Buster Blackjack: How the Buster Side Bet Works and Winning Tips

Seeing the dealer bust is always a good site for blackjack players. In Buster Blackjack, that is ramped up even more with players possibly winning a side bet when the dealer goes over 21 and even more money based on the number of cards the dealer is dealt to bust.

This can be an entertaining side bet for players as they cheer on the dealer to hopefully receive a bunch of cards and ultimately busting. Keep reading to learn all about the unique Buster side bet and what to expect when playing this variant, and strategies for maximizing wins.

What is Buster Blackjack?

Buster Blackjack is a game that offers a side bet that is paid out when the dealer busts (meaning drawing a hand of more than 21). When placing a blackjack side bet, the wager is independent of the main wager on the hand. A player would lose the main wager, but still win the Buster side bet.

Playing the game is easy. If the dealer busts, you win the side bet. If the dealer doesn’t bust, you lose the side bet. The more cards needed for the dealer to bust, the more you win. Because of this fun element, Buster Blackjack has become popular in live casinos and online platforms.

How to Play and Understanding Buster Blackjack

Placing a Buster Blackjack side bet is easy. Here’s a look how the action at the table will take place:

The player first makes the main blackjack bet and then places a wager in the Blackjack Buster side bet wagering circle or area.
The hand then plays out as normal, with each player hitting, standing, doubling down, and splitting as needed.
The dealer always acts last and if his hand busts, winning wagers will be paid out along with the side bets based on a pay table.
A new hand then resumes.

Here’s a look at the traditional payouts for this wager.

Number of cards	Payout
8 or more	250 to 1
7	50 to 1
6	15 to 1
5	4 to 1
3 or 4	2 to 1

Some casinos also pay a premium when the dealer busts and the player also has a blackjack. Here’s a look at what the pay table looks like.

Number of cards	Payout
8 or more and player blackjack	2,000 to 1
7 or more and player blackjack	800 to 1
8 or more (no player blackjack)	250 to 1
7 (no player blackjack)	50 to 1
6 (no player blackjack)	18 to 1
5 (no player blackjack)	4 to 1
3 or 4 (no player blackjack)	2 to 1

These pay tables can vary by casino or online platform, but this a general idea of what to expect.

Strategies for Winning at Buster Blackjack

The Buster Blackjack wager doesn’t require any great skill. You’re simply hoping the dealer busts. Practicing basic blackjack strategy always gives you the best chance to win on the main game and that is always a great idea.

In a game where players can find a house edge of less than 1% with favorable rules and playing perfect basic strategy, the Buster Blackjack side bet is considerably higher than that. This can be from 6% to just under 7% in a game where the dealer hits soft 17 and from about 8% to just under 9% when the dealer stands on soft 17.

Because the dealer takes another card and has a chance to bust means a lower house edge on games that hit soft 17. That is a bit of no bust blackjack strategy adjustment that might be considered because there is at least a lower house edge in that version.

However, more conservative players who want to reduce the house edge as much as possible using basic blackjack strategy may want to steer clear of these types of side bets. Those who enjoy a bit more risk with a bigger payout possible may consider the Buster Blackjack side bet at least occasionally.

Look at your own bankroll and budget when making these bets. If your bankroll is lower, you may only want to consider this bet when winning or just occasionally.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Buster Blackjack

When considering whether to play Blackjack Buster, here’s a look at some of the pros and cons of the blackjack buster side bet.

Advantages

Added excitement for the main game
Potential for higher payouts
More action on the line

Disadvantages

Added risk to the main game
A higher house edge than the main game and even some other side bets
May drain your bankroll faster

Conclusion

Buster Blackjack is a fun side bet that can add some extra winnings for players when the dealer busts. The more cards it takes to bust, the better the reward with a payout of 250 to 1 when the dealer busts on eight cards or more. But even seeing the dealer bust with three cards will pay out 2 to 1.

Some games also pay a premium when the dealer busts on a high number of cards and the player also has a blackjack. In this version, when the dealer busts with eight or more cards and the player has blackjack, you’ll be paid out at 2,000 to 1. For seven cards on these pay tables, you’ll earn an 800 to 1 payout.

Looking to work on those blackjack skills and maybe even play the Buster version? Head to Lucky Block Casino to get in the game as well as other great blackjack options.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Buster side bet in Buster Blackjack?

This is a blackjack side bet based on the dealer busting as the name implies. You win more based on the number of cards the dealer receives when busting.

How do payouts work for the Buster side bet?

The more cards the dealer is dealt to bust, the higher the payout for players. That is as high as 250 to 1 for eight cards or more, depending on the casino’s side bet.

What strategies can improve my chances in Buster Blackjack?

This wager carries a heavy house edge (although it’s much lower than slots in many live casinos), so players may not want to bet the Blackjack Buster side bet on every hand as it can drain you bankroll more quickly.

Is Buster Blackjack better than traditional blackjack?

That depends on a person’s own personal taste, betting strategies, and bankroll. For those who enjoy a bit of extra action, this can certainly be a fun option.