Blackjack

Blackjack is SKYCITY Darwin's most popular Table Game. It’s a fun and exciting game. Have a go and you’ll soon see why it’s so popular.

The objective of Blackjack is to achieve a total that is greater than that of the dealer, but not more than 21.

How it works

Blackjack is played with up to eight decks of playing cards. Before the dealer deals the cards, you place your bet in the betting area (box) provided. The dealer will deal two cards to each player and one to themselves. Then they will offer each player in turn the opportunity to ‘draw’ additional cards.

When the dealer points to your cards, you may draw extra cards by making a tapping motion on the table behind your bet. If you don’t want any more cards, simply make a horizontal waving motion behind your bet. Players may 'stand' (i.e, not draw an additional card) where their cards total 12 or more.

At the end of a round, if you get the same total as the dealer (called a “Push” or “stand-off”), you keep your bet.

If you get more than 21 (bust) or get less than the dealer, then the dealer wins. If you have a higher total than the dealer or if the dealer’s total exceeds 21 (busts), then you win.

In Blackjack, Jacks, Queens and Kings are each worth 10 and Aces are worth 1 or 11, whichever is to your advantage. All other cards are worth their face value. Suits do not apply in Blackjack.

The best hand that you can have is called a “Blackjack”. This is achieved if the first two cards dealt to you are an Ace and any Jack, Queen, King or ten.

Additional bets

There are a few occasions when you may bet extra money in the middle of a round of play as outlined below.

Doubling

If your first two cards do not contain an Ace, you may place an additional bet up to the value of your original bet before you draw a third card. You will be dealt only one additional card when you double.

Splitting

If your first two cards are of equal value, you may split these to form up to three separate hands. Aces may be split to form only two hands. You must place a wager equal to your original bet on each separate hand. You'll then receive an additional card(s) for each hand. If the dealer obtains a Blackjack, only your original bet will be lost and the doubling/splitting portion is considered a stand-off.

Insurance

If the first card dealt to the dealer is an Ace, the dealer will announce ‘Insurance’. You may then place an insurance bet of no more than half your original bet to insure your hand should the dealer achieve a blackjack. An insurance bet is paid at odds of 2 to 1 and will only win if the dealer achieve a blackjack. If the dealer does not achieve a blackjack the insurance bet is lost.

Perfect Pairs

This is a side bet on your hand that will win if the first two cards dealt are a mixed pair, a colour pair or, best of all, an exact match (ie. a 'perfect pair’).

Bets and Odds

In Blackjack, winning bets are paid even money. If you get a “Blackjack”, you will be paid at odds of up to 3 to 2 (1 ½ times your bet), e.g. on a $10 bet, you win $15. Please note: some tables have lower odds.

PERFECT PAIR 25 TO 1
(same value, same suit)

COLOURED PAIR 12 TO 1
(same value, same colour, different suit)

MIXED PAIR 5 TO 1
(same value, different colour)

The Blackjack Table Layout

To join in the action, simply place any cash on the table and the dealer will exchange it for gaming chips – then you’re ready to go! After playing, go to the cashier to change any winnings back to cash or take them to another table to continue the fun.

Table Limits

Blackjack tables have varying minimum and maximum bets. Before you sit down, please check the sign displaying the betting range at the table.

Good Luck … and Remember

As with all Table Games, if you are not sure about a bet or the rules of the game, just ask one of our friendly Table Games staff for assistance. They will be happy to explain anything about the game that you may not understand or provide you with further information in relation to the rules.

Play Responsibly

SKYCITY prides itself on being a responsible host. As such, we would encourage you to play only at levels you can afford. Remember - you must be aged 18 years or older to enter the gaming areas of SKYCITY.