Blackjack side bets are wagers placed in addition to the standard blackjack bet. These bets are made on specific outcomes or combinations of cards, and they offer the potential for larger payouts than the standard blackjack bet.
Some common side bets in blackjack include 21+3, Perfect Pairs, and Buster Blackjack. While side bets can add excitement to the game, it's important to remember that they also increase the house's edge.
That means you may be more likely to lose over time if playing with side bets, so it's essential to use them responsibly and only bet what you can afford to lose.
So, how do these bets work exactly, and how do you determine a good side bet? Continue reading the Wizard Slots blog to find out!
What Are Blackjack Side Bets?
Blackjack side bets are optional wagers that you can make in addition to your standard blackjack bet. They have the potential for larger payouts than the standard blackjack game.
Side bets are usually based on your first two cards and the dealer's upcard and are not affected by the outcome of the standard blackjack game. Though side bets may be a great way to add an extra level of excitement to the blackjack game, they come with some risks.
The payouts for side bets are usually higher than the standard blackjack game, but the odds of winning are much lower. So, it's important to understand the best way to determine a good side bet and the potential payouts of the side bets before placing any wagers.
How Do You Determine A Good Side Bet?
When determining whether a side bet is a good option, there are a few factors to consider. First and foremost, you should always remember that blackjack is a casino game of chance. Therefore the outcomes are random, even for side bets.
With that said, there are some strategies you may look out for to determine if a side bet is a good bet.
- Look at the payout odds for the side bet. A good side bet offers potentially higher payouts than the standard blackjack bet, with the best side bets offering payouts of 10:1 or higher.
- Consider the house edge. The house edge is the casino's advantage over the player, typically expressed as a percentage. The lower the house edge, the better the odds are for you. A good side bet has a lower house edge than the standard blackjack bet.
- Consider the overall gameplay of the side bet. Some side bets require players to make specific decisions during the game, such as choosing a certain card or betting on a specific outcome.
Overall, if the side bet is too complex or confusing, it may not be a good option.
Best Blackjack Side Bets
Below we have compiled a list of blackjack side bets that may be available in blackjack games.
Perfect Pairs
This side bet is based on your first two cards being a pair of the same rank. That means that if your initial two cards are not a pair, you lose. Perfect pairs side bets have 3 types, namely:
- Coloured pair - a pair of cards of the same rank and have the same colour. An example of this would be an Ace of spades and an ace of clubs.
- Mixed pair - This pair would be two cards of the same rank but different colours. An example of this would be a queen of diamonds and a queen of clubs.
- Perfect pair - This pair would be made of two identical cards. Same colour, same rank and same suit. For example, two queens of spades.
This bet offers payouts of up to 25:1 for a perfect pair and up to 5:1 for a coloured pair. The house edge is between 2.17% and 4.09%.
21+3
This side bet is based on your first two cards, and the dealer's up card. Sort of like a 3 Card Poker game. If the three cards form a winning poker hand, such as a straight or a flush, you can win anything from 5:1 up to 100:1.
That then leaves you with a house edge ranging from 3.24% to 4.24%.
Royal Match
This side bet pays out if your first two cards are a same-suit king and queen. In addition, you receive a payout if your first two cards are of the same suit and the dealer's upcard is also of the same suit. The payout for a Royal Match can vary, but it is usually around 25-1.
Insurance
This side bet pays out if the dealer has a blackjack. However, insurance is only successful if the dealer's upcard is an Ace. If the dealer does have a blackjack, players who made the insurance bet receive a payout at 2:1 odds. However, the insurance bet loses if the dealer does not have a blackjack.
Over/Under 13
Another popular blackjack side bet is the Over/Under 13. This bet is based on the total value of your first two cards. If the total value is over 13, you win the bet. If the total value is under 13, then you lose the bet. The payout for this bet can also vary, but it is usually around 1:1.
What Is The Worst Side Bet?
As you know, the blackjack game has various bets. However, not all bets are created equal. For example, an insurance bet is one of the worst side bets a player can make. This bet is offered if the dealer's upcard is an Ace and is made in case the dealer has a blackjack.
If the dealer does have a blackjack, players who made the insurance bet receive a payout at 2:1 odds. However, the insurance bet loses if the dealer does not have a blackjack.
While it may seem like a good idea to always take insurance, it is not the best option.
The reason for this is that the odds of the dealer having a blackjack are not in your favour. In fact, it is only offered if the dealer's upcard is an Ace, which is only 31% of the time.
Therefore, the house edge on insurance bet is around 7.5%. That is one of the highest house edges among side bets and one of the worst bets to make.
Are Blackjack Side Bets Worth It?
A lot of blackjack players enjoy making side bets in blackjack, but some wonder if they are worth it. Some players swear by them, while others avoid them altogether. Ultimately, whether or not blackjack side bets are worth it comes down to the individual player and their own personal preferences.
One of the main arguments for blackjack side bets is that they offer the potential for much larger payouts than the standard blackjack game. For example, some side bets can offer payouts of up to 1000:1!
Additionally, side bets can add an extra level of excitement to the game, as it adds an extra dynamic to the round.
On the other hand, the main argument against blackjack side bets is that they have much worse odds than the standard game. That is because the odds of winning a side bet are often much lower than the odds of winning the standard game, meaning that you may be more likely to lose money in the long run.
All in all, blackjack side bets are not for everyone, and it's important to weigh the pros and cons before deciding to place one. However, if you're a player who values the thrill and excitement of potentially hitting a big payout, then side bets may be worth it for you.
But if you're more interested in minimising your losses, it may be best to stick to the standard game and avoid additional . So, ultimately, it's up to the individual player to decide whether or not blackjack side bets are worth it for them.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to this slot game are subject to change at any time.
