speed of the game is entirely down to you. If you want to have five spins per minute, that?s no problem. Equally, if you need to take a bathroom break or your favourite TV programme is just about to start, you can leave everything just where it is and come back to the same point. That means you don?t have to worry, as in a land-based casino, that while you were gone for a couple of minutes, your two favourite numbers came up. Nothing would be more frustrating. Written by Alex Corcoran, traveller, blogger, and gamer who loves to play bingo in her increasingly infrequent spare time.

Find the Best Blackjack Casinos

why blackjack
Taking a closer look at blackjack casino reviews and how find the best blackjack casinos.

Blackjack is Popular at all Casinos

Blackjack is often easily identified as one of the most popular games at any casino. Whether you play in casinos online or in land based properties such as those in Las Vegas, the blackjack tables will always have a lot of action.

Why is Blackjack the #1 Game

The most logical reason that blackjack is so poplar at casinos is the lower house edge.

Besides slots being one of th larger driving forces in casinos, no doubt players love to play blackjack. If a player learns and follows the rules closely they actually have a good chance of leaving the table with a profit.

Different Blackjack Variants

Another thing that draws some players to the game of blackjack are the many variations of the game. Not only is there classic forms but quite a number of other variants you can play. Below are just a few:

  • Classic Blackjack
  • Atlantic City Blackjack
  • Perfect Pairs Blackjack
  • Blackjack Switch
  • Suit ’em Up
  • Rolling Stack
  • Pontoon

The above list is just a few and there are many more.

Blackjack Strategy a Key Point

Whether a player leaves a blackjack table with more money then when they sat down revolves on their strategy during play.

Did you split or double down when you should have? Have you stood and not taken a hit compulsively when the strategy charts said you were supposed to?

More than Strategy Required

Beyond following good and sound strategy when you play blackjack, it is also important where you play.

You need to be sure you play at honest and trustworthy casinos. Always be sure the site you are using for recommended blackjack casinos to try are research their background and only listing reputable operators. You want to make sure where you play is just as important how you play.

How to Find the Best Blackjack

In order to find the best online blackjack casinos, be sure you are doing your homework. Be sure to read the many reviews at blackjack casino portals such as this one.

Additionally, be sure to check out Blackjack World for the many blackjack casino reviews. They also have reviews of various software developers, some of the specific game types and variants as well as other tips and article blackjack players will enjoy reading.

KTO Casino & Sportsbook

KTO Casino & Sportsbook first appeared on the gaming scene in 2018, and have become one of the top casinos and sportsbooks around.

Not only do they offer a great sportsbook that will impress even the most seasoned sports betting punter, but their casino offering is also not to be sneezed at!

Offering over 4000 quality casino games, ranging from video slots, table games, video poker, virtual betting & skill games all from top providers like NetEnt, Pragmatic Play, Oryx, Fugaso and many others (33 in total), players are most definitely spoilt with choice.

KTO Sportsbook

KTO’s sportsbook offering is one of best we’ve ever seen, with not only a wide range of betting markets for punters to choose from, but with some of the best odds we’ve seen at any sportsbook on the net.

Not only do they list popular events, they even have some of the less well known markets available to bet on. A few examples are League of Legends, Call Of Duty, StarCraft 2 and other massive multiplayer online games. You can even bet chess games…

What also tickled our fancy was the various views that punters can utilise. Choose between the “normal” dashboard where all the information is displayed in a four column view, Event View where an even can be chosen on the left, and all the available bets with their odds  are displayed in the center column – the bets and odds are even updated in real time as the event unfolds.

Punter who want to keep an eye on multiple events can use the Live Multiview, from here punters can “add” various events from the left panel to display in the center column, all with their latest bets and odds.

The last two views are Live Calendar and Results. The Live Calendar view displays a calendar-like view where punter can view current and upcoming events, neatly organised by date and time. Results view is where punters can go to check up on what an events outcome was – all easy filterable and sortable by using various dropdown filters.

