Side Bets
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Blackjack is known for combining simple rules with meaningful player decisions and relatively favorable odds compared to many other casino games. While the core objective is always to beat the dealer, many blackjack tables also offer side bets that add an extra layer of variety. These optional wagers focus on specific card combinations or outcomes rather than the result of the main hand.
Side bets typically offer much larger payouts than standard blackjack wins, which usually pay 1:1 or 3:2 for a natural blackjack. In exchange, they come with a higher risk and a higher house edge. This guide explains how blackjack side bets work, which ones are most common, their typical payouts, and how to think about their overall value.
What Are Side Bets in Blackjack?
Side bets in blackjack are optional wagers placed in addition to the main blackjack bet. Instead of focusing on whether the player beats the dealer, these bets cover specific outcomes such as matching cards, poker-style combinations, dealer busts, or certain hand totals.
Most side bets pay significantly higher odds than the main game, often ranging from 25:1 to 100:1 or more, depending on the outcome. However, the probability of winning is much lower, resulting in a higher house edge compared to standard blackjack. Side bets are designed primarily for entertainment and to add volatility, rather than for long-term efficiency. They are never required to play blackjack and do not influence the outcome of the main hand.
Many players first notice side bets out of curiosity rather than intention, often after seeing the payout figures displayed on the table.
New players are often surprised by how infrequently side bets win compared to the main blackjack hand.
List of Popular Blackjack Side Bets
Several side bets appear consistently across online and live dealer blackjack tables. These options are widely recognized, easy to understand, and commonly integrated into standard blackjack layouts. While payouts and rules can vary by casino, the following side bets are the most frequently offered.
Perfect Pairs
Perfect Pairs pays if the player’s first two cards form a pair. Payouts are usually tiered depending on the type of pair. A mixed-color pair typically pays around 5:1, a same-color pair around 10:1, and a perfectly matched pair of the same rank and suit around 25:1 to 30:1. The house edge is relatively high due to the low probability of the top-tier outcomes.
21+3
The 21+3 side bet combines the player’s first two cards with the dealer’s upcard to form a three-card poker hand. Winning hands include flushes, straights, three of a kind, and straight flushes. Typical payouts range from 9:1 to 100:1, depending on the hand. The house edge varies widely but is generally higher than standard blackjack.
Insurance
Insurance is offered when the dealer’s upcard is an Ace. This side bet pays 2:1 if the dealer has blackjack. While it can protect against a dealer blackjack in a single hand, insurance carries a high house edge and does not improve long-term results for most players.
Bust It
Bust It pays based on whether the dealer busts and how many cards it takes. Lower payouts apply for a dealer bust with three or four cards, while higher payouts apply for busts with five, six, or more cards. Top payouts can reach 250:1 or higher, depending on the table rules.
Royal Match
Royal Match pays if the player’s first two cards are suited. A standard suited hand may pay around 3:1 to 5:1, while suited King and Queen combinations can pay 25:1 or more. This bet is simple but comes with a relatively high house edge.
Lucky Ladies
Lucky Ladies pays when the player’s first two cards total 20. Payouts increase for specific combinations, such as matched 10-value cards or Queens of Hearts. Top payouts may reach 200:1 if both the player and dealer have matched Queens of Hearts.
Bet Behind / Back Bet
Bet Behind allows a player to place a wager on another player’s hand instead of playing their own. The bet follows the same rules and outcomes as the primary hand and does not change the underlying house edge. It is mainly used in live dealer games.
Dealer Match
Dealer Match pays if the player’s first card matches the dealer’s upcard by rank or suit. Payouts are usually tiered, with rank-and-suit matches paying the most. Typical payouts range from 3:1 to 12:1.
Hot 3
Hot 3 uses the player’s first two cards and the dealer’s upcard to form totals such as 19, 20, or 21. Higher payouts apply to specific combinations, such as suited 21 or three of a kind. Payouts typically range from 4:1 to 100:1.
