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Guide

Microgaming’s European Online Blackjack

Updated Written for New Zealand players

Microgaming is recognised as a leader in the casino software industry – many insiders consider them the best developer in the world. All their titles are excellent, including the range of online Blackjack variations that they offer. One of the best-loved and most classic versions is European Blackjack.

SlotLounge casino lobby on desktop

Blackjack’s History

For most people, European land-based, desktop and mobile Blackjack is the version that they think of first. This is the original format, and other variations developed as the game spread to America and around the rest of the world.

Casinos that hold accounts in New Zealand dollars

12 operators that hold accounts in New Zealand dollars. Each entry shows the deposit minimum, the wagering on the welcome offer and where the licence sits.

Listing checked

  1. 1SlotLounge Casino logo

    SlotLounge Casino

    Up to NZ$22,500 + 350 free spins over 4 deposits

    • Deposits from NZ$30
    • Wagering 40x
    • Online since 2025
    Terms and operator

    Published welcome terms: Up to NZ$22,500 + 350 free spins over 4 deposits, wagering 40x, minimum deposit NZ$30

    Operator: Hollycorn N.V. (OCD); other sources: Stable Tech N.V.

    Payments and games

    Game studios: Evolution Gaming, NetEnt, Playtech, Yggdrasil Gaming, Quickspin, Red Tiger Gaming, Nolimit City, Push Gaming

  2. 2SlotsMafia Casino logo

    SlotsMafia Casino

    Welcome package up to NZ$37,500 + 350 free spins

    • Deposits from NZ$20
    • Wagering 50x
    • Online since 2024
    Terms and operator

    Published welcome terms: Welcome package up to NZ$37,500 + 350 free spins, wagering 50x, minimum deposit NZ$20

    Operator: Hollycorn N.V.

    Payments and games

    Game studios: Games Global, Pragmatic Play, Playtech, Yggdrasil Gaming, Quickspin, Hacksaw Gaming, Relax Gaming, Betsoft

  3. 3DragonSlots logo

    DragonSlotsTakes bitcoin

    Up to NZ$8,000 + 700 free spins over 4 deposits

    • Deposits from NZ$20
    • Wagering 40x
    • Bitcoin withdrawals 3–5 minutes
    • Online since 2024
    Terms and operator

    Published welcome terms: Up to NZ$8,000 + 700 free spins over 4 deposits, wagering 40x, minimum deposit NZ$20

    Operator: TechSolutions Group N.V. (reviews); AskGamblers now lists Lumora Digital Ltd

    Payments and games

    Deposit methods: Visa, MasterCard, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Bank Transfer, Flexepin, Revolut, Bitcoin

  4. 4Granawin logo

    GranawinTakes bitcoin

    100% up to NZ$200 + 120 free spins

    • Deposits from NZ$30
    • Wagering 40x
    • Bitcoin withdrawals 3–5 minutes
    • Online since 2024
    Terms and operator

    Published welcome terms: 100% up to NZ$200 + 120 free spins, wagering 40x, minimum deposit NZ$30

    Operator: TechSolutions Group N.V.

    Payments and games

    Deposit methods: Visa, MasterCard, Skrill, Neteller, Paysafecard, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Bank Transfer

  5. 5N1Bet Casino logo

    N1Bet CasinoTakes bitcoin

    Up to NZ$10,000 + 200 free spins over 4 deposits

    • Deposits from NZ$30
    • Wagering 50x
    • Licence: Curacao
    • Bitcoin withdrawals Instant
    Terms and operator

    Published welcome terms: Up to NZ$10,000 + 200 free spins over 4 deposits, wagering 50x, minimum deposit NZ$30

    Licence on file: Curacao

    Operator: Stable Tech N.V. (Curacao)

    Payments and games

    Deposit methods: Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, Neosurf, Skrill, Neteller, Paysafecard, Bank Transfer

