Pontoon is a variation of Blackjack, with some additional ways to win and the added benefits of bonus payout. The objective is to achieve a total that is greater than the dealer’s and which does not exceed 21. Pontoon is played with a modified deck from which the tens have been removed.

How to play Pontoon?

1. After placing a wager in the Betting box (an optional Bet in the Any Pair area may also be placed), each Player receives two cards from the Dealer, who is also dealt a card.
2. All hands that achieve Pontoon are paid at odds of 3-2 immediately regardless of the Dealer’s first card. Pontoon is achieved when your first two cards are an Ace plus any Jack, Queen or King. All Any Pair Bets are also settled.
3. In turn, each player now must decide whether or not to draw further cards. Players have the following options:
   • Double, you may place an additional Bet (not exceeding your original Bet) if your first two cards total 9,10 or 11 (without aces). You will only be dealt one additional card when you double.
   • Split any pair of the same face value to form two separate hands. You can not get Pontoon on split hands, they count as 21.
   • Draw further cards. To indicate that you wish to draw further cards just tap the table with your finger. Remember you don’t want to go over 21.
   • Stand on your two card total. To indicate that you wish to stand just wave your hand horizontally behind your Bet.

4. Once all Players have made their decisions the Dealer will complete their hand. The Dealer plays to a strict set of rules. Dealers must take another card if their hand totals 16 or less or has a soft total of 17 and stand on a hard 17 or more.

5. You win if your total is higher than the Dealer’s or if the Dealer ‘Busts’ (goes over 21). If your total is the same as the Dealer’s you have a stand off which means you neither win nor lose. If you go over 21 or your total is less than the Dealer’s then the Dealer wins.

6. All hands that achieve 21 are paid out immediately, regardless of the Dealer’s first card. Higher odds will be paid out on some wagers totalling 21, depending on the specific combination of cards that make up the total. Refer to the signs at the table or ask your table Dealer for more information.

Pontoon Terminology

Surrender: If the dealer has a Jack, Queen, King or Ace as their first card, Players have the option to ‘surrender’ half their original wager. Players may surrender at the completion of the initial deal. If any players elect to surrender no further cards should be dealt to that box. Should the dealer achieve Pontoon the surrender shall be void and the Player will lose their entire wager.

Forfeit: After doubling, a Player with a hand of less than 21, has the option to remove the doubled portion of their Bet and ‘forfeit’ their original wager.

Any Pair: An optional side Bet that wins if the first two cards dealt to a box are a pair, and is paid the odds of 11 to 1 regardless of colour or suit. Any Player may place an ‘Any Pair’ wager on any box where there are normal box Bets.