Skip to main content

Is Blackjack and 21 The Same Game?

Recently updated on August 11th, 2021

Yes, Blackjack and 21 are the same game, but you might find some online casino games with different rules. For example, two online blackjack games, Spanish 21 and Pontoon 21, have similar rules, with a few twists.

You might encounter Blackjack and 21 as names for the popular card game wherever you are in the world. But you don’t have to worry about learning many new rules or changing your existing strategy. With that said, let’s get into some important facts you need to know.

 

Is Blackjack and 21 The Same Game?

Why Do Players Think that Blackjack and 21 are Different?

Most players believe that Blackjack and 21 are different because of Spanish 21 and similar versions. Since you can discover many variations online from multiple casino software providers, it can get confusing.

Still, they all feature the basic rules of single-deck Blackjack, with some differences for each game developer. Some will have bet limits or add insurance bets from the equation. Others will remove cards from play, like Spanish 21, which is not played with the Jack, Queen, King, and ten.

Insurance bets in regular Blackjack pay 2 to 1, but Spanish 21 side bets payout even more.  Some Spanish 21 wagers, like a 5-card hand, pay 3 to 2 or 2 to 1 for a six-card hand.

Typical Blackjack and 21 Rules

When you play at a virtual casino, playing Blackjack and 21 is uncomplicated, and the rules are easy to follow. These are the typical steps to playing Blackjack:

  1. The game starts after you place your initial bet on the table.
  2. The dealer then deals out your first two cards, and they will receive the same.
  3. Depending on the variant, one of the dealer’s cards will be face-up.
  4. Then, you can choose whether to hit, surrender, double down, stand, or split your hand.
  5. You can also draw another card if your hand total is low.
  6. If the dealer has 17 or more, they will stand, but they will hit on 16 or lower.
  7. If your hand is better than the dealer’s, you win your bet back and any side bets.

Types of Blackjack and 21 Games

Hundreds of variants are available these days, so we hand-picked our favourites to help you start playing.

  • Atlantic City Blackjack
  • Classic Blackjack
  • Live Blackjack
  • Blackjack Switch
  • Free Bet Blackjack
  • Spanish 21
  • Super Fun 21
  • Pirate 21
  • War Blackjack
  • Face Up/Double Exposure
  • Zappit
  • European Blackjack
  • American Blackjack
  • Pontoon – British Blackjack
  • Buster Blackjack
  • Bonus Blackjack
  • California Blackjack
  • Double Attack
  • Pitch Blackjack
  • Multi-Hand Blackjack and 21
  • Chinese Blackjack

Play Blackjack at Online Casinos

If you want to dive straight into playing online Blackjack, take a look at our top casinos for NZ players. We highly recommend these sites for an exciting table game experience.

The best part of choosing to play online is that you can go single-player or multiplayer. Plus, you don’t need to wear pants at home!

Minimum Deposit Casino: Jelly Bean

1. Jelly Bean

  • Max Bonus: $1000
  • Min deposit: $35
  • Playthrough: 33x
Play Now
Gate777 Casino

2. Gate777

  • Max Bonus: $1000
  • Min deposit: $20
  • Playthrough: 35x
Play Now
LeoVegas Casino

3. LeoVegas

  • Max Bonus: $1600
  • Min deposit: $20
  • Playthrough: 35x
Play Now
Twin

4. Twin Casino

  • Max Bonus: $400
  • Min deposit: $10
  • Playthrough: 40x
Play Now
GrandMaster Jack Casino

5. GrandMaster Jack

  • Max Bonus: $300
  • Min deposit: $20
  • Playthrough: 50x
Play Now
WatchMySpin Casino

6. WatchMySpin

  • Max Bonus: $400
  • Min deposit: $10
  • Playthrough: 40x
Play Now
Casino Tropez

7. Casino Tropez

  • Max Bonus: $3000
  • Min deposit: $20
  • Playthrough: 30x
Play Now
Wild Card City Casino

8. Wild Card City

  • Max Bonus: $5000
  • Min deposit: $20
  • Playthrough: 50x
Play Now
King Johnnie Casino

9. King Johnnie

  • Max Bonus: $6000
  • Min deposit: $20
  • Playthrough: 50x
Play Now
Jackpot Jill Casino

10. Jackpot Jill

  • Max Bonus: $7500
  • Min deposit: $20
  • Playthrough: 50x
Play Now


Related Posts

PGF Raises Concerns over Racing Industry Reforms

PGF Raises Concerns over Racing Industry Reforms

Recently updated on July 8th, 2019The Problem Gambling Foundation (PGF) of New Zealand has raised concerns over gambling-related harm associated with reforms to the Racing Industry. When the reforms were announced earlier this year, they were aimed at improving revenue intake. However, the latest plans to regulate the reform could affect at-risk communities negatively. According […]

Melco Resorts is now Hiring for Cyprus Casino Resort

Cyprus Casino Staff Hiring - NZ News

Recently updated on February 27th, 2018While other international casino operators are hedging their bets, Melco Resorts & Entertainment are forging ahead with their expansion plans. The Hong Kong-based gaming firm has a firm hold on the biggest gambling hubs in the world. This includes resorts in Macau, the Philippines and now, Europe. Despite some growing […]

New Jersey Regulator Fines PlaySugarHouse Casino for Underage Gambling

PlaySugarHouse Online Casino

Recently updated on January 25th, 2019PlaySugarHouse casino is in hot water for an underage gambling charge laid in New Jersey. They have agreed to pay a fine of $30,000. The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement gave a harsh fine to the gaming operator of the PlaySugarHouse casino for allowing underage players to gamble for […]

Sportsbet Getting New Games from SportCaller

SportCaller inks Game deal with Sportsbet – NZ Casino News

Recently updated on May 17th, 2018SportCaller will soon be providing their innovative ‘prediction’ games to Sportsbet. The two gaming firms signed a deal that will see gamblers get a range of ‘localised’ titles to enjoy. SportCaller offers free-to-play games as well as real money gaming options. At the moment, Sportsbet features one of their free […]