    Game studios: Evolution Gaming, NetEnt, Games Global, Pragmatic Play, Play'n GO, Playtech, Yggdrasil Gaming, Quickspin

  6. 6Godz Casino logo

    Godz CasinoTakes bitcoin

    300% up to NZ$15,000 + 300 free spins

    • Deposits from NZ$25
    • Wagering 35x
    • Bitcoin withdrawals 3–5 minutes
    • Online since 2026
    Terms and operator

    Published welcome terms: 300% up to NZ$15,000 + 300 free spins, wagering 35x, minimum deposit NZ$25

    Operator: Spinstack Solutions S.R.L. (AskGamblers); another source: Dreamventures SRL

    Payments and games

    Deposit methods: Visa, MasterCard, Skrill, Neteller, MiFinity, Bitcoin, Ethereum

  7. 7Bizzo Casino logo

    Bizzo CasinoTakes bitcoin

    Welcome package up to NZ$2,500 + 125 free spins

    • Deposits from NZ$25
    • Wagering 40x
    • Licence: Curacao
    • Bitcoin withdrawals Instant
    Terms and operator

    Published welcome terms: Welcome package up to NZ$2,500 + 125 free spins, wagering 40x, minimum deposit NZ$25

    Licence on file: Curacao

    Operator: TechSolutions Group N.V.

    Payments and games

    Deposit methods: Visa, MasterCard, Skrill, Neteller, Paysafecard, Jeton, MiFinity, Flexepin

    Game studios: Games Global, Pragmatic Play, Playtech, Yggdrasil Gaming, Quickspin, Red Tiger Gaming, Big Time Gaming, Nolimit City

  8. 8SlotRave logo

    SlotRaveTakes bitcoin

    Up to NZ$5,000 + 150 free spins over 4 deposits

    • Deposits from NZ$10
    • Wagering 40x
    • Bitcoin withdrawals Instant
    • Online since 2025
    Terms and operator

    Published welcome terms: Up to NZ$5,000 + 150 free spins over 4 deposits, wagering 40x, minimum deposit NZ$10

    Operator: TechSolutions Group N.V. (reviews); AskGamblers lists Galan Operations SRL

    Payments and games

    Deposit methods: Visa, MasterCard, Neosurf, Skrill, Neteller, Paysafecard, Apple Pay, MuchBetter

  9. 922bet Casino logo

    22bet CasinoTakes bitcoin

    100% up to NZ$500

    • Wagering 50x
    • Licence: Canada: Kahnawake Gaming Commission
    • Bitcoin withdrawals Instant
    • Online since 2017
    Terms and operator

    Published welcome terms: 100% up to NZ$500, wagering 50x

    Licence on file: Canada: Kahnawake Gaming Commission

    Operator: TechSolutions Group N.V. / Marikit Holdings Ltd

    Payments and games

    Deposit methods: Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, Neosurf, Skrill, Skrill 1-Tap, Neteller, Paysafecard

    Game studios: Evolution Gaming, NetEnt, Microgaming, Games Global, Pragmatic Play, Play'n GO, Quickspin, Red Tiger Gaming

  10. 10All Slots Casino logo

    All Slots Casino

    100% welcome package up to NZ$1,500

    • Deposits from NZ$5
    • Wagering 35x
    • Licence: Malta Gaming Authority
    • Skrill withdrawals 0–2 hours
    Terms and operator

    Published welcome terms: 100% welcome package up to NZ$1,500, wagering 35x, minimum deposit NZ$5

    Licence on file: Malta Gaming Authority

    Operator: Baytree Interactive Ltd (69691), Guernsey

    Payments and games

    Deposit methods: Visa, MasterCard, Maestro, Neosurf, Skrill, Skrill 1-Tap, Neteller, Paysafecard

    Game studios: Evolution Gaming, NetEnt, Microgaming, Games Global, Pragmatic Play, Red Tiger Gaming, Big Time Gaming, ISoftBet

