How to Play Treasury 21
How to Play Treasury 21: Part 1
No 10s? No Problem! How to Play Treasury 21
Treasury 21 is a variant of Pontoon played exclusively at Treasury Casino (The Star Brisbane) in Queensland, Australia. If you are familiar with the bonus payout system of Spanish 21 and understand the Busted Bets plus One (BB+1) rule used at some Australian blackjack tables, you will quickly grasp how this game works. Treasury 21 merges both features to offer a fun and rewarding experience.
This guide explains how to play Treasury 21 and how the BB+1 rule works.
What Is Treasury 21?
Treasury 21 is a variant of Australian Pontoon played with six Spanish 21 decks. Each deck contains 48 cards because the 10s have been removed. The objective is to reach a hand total of 21 or get close enough to beat the dealer.
The game also uses a No Hole Card rule. The dealer starts with one card face up and only receives a second card after all players have completed their actions. Because No Hole Card creates uncertainty, the game includes a protection rule called Busted Bets plus One (BB+1).
BB+1 Rule Explained
BB+1 states that if the dealer gets a natural Pontoon and a player busts (goes over 21), the player loses:
- The busted wager, plus
- One additional unit from hands that involve doubles or split actions
All other wagers you have played are returned to you.
Treasury 21 Rules
- Double Down: Players can double down on any card.
- Splitting: Players can split only once.
- DAS: Doubling after splitting is allowed.
- No Hole Card: Dealer only receives a second card after players finish (BB+1 applies).
- Surrender: Not permitted.
- Soft 17: Dealers must stick (stand) on soft 17.
- Re-splitting: Not permitted.
- Double Down Rescue: If you double down and do not like the card you get, you can remove the additional bet but forfeit the original bet.
How to Play Treasury 21 at The Star Brisbane
Follow these steps to play Treasury 21:
- Visit The Star Brisbane: Locate a table in the casino in Queensland.
- Place Your Wager: Receive your cards while the dealer maintains one face-up card.
- Check for Pontoon: If you have a natural Pontoon, you win immediately.
- Take Action: - Twist: Request another card face up.
- Stick: Keep your cards and end your turn.
- Buy a Card: Request an extra card face down by placing an additional bet.
- Split: Split a pair one time.
- Dealer Action: After all players complete their turns, the dealer receives a second card.
- Compare Hands: You win if you make 21 or finish closer to 21 than the dealer. If there is a tie, you win.
Treasury 21 House Edge
Treasury 21 has a house edge of 0.41%, which is about 0.09% lower than traditional blackjack (0.5%) under common comparisons.
Treasury 21 Payouts
Treasury 21 payouts are grouped into three categories: 21 payouts, bonus payouts for 7-7-7 or 6-7-8, and a super bonus payout for suited sevens.
21 Payouts
| 21 Hand | Payout |
|---|---|
| Five-card 21 | 3:2 |
| Six-card 21 | 2:1 |
| Seven-card 21 | 3:1 |
| Other wins | 1:1 |
Bonus Payouts
| Hand | Payout |
|---|---|
| 7-7-7 or 6-7-8 (mixed suits) | 3:2 |
| 7-7-7 or 6-7-8 (same suit) | 2:1 |
| 7-7-7 or 6-7-8 (spades) | 3:1 |
Super Bonus Payout
If you make 21 with three sevens (7-7-7) and the dealer’s up-card is also a seven:
- $5 - $24 Wager: You receive $1,000.
- $25+ Wager: You receive $5,000.
- Envy Bonus: A $50 envy bonus is paid to all other players.
Tips for Playing Treasury 21
The BB+1 rule gives you a splitting and doubling advantage since you will only lose one extra unit from your action-related bets if the dealer has a natural.
- Twist and Split: Improve your hand efficiently, especially when aiming for five-card 21 bonuses.
- Rescue Wisely: Use Double Down Rescue when you draw a low-value card against a strong dealer card (9, 10, or Ace).
FAQs
Can I play Treasury 21 online?
No. Treasury 21 is available only at The Star Brisbane in Queensland, Australia.
Is Treasury 21 a blackjack variant?
Not exactly. It is a variant of Australian Pontoon. Can I play Treasury 21 online? Currently, no. This specific variant is exclusive to The Star Brisbane in Queensland.
Is it better than regular Blackjack? If you enjoy bonus payouts for long hands (5, 6, or 7 cards), Treasury 21 provides more "big win" opportunities than standard blackjack.