Blackjack Side Bets - Detailed Guide on Rules and Payouts

Blackjack is one of the most popular games in the casino. Players love to play blackjack because of the action, fun, and the the low house edge that can give players a real chance at some winnings.

The game’s format also allows for some interesting side bets while playing that can be rewarding for those who play their cards right. These blackjack side bets can be favorable for the player at times and offer a chance to score some extra winnings.

This article explains all a player might need to know when considering a side bet in blackjack at live or online casinos.

What Are Side Bets in Blackjack?

A close-up image of a player's hand holding two cards, an Ace of clubs and a King of diamonds, on a blackjack table during a game.

Side bets in blackjack are additional wagers players can place alongside their main bet. These bets typically focus on specific outcomes or combinations, such as pairs, totals, or sequences of cards.

In the main bet, the objective is to beat the dealer’s hand using strategy to manage the lower house edge, while side bets focus on specific outcomes like pairs or totals and are based more on luck, often with a higher house edge. Side bets add excitement and the potential for larger payouts but carry a greater risk.

Side bets are popular because they add an extra layer of excitement and potential for higher payouts in a blackjack game. They allow players to win big even if their main hand doesn’t win.

Basic Blackjack Side Bets Explained

When playing traditional blackjack, there are a few traditional side bets that players can utilize at certain times to win more than their original bet. These bets offer some real value for players when used correctly.

Doubling down

This is a popular side bet in which players can double their original wager in hopes of winning twice the amount. This is common on hands like 9, 10, and 11, but is also worth it on other “soft” hands at times. Knowing basic strategy can help in determining when it’s an ideal time to double down. Casino rules vary on the hands a player can double down on.

Players can only double on their first two cards. Once you have decided to double down, you simply place the correct number of chips equal to your original wager next the bet you made before the hand began.

You’ll then receive only one card. Players tend to double on 9, 10, and 11 because of the prevalence of 10-value cards in a deck. This means you’ll have a decent odds at a blackjack with 11 and high card values with other hands.

In a game with a this house edge, knowing when to double down offers players more chances throughout a session to score some winnings and hopefully get ahead.

Splitting

This is another popular side bet in the standard game when playing blackjack. These side bets are used when a player receives two of the same card. You are then given the options whether to split these into two separate hands, each with a separate bet equal to your original bet.

Knowing when to split in these types of situations is key and a basic blackjack strategy chart will help learn when to make the correct move. One key hand: players should always split aces as this gives you a great chance at landing two winning hands. You’ll often only receive one card, however, when splitting aces but still have a great odds at two winners.

Other hands aren’t as easy to determine when it comes to splitting. Some players who may not be as well-versed in basic strategy may feel the need to split almost any hands. This isn’t a good idea and players should consult basic strategy to best determine how to proceed. Here’s an example of a couple of these situations.

A player is dealt 6-6 with the dealer’s upcard a 9, 10, or 11. Splitting this hand gives players nice odds of drawing 10s to two different sixes. A 16 isn’t a solid hand in blackjack and you can easily make one possible losing hand into two likely losing hands. It’s better to follow basic strategy here and simply take a hit.
Some with 9-9 against the dealer’s 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 would want to split, as you have a chance to draw 10-value cards to hit a solid hand while the dealer also has a high prevalence of busting with any of these cards.

Players earn even money on these bets unless they hit blackjack. Those who don’t use basic strategy in these situations are giving the house an even higher house edge.

Insurance bet

In a traditional blackjack game, players have the option of taking the insurance side bet when the upcard in the dealer’s hand is an ace. The insurance bet pays 2 to 1 and allows player’s to “insure” their hand against a dealer blackjack.

In this side bet, players are allowed to wager an amount equal to half the original bet. Most blackjack tables feature an insurance line where players can place their chips. This side bet has a hefty house edge with odds of about 5.8% in a single-deck game and more than 7.5% in an eight-deck game.

Most Popular Blackjack Side Bets to Play

A close-up image of a player's hand placing a stack of chips on a blackjack table, with cards showing a winning hand.

There are several other blackjack versions and these feature even more side bet opportunities. Some players love the simplicity, high potential payouts, and added strategic elements that can come with these extra bets. Some are simply a matter of luck, but can result in some big blackjack side bets payouts.