  11. 11BitStarz Casino logo

    BitStarz CasinoTakes bitcoin

    Welcome package up to NZ$2,000 + 180 free spins

    • Deposits from NZ$20
    • Wagering 40x
    • Licence: Curacao
    • Bitcoin withdrawals Instant
    Terms and operator

    Published welcome terms: Welcome package up to NZ$2,000 + 180 free spins, wagering 40x, minimum deposit NZ$20

    Licence on file: Curacao

    Payments and games

    Deposit methods: Visa, Visa Credit, MasterCard, Maestro, Neosurf, Skrill, Neteller, Paysafecard

    Game studios: Evolution Gaming, NetEnt, Microgaming, Pragmatic Play, Play'n GO, Playtech, Yggdrasil Gaming, Quickspin

  12. 12Betway Casino logo

    Betway CasinoTakes bitcoin

    100% up to NZ$500 on each of first 4 deposits

    • Deposits from NZ$20
    • Wagering 50x
    • Licence: Malta Gaming Authority
    • Bitcoin withdrawals Instant
    Terms and operator

    Published welcome terms: 100% up to NZ$500 on each of first 4 deposits, wagering 50x, minimum deposit NZ$20

    Licence on file: Malta Gaming Authority

    Payments and games

    Deposit methods: Visa, Visa Electron, MasterCard, Maestro, POLi, Neosurf, Skrill, Skrill 1-Tap

    Game studios: Evolution Gaming, NetEnt, Microgaming, Games Global, Pragmatic Play, Play'n GO, Big Time Gaming, Hacksaw Gaming

Reference listing for readers aged 20 and over. These operators are based offshore and hold no New Zealand licence — the Department of Internal Affairs issues the first local licences from 1 December 2026. Figures are the terms the operators publish and change without notice. Help with gambling: gamblinghelpline.co.nz, 0800 654 655.

In brick-and-mortar establishments and online Blackjack is also often simply called Twenty-One. Not only is this a reference to the fact that the aim is to get a hand total of 21 and to beat the dealer without going any higher, it also harks back to earlier European games. Predecessors in Germany and France, for example, were called Einundzwanzig and Vingt-et-Un respectively, both of which mean Twenty-One.

Essentially, the game started in the noble homes of European aristocrats during the 17th century. As cards became more accepted Twenty-One spread to the lower classes, and was taken to the New World by early American settlers.

American vs. European Games

The larger payouts for a natural Blackjack hand originated in the United States but have now also been adopted for European desktop, land-based and mobile Blackjack. While Vegas Strip, Atlantic City and other versions all have slightly different rules, the biggest distinction between European and American games is when the dealer’s second card is dealt.

In European card play, the dealer gets only 1 card, which faces up, until all participants have made their first move. For American versions, both dealer cards are put down at once, along with players’ hands, before any other action is taken. That means players in American online Blackjack, and brick-and-mortar, the dealer can “peek” if their hole card is an Ace, face or 10 card. In that case, they have Blackjack, and the round ends before players bet and lose more money. In other words, the European original is a little more challenging – but very rewarding!

The Microgaming Advantage

With any game that involves online betting NZ players are in for a treat if it’s a Microgaming release. In the case of European Twenty-One, they can enjoy crisp and realistic graphics, and wager anywhere from 1 to 1000 credits on each hand. The authentic background music further enhances the atmosphere.

Two 52-card decks are used, and the results are created with Random Number Generation software that is independently audited and certified. If the dealer’s initial card is an Ace you can op to take the insurance side bet, which will pay you out 2:1 if they have a hand of 21. The other payouts are the conventional 3:2 if you get exactly 21 yourself, and 1:1 if you win with any other hand.

Where to Play

If Microgaming’s take on European Twenty-One sounds appealing to you, we suggest you try this version of online Blackjack at Lucky Nugget and Spin Palace. Not only will you get to enjoy this perfectly executed game, you’ll get to play in some of the safest and fairest environments, with some of the most generous bonuses, that are available for online betting NZ!

Further reading here

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