On this page
Even if you’ve never entered a casino before or visited one online, you’ve heard of blackjack. In fact, you probably even have a pretty good idea of how it works and what you have to do to win! Blackjack Surrender changes up the rules a little, allowing you to reduce the house edge and, over a prolonged period of play, give yourself the chance to make a higher profit.
On this page you’ll find a clear overview of the rules and how surrender alters the game, as well as some insights into useful strategy. We’ll also show you which casinos offer the best playing experience so you can deposit money with confidence.
Where to play online blackjack from New Zealand
Our register holds 12 operators open to New Zealand right now; the offer figures below were verified on . How every brand is checked.
- 01N1Bet CasinoBlackjack tablesChecked
Visit site20+ · T&Cs applyWelcome package100% up to NZ$10,000+ 200 free spinsMin depositNZ$30Wagering50xOnline since2021Offer terms
- Offer: Welcome
- Match: 100%
- Up to: NZ$10,000
- Free spins: 200
- Minimum deposit: NZ$30
- Wagering: 50x
Why it is on the list
- Blackjack tables
- Trading since 2021
- Full game catalogue on the NZ account
- Deposit options include AstroPay, Bank Transfer, Binance Pay
- Balance held in NZD
- 02Joo CasinoBlackjack tablesChecked
Visit site20+ · T&Cs applyWelcome package200% up to NZ$3,000+ 200 free spinsMin depositNZ$30Wagering50xOnline since2018Offer terms
- Offer: Welcome
- Match: 200%
- Up to: NZ$3,000
- Free spins: 200
- Minimum deposit: NZ$30
- Wagering: 50x
Why it is on the list
- Blackjack tables
- Trading since 2018
- Full game catalogue on the NZ account
- Deposit options include AstroPay, AstroPay Card, Bank Transfer
- Balance held in NZD
- 03Bizzo CasinoBlackjack tablesChecked
Visit site20+ · T&Cs applyWelcome package125% up to NZ$2,500+ 125 free spinsMin depositNZ$25Wagering40xOnline since2021Offer terms
- Offer: Welcome
- Match: 125%
- Up to: NZ$2,500
- Free spins: 125
- Minimum deposit: NZ$25
- Wagering: 40x
Why it is on the list
- Blackjack tables
- Listed by 1 independent review sites we track
- Trading since 2021
- 10 game categories on the NZ account
- Deposit options include AstroPay Card, Bitcoin, CashtoCode
- 04Cashed CasinoBlackjack tablesChecked
Visit site20+ · T&Cs applyWelcome package100% up to NZ$1,000+ 200 free spinsMin depositNZ$20Wagering35x cash / 40x spinsOnline since2024Offer terms
- Offer: Welcome
- Match: 100%
- Up to: NZ$1,000
- Free spins: 200
- Minimum deposit: NZ$20
- Wagering: 35x cash / 40x spins
Why it is on the list
- Blackjack tables
- Trading since 2024
- 24 game categories on the NZ account
- Deposit options include Aktia, Alandsbanken, Apple Pay
- Balance held in NZD
- 05Zotabet CasinoBlackjack tablesChecked
Visit site20+ · T&Cs applyWelcome package100% up to NZ$2,000+ 300 free spinsOnline since2022Offer terms
- Offer: Welcome
- Match: 100%
- Up to: NZ$2,000
- Free spins: 300
Why it is on the list
- Blackjack tables
- Trading since 2022
- Full game catalogue on the NZ account
- Deposit options include BLIK, Bank Transfer, Bank Wire Transfer
- Balance held in NZD
- 06PowBet CasinoBlackjack tablesChecked
Visit site20+ · T&Cs applyWelcome package100% up to NZ$1,000+ 200 free spinsMin depositNZ$20Wagering35xOnline since2021Offer terms
- Offer: Welcome
- Match: 100%
- Up to: NZ$1,000
- Free spins: 200
- Minimum deposit: NZ$20
- Wagering: 35x
Why it is on the list
- Blackjack tables
- Trading since 2021
- 26 game categories on the NZ account
- Deposit options include Aktia, Alandsbanken, American Express
- Balance held in NZD
- 07National CasinoBlackjack tablesChecked
