How to Play Blackjack at Reels of Joy, Australia's Online Casino Card Game
How to play blackjack at Reels of Joy comes down to one straightforward objective: beat the dealer by building a hand total closer to 21 without going over. Our AU site delivers this iconic casino card game powered by Real Time Gaming (RTG), with several blackjack variants available in AUD for Australian players aged 18 and over.
This guide covers card values, every player action, dealer rules, side bets, payouts, and the wagering rules that apply on bonuses. By the end, you will know exactly how each hand plays out at our Reels of Joy blackjack tables.
What Is the Blackjack Card Game at Reels of Joy
Blackjack is a casino card game played between you and the dealer. No other players affect your result. The dealer deals two cards to each player and two cards to themselves, with one card face up and one card face down (the hole card). Your job is to build a hand total closer to 21 than the dealer without busting.
Blackjack is one of the few casino games where skill changes your outcome. With correct basic strategy, the house edge on standard blackjack drops to around 0.5%, which makes it one of the best-value table games on our AU site. By comparison, pokies generally run a house edge of 2% to 10%.
A natural blackjack (an ace and a ten-value card on your first two cards) pays 3 to 2 on our standard tables. Any table paying only 6 to 5 on blackjack significantly increases the house edge, so check the posted rules before you sit down.
Bonus Wagering Note Before You Play Blackjack
Blackjack contributes only 25% to standard bonus wagering on our AU site, and on some promotions (including the welcome bonus) blackjack contribution is reduced to 2%. The maximum bet during any active bonus is $10. Place a wager above $10 while a bonus is in play and any winnings will be voided per our terms.
Blackjack is also excluded from earning Comp Points and is locked while a daily cashback coupon is active. If you intend to play blackjack at Reels of Joy, the most direct path is real-cash play without an active bonus. Players using the welcome bonus should be aware that meeting 30x wagering on blackjack alone is mathematically impractical given the 2% contribution rate.
Blackjack Card Values at Reels of Joy
Understanding card values is the starting point for every game of blackjack. Here is exactly how cards are counted:
| Card | Value |
|---|---|
| Number cards (2 through 10) | Face value (a 7 is worth 7) |
| Face cards (King, Queen, Jack) | 10 points each |
| Ace | 1 or 11, whichever benefits your hand |
| Any 10-value card + Ace | Blackjack (natural), pays 3 to 2 |
A soft hand contains an ace counted as 11. For example, Ace + 6 is a soft 17. A hard hand either has no ace, or the ace counts as 1. This distinction matters because the dealer's rules and your strategy differ between the two. If the dealer has an ace showing, they check for a dealer blackjack before play continues.
How to Play Blackjack Step by Step at Reels of Joy
Here is the full process of how a hand of blackjack unfolds on our AU site. Follow each step and you will know exactly what to expect from the first card dealt to your final result.
- Place your wager: Choose your bet amount and place your chips in the betting area before the dealer deals. Remember the $10 max bet rule applies during any active bonus.
- Receive your initial two cards: You get 2 cards face up. The dealer gets one face up, one face down (the hole card).
- Assess your hand: Add up your card values. Decide your next move based on your total and the dealer's upcard.
- Play your hand: Choose from Hit, Stand, Double Down, Split, or Surrender (explained in the next section).
- Dealer plays their hand: Once all players have acted, the dealer reveals their hole card and must hit until reaching 17 or higher.
- Settle the result: If your total beats the dealer without going over 21, you win. If the dealer busts by exceeding 21, every player still in the hand wins.
All actions on our AU site are completed using on-screen buttons. Land-based hand signals (a tap to hit, a wave to stand) only apply at physical tables.
All Player Actions in Blackjack: Hit, Stand, Double, Split and More
Knowing when to use each action is what separates casual players from those who apply basic strategy. Here is what every action means and when to use it.
Hit, Take Another Card
Requesting a hit means asking the dealer for one more card to improve your total. Use this when your hand total is low and the risk of busting is minimal. Basic strategy says to always hit when your total is 8 or less.
Stand, Keep Your Hand
Standing means you are satisfied with your hand and take no additional card. Stand when your total is strong enough that another card would likely cause a bust.
Double Down, Double Your Bet for One More Card
After seeing your first two cards, you can double your original bet in exchange for exactly one more card. This is one of the most powerful moves in blackjack. Double down on a hard 10 or 11 when the dealer is showing a weak upcard (2 through 9). The dealer deals your final card and the hand resolves. Note: doubling your bet during bonus play counts toward the $10 max-bet cap.
