Electric 8s blackjack
Having pioneered modern casino gaming in southern Africa in the late 1970s, Sun International remains a dominant force in the region’s entertainment and hospitality industry. With a diverse portfolio of casinos, hotels, resorts, and online betting services, the group continues to push the boundaries of innovation in gaming.
Now, Sun International is introducing Electric 8s, a new table game that brings an exciting twist to traditional blackjack. Exclusive to Sun International and a first for South Africa, Electric 8s offers players a fresh and thrilling way to play.
The game is played alongside standard blackjack, featuring a special side bet that unlocks additional chances to win. Players place their regular blackjack wager and can choose 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 combinations that include the number eight.
Hitting a pair of eights triggers the Electric 8s bonus wheel, where instant rewards await lucky players.
“The dealer plays last and aims for eight, or to beat the players’ totals without going over,” explained Sun International. Once the Electric 8s side bet is completed, the dealer continues with the standard blackjack sequence, aiming for 21 to beat the player.
Electric 8s will make its debut across several Sun International properties: Time Square in Pretoria on 30 October, Carnival City in Johannesburg on 31 October, GrandWest in Cape Town on 30 October, and Sun City in Rustenburg on 1 November. Other casinos in the group will follow suit in November.
“We are constantly seeking to provide new ways to entertain our valued guests, and are excited to launch Electric 8s,” said Riaan Stoltz, Interim COO for Gaming at Sun International.
In traditional blackjack, players aim to beat the dealer’s hand by getting as close to 21 as possible without going over. With Electric 8s, however, the goal shifts — players are now chasing eights instead of 21. A perfect eight (achieved with two cards) is the top prize, while anything over eight is an automatic bust.
Blending familiar rules with innovative side bets, Electric 8s promises to take gaming entertainment to a whole new level reaffirming Sun International’s reputation as the leader in gaming excellence and innovation in South Africa.