KTO Casino Welcome Bonus

KTO Casino 1700 welcome offerKTO hasn’t kept back on their Casino player welcome bonus either – New players at the casino get up to €/$1’700 over their first 3 deposits. And with a low 25x times wagering requirement it is nothing to sneeze at. Unfortunately for us blackjack players, the welcome bonus funds can only be wagered on slots – but that’s no biggie, as the slots on offer will entice even the most hardened blackjack player.

Blackjack Games at KTO

KTO Casino offers a variety of Blackjack games that will please any blackjack player. At the time of writing this there were over 36 different blackjack games to play, ranging from classic classic Blackjack to exotics like Lucky Cat Blackjack and even a 3D Blackjack.

The blackjack games are also not all single hand blackjack games, players that can keep track of multiple hands will most definitely enjoy Habanero’s Blackjack 3 Hand or Double Exposure 3 Hand.

Think you know your Blackjack stuff – try out the Professional Blackjack Series games by NetEnt. Choose between the Low or High limit options available, and play Blackjack like a pro! Or try out the Elite Edition European or Atlantic City Blackjack by Genii for that something different.

And the best part, players can try out all of the games (be it Blackjack or any other casino game) for free without even making a deposit or wagering a cent.

KTO Live Casino

Looking for something more personal? Then try out any of the 23 Live Casino games available at KTO Casino. Interact with real live dealers while you play Lightning Roulette, Casino Hold’Em, Sic Bo and numerous Blackjack games.

Players can chat to dealers, tip them and even chat to other players when playing at multiplayer tables.

Remember that game, once started, could last a couple of days? Well, the live version of Monopoly is slightly different. In this game a host spins a supersized wheel and players have to predict where it will stop. Mr. Monopoly is ever present to award extra rolls, cash wins and multipliers.

KTO Banking Options

Deposit and withdrawing winnings at KTO casino has also never been easier. With over 36 banking options to choose, ranging from the usual Visa and MasterCard, Neteller, AstroPay, Qiwi, PaySafeCard and other well known options, to some less known ones like Bancomer, Oxxo, Banorte and Itau – chances are that the option that you prefer will be there.

Making a withdrawal is also just as quick as deposting – KTO strives to process payments as quickly as possible, and players can usually expect the payment to show in their banking account withing 12 hours. This obviously depends on the banking method used.

To Mobile or not to Mobile?

Another thing that was quite impressive – it doesn’t matter whether a player visits the KTO website via a desktop PC, laptop, tablet or mobile phone, all the features that are available for the one platform is available for the other. Their site is fully responsive and fully mobile compliant.

Create your account via a desktop PC, and play using your mobile while on the move, or just use your mobile to create an account and play. Players use the same account on all the platforms, so switching between them will still give you access to your bankroll.

KTO In A Nutshell

In the past when when looking at combination (Sportsbook and Casino) sites, it was mostly found that the operators tended to focus on either one or the other genre, with the one almost being “forgotten about” while the other was only the latest and greatest.

Not so at KTO – whether you are a sports fanatic, or a casino enthusiast, KTO will have you covered. Sports punters get all the hottest action at the greatest odds, and casino gamblers get access to 4000+ of the most popular games from only top providers.

The KTO offering is by far one of the best integrated operations we’ve come across – and we’ve seen plenty!

KTO Casino 1700 welcome offer

Articles

Welcome to the BigStack Blackjack Articles Hub — your go‑to resource for expert insights, practical tips, and smart strategy guides designed to help you get the most out of your online casino and blackjack experience. Here you’ll find a curated collection of articles that break down complex topics like reading bonus terms fast, mastering basic strategy, understanding game variants, bankroll management, and getting the edge at the tables — all delivered in clear, friendly language without the jargon.

Whether you’re a seasoned player looking to refine your approach or a newcomer trying to understand how online casinos work, this page is your starting point for reliable, actionable content. Each article is written with one goal in mind: to help you play smarter, enjoy more, and make informed decisions every time you sit down at the virtual felt.

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Disclaimer

Please read this important information before gambling at any online casino as it is your responsibility to ensure online gambling is legal in your country of residence.