Split, Play Two Hands from a Pair
When your first two cards are a matching pair, you can split them into two hands. You place an additional bet equal to your original bet, and the dealer separates the cards. You then play each hand independently. Always split Aces and 8s. Never split 10s or 5s. Splitting creates 2 hands with fresh opportunities to beat the dealer.
Surrender, Fold and Recover Half Your Wager
Late surrender allows you to forfeit your hand and recover half your wager after seeing the dealer's upcard. Use it when you hold a 16 against a dealer 10, or a 15 against a dealer 10. Surrender is not available in every blackjack variant, but when offered, it reduces the house edge.
Soft Hands vs Hard Hands in Blackjack: A Key Rule Aussie Players Miss
Most beginners at our AU site overlook this distinction, and it costs them. A soft hand contains an ace counted as 11. Because the ace can switch to 1 if you take another card and bust, soft hands give you more flexibility. A hard hand has a fixed total.
| Hand Type | Example | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Soft 17 | Ace + 6 | Can take another card without risk of busting |
| Hard 17 | 10 + 7 | Stand, taking another card risks going over 21 |
| Soft 13 | Ace + 2 | Hit or double against a weak dealer upcard |
| Hard 12 | 10 + 2 | Hit against dealer 2 or 3, stand against 4, 5, or 6 |
The dealer must hit on a soft 17 in most RTG blackjack games. This rule (known as H17) slightly increases the house edge compared to a game where the dealer must stand on all 17s.
Dealer Rules at the Blackjack Table
The dealer at our casino follows fixed rules with no room for personal choices. Understanding these rules helps you predict when the dealer will bust and make better decisions:
- Dealer must hit on any hand totalling 16 or less.
- Dealer must stand on hard 17 or higher (rules on soft 17 vary by variant).
- When the dealer is showing an ace, they check for a dealer blackjack before any player action.
- If the dealer has a blackjack, all player hands lose unless the player also has a blackjack (which results in a push).
- A cut card is placed inside the virtual shoe to signal when the cards will be reshuffled.
When the dealer shows a weak upcard (2 through 6), they are statistically more likely to bust. That is why basic strategy tells you to stand on lower totals against those cards.
Blackjack Side Bets and Insurance at Reels of Joy
Beyond your main wager, several side bets add extra action to the blackjack game (where the variant supports them). Each side bet carries its own house edge and payout structure. The standard insurance bet is offered on most RTG blackjack tables; Perfect Pairs and 21+3 are not RTG side bets and are not available at Reels of Joy.
Insurance Bet
When the dealer has an ace as their upcard, you can place an insurance bet worth half your original bet. If the dealer does have a blackjack, the insurance pays 2 to 1, covering your main hand loss. Basic strategy players generally avoid insurance because it carries a house edge of over 7% for the average player.
Perfect Pairs (Selected RTG Variants Only)
On the Perfect Pairs Blackjack variant from RTG, if your first two cards are a pair, the side bet pays out. A mixed pair pays the lowest, a same-colour pair pays more, and a perfect pair (identical suit) pays the highest. The side bet only applies on the Perfect Pairs variant; standard blackjack tables do not offer it.
Blackjack Payouts at Reels of Joy
Payouts in the game of blackjack are clear and fixed. Here is exactly what each result pays at our AU site:
| Outcome | Payout | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Blackjack (natural) | 3 to 2 | Ace + any ten-value card on first two cards |
| Standard win | 1 to 1 | Your total beats the dealer |
| Push (tie) | Original bet returned | Your total matches the dealer's total |
| Insurance (dealer has blackjack) | 2 to 1 | Side bet pays, original bet loses |
| Dealer busts | 1 to 1 | All active hands win |
| Player busts | Loss | Wager forfeited |
Note on 6 to 5 games: When blackjack pays only 6 to 5 instead of 3 to 2, the house edge jumps by approximately 1.4%. On a $100 bet, a 3:2 table pays $150 for a blackjack. A 6:5 table pays only $120 on the same hand. Over hundreds of hands, that gap adds up significantly.
Basic Blackjack Strategy for Aussie Players
Basic strategy is a mathematically calculated set of decisions covering every possible combination of your hand against the dealer's upcard. It was derived from computer simulations running hundreds of millions of blackjack hands. Follow it consistently and the house edge on our AU online blackjack games drops to around 0.5%.
The core basic strategy rules:
- Always split Aces and 8s Aces give you two shots at a strong 21. Splitting 8s removes a weak 16.
- Never split 10s or 5s A pair of 10s gives you 20, a near-unbeatable hand. Two 5s are better doubled as a 10.
- Double down on 10 or 11 when the dealer is showing 2 through 9.
- Stand on hard 17 or higher regardless of what the dealer is showing.