Any Pair
Any Pair is a simplified version of Perfect Pairs. It pays if the player’s first two cards form any pair, regardless of suit or color. Payouts are usually around 5:1 to 8:1.
Blazing 7s
Blazing 7s is a progressive-style side bet that pays for sevens in the player’s first two cards. Higher payouts apply for suited or multiple sevens, with jackpots potentially reaching several thousand times the bet.
Top 3
Top 3 is similar to 21+3 but focuses only on the strongest hands, such as three of a kind, straight flushes, and suited 21s. Because fewer outcomes qualify, payouts are higher, often starting around 90:1.
Other Less Common Side Bets
Some blackjack tables offer less common side bets that are usually found in specific game variants, high-limit rooms, or specialty tables. These bets often feature higher payouts but lower availability and increased volatility.
Super Sevens
Super Sevens pays when the player receives one or more sevens. Payouts increase with additional sevens, and suited combinations typically pay more. Some versions include progressive jackpots.
Lucky Lucky
Lucky Lucky uses the player’s first two cards and the dealer’s upcard to form totals of 19, 20, or 21, with bonus payouts for suited or matched combinations. This bet is similar in structure to Hot 3 but uses a wider range of outcomes.
Over/Under 13
Over/Under 13 pays if the player’s first two cards total either over or under 13. Aces may be treated as one for settlement purposes only. This bet is simple but still carries a higher house edge than the main game.
Red/Black
Red/Black pays based on whether the player’s first two cards are both red or both black. Payouts are usually low, typically around 3:1, with a relatively high house edge.
Match the Dealer
Match the Dealer pays if the player’s cards match the dealer’s upcard by rank or suit. This bet is similar to Dealer Match but may include additional payout tiers or progressive elements.
Pair Square
Pair Square is a pair-based progressive side bet that pays for various pair combinations involving the player’s first two cards. Higher payouts apply to suited pairs and premium ranks.
Triple Seven
Triple Seven pays if sevens appear across the player’s and dealer’s initial cards. Top payouts are reserved for three matching sevens, sometimes with progressive jackpots attached.
Suit 'Em Up
Suit ’Em Up pays based on whether the player’s first two cards and the dealer’s upcard share the same suit. Payouts increase with stronger suited combinations.
Is It Worth Betting on Side Bets in Blackjack?
Side bets can offer large payouts and exciting moments, but they come with a significantly higher house edge than the main blackjack game. Standard blackjack typically carries a house edge of around 0.5% to 2% depending on the rules, while many side bets exceed 5% and can reach 20% or more.
Understanding the odds and payout structure is essential before placing side bets. The table below summarizes typical characteristics of common side bets.
| Side Bet | Typical Payout Range | Winning Probability | House Edge Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Perfect Pairs | 5:1 – 30:1 | Low | 5% – 10% |
| 21+3 | 9:1 – 100:1 | Low | 6% – 13% |
| Insurance | 2:1 | ~31% | ~7% |
| Bust It | 1:1 – 250:1+ | Very Low | 6% – 25% |
| Lucky Ladies | 4:1 – 200:1 | Low | 5% – 24% |
| Any Pair | 5:1 – 8:1 | Low | 6% – 10% |
In practice, most players treat side bets as occasional extras rather than something to play every hand. This approach helps keep volatility manageable while still allowing occasional high-payout moments.
Practice Using Different Side Bets
Trying side bets in practice or demo mode is a practical way to understand how often they win and how payouts affect your balance. Exploring different blackjack tables helps highlight how side bets vary by provider. This approach allows players to identify which side bets fit their risk tolerance and playing style before wagering real money.
FAQ's
Do side bets affect the outcome of the main blackjack hand?
Can I place side bets without playing a main blackjack hand?
Why do side bets have higher payouts than regular blackjack?
Are side bets the same at every online casino?
Do side bets use the same cards as the main game?
Is there a “best” blackjack side bet?
Should side bets be played every hand?
Can side bets be used as a bankroll-building strategy?
Why do side bets feel like they “almost” hit?
Are side bets more common in live dealer blackjack?