Visit site20+ · T&Cs applyWelcome package100% up to NZ$500+ 100 free spinsWagering40xOnline since2020Offer terms
- Offer: Welcome
- Match: 100%
- Up to: NZ$500
- Free spins: 100
- Wagering: 40x
Why it is on the list
- Blackjack tables
- Trading since 2020
- 26 game categories on the NZ account
- Deposit options include Apple Pay, AstroPay, AstroPay Card
- Balance held in NZD
- 08Casinoly CasinoBlackjack tablesChecked
Visit site20+ · T&Cs applyWelcome package100% up to NZ$1,000+ 200 free spinsMin depositNZ$40Wagering35xOnline since2021Offer terms
- Offer: Welcome
- Match: 100%
- Up to: NZ$1,000
- Free spins: 200
- Minimum deposit: NZ$40
- Wagering: 35x
Why it is on the list
- Blackjack tables
- Trading since 2021
- 26 game categories on the NZ account
- Deposit options include 7Eleven, Aktia, Alandsbanken
- Balance held in NZD
- 09BitStarz CasinoBlackjack tablesChecked
Visit site20+ · T&Cs applyWelcome package100% up to NZ$2,000+ 180 free spinsMin depositNZ$20Wagering40xOnline since2014Offer terms
- Offer: Welcome
- Match: 100%
- Up to: NZ$2,000
- Free spins: 180
- Minimum deposit: NZ$20
- Wagering: 40x
Why it is on the list
- Blackjack tables
- Trading since 2014
- 26 game categories on the NZ account
- Deposit options include AstroPay, AstroPay Direct, Bank Transfer
- Balance held in NZD
- 10Betway CasinoBlackjack tablesChecked
Visit site20+ · T&Cs applyWelcome package100% up to NZ$2,000Read our Betway Casino reviewMin depositNZ$20Wagering50xOnline since2006Offer terms
- Offer: Welcome
- Match: 100%
- Up to: NZ$2,000
- Minimum deposit: NZ$20
- Wagering: 50x
Why it is on the list
- Blackjack tables
- Trading since 2006
- Full game catalogue on the NZ account
- Deposit options include AstroPay, BLIK, Bank Transfer
- Balance held in NZD
- 11TonyBet CasinoBlackjack tablesChecked
Visit site20+ · T&Cs applyWelcome package100% up to NZ$1,500+ 150 free spinsMin depositNZ$35Wagering30xOnline since2009Offer terms
- Offer: Welcome
- Match: 100%
- Up to: NZ$1,500
- Free spins: 150
- Minimum deposit: NZ$35
- Wagering: 30x
Why it is on the list
- Blackjack tables
- Trading since 2009
- Full game catalogue on the NZ account
- Deposit options include AstroPay, Bank Transfer, Bitcoin
- Balance held in NZD
- 12All Slots CasinoBlackjack tablesChecked
Visit site20+ · T&Cs applyWelcome package100% up to NZ$1,500Read our All Slots Casino reviewMin depositNZ$5Wagering35xOnline since1999Offer terms
- Offer: Welcome
- Match: 100%
- Up to: NZ$1,500
- Minimum deposit: NZ$5
- Wagering: 35x
Why it is on the list
- Blackjack tables
- Listed by 1 independent review sites we track
- Trading since 1999
- 29 game categories on the NZ account
- Deposit options include Abaqoos, Apple Pay, Bank Transfer
Order is ours and the operators listed pay us a commission when you open an account; that does not change the figures above, which come from the operator pages and are re-checked on the date shown. Gambling is entertainment, not income: play with money you can lose, 20+ only. Free, confidential help in New Zealand — Gambling Helpline 0800 654 655.
Playing Blackjack Surrender online combines the best of both worlds: it’s a fun, unpredictable game with all the comforts and conveniences of playing at home. What’s not to like? We’ve got plenty of resources to help you master the rules or learn about other blackjack variations too, so stick around and let’s have some fun!
Blackjack Surrender: RNG vs Live Dealer Games
In today’s gambling marketplace, it’s no longer just about “online vs land-based casinos” – that debate has run itself dry and the benefits of playing online (or on mobile) speak for themselves. Now we’re looking at two sides of the online casino spectrum: live dealer and RNG.
