Blackjack Side Bets Guide

Blackjack is a beloved game that’s easy to pick up making it perfect for novices and high rollers in Online Casinos. However, for those looking for a little extra thrill and potential payouts, side bets are a fantastic option.

These bets offer a unique twist to the traditional gameplay and can lead to some impressive winnings. Let’s delve into the world of blackjack side bets and learn something new today!

What are Blackjack Side Bets?

From the classic “Perfect Pair” bet, which pays out for identical pairs in the player’s hand, to the more exotic “21+3” bet, which combines the player’s two cards with the dealer’s up-card for a possible poker hand, the possibilities are endless. While these side bets are based on luck rather than skill, some advanced players may use card-counting techniques and other strategies to increase their odds of success.

To Side Bet or Not to Side Bet in Blackjack?

While Side Bets offer the chance for a big payout, many players are left wondering if they are a worthwhile investment or just a scam. The truth is, it depends on your level of experience and willingness to take a risk.

For novice players, sticking to the regular game of Blackjack is the safest bet. The odds are already in your favour, and adding a side bet can often decrease your overall chances of winning. However, if you’re an advanced player and have honed your card-counting skills, you may be able to spot opportunities where the payout table for a particular side bet is in your favour.

The Most Popular Blackjack Side Bets

Before placing your wagers, it’s essential to understand the different types of most common side bets and their corresponding payouts to avoid potential disappointment. The three main side bets you’ll encounter are Insurance, Perfect Pairs, and 21+3, each offering unique opportunities to increase your winnings.

Insurance

When playing Blackjack, it’s essential to know that sometimes the dealer might hold an ace up their sleeve, quite literally. This is where the insurance bet comes into play, giving players a chance to protect themselves against a potential dealer Blackjack.

The Insurance bet is equal to half of your original stake and pays out at 2:1 if the dealer does indeed have a Blackjack, allowing players to recoup their losses. While this may seem like a great option, it’s important to remember that the insurance bet also reduces the overall house edge, which can have its own set of risks.

Perfect Pairs

This side bet allows you to bet on whether your initial two cards will be of the same rank, same colour, or even the coveted perfect pair of the same rank and suit.

While a mixed pair will earn you a solid 6:1 payout, the real thrill comes from hitting a coloured pair or even a perfect pair. With payouts of 12:1 and 25:1, respectively, you can potentially earn a hefty sum of cash just by having two cards that match in a certain way.

21+3

This exciting bet adds an extra layer of excitement to the game by using your hole cards and the dealer’s upcard to create a poker hand. But what makes this side bet truly enticing is the chance to win big with a suited or straight hand. The payout for this rare combination is an incredible 100:1, making it a popular choice for adventurous players.

Of course, other winning combinations are available in the 21+3 side bet, each with its own payout. From a flush worth 5:1 to a straight flush earning you 40:1, there are plenty of opportunities to win some extra cash. However, the house edge will vary based on the number of decks in play and the specific payouts offered by the game you’re playing.

It’s crucial to keep in mind that the house edge and payout ratios vary between casinos and online sites. While some side bets can offer relatively low house edges of 2-3%, others can soar as high as 11% or more, potentially draining your bankroll. With some luck and skill, you could win big and take your Blackjack game to the next level!