Perfect Pairs side bet

This can be found in a different blackjack game and pays out a bonus of 25 to 1 for a suited pair and of the same value, such as 10♥10♥. This is known as a perfect pair.

Easy Match side bets

In this side bet in traditional blackjack, players are paid 3 to 1 in a single-deck game if the first two cards are of the same suit. In blackjack games using more than one deck, the bet payouts are usually reduced to 5 to 2.

Royal Match side bets

This side bet is similar to the Easy Match side bet. However, if a player receives a king and queen of the same suit – a “royal match” – then this hand pays out a premium of 25 to 1. So a player wins $25 for a $1 Royal Match side bet after being dealt K♦Q♦..

Over/Under 13 side bets

This is an option in which a player can pick whether his first two cards will total more than 13 or less. The ace always counts as 1 for this bet and the house will win both wagers if the total total is exactly 13. Some casinos have been known to also offer a bet that the first two cards will total exactly 13 and usually pays out 10 to 1.

Super Sevens Blackjack side bets

Sevens are historically winning symbols on slot machines and that can carry over to this blackjack side bet based on your first three cards. Players receiving a seven in the first three cards receive bonus payouts – 3 to 1 for a single seven, and all the way up to 5,000 to 1 for three sevens suited, such 7♣7♣7♣.

Lucky Ladies Blackjack side bets

This side bet pays out player fro any 20, whether the dealer has a 21 or not. However, a pair of queens – the “lucky ladies” – can pay out a premium. The payouts vary in different casinos, but with a pair of queens these bets pay out 25 to 1 with a queen of hearts pair paying out 125 to 1. In coms cases, a queen of hearts pair can pay out 5,000 to 1 if the dealer also has a blackjack.

21+3 Blackjack side bets

A player is betting that his two cards plus the dealer’s upcard make for a straight flush (consecutive cards all of the same suit). For example, a player may have 6♠7♠ and the dealer’s upcard is an 8♠. This makes a three-card straight flush and the bet is paid out at 9 to 1 or higher depending on the casino.

Any Pair side bets

If the first two cards are a pair, you’ll win 11 to 1 for this side bet.

Buster Blackjack side bets

Players bet whether the dealer will bust or not and pays out based on how many cards the dealer gets to bust. The more cards means a bigger payout.

Bet the Set side bets

This side bet pays out when the player receives the same two starting cards of different suits or pays a premium when they’re suited.

Bust It side bets

In this bet, you’re betting that the dealer busts on exactly three cards. Payout tables spell out various possible payouts based on dealer cards.

Hot 3 side bets

This is featured in the Infinite Blackjack game and allows players to bet based on the total of their own two cards and the dealer’s upcard. Your winnings are determined by a pay table.

Pair Square side bets

Players are wagering that their first two cards will be pair. Even a mixed pair is a winner and those of the same suit pay out more.

Match the Dealer Blackjack side bets

Players are betting that one or both of their two starting cards match the dealer’s upcard.

Conclusion – are Blackjack side bets worth it?

The most common side bets, such as doubling down and splitting, are in the player’s favor in certain situations because of the odds of cards that could come and basic strategy. However, insurance has a high house edge and not generally recommended (unless one can count blackjack cards).

Many of the other side bets in blackjack are simply based on luck and can come with a hefty house edge. Despite higher potential payouts, most experts suggest avoiding them in the long run.

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Learn more on blackjack:

Blackjack Side Bets FAQ’s

What is a blackjack side bet?

This is an extra bet a player can make at the blackjack table.

What are the best blackjack side bets?

Doubling down and splitting offer players some of the best chance at extra winnings and should be utilized based on basic strategy, which can lower the house edge.

What are some of the other bets players can make?

These extra bets can be based on numbers, pairs, and other luck-based results.

Why do players like side bets?

They may offer the chance at some substantial payouts but can also come with the odds in the house’s favor.

What is the highest paying side bet in blackjack?

The highest paying side bet in blackjack is typically the “Super Sevens” bet, which can pay out up to 5,000 to 1 if a player is dealt three sevens of the same suit.

What is the house edge for blackjack side bets?

The house edge for blackjack side bets varies widely, typically ranging from around 2% to over 10%, depending on the specific bet and casino rules.

Can you win both the main blackjack bet and a side bet in the same hand?

Yes, you can win both the main blackjack bet and a side bet in the same hand if both your main hand and the conditions of your side bet are successful.