What Are Side Bets in Blackjack?
Blackjack is a casino classic, loved for its simple rules and low house edge. However, for players seeking more excitement, blackjack side bets offer an additional layer of action. These are optional, extra wagers you can place alongside your main bet on specific outcomes, such as the cards you or the dealer receive.
Simply put, blackjack side bets are wagers based purely on chance. There is no skill involved, but the potential payouts are much higher than the standard 1:1 return on a regular blackjack win.
While the prospect of a 100:1 payout is tempting, it's crucial to understand the trade-off. Side bets dramatically increase the house edge, often to 10% or more. This means that while they can be fun, they can also deplete your bankroll much faster than playing the base game alone. This guide explores the most common blackjack side bet payouts and odds to help you make informed decisions.
Popular Types of Blackjack Side Bets
Many different side bets exist, each with unique rules and payouts. Before you place your chips down, it’s essential to know what you’re betting on. Here are some of the most common options you'll find at casino tables.
Insurance Bet
The insurance bet is offered when the dealer's face-up card is an Ace. You are essentially betting that the dealer has a blackjack. This wager costs half of your original bet and pays 2:1 if the dealer does indeed have a ten-value card in the hole.
While it sounds like a safe play, the insurance bet in blackjack is generally considered a poor choice for casual players. The house edge can climb above 7% in multi-deck games, making it statistically unprofitable unless you are an expert card counter who knows the deck is rich in tens.
21+3 Payout
The 21+3 blackjack side bet combines your first two cards with the dealer's up-card to form a three-card poker hand. If the three cards create a specific combination, you win. The payouts are based on the strength of the hand.
| Combination | Payout | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Suited Three of a Kind | 100:1 | 100:1 |
| Straight Flush | 40:1 | 40:1 |
| Three of a Kind | 30:1 | 30:1 |
| Straight | 10:1 | 10:1 |
| Flush | 5:1 | 5:1 |
The house edge for 21+3 varies with the number of decks in play, typically ranging from around 3% to over 8%.
Perfect Pairs Payout
One of the simplest and most popular wagers, the Perfect Pairs blackjack bet is a wager that your first two cards will be a pair. There are three types of pairs, each with a different payout:
- Mixed Pair: Two cards of the same rank but different colors and suits (e.g., King of Spades and King of Hearts). Pays 5:1.
- Colored Pair: Two cards of the same rank and color but different suits (e.g., Queen of Spades and Queen of Clubs). Pays 12:1.
- Perfect Pair: Two identical cards (e.g., two Aces of Diamonds). Pays 25:1.
This bet is resolved as soon as your first two cards are dealt, making it a quick source of excitement.
Super 7s Payout
This bet is all about the number seven. You win if your first card is a seven. The payouts increase if you get more sevens, especially if they are suited. Given the massive potential payouts, most casinos cap this bet at a low amount, like $5.
| Combination | Payout |
|---|---|
| Three Suited Sevens | 5000:1 |
| Three Unsuited Sevens | 500:1 |
| Two Suited Sevens | 100:1 |
| Two Unsuited Sevens | 50:1 |
| One Seven | 3:1 |
Over/Under 13 Payout
This is a straightforward bet on whether the sum of your first two cards will be over or under 13. Aces count as one. A correct guess on either Over or Under typically pays 1:1. Some casinos also offer a bet on the total being exactly 13, which pays around 10:1. However, this is one of the worst side bets, with a house edge that can exceed 10% for the 'Under 13' option.
Lucky Ladies Payout
The Lucky Ladies blackjack bet wins if your first two cards total 20. The highest payout comes from getting two Queens of Hearts, especially if the dealer has a blackjack. It's a high-volatility bet with a massive house edge, often over 20%, making it one of the riskiest side bets available.
| Combination | Payout |
|---|---|
| Lucky Ladies (Two Queens of Hearts) w/ Dealer Blackjack | 1000:1 |
| Lucky Ladies (Two Queens of Hearts) | 125:1 |
| Matched 20 (Suited Pair of 10-value cards) | 19:1 |
| Suited 20 | 9:1 |
| Any 20 | 4:1 |
Are Blackjack Side Bets Worth It?
So, should you be making these plays? The answer depends entirely on your goals. If you are a serious player focused on maximizing long-term profit and using basic strategy, the answer is a firm no. The high house edge makes them a losing proposition over time.
If you’re playing primarily for fun and want to add some lottery-style excitement to your game, side bets can be a great source of entertainment. Just be sure to budget for them separately and understand the high risk involved.
Ultimately, only you can decide if the thrill of a potential jackpot is worth the cost. If you do play them, treat them as a fun extra, not a core part of your blackjack strategy.