RNG Games
Random Number Generator (or RNG) games are those which are run entirely by software: the dealer, the cards, the money, none of it is real. The rules are followed perfectly however, and it’s impossible to cheat or be cheated thanks to the stringent regulations and rules surrounding online casino.
One big benefit to RNG games is that they’re super fast: when the “dealer” can calculate and dish payouts, collect the cards, shuffle the decks and re-deal within about a second, you can obviously play way more rounds than with a live dealer.
Live Dealer Games
For all the speed and accuracy of RNGs, live dealer games bring you something more: an experience. The dealer is a real person, being live-streamed with an HD camera. Playing with real cards, shoes and tables, live dealers can also communicate (you send messages and they reply by speaking), creating banter and an atmosphere that is only rivalled by the land-based casino.
Live dealer games are closer to Vegas than RNGs, but it really just comes down to preference. In terms of Blackjack Surrender, there’s no difference in rules, gameplay or payouts, so just see what works best for you!
Where to Play
Blackjack is offered at most online casinos, but certainly not all. Surrender is an even more niche variation of the game, but we can recommend specific casinos which offer the game so that you don’t have to spend hours scrolling through games catalogues at different establishments.
If you’re looking for a trustworthy, fun and potentially-lucrative casino at which to play Blackjack Surrender, then check out our recommended casinos below: you won’t find a better place to play!
Live Dealer Games
As we’ve discussed, the choice of live dealer vs RNG games comes down to simple personal preference. However, it’s worth noting that live dealer versions are a bit trickier to find. For those who want the immersive and exciting experience of live play, you can play at any of the casinos listed below and are guaranteed to have a whale of a time!
Play for Bonuses
If you’re a video slots player then you’ll be well-aware of the benefits of online casino bonuses. Basically these are marketing tools which casinos use to encourage play on certain games – like, for example, Blackjack Surrender! Examples of bonuses include free cash for betting or a percentage return on any losses. Check out the following bonus-heavy casinos if that sounds like your kind of thing.
Rules, Strategy and Winning at Pontoon
A Basic Overview
If you aren’t familiar with traditional blackjack, then it might be worth reading those rules first so that things here make a bit more sense. The idea of the game is the same: get a score as close to 21 as possible and beat the dealer’s hand. You cannot exceed 21 or you lose.
In normal blackjack, you place your bets blind, aka before the deal takes place. Thereafter, you have to play that hand: you’ll win or lose depending on the cards you draw and the dealer’s hand. In surrender, however, you have another weapon in your arsenal.
First of all, your two cards are dealt face up, while one of the dealer’s cards is dealt face down. Surrendering basically means cancelling your bet, or withdrawing from the round. You will receive half your bet back. The reason one might surrender is because, based on the value of the dealer’s visible card, your hand is unlikely to beat that of the dealer.
If you’re mathematically unlikely to win, it’s better to save half your stake than lose the whole thing. That’s the theory, anyway, and it’s been shown to improve the house edge by as much as 0.08-0.09%; a small amount, for sure, but better than nothing.
Strategy
As with all card games, statistics is hugely important. In fact, for all forms of blackjack, statistics is the only thing which matters at all. Basically what you want to do is wait for the hands to be dealt, examine your two cards as well as the dealer’s face-up card, and then make your decision on whether to stick, hit or surrender.
When it comes to surrender, there are two different forms: early and late surrender. Early surrender is very rarely found in casinos, but can improve the house edge when played. If this option is available, it means you can surrender your hand before the dealer checks for blackjack. Late surrender is much more common, and allows the player to surrender only after the dealer has checked for blackjack.
Is there a difference?
Absolutely. Check out this strategy by Wizards of Odds to learn the ins and outs of why. During gameplay, you’ll want to have their “grid” open and be making every decision based off of that; after all, it’s a game of statistics and that will give you the best possible chance of winning.
Conclusion
Wizard of Odds and Casino Blackjack both delve into fantastic detail on how to play (and why to play that way) if you’re interested in learning more about the strategy and theory behind successful Blackjack Surrender play. In any case, enjoy playing and we wish you luck!
Last updated