Blackjack Side Bets: An In-Depth Guide to Their Value and Risks
Blackjack is a classic casino game prized for its strategic depth and relatively low house edge. However, modern tables often feature a variety of enticing side bets promising bigger payouts and an extra dose of excitement. But are these add-ons truly worthwhile, or do they simply favor the house? This comprehensive guide breaks down how blackjack side bets work, explores the most common options, and helps you decide whether these bets fit your blackjack strategy.
What Are Blackjack Side Bets and How Do They Work?
Side bets in blackjack are optional wagers placed in addition to your primary hand. These bets are settled independently of the outcome of your main hand. That means you can win a side bet while losing your main hand, or vice versa.
The core appeal of side bets lies in their potential for larger, sometimes spectacular payouts—often based on combinations or patterns in the initial cards dealt. However, these wagers usually come with a much greater house edge than the core blackjack game, increasing your overall risk.
– Side bets are always optional and not required to play.
– Most side bets focus on card combinations, pairs, or specific totals.
– Payout rates and available bets vary by casino and table.
Consider your own risk tolerance and playing style before opting in—while they can spice up the gameplay, they tend to boost the casino’s advantage.
How to Place a Side Bet at the Blackjack Table
Placing a side bet is simple. After making your main wager in the designated spot, you’ll notice additional marked areas on the table layout, typically located next to or around the main betting area. These are reserved for specific side bets.
For example, you might place a $10 wager for your main hand and a separate $5 chip in the “Pair Square” spot for that side bet to be active. The outcomes are then evaluated independently after the cards are dealt.
The placement, label, and color of side bet areas can differ between casinos, and not all tables offer the same choices—or any at all. If you wish to participate, simply place your side bet in the corresponding area before cards are dealt.
Overview of Popular Blackjack Side Bets
While rules can change from one casino to another, these are the most frequently encountered side bets at blackjack tables:
- Insurance
- Pair Square
- Match the Dealer
- Lucky Lucky
- Lucky Ladies
- Super 7s
- Over-Under 13
- Royal Match
- Easy Match
- Rummy
- Blazing 7s
- 21+3
- Perfect Pair
Do note that availability depends on where you play, both in land-based and online casinos. The insurance bet, however, is offered at nearly all standard blackjack tables.
Let’s dig into how these side bets are structured, along with their typical payouts and odds.
Detailed Breakdown: Common Blackjack Side Bets
Insurance
Insurance offers a safeguard if the dealer shows an Ace, giving you a chance to protect your bet against a dealer blackjack. This side bet costs half of your main wager and pays out 2:1. However, with a house edge hovering around 8.5%, it’s generally regarded as a poor value for the player.
For example, if you wager $15 on your hand and take a $5 insurance bet:
– If the dealer does have blackjack, you lose the main bet ($15), but win $10 from the insurance (plus your $5 back, totaling $15).
– If the dealer doesn’t, you lose your insurance, win or lose the main hand as normal.
Regardless, the numbers show you’re on the losing end long-term.
Pair Square
This bet wins if your first two cards are a pair (for instance, two 8s or two Kings).
– Different suits: typically pays 10:1
– Same suit: typically pays 15:1
– The average house edge is around 10.6%
Match the Dealer
Here, you wager that your first two cards will match the dealer’s first two in value. In a six-deck game:
– Unsuited match: pays 3:1
– Suited match: pays 14:1
Exact payouts can vary depending on house rules.
Lucky Lucky
Combines your first two cards and the dealer’s up-card:
- Total of 19 or 20: pays 2:1
- 21, mixed suits: pays 3:1
- 21, suited: pays 15:1
- 6-7-8, mixed suits: pays 30:1
- Three 7s, mixed: pays 50:1
- 6-7-8, suited: pays 100:1
- Three 7s, suited: pays 200:1
The house edge is about 2.7% (six-deck), making it one of the most player-friendly side bets.
Lucky Ladies
This bet wins when your first two cards total 20:
- Different suits: 4:1
- Same suit: 10:1
- Same rank: 25:1
- Two Queens of Hearts: 1,000:1
However, the house edge can reach 25%—a very steep price.
