All the Blackjack Side Bets: Risks & Rewards
Table Of Content
Blackjack side bets provide additional action for players who want more betting activity. I’ve been in the business a long while, and I notice how side bets generate interest in both amateur and experienced players. My students want to know about the possible payouts and playing strategy for the bets. This tutorial responds to common questions, describes major side bets, and instructs how to play them with confidence.
What Are Side Bets?
Side bets are independent bets placed apart from a standard blackjack bet. They are defined in relation to certain circumstances, i.e., identical card values, identical suits, or certain totals. Side bets usually rely on the initial cards or the combination of the dealer’s and player’s cards. Side bets are provided by casinos to provide players with a means to win large prizes.
Complete List of Blackjack Side Bets and Risks & Rewards
Here are the complete lists of blackjack side bets. Check them before playing.
Perfect Pairs
Mechanics: Win if first two cards form a pair.
High Payouts: “Perfect” pair (same suit and rank) receives bonus reward.
21+3
Mechanics: Combine player’s two cards and dealer’s upcard to create poker-style results, e.g., Straight or Three of a Kind.
Interest: Players enjoy mix of blackjack and poker elements.
Lucky Ladies
Mechanics: Dependent on player’s initial two-card sum of 20.
Highlight: Matching Queens of Hearts on a regular basis triggers premium payouts.
Royal Match
Mechanics: Pays when the first two cards are the same suit.
Special Combo: Same suit King and Queen boost the payout.
Bust It / Buster
Mechanics: Pays out if the dealer’s hand busts above 21.
Varieties: Some variations raise the award with each further card the dealer draws.
Over/Under 13
Mechanics: Wager on whether the player’s initial two-card total is over or under 13.
Key Detail: Aces are worth 1 for this bet, but house rules vary.
Super 7
Mechanics: Pays if the player hand is a 7. Payouts can increase with more than one 7.
Thrill: Being dealt three 7s can trigger huge payouts.
Match the Dealer
Mechanics: Win when the player cards have the same rank (and sometimes suit) as the dealer faceup card.
Observation: Noticing suits can help in some cases.
Lucky Lucky
Mechanics: Uses the player’s two cards and the dealer’s up-card to form totals of 19, 20, or 21. Suited pairs reward more.
Payouts: A suited 7-7-7 or 6-7-8 typically has high multipliers.
Suit’em Up
Mechanics: Pays out if the player’s first two cards are of the same suit.
Advantages: Instant payoff at the start of each round.
In-Between
Mechanics: Uses the player’s first two cards, wagering the dealer’s up-card rank is in between.
Note: There are some homes that use an equal rank rule.
Hot 3
Mechanics: Matches the player’s initial two cards and the dealer’s up-card to form totals of 19, 20, or 21.
Overlap: Identical to Lucky Lucky but with varied pay tables.
Pair Square
Mechanics: Pays when the first two cards of the player are of the same rank. Suits may enhance the reward.
Comparison: This game is similar to Perfect Pairs and can occasionally be found in other blackjack versions.
Top 3 / 3-Card Bonus/ Rummy
Mechanics: Uses the player’s first two cards and the dealer’s up-card to form Three-of-a-Kind, Straight, or Straight Flush.
Category: Typically under different names, but the same concept.
Trilux
Mechanics: Pays for poker hands formed by the player’s first two cards and the dealer’s up-card.
Draw: High payouts for Suited Three-of-a-Kind or Straight Flush.
Lucky 7
Mechanics: Based on 7s in the player’s hand. More than one 7 multiplies the award.
Variations: Some casinos extend this to the dealer’s up-card as well.
Progressive Jackpot Bets
Mechanics: Feed into a shared prize pool. Certain card combinations pay out the jackpot.
Potential: Huge wins can be created from a small side bet.
Bet the Bust
Mechanics: Bet that the dealer’s hand will bust above 21.
Potential Overlap: Like Bust It, though each version employs different pay tables.
Double Attack
Mechanics: Allows players to increase their initial bet once they have viewed the dealer’s up-card, usually with a further side bet.
Unique Aspect: Entire blackjack game altered due to the altered game composition.
House Money
Mechanics: If the player’s first two cards create a strong combination (like a pair), players can keep the side bet winnings or apply them to their main wager.
Flexibility: This approach can expand players’ betting choices.
Dealer Match
Mechanics: Win if the player’s cards match the dealer’s hidden card in rank or suit.
Reveal: Payout occurs after the dealer exposes the hole card.
Insurance/Even Money
Mechanics: Offered when the dealer’s upcard is an Ace.
- Insurance is a side bet (not exactly) that pays 2:1 if the dealer has a blackjack. You can wager up to half your original bet.
- Even Money is a specific type of insurance: if you have a blackjack and the dealer shows an Ace, you can take “even money” (a 1:1 payout) instead of risking a push if the dealer also has blackjack.
Category: Defensive side bets. Insurance is available to all players; Even Money only applies when you have a natural blackjack.
Why Do Players Use Side Bets?
Side bets are popular with most players because they provide additional payouts apart from standard blackjack wins. A side bet can pay a lot for a small wager. Some players require the additional tension of waiting for particular combinations of cards. Others just want to add a little thrill to blackjack games.
Key Considerations
- Higher House Edge: Side wagers carry elevated risk.
- Bankroll Impact: A separate bankroll for these wagers can ensure money lasts throughout long sessions.
- Payouts: Side bets often include high multipliers for infrequent results.
- Skill vs. Luck: Some side bets leave little room for advantage play, and winning may depend on the distribution of cards.
Are Blackjack Side Bets Worth It?
Alright, let’s get real. Are blackjack side bets profitable? Usually not in the long run.
Most side bets come with high house edges, often above 6–10%, compared to the base game’s ~0.5% (when played with optimal strategy). They’re fun but not built for grinders.
But… for casual players looking for excitement? They’re gold. I’ve had cold blackjack nights saved by a random 21+3 hit or a lucky pair that came out of nowhere.
So, should you play side bets in blackjack? If you’re playing for fun, sure. If you’re trying to maximize your EV? Skip ’em.
May your Queens be lucky, your 7s be suited, and your side bets be just the bonus you needed.
FAQs
1. Can I bet more than one side bet?
Most casinos permit a mix of these bets, though stacking them is expensive.
2. What is the highest-paying side bet?
Progressive jackpots pay huge amounts. Otherwise, bets like Lucky Ladies can pay big for specific combinations.
3. Can I bet side bets online?
Most websites have them. Rules can vary, so pay tables are worth checking.
4. Should side bets be placed on each round?
Some players prefer frequent side bets. Others prefer to be cautious to restrict losses.
5. Do side bets require special skill?
Most are based on chance. Some card counters attempt to accumulate small edges, but winning is not reliable.
