Blackjack is a classic casino game that has captivated players for generations, thanks to its blend of skill, strategy, and chance. While the main game itself offers plenty of excitement, many players are drawn to the array of side bets that can add extra layers of intrigue and potential rewards. Understanding the best blackjack side bets can help you make informed decisions and enhance your overall experience at both land-based and online casinos.
If you’re exploring new ways to enjoy blackjack, especially at gambling sites without GamStop restrictions, side bets are worth considering. This article covers the most popular blackjack side bets, how they work, their odds, and what you should consider before placing them.
What Are Blackjack Side Bets?
Blackjack side bets are optional wagers placed alongside your main blackjack bet. These bets focus on specific outcomes or combinations of cards, usually involving your initial two cards and sometimes the dealer’s upcard. Side bets can offer the chance for larger payouts than standard blackjack hands, but they also come with higher house edges.
Unlike the main game, where skill and strategy can influence the outcome, side bets are almost entirely based on luck. This makes them appealing for those looking for a quick thrill or the possibility of a big win from a small stake.
Why Play Blackjack Side Bets?
There are several reasons why players might choose to place side bets in blackjack:
- Potential for Big Wins: Side bets often offer much larger payouts than regular blackjack hands, sometimes up to 100:1 or more.
- Extra Excitement: They add another dimension to the game, keeping things fresh and engaging.
- Variety: With many different types of side bets available, players can experiment with different options to find their favourites.
However, it’s important to remember that side bets generally have a higher house edge than the main game. They should be approached as a form of entertainment rather than a reliable way to win.
The Most Popular Blackjack Side Bets
There are dozens of blackjack side bets available, but a handful have become especially popular both in brick-and-mortar casinos and online platforms. Here’s a closer look at some of the best-known and most widely played options.
1. Perfect Pairs
Perfect Pairs is one of the simplest and most common blackjack side bets. It focuses on the first two cards dealt to the player, rewarding specific types of pairs:
- Perfect Pair: Two identical cards (same rank and suit), e.g. two 8 of hearts.
- Coloured Pair: Two cards of the same rank and colour but different suits, e.g. 8 of hearts and 8 of diamonds.
- Mixed Pair: Two cards of the same rank but different colours and suits, e.g. 8 of hearts and 8 of clubs.
Payouts vary but are typically around:
- Perfect Pair: 25:1
- Coloured Pair: 12:1
- Mixed Pair: 6:1
This bet is easy to understand and offers the potential for a significant payout, but the odds of hitting a perfect pair are relatively low.
2. 21+3
The 21+3 side bet combines elements of blackjack and poker. It’s based on your first two cards and the dealer’s upcard, forming a three-card poker hand. The possible winning combinations are:
- Suited Trips: 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 (e.g. three kings, any suits).
- Straight: Three consecutive cards, any suits (e.g. 5-6-7 of mixed suits).
- Flush: Three cards of the same suit, any order (e.g. 2, 6, and 10 of hearts).
Typical payouts range from 5:1 for a flush to 100:1 for suited trips, depending on the casino’s paytable. This side bet appeals to those who enjoy poker-style hands and the chance for high payouts.
3. Insurance
Insurance is a classic blackjack side bet offered when the dealer’s upcard is an ace. You can bet up to half your original stake that the dealer has blackjack. If the dealer does, the insurance bet pays 2:1.
While this bet can seem tempting as a way to protect your hand, it’s generally considered a poor value for most players. Statistically, the odds are not in your favour, and over time, insurance bets tend to cost more than they pay out.
4. Lucky Ladies
Lucky Ladies is a side bet that rewards players for getting a total of 20 with their first two cards. The highest payout is for two queen of hearts (the “Lucky Ladies”), but other combinations of 20 can also win:
- Two Queen of Hearts: 200:1 (if the dealer also has blackjack, this can jump to 1,000:1 in some games)
- Matched 20: Two cards of the same rank and suit, not queens of hearts (25:1)
- Suited 20: Two cards of the same suit (10:1)
- Any 20: Any two cards totalling 20 (4:1)
This bet is popular for its large top prize, but the odds of hitting the highest payout are extremely slim.
5. Royal Match
Royal Match is a classic side bet that pays if your first two cards are of the same suit (a “matched” hand). The biggest payout is for a suited king and queen, known as a “Royal Match.”
- Royal Match (King and Queen of same suit): 25:1
- Any Matched Suit: 5:2
This side bet is simple and fast, with the main appeal being the chance to land that rare royal match.
6. Lucky Lucky
Lucky Lucky is based on the total value of your first two cards and the dealer’s upcard. The best payouts are for specific combinations, especially those totalling 19, 20, or 21. For example:
- Suited 7-7-7: 200:1
- 7-7-7 (any suits): 50:1
- 6-7-8 (suited): 25:1
- 6-7-8 (any suits): 3:1
- 21 (any combination): 3:1
Lucky Lucky adds an extra layer of anticipation to each deal, particularly when you see a seven or eight appear.
How Side Bets Work in Online Blackjack
Online blackjack platforms, including those featured at gambling sites without GamStop restrictions, often offer a wide selection of side bets. The process for placing a side bet is straightforward:
- Before the cards are dealt, you’ll see additional betting circles or buttons for each available side bet.
- Choose your side bet(s) and place your chips or select your stake.
- The side bet is resolved automatically as soon as the relevant cards are dealt.
- Payouts are credited instantly if you win, and you can continue playing the main hand as usual.
Most online games clearly display the rules and paytables for each side bet, so you can review your options before deciding whether to participate.
Pros and Cons of Blackjack Side Bets
Before diving into side bets, it’s important to weigh their advantages and disadvantages.
- Pros:
- Opportunity for large payouts from small stakes
- Adds excitement and variety to standard blackjack
- Simple to understand and quick to resolve
- Cons:
- Generally higher house edge than the main blackjack game
- Rarely offer consistent returns over time