6-5 or 3-2 Blackjack - Which Payouts Are Better?

When taking a seat at the blackjack tables, players are always hoping to see an ace and a 10-value card to make a blackjack. Finding this hand gives a player the opportunity at a premium payout beyond simply receiving even money on the typical bet.

However, there are two different payouts often found at casinos when being dealt this hand. While players were traditionally paid 3 to 2 up through the 1990s, more and more casinos are now paying out 6 to 5 on blackjack. This adds to the house edge by paying out less for these premium hands.

So how does this question of blackjack 6 to 5 vs. 3 to 2 play out and affect gameplay? Keep reading to learn more about 6-5 blackjack.

What is 6 to 5 Blackjack?

6 to 5 blackjack is a slightly altered version of the classic game that has an adjustment to the payout for being dealt a blackjack hand. The reduced payout of 6 to 5 instead of 3 to 2 brings a reduction in winnings for players.

Just as a reminder, this only affects the blackjack hand such as A-10, A-J, A-Q, and A-K. In blackjack, numbered cards count for that numeric value, face cards count as 10, and aces count as 1 or 11. A hand with an ace and a 10-value card is a called a “blackjack.”

It’s important to remember that the 3 to 2 version is superior to 6/5 blackjack because of the higher payouts for players and lower house edge (more on that below). So when did casinos begin reducing payouts fr blackjacks? That came around 1999 and preventing profits from card counters was one of the reasons behind the switch.

“Ever since card counting became known as a valid system beating casino blackjack games (starting in the early 1960s),” the Las Vegas Advisor notes, “casinos have been trying to create rule variations that would negate the counters’ advantage over the house.”

6 to 5 Blackjack vs. 3 to 2 Blackjack Payouts & House Edge

Players love blackjack because of the low house edge that offers some real chances at winning if things work out tight. To achieve these low house edges, players must use perfect basic strategy, the proven system that offers the best mathematical play to make in any situation against any dealer upcard.

In a typical game, here’s a look at how the house edge is affected when playing 6 to 5 vs 3 to 2 blackjack.

3 to 2 blackjack – The house edge can be as low as 0.5%. The house averages taking in 50 cents for every $100 played.
6 to 5 blackjack – This gives the casino a house edge of 2%, meaning the house takes in $2 for every $100 wagered.

The reduced payout of 6 to 5 blackjack has a significantly impacts blackjack odds and payouts for players.. However, it’s also important to note that the 2% house edge is still much lower than the casino advantage for other games. For example, the house edge on slots can get as high as 25% in some casinos. Here’s a look at some of the key differences between 6 to 5 vs. 3 to 2 blackjack.

	3 to 2 Blackjack	6 to 5 Blackjack
House edge	0.5%	2%
Payout examples	A player betting $10 receiving a blackjack would be paid out $15.	A player betting $10 receiving a blackjack would be paid out only $12.
Accessibility	This version has become harder to find, although you may find 3 to 2 blackjack when playing for higher stakes.	This has become much more common and can be found in many casinos, including those on the Las Vegas Strip.

Why Do Casinos Offer 6 to 5 Blackjack?

Many casinos prefer offering 6 to 5 blackjack because they can make more money over time, adding to their profit margins. Less-savvy players may not even realize there is a difference, so that increased house edge may not make a difference from a customer standpoint.

The game is especially prevalent in high-demand gaming areas like the Las Vegas Strip. Players at least have numerous options to choose from and as noted, the house edge is still lower than some other popular casino games such as slots. Explore how side bets in blackjack impact house edge.

Should You Play 6 to 5 Blackjack? Pros and Cons

When heading to the tables, it’s important to know what you’re getting into and here’s a look at some of the positives and negatives when it comes to blackjack 6 to 5 vs 3 to 2.

6 to 5 Blackjack

Pros – Games are easy to find; still a low house edge of 2% compared to other games; still a fun game that you can win occasionally when using basic blackjack strategy.
Cons – Reduced house edge; lower payouts on blackjacks.

3 to 2 Blackjack

Pros – Better payouts on blackjacks; lower house edge of 0.5%; great game for players using basic strategy and card counting.
Cons – These games have become much more difficult to find.

Tips for Avoiding 6 to 5 Blackjack and Finding 3 to 2 Games

Looking to play 3 to 5 blackjack instead of the 6 to 5 version? That isn’t always easy, but there are some properties even on the Las Vegas Strip that offer the better game. Online forums are a nice place to scope out these games as players post their own experiences in finding 3 to 2 blackjack.

These games won’t include the lowest stakes, but offer a better house edge for playing a bit higher. Players may also find 3 to 2 blackjack in less-frequented casinos away from the larger traditional gambling hubs (such as off-Strip casinos in Las Vegas). Just be sure to check out the table rules and signage to determine if the game is 6-5 blackjack or 3-2.

Another great place to find 3 to 2 blackjack is at online platforms like Lucky Block Casino. Online sites generally offer better rules for players, including options to double down for better payouts, and lower minimum bets.

Conclusion

6 to 5 blackjack is now found much more than 3 to 2 blackjack. This version of the game features a reduced payout system for being dealt a blackjack and negatively impacts player odds. The 3-2 version typically features a 0.5% house edge compared to about 2% for 6-5 blackjack.

Because of this, making informed choices when selecting blackjack tables can have a positive effect on your chances to win. But it’s also important to note that even 6-5 blackjack has a better house edge than many other casino games.

Ready to test your own blackjack skills? Head to Lucky Block Casino for a great gaming option and it only takes a few minutes to get started. Some winnings might be headed our way.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “blackjack pays 6 to 5” mean?

This means a blackjack in the game (an ace and a 10-value card) pays out at only 6 to 5 instead of 3 to 2 found on the classic game.

How is 6 to 5 blackjack different from 3 to 2 blackjack?

On a $100 wager 6 to 5 blackjack would pay out $120. On the 3 to 2 version, a $100 wager would pay out $150 – a significant difference over the long term.

Why do casinos offer 6 to 5 blackjack?

Casinos have looked to reduce the advantage for card counters, but this version also increases casino profits over time, adding to the property’s profit margins. Casinos offering blackjack pays 6 to 5 tend to attract more recreational players.

Does 6 to 5 blackjack increase the house edge?

6 to 5 increases the house edge from about 0.5% found in 3 to 2 blackjack to 2%.

Is 6 to 5 blackjack better for players than 3 to 2 blackjack?

No, the 3 to 2 version offers better payouts and reduces the house edge. However, players shouldn’t play at higher stakes to be in these games if it doesn’t fit within their budgets or bankrolls. Always practice responsible gaming.