  1. Gambling – This site disclaimer is for online casino and general gambling information purposes. You can not gamble on this site.
  2. Information – We will attempt to keep all our information up to date. The online casinos do, however make changes to their bonus offers and terms and conditions. No online casino will be bound by the terms of an outdated advertisement or promotion, we cannot be held liable for having any outdated information on this site. We strongly advise that you check through the casino site before playing to ascertain the casinos current terms and conditions.
  3. Legality – Gambling may be illegal in certain jurisdictions or countries. We cannot determine the legal status of online gambling for each site visitor. We would suggest that you check with your local authorities before gambling online. We also have no control as to the Registration, Country, jurisdiction, location of any person/s who partake in online/interactive gambling.
  4. South African Online Gambling – The current status is that interactive gambling from within the Republic of South Africa is illegal. Whilst we promote the Rand currency – this is for players outside of South African borders wishing to gamble in Rands. Furthermore – In terms of the Exchange Control Rules, it is illegal for South African residents to participate in foreign lotteries, sweepstakes and betting organizations.
  5. South African Rand Currency – Our advertising of the South African Rand (Zar) currency is intended for those countries trading/utilising the South African Rand (Zar) currency and for use by person/s outside of South African Borders. The Rand (Zar) currency is not for use by person/s residing in South Africa to partake in online/interactive gambling.
  6. South African Free Play Registration – You can register for free play as entertainment purposes only, you can not deposit money. Inorder to register for Free Play, you still need to download the casino software and complete the Free Play registration.Media informs you that the new proposed bill to regulate online gambling in South Africa will be submitted to the State President for signing. Once the State President has signed, online gambling will then be legal and regulated in South Africa!The only legal forms of gambling in South Africa as per the National Gambling Board notice number: 002/2007 – 16 April 2007 are the following:
    1. Betting/wagering with licensed operators.
    2. Online betting or wagering is permitted with licensed operators.
    3. Bingo conducted by licensed operators within the Republic.
    4. Casino land based gambling conducted by licensed operators within the Republic.
    5. Limited payout machines conducted by licensed operators.
  7. Age – It is illegal for persons under 18 years of age to gamble.
  8. Player Identification – This site www.bigstackblackjack.info, in accordance with all Online Casinos privacy policy/terms and conditions, does not obtain or have any access to any player/s identification or casino account details. This is private information kept by the casino only.
  9. Gambling Problem – There are a number of signs that indicate problem gambling. One of The biggest signs is when you find yourself losing more than you can afford to lose. Your online casino can help by locking your account, (you can email them to request this ) If you think you may have a problem, find the support you need at the links below:
  10. Liability – We have used whatever means we have at our disposal to try and list only those casinos who have the ability to honor their commitments. We don?t have insight into their financial status and thus will not be held liable for their actions.
  11. Arbitration – We are totally independent to any of the online casino/s, nor do we have any ownership or share holding/s with any online casino/s. Should you experience difficulty in your dealings with any of the casinos listed, we will happily provide whatever support at our disposal in an effort to resolve your dispute.
  12. Casino Rules – We remind you that online casinos have terms and conditions/rules and that it is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the casinos rules before playing there.
  13. Welcome Bonus – Most online Casinos offer new players a welcome bonus. There is a play through requirement that the player must play before the player may cash in. The play through requirement will vary from casino to casino, we therefore advise you to read all terms and conditions including any terms and conditions relating to play through requirements.

In case you’re interested in knowing more info on online slots, stop by www.casinobonusmaster.com

Live Casinos to Play Blackjack

Where to Play Live Blackjack

live casinos to play blackjackPlaying blackjack is always thrilling and exciting, but only live blackjack gives us the opportunity to feel that true atmosphere of risk and adventure, the atmosphere of real cards and the casino tables. Where to play live blackjack? Nowadays many of the online casinos provide players with a live dealer to play with. You are free to select download or no download version of blackjack. It is not required to install any special software to enjoy your favourite game. Just connect to the Internet and have a wonderful time with live dealer and other players.

If you are not ready to risk it, you can easily just play for fun, offered in most of the casinos. Otherwise, you are welcome to play blackjack for money and to increase your profit while a having good time.