- Hit on soft 17 (Ace + 6) when the dealer shows 7 or higher.
- Surrender hard 16 against a dealer 9, 10, or Ace when the option is available.
Basic strategy does not guarantee a win on any single hand. It gives you the statistically correct play to maximise your return across thousands of hands. Card counting builds on basic strategy by tracking the ratio of high to low cards remaining in the shuffle. Online blackjack at Reels of Joy runs on RTG software using a random number generator, with the virtual deck reshuffled between hands, which makes traditional counting cards ineffective.
Blackjack Variants to Play at Reels of Joy
Our AU site offers blackjack variants powered by Real Time Gaming. Each variant adjusts specific rules and payouts. Here is a comparison of the RTG blackjack versions available to play blackjack online at our casino:
| Variant | Key Rule Difference | Approximate RTP (Optimal Play) |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Blackjack | Standard rules, 3:2 payout, multi-deck shoe | Up to 99.5% |
| European Blackjack | Dealer does not take hole card until player has acted | Around 99.6% |
| Perfect Pairs Blackjack | Standard rules plus Perfect Pairs side bet | Base game around 99%, side bet ~94% |
| Pontoon | Different terminology, dealer wins ties, both player cards face down | Around 99.6% |
| Super 21 | Diamond blackjack pays 2:1, 6-card 21 auto-wins, blackjacks pay even money | Around 99.6% |
| Match Play 21 | All 10s removed from the deck, bonus payouts on specific 21 combinations | Around 99.1% |
| Face Up 21 | Both dealer cards dealt face up, dealer wins all ties except natural blackjack | Around 99.1% |
| Suit 'Em Up Blackjack | Side bet on suited initial cards, configurable deck count | Base game around 99.5% |
Before you play each hand, check the posted table rules for that specific blackjack variant. Payout differences (especially 6 to 5 vs 3 to 2) and dealer soft-17 rules have a direct impact on your expected return.
How to Play Online Blackjack at Reels of Joy
Playing online blackjack at Reels of Joy follows the same rules as a land-based game. The main difference is that our games run on Real Time Gaming software, using a certified random number generator to shuffle and deal each hand. Here is how to get started on our AU site:
- Register your account at reelsofjoycasino.org.
- Use bonus code WELCOME1 if you want the welcome bonus: 200% match up to $500 + 25 free spins on Storm Lords (min. deposit $20, 30x deposit+bonus wagering, max cashout 10x deposit). Note that blackjack contributes only 2% to wagering on this offer, so straight cash play is the practical choice for blackjack-focused players.
- Deposit using one of our supported methods: Visa, Mastercard, Neosurf, POLi, or Bitcoin and other supported cryptocurrencies.
Navigate to Table Games and select your preferred blackjack variant.
- Place your bet, receive your initial two cards, and play your hand using the on-screen buttons.
Our banking page lists full deposit and withdrawal details. Verified figures from our current terms:
| Method | Min Deposit | Max Deposit | Min Withdrawal | Max Withdrawal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visa / Mastercard | $20 | $5,000 | $100 | $5,000 per week |
| Bitcoin / Crypto | $20 | $100,000 | $100 | $5,000 per 24h, $10,000 per 168h |
| Neosurf | $20 | $500 | N/A (deposit only) | N/A |
| Bank Transfer | N/A | N/A | $100 | $5,000 per week |
All withdrawals require KYC document verification before processing and are subject to a 24-hour pending period during which you can cancel the withdrawal. After approval, crypto withdrawals process within 24 to 72 hours. Card and bank withdrawals take up to 12 business days.
Blackjack Tips for Aussie Players at Reels of Joy
These tips apply at our AU site or refining your existing game. Each one is grounded in how blackjack is dealt and how the math of the game works.
- Learn basic strategy before you bet real money. Practise on demo games until your decisions become automatic.
- Choose 3:2 tables. Avoid any blackjack table where blackjacks pay only even money or 6:5.
- Manage your bankroll by session. Set a loss limit and a win target before each session at the online blackjack tables.
- Avoid the insurance bet. It carries a house edge of over 7% for the average player.
- Do not split 10s. Saving half your wager on a clearly losing hand is a legitimate advantage.
- Use surrender when available. Saving half your wager on a clearly losing hand is a legitimate advantage.
- Keep blackjack play separate from bonus play With a 2% to 25% wagering contribution, $10 max bet cap, and exclusion from comp points and active cashback, blackjack is best played with cleared cash funds.
