Blackjack has long been a favourite among casino enthusiasts for its blend of strategy and luck. While the core game itself offers plenty of excitement, many players are drawn to the additional thrill provided by side bets. These optional wagers can add a new dimension to the classic game, offering the potential for larger payouts and unique betting opportunities. Whether you play at land-based venues, online platforms, or even at non GamStop casinos, understanding the best blackjack side bets can help you make more informed decisions at the table.
This article explores the most popular and rewarding blackjack side bets, explaining how each works, their odds, and what you should consider before placing these wagers.
What Are Blackjack Side Bets?
Blackjack side bets are optional wagers that players can place in addition to their main hand bet. These bets typically focus on specific outcomes that are separate from the standard goal of beating the dealer’s hand. Side bets are usually resolved independently of the main game, meaning you can win a side bet even if you lose your main hand, and vice versa.
The appeal of side bets lies in their potential for high payouts, often at the cost of higher house edges. They add variety, excitement, and sometimes substantial rewards to the gameplay experience.
Why Play Blackjack Side Bets?
Players are drawn to side bets for several reasons:
- Higher Payouts: Side bets often offer much larger returns than standard blackjack hands, sometimes reaching 100:1 or more.
- Added Excitement: The anticipation of rare outcomes, such as matching pairs or specific card combinations, can make the game more engaging.
- Variety: Side bets introduce new strategies and outcomes, keeping the gameplay fresh for regular players.
- Quick Results: Most side bets are resolved as soon as the initial cards are dealt, providing instant feedback and potential winnings.
However, it’s important to remember that side bets generally come with a higher house edge compared to the main game. They should be approached as fun, optional extras rather than a primary means of winning.
Most Popular Blackjack Side Bets
Several side bets have become staples at both brick-and-mortar and online casinos. Each has its own rules, odds, and potential payouts. Here are some of the best and most widely played blackjack side bets.
1. Perfect Pairs
The Perfect Pairs side bet focuses on the first two cards dealt to the player. If these two cards form a pair, the player wins the side bet. There are three types of pairs, each with different payouts:
- Perfect Pair: Two identical cards of the same rank and suit (e.g. two 7 of hearts). This usually pays 25:1 or higher.
- Coloured Pair: Two cards of the same rank and colour but different suits (e.g. 7 of hearts and 7 of diamonds). This typically pays 12:1.
- Mixed Pair: Two cards of the same rank but different colours and suits (e.g. 7 of hearts and 7 of clubs). This pays around 6:1.
Perfect Pairs is popular due to its simplicity and the excitement of seeing matching cards. However, the odds of hitting a perfect pair are low, so wins can be infrequent.
2. 21+3
The 21+3 side bet combines elements of blackjack and poker. It pays out if the player’s first two cards and the dealer’s upcard form a poker hand of three cards. Common qualifying hands include:
- Suited Three of a Kind: Three cards of the same rank and suit (e.g. three 7 of spades).
- Straight Flush: Three consecutive cards of the same suit (e.g. 7, 8, 9 of clubs).
- Three of a Kind: Three cards of the same rank.
- Straight: Three consecutive cards of mixed suits.
- Flush: Three cards of the same suit.
Payouts vary by casino, but suited three of a kind often pays 100:1, with lower payouts for other combinations. The 21+3 bet adds an extra layer of anticipation to the initial deal.
3. Insurance
Insurance is a classic side bet offered when the dealer’s upcard is an Ace. Players can bet up to half their main wager that the dealer has blackjack. If the dealer does, the insurance bet pays 2:1.
While insurance may sound appealing, it is generally considered a poor value for most players due to the high house edge. It functions more as a safety net for those wary of losing to a dealer blackjack.
4. Lucky Ladies
The Lucky Ladies side bet rewards players if their first two cards total 20. The highest payout is for two Queen of Hearts, which typically pays 100:1. Other combinations of 20 (such as two 10s or a King and a Jack) offer smaller payouts.
This side bet is easy to understand and can be enticing for players who enjoy chasing big wins. However, the odds of landing the top payout are slim.
5. Royal Match
Royal Match pays when the player’s first two cards are of the same suit. There are two payout levels:
- Royal Match: King and Queen of the same suit, often paying 25:1.
- Easy Match: Any two suited cards, typically paying 5:2.
This bet is straightforward and offers reasonable chances of a small win, with the potential for a much larger payout if you land the royal match.
6. Super Sevens
Super Sevens is all about the number seven. Players win if their first card is a seven, and the payout increases dramatically if they receive additional sevens in subsequent cards (as long as they continue to hit). The highest payouts are for three sevens of the same suit.
This side bet is more common in games where multiple cards are dealt to the player, and it can offer substantial rewards for rare outcomes.
7. Buster Blackjack
Buster Blackjack pays out if the dealer busts, with higher payouts for the number of cards involved in the bust. For example, If the dealer busts with eight or more cards, the payout can be as high as 250:1, depending on the casino’s rules.
This side bet adds suspense to every dealer hand, especially when the dealer draws multiple cards.
How Blackjack Side Bets Work in Practice
To place a side bet, you simply put a chip on the designated area of the table before the cards are dealt. Each side bet has its own marked spot, and you can choose to play one or several at once, depending on the table rules.
Once the initial cards are dealt, the dealer resolves all side bets before continuing with the main blackjack hand. If you win a side bet, you receive your payout immediately; if not, your side bet is lost, but you still play your main hand as normal.
House Edge and Payout Considerations
While the payouts for side bets can be eye-catching, it’s important to understand the house edge associated with each one. Side bets are generally designed to favour the house more than the main blackjack game. For example:
- Perfect Pairs: House edge can range from 2% to over 10%, depending on the variant.
- 21+3: House edge typically falls between 3% and 8%.
- Lucky Ladies: House edge is often above 17%, making it one of the riskier bets.
- Buster Blackjack: House edge varies widely, from 6% to 12% or more.
For comparison, the main blackjack game played with basic strategy often has a house edge below 1%. This means that while side bets can be fun and occasionally lucrative, they are not the best option for players looking to maximise their odds of winning in the long run.
Tips for Playing Blackjack Side Bets
If you decide to include side bets in your blackjack sessions, keep these practical tips in mind:
- Set a Budget: Treat side bets as entertainment and only wager what you can afford to lose.
- Understand the Odds: Familiarise yourself with the house edge and payout structure before placing a side bet.
- Don’t Chase Losses: Side bets are high-variance wagers; avoid increasing your bets to recover losses.
- Play for Fun: Enjoy the extra excitement side bets bring, but don’t rely on them as your main strategy.