You may also be interested in the variations of live blackjack. Firstly, you can choose between Game View or Casino View. The Game View will increase your impression of reality and will allow you to feel the interaction between players. Casino View will suit the players that have a slower internet connection.

Live Dealer Blackjack Games

live blackjack gamesLive blackjack games include Single Seat Blackjack and Early Payout Blackjack. According to the rules of the first type, you have your own cards and should not share them with other players.

Blackjack with Early Payout game enables you to perform the cash out with the help of the Basic Strategy. This means that you are allowed to stop the game and take your winnings, or continue playing. Moreover, the money prizes in these games are usually higher.

Live Casino Blackjack Bonus

The most beneficial bonus offered is no deposit welcome bonus. New players are presented with an opportunity to try several live casino games and to choose the most appropriate one without depositing money. The advantage of some casinos is that they give you the opportunity to play with free cash. Remember that special bonuses in many live casinos depend on the means of payment that you used to deposit. Unfortunately, not all live casinos accept USA players so you should pay attention to that before you decide to try the game.

Playing live blackjack is as easy as playing online and as exciting as real casino. It is available for everyone!

Why Online Blackjack Tournaments Are So Popular

Blackjack Tournaments

Online casino blackjack tournaments are popular with card players across the globe, for several reasons.

The tournament games have an added dimension and thrill to them because you?re actually testing your online blackjack strategies and skills against a host of other players too, not just the dealer. This makes the games a lot more exciting for most online casino players.

Most blackjack tournaments online are pretty straightforward and simple, but some players are still somewhat intimidated and apprehensive when it comes to entering them. This is especially true for those who are new to the online version of the game.

When playing basic games of blackjack, how much you lose or win basically comes down to how well you play against the dealer. This is really the only other person you?re playing and competing against. However, when it comes to an online tournament setting, there?s actually increased competition because you now also have to win more than the other players.

Tournaments that are held for money will usually require you to pay an entry fee or you may be able to use some accumulated bonus points at your online casino. You?ll find that you can enter some tournaments for free though. After entering an online blackjack tournament, each of the players will be assigned a table where they will play at and will also receive the same amount of playing chips.

The tournaments generally consist of a certain number of online blackjack hands or they may have a specific time period attached to them. The players that have accumulated the most chips after each round will then advance to the tournament?s next stage while others will be eliminated from the event. The tournaments continue until the last round, which features the top players with the most chips. Whoever has won the most chips at the end of the online blackjack tournament will be declared the winner.

Written by Alex, a keen player of casino games including blackjack. She also regularly tries playing bingo and her new favourite site is www.poshbingo.co.uk.

Play Blackjack Professionally

If you don’t have much Blackjack experience, it can be daunting stepping up to the tables for a game. You can, however, hide the fact of your inexperience very simply by remembering these straightforward rules. (Note – the rules of BlackJack will differ from area to area and from casino to casino, but the general principles are the same. When in doubt, ask!). A typical BlackJack table seats a dealer and up to 7 players. Starting with the dealer, the first seat on his left is ‘1st Base’, while the first seat on his right is referred to as 3rd Base. In front of each player’s seat is a betting square, printed on the felt. Right in front of the dealer is the chip tray, while on his left is the deck (a.k.a. shoe) and next to that is the’ minimum bet sign’, which tells you how ‘expensive’ the table is. As a beginner, you will want to stick to the low bet tables to keep any losses under control. On the dealer’s right is a money drop slot. This is a security feature – casinos don’t really trust their employees, and all cash and chips are deposited here to prevent ‘leakage’.

Next to the drop slot is what’s known as the ‘discard tray’. Play starts after the dealer shuffles the cards, the deck is ‘cut’ by a player using a ‘marker card’ (NOT the bare hand), and finally the dealer ‘burns’ a card (or throws it away in order to ensure randomness). Before the cards are dealt, you make your bet by placing chips or cash into the betting box. Be aware that you can sit out a hand or 2 if you like – maybe you need a break, or the dealer is just on a lucky streak. Note that if the casino is busy, you may be asked to give up your seat so another punter can take your place (or alternatively resume the game yourself). If you really don’t want to play, just get up and vacate the seat – you can always come back later!

