How Does the Royal Match Blackjack Side Bet Work

Blackjack is simple to learn and play, and has become a favorite of many casino players because of the low house edge. Gaming companies and casinos have added some side bets over the years to make the game even more fun. These offer the chance at extra payouts and Royal Match blackjack has become one of the most popular versions of these.

This added wager gives players another option that can reap some nice payouts well above the typical blackjack bet. The wager has players hoping for certain hand combinations to trigger one of these payouts.

Keep reading to learn all about the Royal Match blackjack side bet.

What is a Royal Match in Blackjack?

This is a side bet that sees players paid out based on the first two cards. Players are rewarded for certain suited combinations. That includes a Royal Match that is made up of a suited king and queen, such as KdQd. An “Easy Match” also rewards smaller payouts for players as well when they are simply dealt two suited cards.

It’s important to note that the Royal Match side bet is independent of the main bet. Players can make this wager at any time before any hand and can win on both the blackjack hand and the side bet.

How the Royal Match Blackjack Side Bet Works

Making the Royal Match side bet is simple and here’s a quick guide on how the process of making this wager works.

Place your initial blackjack bet.
Bet another amount on the circle or area for the Royal Match blackjack side bet.
Players are dealt two cards each, which are used to determine the result of the side bet.
A suited K-Q pays the highest side bet total with other suited combinations (known as an Easy Match) paying out as well.
The hand will play out as normal with players hitting, standing, doubling down, etc.
When the hand is complete, the dealer will pay out all winning bets including the Royal Match side bet.
The dealer collects all cards and a new hand can commence. Players can then make the side bet again if they choose.

Royal Match Side Bet Payouts & Odds

Payouts for the Royal Match side bet can vary by casino a bit as well as the number of decks in use, but here’s a look at the typical payout structures.

Hand	Payout
Royal Match (suited king and queen)	25 to 1 (six decks)10 to 1 (single deck)
Easy Match (any two suited cards)	2.5 to 1 (six decks)3 to 1 (single deck)

There are some other versions that also pay out for suited blackjacks, rewarding players with odds of 5 to 1. Other games also pay out 1,000 to 1 if the dealer and player both have a royal match, known as a “Crown Treasure.” There occasionally are some other hand combinations that bring various payouts.

House Edge

The house edge in the Royal Match blackjack side bet depends on the actual version of the side bet and number of decks. Players will typically find a casino advantage of around 3% for the more favorable versions to around 8% with more decks and less-favorable payouts.

These edges are similar to those seen in other blackjack side bets, such as Perfect Pairs, Super Sevens, and others. Some side bets carry much higher house edges. For example, the 21+3 side bet generally sees house edges of 7% or more. The Lucky Ladies bet features a house edge anywhere from 5% to 30%, depending on the game rules and pay table used.

Should You Play the Royal Match Side Bet?

Blackjack is already a game with a low house edge, but is it worth playing the Royal Match side bet? Considering some of these side bets, the Royal Match falls on the lower side of the house edge spectrum, making it a better wager for players.

But whether to play a side bet is ultimately a personal choice. Losing continuously on this bet can drain a player’s bankroll over time. Those interested in this wager may simply want to space out Royal Match betting only occasionally. Or perhaps only consider the bet when winning.

However, those who really want to keep the game’s edge as low as possible should use basic strategy and may not be interested in side bets considering the bigger house edge.

Conclusion

Side bets can add some interesting twists to the classic game of blackjack. These run independently of the main game and offer the chance at some payouts that are much higher than the main wager.

Royal Match is one of the oldest and most popular blackjack side bets. The wager is based on the first two cards and rewards players who are dealt suited cards. A suited king and queen, such as KsQs, is known as a Royal Match and pays out at 25 ri 1 or 10 to 1 depending on the casino pay table and number of decks used in the game.

An Easy Match also pays out for any two suited cards, at 5 to 1 or 3 to 1 depending on the casino. Players looking to have some fun with this version of blackjack should consider creating an account at Lucky Block Casino. Getting in the action is only a few minutes away and you’ll also find a nice welcome bonus to give the site a test drive.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Royal Match blackjack side bet?

This is an extra blackjack wager that runs independent of the main game. The option pays out bonuses for a Royal Match (suited K-Q) and an Easy Match (any two suited cards) based on the player’s first two cards. Some properties and online platforms may also offer additional payouts based on other hand combinations.