Common Blackjack Side Bets

blackjack side bets

Playing blackjack is an entertaining activity for multiple reasons. The rules of this game are pretty simple to understand. Participants play against the dealer/house, aiming to reach as close to 21 with card values. 

Although most people know how the main blackjack bet works, they usually do not take into consideration the benefits of side bets. 

The blackjack side bet is a separate option that can allow players to increase their winnings or simply reduce the risks. Best of all, there are multiple side bets in blackjack, which allows players to choose between a few options. 

What are Blackjack Side Bets?

Blackjack side bets represent an additional wager that players can make and, eventually, increase their profit. These separate bet options are made at the beginning of each round. The outcome of the round does not directly depend on your side bet winnings. 

Despite potential profit, blackjack side bet options add an additional element of entertainment to the rounds. Which and how many of them you will get the chance to place a wager on depends on the type of blackjack you play. For example, the rules are different for classic blackjack and multi-hand variants. Also, how much each bet pays depends on the variant you have decided to play. 

Common Blackjack Side Bets

After explaining what blackjack side bets are, it is about time to discuss the most common ones. This way, we want to make sure that playing blackjack becomes much more entertaining. 

Perfect Pairs

Based on our analysis, the perfect pairs side bet is the most popular option among players. This betting option does not take into consideration the dealer’s hand. The entire focus is on you. The point is to get two exactly the same cards to win it. 

Yet, how much you will get depends on which cards you get. Here are the explanations of how this bet pays:

  • Mixed pair: This winning combination includes cards of the same value but with different suits and colors. The payout rate is 5:1
  • Colored pair: As you can guess, this includes cards with the same value and the same color. Payout is 12:1
  • Perfect pair: Perfect pair brings the biggest profit because the payout rate is 25:1. This includes the pair of cards with the same number, same color, and same suit. 

Speaking of the house edge, multiple factors determine it. It depends on the number of decks involved and the payout (it is not always the same). In most cases, it varies from 2% to 11%. We recommend you read the blackjack rules before making additional wagers.  

21+3 

If you are a big fan of poker, this type of blackjack side bet is going to be the most interesting to you. There are various combinations that can bring you profit. This time, your first two cards and the dealer’s upturned card participate in the game. Here are the options in front of you:

  • Flush: If all three cards on the table have the same suit, you make a profit. The payout rate is 5:1.
  • Straight: If the cards dealt are consecutive (for example, 6, 7, 8), the player wins. The payout rate is 10:1
  • Three of a kind: Things are probably clear here. If three exactly the same cards appear on the table, you can increase your original wager by 40x. 
  • Straight flush: Straight flush refers to the consecutive cards that have the same suit. For example, 6, 7, and 8 hearts. The payout is 40:1.
  • Suited triple: This is undoubtedly one of the riskiest blackjack side bets of all. All three cards need to be the same. Payout is, believe it or not, 100:1. 

House edge depends on the number of decks used, and it looks like this:

  • Four decks – 8.78%
  • Five decks – 7.81%
  • Six decks – 7.14%
  • Seven decks – 6.29%.

blackjack bets side

Insurance Bet

The insurance bet is also a very interesting option. When the first dealer’s card is A, the chances of him hitting the blackjack increase. If you want to reduce the risks, you can use this side bet to secure yourself from the dealer’s blackjack. In case that really happens after he takes the first card, you get 2:1 of your initial wager. 

Royal Match

Before the round starts, you can bet on the royal match and try to win some cash this way. Different casinos have determined different upper limits for this option. The player can be the winner only if the first two cards dealt are in the same suit. From one gambling platform to another, the payout rate is either 3:1 or 4:1. Yet, if the cards are king and queen, you can multiply your initial bet 10 times. 

Lucky Ladies

This is a blackjack side bet that you can place during the standard game and it represents one of the most popular options. The winners are those players who reach a 20-point hand. However, there are “certain twenties” that can bring more money.

As you can guess, we are talking here about Qs. If these two cards are in the same suit and color, you win more! 

Super Sevens

If one or more 7s are dealt to your cards, you can increase your main bet many times. The payout scheme looks like this:

  • One seven – 3:1
  • Unsuited pair: 50:1
  • Suited pair: 100:1
  • Unsuited 3 sevens: 500:1
  • Suited 3 sevens: 5000:1

Pros and Cons of Blackjack Side Bets

There are two pros of blackjack side bets we would like to highlight:

  • Higher payouts: As you can see from the previous explanations, side bets can significantly increase your payout. 
  • Higher level of excitement: Players won’t only hope to get 21 or that the dealer busts after getting additional cards; they will hope for additional outcomes, which brings an extra level of excitement. 

There are also two disadvantages blackjack players should be aware of: 

  • Increased house edge: Unfortunately, side bets come with a higher house edge because all the mentioned scenarios don’t happen that often. 
  • Complexity: If you play blackjack as a beginner, side bets probably won’t be a good choice. We tried to explain the most common ones, but it takes time to figure out how they work. 

Strategies for Side Bets

A common question players have is how to take advantage of side bets to the fullest. Here are some strategies we recommend: 

  • Make a balance between main and side bets in blackjack;
  • Organize your budget properly since all the side bets require additional wagers;
  • If you are a beginner, stick to main bets until you improve your experience;
  • Risk with insurance bet when the dealer gets A;
  • Don’t try to count cards; that won’t help.

Explore Blackjack at Evo.io

The common side bets discussed in this article are available at blackjack variants on evo.io. Try them out from time to time, but keep the balance between them and the main bets. 

The opportunity to make deposits and withdrawals with crypto will make your sessions with blackjack and other games more entertaining and comfortable. Plus, you can claim some additional bonuses for blackjack by using them for money transfers. Open your account and let the journey begin! 

Side Bets in Blackjack Are Fun and Risky

Without any doubt, every side bet mentioned on this page will make your blackjack sessions more passionate and exciting. However, keep in mind that the house edge goes up with each one. Start with simple options, such as lucky ladies and insurance bets. After that, move to more challenging ones. Use every opportunity to learn something new. We wish you luck.