Explore More Casino Card Games at Reels of Joy
Blackjack is our most popular table game, and Reels of Joy offers a full range of card games played at casinos worldwide. If you enjoy the strategic side of blackjack, these games at our AU site deserve your attention:
- Online Baccarat, a simple card game with a banker RTP of approximately 98.9%
- Video Poker, Jacks or Better and Deuces Wild can return 99.5%+ with optimal play
- Online Craps, a fast-moving dice game with some of the lowest house edges in the casino
- Online Roulette, a classic casino game with straightforward bets and clear payouts
Responsible Gambling at Reels of Joy
Gambling at Reels of Joy is for Australians aged 18 and over only. Blackjack and all other casino games on our AU site carry financial risk. Wins are never guaranteed.
If gambling stops being fun or begins affecting your finances, relationships, or wellbeing, support is available:
- Gambling Help Online (AU-specific 24/7 support), gamblinghelponline.org.au
- Gamblers Anonymous Australia, gaaustralia.org.au
- BeGambleAware, begambleaware.org
- GamCare, gamcare.org.uk
- Gambling Therapy, gamblingtherapy.org (international, multi-language support)
Our full responsible gambling page includes deposit limits, session timers, and self-exclusion tools. Use them.
Blackjack FAQs
What is the object of the game of blackjack?
Beat the dealer by getting a hand total closer to 21 without going over. If you go over 21, you bust and lose your wager immediately, regardless of the dealer's result.
What does 'bust' mean in blackjack?
Bust means your hand total has exceeded 21. Your wager is lost at that point, even if the dealer also busts later in the hand.
What is a push in blackjack?
A push occurs when your hand total equals the dealer's total. No money changes hands and your original bet is returned.
When should I hit or stand?
Hit when your total is 11 or less. Stand on hard 17 or higher. For totals between 12 and 16, your decision depends on the dealer's upcard. When the dealer is showing 2 through 6, stand on 12 to 16. When the dealer shows 7 or higher, hit.
When should I double down?
Double your bet on a hard 10 or 11 when the dealer is showing a weaker card (2 through 9). The expected gain from doubling in these situations is mathematically clear when you follow basic strategy.
Should I take insurance in blackjack?
No, in the majority of situations. Insurance carries a house edge of over 7% for players not counting cards. Basic strategy players skip insurance entirely.
What is soft 17 in blackjack?
Soft 17 is a hand containing an Ace counted as 11, plus a 6. Because the Ace can revert to 1, this hand has flexibility. Dealers must hit on soft 17 in most RTG blackjack rule sets.
What is the house edge in blackjack?
With correct basic strategy, the house edge in blackjack is approximately 0.5%. Without strategy, it can rise to 2% or more depending on the player's decisions.
Can you count cards in online blackjack?
Traditional card counting is ineffective in online blackjack at Reels of Joy. Our RTG software reshuffles the virtual deck between hands, which makes it impossible to track a running count.
What is the difference between 3:2 and 6:5 blackjack?
A 3:2 table pays $150 on a $100 blackjack bet. A 6:5 table pays only $120 on the same bet. Over time, the 6:5 rule adds approximately 1.4% to the house edge. Always play at 3:2 tables.
Does blackjack count toward the welcome bonus wagering?
Yes, but the contribution rate is very low. Blackjack contributes 25% to wagering on standard bonuses and only 2% on the welcome bonus per the current bonus terms. Combined with the $10 max-bet rule during bonus play, meeting wagering on blackjack alone is mathematically impractical. Players who want the welcome bonus should clear wagering on slots, where contribution is 100%.
What is a natural blackjack?
A natural blackjack is dealt on your first two cards: an ace and any ten-value card. It pays 3 to 2 on standard tables at Reels of Joy. If the dealer also has a blackjack, the hand is a push.
Can I play blackjack at Reels of Joy from Australia?
Yes. Reels of Joy is an AU site that caters to Australian players. All blackjack variants are available in real-money play. The minimum deposit across supported methods is $20.
Do I earn Comp Points playing blackjack?
No. Blackjack is excluded from the Comp Points loyalty programme per our terms, along with Roulette, Craps, Baccarat, Video Poker, War, Sic Bo, and a few other games. Comp Points are earned on slots, keno, bingo, scratch cards, and board games (1 point per $10 bet), and on some select table games (1 point per $30 bet).
Can I claim daily cashback while playing blackjack?
No. When a cashback coupon is active on your account, all games other than slots, keno, bingo, and scratch cards are locked. To play blackjack, you must wait until the cashback playthrough is cleared or the bonus is cleared from your account.
What is single-deck blackjack?
Single-deck blackjack is a game played from one deck of 52 cards. It theoretically offers a lower house edge, but casinos often offset this with rules like 6:5 payouts. Verify the full rule set before playing any single-deck variant.