Super 7s
Payout depends on how many 7s appear among your cards:
- A single 7 as your first card: 3:1
- Two 7s, different suits: 50:1
- Two 7s, same suit: 100:1
- Three 7s, different suits: 500:1
- Three 7s, same suit: 5,000:1
The house edge is roughly 11.4% in a six-deck game.
Over-Under 13
Bet whether your first two cards’ combined value is over or under 13 (Ace counted as 1). Both choices come with a significant house edge (about 6.6% for “over” and 10.1% for “under”).
Royal Match
Wins if your first two cards are a King and Queen of the same suit. The more decks in play, the better the potential payout (up to 25:1 in a six-deck game), with the house edge decreasing as deck count rises (5.9% for six-deck games).
Easy Match
A straightforward wager on receiving two cards of the same suit. Usually pays 5:2 for multi-deck games and 3:1 for single-deck.
Rummy
Wins when your first two cards plus the dealer’s up card form a “rummy” combination—flush, straight, or three-of-a-kind:
- Flush: 4:1
- Straight: 4:1
- Three-of-a-kind: 9:1
The house has about a 4.2% edge.
Blazing 7s
Similar to Super 7s but usually involves a progressive jackpot, triggered by landing 7-7-7. The house edge can be as low as 2.2% to 2.4%, but only if the jackpot pool is large enough to make the odds worthwhile.
21+3
Combines your hand and the dealer’s up card for classic poker hands:
- Flush: 5:1
- Straight: 10:1
- Three of a kind: 30:1
- Straight flush: 40:1
- Suited three of a kind: 100:1
The house edge stands at roughly 7.2%.
Perfect Pair
Wins depending on the nature of the pair in your opening two cards:
- Mixed pair (different suits, colors): 5:1
- Colored pair (same value, color): 12:1
- Perfect Pair (same card, same suit): 25:1
House edge varies but sits at about 10.7% on average.
Quick Comparison: Side Bet Payouts and House Edge
| Side Bet | Primary Payouts | Typical House Edge |
|---|---|---|
| Insurance | 2:1 | ~8.5% |
| Pair Square | 10:1 or 15:1 | ~10.6% |
| Lucky Lucky | 2:1 to 200:1 | ~2.7% |
| Lucky Ladies | 4:1 to 1,000:1 | ~25% |
| Super 7s | 3:1 to 5,000:1 | ~11.4% |
| Royal Match | 10:1 to 25:1 | 5.9% (6-deck) |
| Blazing 7s | Progressive, up to 777:1 or more | 2.2–2.4%, varies |
| 21+3 | 5:1 to 100:1 | ~7.2% |
| Perfect Pair | 5:1 to 25:1 | ~10.7% |
Which Blackjack Side Bets Offer the Best Value?
Among the many side bet options, only a select few offer a comparatively reasonable house edge. Lucky Lucky is a standout, with its 2.7% edge in six-deck games—comparable to wagers on European roulette. A well-timed Blazing 7s bet (assuming the progressive jackpot is sufficiently high) can also lower the house edge and temporarily boost player attractiveness.
However, most side bets carry edges far beyond the main game, which can, with perfect strategy, have an edge as low as 0.54%. The vast majority of side bets simply aren’t favorable in the long run.
Should You Make Side Bets in Blackjack?
While the prospect of a big jackpot is appealing, side bets are mathematically structured to boost the house’s advantage. The more you invest in these options, the further you move from the optimal odds offered by standard blackjack.
If you’re focused on minimizing losses and employing sound strategy, avoiding side bets and sticking to basic blackjack play is your best bet. Side wagers can be enjoyable for the occasional thrill, but remember: if the casino advertises and promotes a bet, it’s typically because it’s advantageous for them—not for you.
Key takeaways:
– Side bets can add fun but substantially increase the house advantage.
– Only the “Lucky Lucky” and (in some circumstances) “Blazing 7s” side bets offer a relatively favorable edge.
– Most side bets are designed for entertainment and rarely yield profit in the long run.
– Sharpen your main game strategy for the best chance at consistent returns.
Consider saving your bankroll and focusing on smart, strategic blackjack—and let side bets remain just an occasional indulgence for extra excitement.
