Blackjack Side Bets

Blackjack Side Bets: All Betting Options Explained

Blackjack side bets can add an extra layer of fun to any session, meaning that players are looking out for various combinations and card values before making decisions about whether to hit, stand, double-down, split, or surrender. These blackjack side bets come with a variety of different rules and potential winnings, allowing players to find one that matches their preferences.

We cover the most popular blackjack side bets in this guide, while also looking at some more unique betting options that users may experience when they play blackjack online or at a physical casino!

What Are Blackjack Side Bets?Most Popular Blackjack Side Bets Other Blackjack Side Bets Are Blackjack Side Bets Worth It?Play Blackjack Online FAQs

Blackjack side bets are extra wagers you can place apart from your main bet at the table. These optional bets add new card combinations to look out for when playing the classic card game. It's worth mentioning that blackjack side bets do not affect your main hand and often, they are settled immediately before each player makes their decision.

Most casinos offer several betting alternatives that spice up traditional blackjack with fresh wagering options. Players can choose one or more bonus bets based on the table's rules and of course, on their own playing style.

While there are plenty of different side betting options, particularly when playing at online blackjack tables, there are three that stand out from the crowd!

Insurance

Insurance is the most common side bet in blackjack. Players can make this extra wager if the dealer shows an ace. The bet pays 2:1 if the dealer has blackjack, which of course, means that players will lose their hands unless they have a blackjack as well.

The insurance bet costs half of your initial wager, meaning that if players take the wager and the dealer shows an ace, they will not make a loss on their main bet.

Perfect Pairs

Another type of side bet that is usually offered at both physical and online blackjack tables is Perfect Pairs. This popular side bet focuses on your first two cards and pays out if they match in rank and suit.

Just like with most other types of blackjack side bets, Perfect Pairs can award at different rates depending on the table rules. However, the most common are:

Mixed Pair (10 of hearts and 10 of clubs) - 6 to 1, or 7x the stake size
Coloured pair (10 of hearts and 10 of diamonds) - 12 to 1, or 13x the stake size
Perfect Pair (Both cards are the 10 of hearts) - 25 to 1, or 26x the stake size

In virtually all cases, the actual value of the card will not change the potential winnings associated with a Perfect Pairs side bet, meaning that a pair of 2s would award the same as a pair of 10s.

21+3

This popular blackjack side bet uses your first two cards plus the dealer's up card to create a three-card poker hand. Players aim for winning combinations like three-of-a-kind, straight flush, or other poker hands.

In terms of payouts, it will depend on the specific poker hand you created. However, many tables offer the following odds:

5 to 1 for a Flush (Three cards of the same suit)
10 to 1 for a Straight (Three cards that run consecutively)
30 to 1 for Three of a Kind (Three cards that are the same)
40 to 1 for a Straight Flush (Three cards that are the same suit and run consecutively)

Many players enjoy this side bet because it adds poker elements to their blackjack game without changing the main strategy.

There are plenty of other blackjack side bets for players to look out for too, including the likes of:

Royal Match

Royal Match is a simple yet entertaining blackjack side bet that pays when your first two cards are the same suit. Players win if their initial cards match in suit, with higher potential winnings for a "Royal Match", which is when you get a King and a Queen of the same suit.

Typically, regularly matching suits will award at the rate of 2 to 1, while a "Royal Match" can award at 25 to 1.

Lucky Ladies

This bet pays out if your first two cards total 20, with the potential winnings changing depending on the exact combination. As the name suggests, a pair of queens will award at a higher rate than a random pair of 10-value cards, for example.

It's worth mentioning that most blackjack games feature different payouts for this wager, so checking the rules and paytable for each variation is recommended when opting for the Lucky Ladies side bet.

Buster Blackjack

With a Buster Blackjack side bet, players are placing an additional wager on whether the dealer will bust during a hand. This side bet is marked as a successful one if the dealer draws too many cards and goes over 21.

As for the potential winnings, these are determined by how many cards the dealer took before busting, with more cards increasing the possible payout.

Side bets can be a fun way to spice up blackjack games, but they come with a catch. The main problem with these wagers is their high house edge, which is often 5% or greater, as opposed to around 0.5% when playing basic strategy at the blackjack table.

You might enjoy placing these optional side wagers for entertainment purposes, but chances are that your bankroll will last longer if you stick mainly to basic blackjack bets.

Of course, you should always make sure that you know the rules associated with different blackjack side bets before placing a wager on them, while also making sure that you set limits before any session and stick to them.

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What are blackjack side bets?

Blackjack side bets are additional wagers that players can place on different outcomes. These do not influence the main game and will typically be settled before the player starts their hand.

Which blackjack side bets are the most popular?

The most popular blackjack side bets are insurance, perfect pairs, and 21 + 3, all of which are offered at most physical and online blackjack tables.

Should you play blackjack side bets?

Whether you decide to play blackjack side bets or not is completely up to your playstyle. Typically, these side bets will come with a higher house edge. However, they can be great for adding extra entertainment to your game.

Where is the best place to play blackjack online?

The best place to play blackjack online is right here at BetVictor. We have a huge range of blackjack titles to choose from, alongside a variety of different bonuses that can be used by both new and existing customers!