Blackjack is one of the most popular card games in both land-based and online casinos. While the classic game is loved for its straightforward rules and fast pace, many players are drawn to the extra excitement offered by side bets. These optional wagers can add a new dimension to the game, presenting opportunities for bigger wins and a different kind of thrill. If you’re interested in exploring the best blackjack side bets, understanding how they work, and knowing what to expect in terms of odds and payouts, this guide from touristmagazine.co.uk will help you make informed decisions at the tables.
For those seeking a broader range of blackjack experiences, including options at casinos not on gamstop, side bets can be a major attraction. However, it’s important to approach them with a clear understanding of their mechanics and risks.
What Are Blackjack Side Bets?
Blackjack side bets are additional wagers placed alongside your main hand. They usually focus on specific card combinations, outcomes, or sequences that are separate from the standard objective of beating the dealer’s hand. These bets are resolved independently of the main game, meaning you can win a side bet even if your main hand loses, and vice versa.
Side bets often come with higher payouts than regular blackjack wins, but they also carry a higher house edge. As a result, they’re best seen as a fun way to add variety and excitement rather than a consistent strategy for long-term profit.
Why Do Players Enjoy Side Bets?
Side bets appeal to many blackjack players for several reasons:
- Bigger Potential Payouts: Some side bets offer payouts as high as 100:1 or more for rare combinations.
- Added Excitement: They introduce new ways to win and keep the game engaging, especially during losing streaks on the main hand.
- Variety: With a wide range of side bets available, players can choose options that suit their risk preference and playing style.
- Simple Rules: Most side bets are easy to understand and quick to resolve.
However, it’s important to remember that the odds are generally stacked against the player, so side bets should be used for entertainment rather than as a primary betting strategy.
The Most Popular Blackjack Side Bets
With so many variations available, it’s helpful to know which blackjack side bets are most commonly found in UK casinos and online platforms. Below, we explore the most popular options, how they work, and what you can expect in terms of payouts and odds.
Perfect Pairs
One of the best-known blackjack side bets, Perfect Pairs, focuses on the first two cards dealt to your hand. The objective is to get a pair, with different payouts depending on the type of pair:
- Perfect Pair: Two identical cards (same rank and suit), e.g. two 7 of hearts.
- Coloured Pair: Same rank and colour but different suits, e.g. 7 of hearts and 7 of diamonds.
- Mixed Pair: Same rank but different colours and suits, e.g. 7 of hearts and 7 of spades.
Payouts vary, but typically a Perfect Pair pays 25:1, a Coloured Pair 12:1, and a Mixed Pair 6:1. The house edge is higher than standard blackjack, often around 7-11%, depending on the number of decks in play.
21+3
The 21+3 side bet combines elements of blackjack and three-card poker. It uses your first two cards and the dealer’s upcard to form a three-card poker hand. Winning combinations include:
- 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.
- Three of a Kind: Three cards of the same rank.
- Straight: Three consecutive cards of any suit.
- Flush: Three cards of the same suit.
The top payout for Suited Trips can be as high as 100:1, with lower payouts for other hands. The house edge for 21+3 is typically between 3% and 8%, depending on rules and deck count.
Insurance
Although some players don’t consider it a traditional side bet, insurance is a common option in blackjack. If 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 insurance may seem like a way to protect your hand, it’s generally a poor bet in the long run, as the odds do not favour the player unless you’re counting cards.
Royal Match
Royal Match is an older but still popular side bet, especially in some UK casinos. It pays out if your first two cards are of the same suit (a “matched” hand), with a larger payout if they’re a suited King and Queen (the “Royal Match”).
- Royal Match: King and Queen of the same suit, often pays 25:1.
- Easy Match: Any two suited cards, typically pays 5:2.
The house edge for Royal Match is around 3.8% with a six-deck shoe.
Lucky Ladies
Lucky Ladies is a side bet that wins if your first two cards total 20. Bigger payouts are awarded for specific combinations, such as two Queen of Hearts (the “Lucky Ladies”). Payouts can reach up to 100:1 for the rarest results.
While this bet can be fun, the house edge is often quite high, sometimes over 17%.
Super Sevens
The Super Sevens side bet focuses on how many sevens appear in your hand. Prizes increase with each seven dealt, especially if they are of the same suit. For example, Three suited sevens can pay up to 500:1. The house edge is usually above 10%, so it’s a high-risk, high-reward option.
Buster Blackjack
Buster Blackjack is a side bet that pays out if the dealer busts. The payout increases with the number of cards the dealer busts with. For example, If the dealer busts with eight or more cards, the payout can be substantial, sometimes 250:1 or more.
This side bet adds a unique twist to the game, as players root for the dealer to go over 21 in dramatic fashion.
How Blackjack Side Bets Work in Practice
Placing a side bet in blackjack is usually straightforward. Before the cards are dealt, you’ll see a designated area on the table for each available side bet. To participate, simply place your chosen wager in the corresponding spot. The dealer will resolve side bets first, before the main hand is played out.
Here’s what to expect:
- Side bets must be placed before any cards are dealt.
- You can make a side bet independently of your main wager.
- Each side bet has its own payout table and rules, which are usually displayed at the table or on the game interface online.
- Wins and losses on side bets do not affect your main blackjack hand.
Pros and Cons of Blackjack Side Bets
Side bets add a layer of excitement to the game, but they come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages.
Pros
- Potential for large payouts from small stakes.
- Variety and extra entertainment value.
- Quick resolution and simple rules.
Cons
- Generally higher house edge than the main game.
- Can lead to faster losses if not managed carefully.
- Not part of basic blackjack strategy, so skill and decision-making have little impact.
Where Can You Play Blackjack Side Bets in the UK?
Most UK-licensed online casinos offer several blackjack side bet options, especially in live dealer games. You’ll also find these bets in land-based casinos across the country. For those who prefer more flexibility or are looking for different experiences, including at casinos not on gamstop, side bets are often available on a wide range of blackjack variants.
When choosing a casino, consider factors such as game variety, table limits, and the specific side bets on offer. It’s also wise to check the payout tables and house edge for each bet, as these can vary between operators.