Casino blackjack is one of the most popular table games worldwide, valued for its blend of strategy, skill, and luck. While the traditional game is well-known, many players are curious about the side bets that have become increasingly common at both physical and online casino tables. These optional wagers add extra excitement and potential for big wins, but they also come with unique risks and considerations. This guide explores the most common blackjack side bets, how they work, their odds, and whether they’re right for your playing style.
What Are Blackjack Side Bets?
Blackjack side bets are additional wagers placed alongside the main game bet. They allow players to bet on specific outcomes or card combinations, separate from the standard aim of beating the dealer’s hand. Side bets can offer large payouts relative to the stake, but they generally come with a higher house edge than the main game.
For example, A side bet might reward you if your first two cards are a pair, or if your hand and the dealer’s upcard combine to make certain poker hands. These bets are typically resolved independently of the main blackjack hand, so you can win a side bet even if you lose the main game.
Why Do Casinos Offer Side Bets?
Casinos introduce side bets for several reasons:
- Increased Engagement: Side bets add variety and excitement, keeping players at the table longer.
- Higher House Edge: Most side bets favor the casino more than the main game, increasing potential profits.
- Bigger Payouts: The chance of a high payout attracts risk-tolerant players seeking larger wins.
For players, side bets offer a different type of thrill and the possibility of turning a small wager into a significant return. However, it’s important to understand the mechanics and odds before participating.
Popular Blackjack Side Bets Explained
There are many side bets available, each with its own rules and payout structure. Below are some of the most popular options found at both land-based and best casinos not on GamStop.
Perfect Pairs
The Perfect Pairs side bet focuses on whether your first two cards will form a pair. There are three types of pairs:
- Perfect Pair: Two identical cards in both rank and suit (e.g. two 8 of hearts).
- Coloured Pair: Two cards of the same rank and color but different suits (e.g. 8 of hearts and 8 of diamonds).
- Mixed Pair: Two cards of the same rank but different colors and suits (e.g. 8 of hearts and 8 of spades).
Payouts vary depending on the type of pair, with perfect pairs offering the highest rewards. The odds of landing a perfect pair are relatively low, which is reflected in the larger payout.
21+3
The 21+3 side bet combines elements of blackjack and poker. It pays out if your first two cards and the dealer’s upcard form a poker hand, such as:
- Straight Flush
- Three of a Kind
- Straight
- Flush
The rarer the hand, the higher the payout. This bet adds a unique twist to the game, as players can root for poker-style combinations while playing blackjack.
Insurance
Insurance is technically a side bet, offered when the dealer’s upcard is an Ace. You can wager up to half your original bet, and if the dealer has blackjack, the insurance bet pays 2:1. While it may seem like a way to protect your hand, statistically, insurance is not favorable to the player in the long run.
Royal Match
The Royal Match side bet pays if your first two cards are of the same suit (a “matched” hand), with an even bigger payout if those cards are a suited King and Queen (the “royal match”). This bet is less common but still found at some tables and online platforms.
Lucky Ladies
Lucky Ladies rewards players if their initial two cards total 20, with additional payouts for specific combinations, such as two Queen of Hearts. The highest payout is reserved for two Queen of Hearts when the dealer also has blackjack.
Other Common Side Bets
Many casinos and gambling sites not on GamStop offer proprietary or themed side bets, such as:
- Super Sevens: Pays for each 7 dealt as your first cards, with escalating payouts for multiple sevens.
- Buster Blackjack: Pays if the dealer busts, with bigger rewards for busting with more cards.
- Lucky Lucky: Pays for specific totals and suited combinations using your first two cards and the dealer’s upcard.
Each variant has its own rules, so it’s essential to read the paytable and understand the mechanics before betting.
How Do Blackjack Side Bets Work?
To place a side bet, you must first make a regular blackjack wager. Before cards are dealt, you can choose to place an additional chip (or chips) in the designated side bet area on the table. The dealer then deals the cards, and any qualifying side bets are paid out immediately, regardless of how the main hand plays out.
For example, If you place a 21+3 side bet and your cards plus the dealer’s upcard form a straight, you receive the corresponding payout even if you later lose your main blackjack hand.
Step-by-Step Example
Let’s walk through a typical scenario:
- You sit at a blackjack table and place your main bet.
- You also place a chip in the 21+3 side bet area.
- The dealer deals two cards to you and one upcard to themselves.
- Your cards are 7 of clubs and 8 of clubs; the dealer’s upcard is 6 of clubs.
- Together, these three cards make a straight flush. You win the 21+3 side bet payout.
- You continue to play your main blackjack hand as usual.
This structure allows side bets to add an extra layer of excitement to every deal.
Odds and House Edge: What to Expect
While side bets can be tempting, it’s important to recognize that they usually carry a higher house edge than the main blackjack game. The house edge is the casino’s statistical advantage over the player, and it can vary significantly between side bets.
- Perfect Pairs: House edge typically ranges from 2% to over 10%, depending on the payout structure.
- 21+3: House edge can be as high as 7% or more, depending on the variant and deck count.
- Insurance: The house edge is around 7.5% in a standard six-deck game.
- Other Bets: Some proprietary or themed side bets can have house edges exceeding 10%.
In contrast, basic blackjack strategy can reduce the house edge of the main game to below 1%. This means side bets are generally less favorable for long-term play, and are best enjoyed as occasional entertainment rather than a consistent betting strategy.
Should You Play Blackjack Side Bets?
Deciding whether to place side bets depends on your goals and risk tolerance. Here are some factors to consider:
- Entertainment Value: Side bets can make the game more exciting, especially if you enjoy chasing big payouts.
- Risk vs Reward: The higher house edge means you’re less likely to win over the long term, but the potential for large wins can be appealing.
- Bankroll Management: Because side bets are riskier, it’s wise to keep them to a small portion of your overall betting budget.
- Skill Factor: Most side bets are based on luck rather than skill, so they don’t reward strategic play in the same way as the main game.
If you’re playing for fun and can afford the extra risk, side bets can enhance your experience. However, if your goal is to maximize your chances of winning, it’s usually better to focus on the main game and use basic strategy.
Where to Find Blackjack Side Bets Online
Most modern online casinos offer a range of blackjack side bets, often with detailed explanations and paytables available within the game interface. If you’re looking for a broader selection, some of the