Blackjack Side Bets: The Complete Guide

Blackjack is one of the most popular table games, and as a result, it’s worth knowing how you can enhance your chances of winning. Besides the standard bets, you will inevitably encounter blackjack side bets at some point in your playing journey. Understanding how these work will significantly improve your chances of winning, and you’ll have more tools at your disposal – regardless of the type of blackjack you play. 

Side bets in blackjack can be useful in some scenarios, but using them isn’t always wise. As a result, it’s important to know when they will and will not make a difference to your results. You’ll discover this in our guide today, along with learning what the different types of blackjack side bets are. 

We’ll also cover how side bets differ from standard ones, along with providing some strategy tips to ensure that you’re successful when using them. If all of that sounds good to you, let’s get started. 

What Are Blackjack Side Bets? 

Blackjack side bets are bonus bets that you can wager during different rounds of the game. When placing these bets, you guess which cards you’ll receive from the dealer. The reason that these are called side bets is that they are an extra to your main bet, as opposed to replacing it. 

In some cases, you may also bet on the cards you think the dealer will get. However, this is by no means common – and you could easily go years playing blackjack without doing this. Side bets have multiple advantages, such as the potential for higher odds (and better payouts as a result). 

Differences Between Side Bets and Standard Bets

The main difference between side bets and standard bets in blackjack is that your side bets are optional. You are under no obligation to wager these, though they can result in better payouts if you use them wisely. On the other hand, standard bets are a cornerstone of the blackjack wagering experience. 

Another big difference between side bets and standard bets is that the betting odds are not the same. When you wager a side bet in blackjack, you could potentially receive a 5,000/1 payout if you’re successful. While very rare, it does make the game more interesting. In comparison, many standard blackjack bets have a payout of even money. This means that your winnings match your stake; betting $5 yields a $5 profit and $10 in total ($5 plus your $5 stake). 

The only exception to receiving an even-money payout with ordinary blackjack is when a player hits a blackjack. In these circumstances, the payout is 3/2. 

The house edge differs significantly between side bets and standard bets in blackjack. In some cases, your house edge with a side bet could go beyond 10%. This can be quite irritating if you’re looking to maximize your winnings, and in some cases, you may not deem it to even be worth placing a side bet.  

See Also: Organise your own game with family and friends, how to play blackjack at home

Why Do Casinos Offer Side Bets?

Casinos often offer side bets because it’s an extra money-maker for them. The high house edge is one reason, and in some cases, people refer to side bets as “sucker bets”. This isn’t entirely fair, but you do need to acknowledge that the longer odds exist for a reason – because the bets are less likely to happen. 

Another reason why casinos offer side bets is that it makes the blackjack experience more entertaining. Casinos need to give players a reason to keep playing, and adding some fun into the mix is a pretty good way to do that. Side bets make the playing experience more entertaining, and they also increase the potential rewards. This is much better than just having a 3/2 payout at best. 

While not all casinos offer side bets, you should definitely consider those that do if you’re looking to add a more unique angle to your game. You will find a number of venues in Las Vegas and beyond offering these. 

The Most Popular Types of Blackjack Side Bets

Now that you know more about the basics of side bets in blackjack, it’s a good idea to look at some of the most popular options. Understanding these will make it much easier for you to determine when you should play each one. 

Below are the most popular types of side bets in blackjack. 

• Insurance Bet: This bet is designed to cover your back in case your dealer has a blackjack. It’s the lowest-paying side bet, with odds of 2/1. 
• Mixed Pair: When placing this bet, you predict that you’ll receive two cards of similar values but that look different. You’ll receive a 5/1 payout if you succeed. 
• Perfect Pair: Unlike the Mixed Pair, you will predict that you’ll get cards of the same value AND colors. This payout is higher, with potential winnings of 12/1. 
• Super Sevens: This rule involves you being dealt two 7’s and the dealer also having one. Payouts vary, but the odds are typically high. In some cases, you could get a 200/1 payout. Considering that it’s much rarer, you should use this bet sparingly. 

The Pros and Cons of Playing Blackjack Side Bets

When playing blackjack side bets, you need to understand the benefits and drawbacks. The main advantage is that odds are generally much higher than standard bets. Whereas you can get a maximum payout of 3/2 with ordinary blackjack wagers, you could get well over 100/1 with side bets. As a result, you may feel like your efforts are more worthwhile. 

Another advantage of playing side bets in blackjack is that you can still win money even if your main bet loses. For example, the Insurance Bet is designed to protect you in case the dealer has a blackjack. So, even though you’d lose the original bet, you can gain a bit of extra money by doing this. 

However, there are some significant downsides to side bets in blackjack. The main drawback is that you have to deal with a much higher house edge than ordinary bets. So, even if you win, you’re still restricted in terms of how much you can make. 

Another drawback is that you’re less likely to win with individual side bets. The odds are higher because they’re less likely to occur, which can make things more difficult. For this reason, you should think wisely about when you use your side bets. 

Depending on where you play, some casinos may have restrictions placed on side bets in blackjack. As a result, you might need to fine-tune your strategies so that they continue to be as effective as possible. 

See also: What Is a Soft 17 in Blackjack?

Strategy Tips for Blackjack Side Bets

To increase your chances of winning your blackjack side bets, it’s worth adopting some useful strategies. Below, you’ll find some of our top tips for strategically placing side bets in blackjack. 

• Know How Much You’ll Bet: In many cases, you need to wager a minimum of $5 for side bets. As a result, it’s important that you know how much you’d like to wager.
• Only Use Side Bets When It Makes Sense: You should observe the game before you place any side bets in blackjack. Doing so will ensure that you can make a much better decision than would otherwise be the case. 
• Count Your Cards: You should always count your cards before placing a side bet; doing so will help determine the number that you’re likely to get drawn next. 
• Understand Your Casino’s Limits: Check to see if your casino places limits on side bets before you wager. That way, you’ll have a better idea of whether you’re playing in the right place. By doing that, you will have the power to play in a place that’s more fulfilling. 

Blackjack Variants With the Best Side Bet Options

In addition to wagering on the mainstream version of blackjack, it’s worth exploring different options where you can. By doing so, you’ll ensure that you pick the best option. Here are some variants to consider. 

Free Bet Blackjack 

Free Bet Blackjack does exactly what the name says; when you play this variation, you’ll get free bets. As a result, you can take much of the risk out of wagering side bets, though you should always ddouble-checkto ensure that the house edge isn’t higher.

Blazing 7s Blackjack

Blazing 7s Blackjack is a version of blackjack where you win more money if more 7s are drawn. This is a huge opportunity to succeed if you were going to wager Super Sevens anyway. You’ll find this version of blackjack in many places online. 

Progressive Blackjack

Progressive Blackjack involves a pot with a big payout at the end. The jackpot gets bigger as the game progresses, and if you succeed, you’ll win the money that’s in the pot. You will find progressive blackjack online and in some land-based casinos. 

Understanding side bets in blackjack is one of the most important elements of successfully playing the game. This is essential for the ordinary version, and it’s just as important for different variations. You’ll find several side bet options with blackjack, making it important that you know these. 

One key thing to remember is that blackjack side bets have higher house edges than standard bets. Moreover, while the odds are higher, the probability is also lower. Understanding both of these will put you in a much better position.

See also: How many decks in blackjack are used, Single and multi decks