When all players who want to play in this round have placed a bet, 2cards will be dealt to each player going from left to right. Some casinos deal the cards face down. Elsewhere the cards are dealt face up, in which case NEVER touch them – the assumption if you do is that you are cheating! The dealer deals himself 2 cards – 1 down and 1 up. Card values are, as everyone knows, 10 Jack Queen and King are worth 10, an Ace is worth 1 or 11, all other cards are worth their face values. In noisy casinos, be prepared to use hand signals to indicate whether you want to hit or stand.

How do you indicate ‘hit’? If the cards are dealt face down, flick the cards gently across the felt 2 times. If the cards were dealt face up, point at the cards with your finger in a jabbing style. You can nod your head to emphasize the desire for a hit. If you’d prefer to stand, move your hand horizontally from left to right (palm down) to indicate ‘no’. Always keep your hands a few inches off the table to avoid suspicion. If you like, you can emphasize the stand by shaking your head ‘no’ at the same time.

Should you play single or multiple deck games? Only in Vegas do they still play single deck, and the tables are usually full – it is much easier for amateurs to ‘count’ in a single game, and keep the odds pretty fair, which explains their popularity. Multiple deck games will usually be based on even number of decks (up to 8 decks in the shoe at a time). Multiple decks allow the dealer to deal more hands per hour (less shuffling etc), which makes them more profitable for the casino, and they reduce the chances of a player ‘counting’. Dealers HAVE to follow straightforward rules, and must hit if they have 16 or less. On the other hand, if the dealer has 17 or more, he MUST stand, except in some smaller casinos, where he can hit on a ‘soft 17’.

You as the player can do anything you like, standing or hitting as it suits you. If you get a BlackJack (an Ace and a ten right off) you win 1 and a half times your bet. You can only double down on 2 card hands totaling 9, 10, or 11 (a very few casinos allow doubling on any 2 card hand). If your cards were dealt face down and you want to double, turn them over and put them on the dealer’s side of the betting square. Otherwise point to them and say ‘double’ when it’s your turn. You will have to put an equal amount of chips next to those already in the betting box (NEVER put new chips on top of old chips – it looks like cheating!). You will get one new card.

Splitting is kind of similar – cards dealt face down need to be turned over and placed them a little apart. Otherwise point at them and say ‘split’ when it’s your turn. Place an equal amount of chips in the betting box near the other card (remember, NEVER on top). You are now playing 2 hands exactly as normal (unless you just split two aces in which case you only get one card – a 10 would be good!. If it is a 10 the hand isn’t a BlackJack, meaning you only get the standard odds of 1/1 and not 1/1.5 as you would for a ‘natural’ BlackJack. Be careful how you split – it is possible to end up with 4 or 5 hands simultaneously! Likewise, it’s probably not good to split two 5s – you will be replacing a hand that is great for drawing on or doubling down on with (probably) 2 poor hands. Insurance only happens when the dealer’s face up card is an Ace, when the dealer will ask the players if they want insurance (he won’t know what his face down card or ‘hole’ card is at this point, so you won’t be able to read his expression for clues). Insurance means that half the player’s bet is placed on the ‘insurance’ semicircle printed on the felt. If the dealer gets a BlackJack the player wins the the insurance bet but loses the original bet meaning a zero hand because insurance pays 2 to 1. If the dealer does not get BlackJack, the insurance bet is lost and the hand is played normally with the remaining half bet. Don’t bother with insurance unless you are trying to card count (take it when the number of non ’10’ cards to 10s drops below the 2 to 1 margin). You may also come across ‘Surrender’ – it’s not widely used, but there are 2 versions you may find, ‘early surrender’ and ‘late surrender’.

Early surrender means quitting on 2 card hands if you don’t like the dealer’s up card (e.g. a ten or court card). Surrendering in this way will give you a small extra advantage whcih is why casinos don’t like it. Late surrender means waiting until the dealer checks for BlackJack, at which point if he doesn’t, you may decide to surrender. As we say, not very common, so ask before joining the table whether you can or not. And that’s it! Stay cool, and don’t panic, and nobody will guess you are a casino newbie!