All the Blackjack Side Bets: Risks & Rewards 

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: Similar to Perfect Pairs, sometimes in other blackjack versions. 

Top 3 / 3-Card Bonus 

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. 

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. 

House Edge and Probability 

Side bets have greater house edges than the basic blackjack bet. Serious players learn probability prior to betting on them. House rules differ, and each casino will provide different payouts and odds. You can find various side bet payouts on this page.

Some professionals use special counting strategies to gain an edge on certain side bets. This can be challenging because side bets sometimes involve tracking precise cards. 

Strategy Insights 

Basic blackjack strategy focuses on the main hand, and side betting is generally an independent gamble. Some professional counters hold out for specific deck situations in an effort to gain a win, though this is quite rare. Side betting is treated to be more of an amusement option rather than an elementary strategy by most gamblers. 

Bankroll Management 

Maintaining a side bet budget is one way to prevent quick losses. This I learned from a former student of mine who pursued large rewards and had his session money spent quickly. He then set stringent limits on side bets and was able to last longer. Those who pursue high returns are exposed to higher variance, and thus playing in a conservative manner can lead to longer sessions. 

FAQ

Can I bet more than one side bet?

Most casinos permit a mix of these bets, though stacking them is expensive.

What is the highest-paying side bet?

Progressive jackpots pay huge amounts. Otherwise, bets like Lucky Ladies can pay big for specific combinations.

Can I bet side bets online?

Most websites have them. Rules can vary, so pay tables are worth checking.

Should side bets be placed on each round?

Some players prefer frequent side bets. Others prefer to be cautious to restrict losses. 

Do side bets require special skill?

Most are based on chance. Some card counters attempt to accumulate small edges, but winning is not reliable.