Side Bets
A side bet in blackjack is an optional wager placed alongside your main hand, typically before any cards are dealt. These bets are separate from the standard goal of beating the dealer and usually offer higher payouts for specific outcomes based on your or the dealer’s cards.
Side bets can add excitement and variety to the game, but they usually come with a significantly higher house edge. While a few have strategic value under the right conditions, most are designed for entertainment rather than profitability.
Popular Types of Blackjack Side Bets
There are dozens of side bets in blackjack, but here are the most common ones:
| Side Bet | Description |
|---|---|
| Perfect Pairs | Pays if your first two cards are a pair. Some versions pay more for suited or identical face cards. |
| 21+3 | Based on your two cards and the dealer’s upcard. If the three form a poker hand (like a straight or flush), you win. |
| Insurance | Offered when the dealer shows an Ace. You bet the dealer has blackjack; pays 2:1 if correct. |
| Lucky Ladies | Pays when your initial hand totals 20, with bigger payouts for suited or matching face cards. |
| Royal Match | Pays if your first two cards are suited. A King and Queen of the same suit pays the most. |
| Hot 3, Bust It, Top 3, Buster Blackjack | These side bets vary in structure but usually revolve around dealer busts or certain three-card totals. |
Each side bet has its own rules and payout structure, which are usually printed on the felt or displayed on the game interface online.
House Edge on Side Bets
Most side bets have a much higher house edge than the main blackjack game, which typically sits between 0.5% and 1% with perfect strategy. Side bets often have edges ranging from 4% to over 10%, depending on the game and the payout structure.
For example:
| Perfect Pairs | House edge of 4%–11%, depending on rules. |
| 21+3 | Around 3%–6%. |
| Insurance | Considered one of the worst bets with an edge of about 7.5% against the player. |
That said, some players enjoy the thrill and big potential payouts, especially since side bets can pay up to 100:1 or more.
Should You Play Side Bets?
From a mathematical standpoint, side bets are not a good long-term strategy. They’re designed to be fun distractions rather than profitable wagers. However, there are situations where players may consider them:
- Casual sessions: If you're playing recreationally and want more excitement.
- Promotions or bonuses: Some online casinos offer side bet-related promotions or jackpots.
- Card counting opportunities: In very rare situations, side bets like insurance or 21+3 can become profitable if you’re counting cards or tracking combinations.
In general, if you're looking to stretch your bankroll or maintain a low house edge, it’s best to skip side bets.
Side Bets in Online Blackjack
Online blackjack platforms often include a wide array of side bets to make the game more engaging. These might be highlighted more prominently than in a land-based casino and may even come with visual animations or progressive jackpots.
Examples include:
- Progressive side bets where a portion of the bet goes toward a shared jackpot.
- Multipliers that apply to winning combinations for side bets.
- Bonus games triggered by side bet wins, especially in live dealer games.
Always check the rules and payout tables online, as side bet odds and availability vary by provider.
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Blackjack Side Bets FAQs
What is a side bet in blackjack?
A side bet is an optional wager placed alongside your main blackjack hand, typically betting on card combinations or dealer outcomes for higher payouts.
Are side bets worth playing?
From a strategy perspective, side bets generally have a higher house edge and are not profitable long term, but they can add excitement and variety.
What is the most common side bet in blackjack?
Perfect Pairs and 21+3 are among the most common and popular side bets found both in land-based and online casinos.
Can side bets be counted like regular blackjack hands?
Some side bets, like insurance or 21+3, can be influenced by card counting techniques, but most require highly advanced play or are still unprofitable.
Do side bets pay more than standard blackjack wins?
Yes. While regular blackjack pays 3:2 or 6:5, side bets can pay anywhere from 2:1 up to 100:1 depending on the specific bet and card combination.
