Sun International to launch exclusive new gaming option

Love blackjack? Electric 8s will bring even more excitement to the tables - Having pioneered modern casino gaming in southern Africa in the late 1970s, today, Sun International is the leading casino operator in the region. With a portfolio that includes a wide range of gaming operations, hotels, resorts, and online betting services, there is no time to rest on these laurels; Sun International continues to be at the forefront of gaming innovation.

It is in the process of launching a new table game, Electric 8s, a first for South Africa and exclusive to Sun International, which is played alongside traditional blackjack.

The game is a variation on the standard blackjack game, with a side bet that when triggered will give tables players even more chances to win. Players place their regular blackjack wager and have the option to add the Electric 8 side-bet before the cards are dealt. Based on the player’s first two cards, special payouts are awarded for eight combinations. Hitting a pair of eights triggers the Electric 8s bonus wheel for instant rewards.

The dealer plays last, and aims for eight, or to beat the players’ totals without going over.

At this stage, the Electric 8s side bet has been completed, and the dealer will now proceed with standard blackjack play, aiming for a total of 21 to beat the player.

Electric 8s first rolled out at Sun International properties across the country in October, with launches at Time Square in Pretoria and GrandWest in Cape Town on 30 October, and Carnival City in Johannesburg on 31 October, followed by Sun City in Rustenburg on 1 November.

Further launches continue throughout November at Flamingo Casino in Kimberley on 7 November, Windmill Casino in Bloemfontein on 8 November, Wild Coast Sun, near Port Edward on 13 November, Boardwalk Casino in Gqeberha on 14 November, and Meropa Casino in Polokwane on 15 November.

“We are constantly seeking to provide new ways to entertain our valued guests, and are excited to launch Electric 8s,” says Riaan Stoltz, Interim COO for Gaming at Sun International.

In traditional blackjack, the goal is to beat the dealer's hand by getting a total closer to 21 without going over. Players place a bet, are dealt two cards, and the dealer receives one card face up and one face down. Players choose to "hit" (take another card) or "stand" (keep their hand) to try and get closer to 21 than the dealer. 

With Electric 8s, most of these conventions are in place – placing the bet, two cards dealt, hit or stand – but this time players are chasing eights, not 21. A perfect 8 (hand of eight in two cards) is the first prize, more than eight is an automatic bust, with various side wagers in play.

The dealer plays last, and aims for eight, or to beat the players’ totals without going over.

Alongside all the current options at Sun International casinos, Electric 8s is set to take gaming options to a whole new level.