Side bets are a much discussed topic here by the team here at Joe Fortune… you’ve probably noticed extra betting options next to your main hand whilst playing at one of our online blackjack tables or at a casino. They add a bit of extra flavour, but do they give you better odds or just more ways to lose your chips? In this rundown, we’ll go through the most common blackjack side bets, explain how they work, and help you decide whether to play or avoid them.
What Are Blackjack Side Bets?
Blackjack side bets are optional extra bets or wager you can place alongside your main hand. They usually pay out based on specific combos of cards that come up in your hand or between your hand and the dealer’s. They’re separate from the normal blackjack action and often come with big payouts, sometimes 10 to 1, 25 to 1, or perhaps even more.
The appeal is simple: big wins from small bets but… the house edge on side bets is almost always higher than on standard blackjack play. Here’s a look at the most common side bets found in Aussie casinos and at online blackjack tables.
Insurance Bets
Let’s start with the classic and some might say the most controversial side bet of them all, Insurance. You’re offered insurance when the dealer shows an Ace. It’s a totally separate bet, equal to half your original wager, and it pays 2 to 1 if the dealer has a blackjack. Sounds fair? Here’s the problem, the stats show that it’s not a good bet unless you’re counting cards.
Why? Because there are only 16 ten-value cards in the deck, and the odds of the dealer having one to complete a blackjack are less than 1 in 3. That makes the insurance bet a long-term loser for most players. Our verdict here is that it is best avoided unless you’re a skilled card counter.
21+3
One of the most popular side bets going around these days is the 21+3 which combines blackjack with a touch of poker. It pays out if your two cards and the dealer’s up card form a winning three-card poker hand. Be sure to check the details as they can vary depending on which casino you are at, but the payouts are something like this:
- Flush – 5 to 1
- Straight – 10 to 1
- Three of a Kind – 30 to 1
- Straight Flush – 40 to 1
- Suited Trips (same suit + same rank) – 100 to 1
It’s a bit flashy and adds a fast-paced vibe as well as bringing a decent whack of extra excitement when your cards line up just right. But again, the house edge is a bit higher and is often 3% to 7%. Our verdict here is that it is fun to play occasionally, but don’t rely on it to boost your bankroll or profits.
Perfect Pairs
This is another blackjack side bet that focuses on your two starting cards. It’s quite simple as you’re betting that you’ll get a pair, and the better the match, the bigger the payout:
- Mixed Pair (e.g. 9♥ + 9♠) – 5 to 1
- Coloured Pair (e.g. 2♥ + 2♦) – 10 to 1
- Perfect Pair (same suit, same number, e.g. 4♠ + 4♠) – 30 to 1
The odds of landing a perfect pair are slim, but as you can see the payout reflects that. Some Aussie casinos adjust the payouts slightly, so as always be sure to check the table rules first before considering this as a bet. Our verdict on this one is that it adds a bit of spice to the game, but it is best not to bet big or often.
Lucky Lucky
This is another side bet involving your first two cards and the dealer’s up card. You’re trying for a specific combo that totals 19, 20, or 21, often with suited or matching cards. Here is an example of what the payouts are:
- 21 suited (7 + 7 + 7 of same suit) – 200 to 1
- 777 (any suits) – 50 to 1
- 21 (mixed cards) – 3 to 1 or 5 to 1
- 20 – 2 to 1
- 19 – 2 to 1
As you can see it has got a wide range of outcomes, so it can land a bit more frequently than some other side bets. That said the house edge is usually around 6% or more. Our verdict here is that it is good fun for low-staking players and given the odds probably our favourite.
Pair Square
Pair Square is a lot like Perfect Pairs, but the rules and payouts vary depending on which casino you are at. In short you’re betting that your first two cards will form any kind of pair, some versions pay out more for suited or coloured pairs, others keep it simple with a flat rate for any pair. The standard payout is as follows:
- Any Pair – 10 to 1
- Exact Pair (e.g. J♠ + J♠) – Up to 30 to 1
Since it’s like Perfect Pairs, the same logic applies; low odds, flashy wins, and a decent hit of excitement when it lands. The overall verdict is that it is entertaining, but more of a novelty bet to try occasionally.
Lucky Ladies
Lucky Ladies is all about making 20 with your first two cards. The payouts are based on the rank and suit of those cards. You’ll get paid more for suited cards, especially if you get two Queens of Hearts, hence the name, here are example payouts:
- 20 (unsuited) – 4 to 1
- 20 (same suit) – 10 to 1
- Two Queen of Hearts – 200 to 1
- Queen of Hearts pair + dealer blackjack – 1000 to 1
Just to be clear that last one is extremely rare, but it’s a massive payout if you hit it. Verdict on this is high-risk, high-reward, and best played if you’re not hitting blackjacks.
Over/Under 13
This is the easiest of all to follow, you bet whether your first two cards will total over or under 13. You pick one over or under, note that Aces always count as 1 for this bet. It’s quick and easy to understand. That said the odds are slightly skewed, and some casinos take a win away if you hit exactly 13, making the house edge even worse. Verdict here is that if you have not seen many face cards being dealt you might want to have the occasional bet to go over 13.
Easy Match
Easy Match pays out when your first two cards are a pair or suited. It’s very similar to Perfect Pairs, but with simpler payouts as follows:
- Suited cards (non-pair) – Pays 3 to 1
- Pair – Pays 10 to 1
- Suited Pair – Pays up to 25 to 1
This bet tends to be offered at online casinos or electronic blackjack machines more than live dealer tables at an Australian casino. Verdict, this is certainly a side bet we would recommend as it brings good fun and decent value.
Royal Match
One of the oldest side bets in blackjack, Royal Match pays out if your first two cards are suited. If you get a King and Queen of the same suit, that’s the Royal Match, and it pays at around 25 to 1. Standard suited hands (like 3♥ and 7♥) might still pay a return, often 2 to 1. It’s a relatively popular side bet at some Aussie casinos and at online blackjack tables. Our verdict is that it is satisfying if it hits but keep your bets small.
Is It Worth Playing Blackjack Side Bets?
Here’s our overall verdict, blackjack side bets are designed to be fun, and are not part of a long-term profitable strategy. While standard blackjack gives you one of the best odds in the casino (with a house edge often under 1% when played with basic strategy), most side bets come with a house edge of 3% to 10%, and sometimes even higher. That doesn’t mean you should avoid them completely. If you’re in it for some fast-paced excitement, low-stakes fun, or simply want to mix things up then go for it, lots of players do.
Final Thoughts
Stick to low side bet amounts. Treat them like a punt on the pokies… it is entertaining and can return a larger sum if you hit, but they’re not reliable. You are encouraged to learn the payout tables, as they vary between different online casinos. And finally, avoid insurance bets unless you’re counting cards.