What is a side bet in blackjack?
A side bet in blackjack is an optional wager that players can place in addition to their main bet. These bets offer extra winnings based on specific card combinations. For example, a popular side bet is Perfect Pairs, where the player wins if their first two cards form a pair. These bets generally increase the house edge, but they also offer higher payouts. Side bets are available in both online and live casinos.
Check out our partner online casinos
Prince Ali Casino, a realm of entertainment where magic meets luxury, offers a royal gaming experience. With the promo code MADNESS15, new players receive CAD 15 free upon registration. This casino stands out for its regal collection of table games, including blackjack, where strategy and luck combine for unforgettable sessions.
Wazamba, an entertainment oasis, offers an exotic escape into the world of online gaming. With its tropical vibe and vibrant visuals, this casino appeals to players seeking a unique and playful experience. Blackjack shines as a standout among a treasure trove of games, promising both thrills and fun.
100%
up to 750 CAD
200
Free Spins
-
Wager
Magical Spin, a magical world of online gaming, welcomes players into a fantasy realm. Use the code MADNESS15 for a warm welcome with CAD 15 free upon registration via the Madness Bonus. Here, blackjack is more than just a game—it’s a captivating adventure in a mystical setting, offering every player a chance to showcase their skill and finesse.
magicalspin.com
150% up to 750 CAD + 100 FS + 15 CAD offered
Special offer
How to place a side bet in blackjack
To place a side bet in blackjack, a player must first join a blackjack table at a casino. These optional bets are separate from the main wager. The process begins when the player places their main bet on the table. Before the dealer deals the cards, the player has the option to place a side bet.
Usually, there is a designated spot on the table for these bets, often marked with a symbol or icon. The player places their chips in this area to signal participation. The bet amount is typically fixed or set within minimum and maximum limits determined by the casino.
Side bets offer various options, such as betting on a pair, a specific colour combination, or card values. These bets are resolved independently of the outcome of the main blackjack hand. If the player wins their side bet, the payout is usually immediate.
It’s essential for players to understand the rules and payouts of side bets before placing them, as they often carry a higher house edge. Using a thoughtful strategy and being aware of the odds can enhance the overall gaming experience.
How to place a side bet in blackjack
To place a side bet in blackjack, a player must first join a blackjack table at a casino. These optional bets are separate from the main wager. The process begins when the player places their main bet on the table. Before the dealer deals the cards, the player has the option to place a side bet.
Usually, there is a designated spot on the table for these bets, often marked with a symbol or icon. The player places their chips in this area to signal participation. The bet amount is typically fixed or set within minimum and maximum limits determined by the casino.
Side bets offer various options, such as betting on a pair, a specific colour combination, or card values. These bets are resolved independently of the outcome of the main blackjack hand. If the player wins their side bet, the payout is usually immediate.
It’s essential for players to understand the rules and payouts of side bets before placing them, as they often carry a higher house edge. Using a thoughtful strategy and being aware of the odds can enhance the overall gaming experience.
The most popular types of side bets in blackjack
In blackjack, side bets add an extra layer of excitement and variety. These optional wagers give players the chance to earn additional winnings, regardless of the outcome of their main hand. Some of the most popular side bets include Perfect Pairs, 21+3, insurance, and Royal Match. Each offers a unique dynamic and appealing payouts, increasing the game’s appeal. These bets serve as a thrilling complement to traditional blackjack, providing a more diverse gaming experience and extra chances to win.
Perfect Pairs
The Perfect Pairs side bet in blackjack is based on the probability that a player’s first two cards will form a pair. There are three types of pairs:
- Perfect pairs (same rank and same suit)
- Coloured pairs (same rank and same colour, but different suits)
- Mixed pairs (same rank but different suits and colours)
Payouts vary based on the type of pair, with perfect pairs offering the highest return.
This side bet adds an element of pure chance and anticipation, appealing to players who enjoy the thrill of the unexpected. While the odds of hitting a perfect pair are relatively low, the potential rewards are often enticing enough to encourage players to take a chance.
Blackjack Perfect Pair is a great example of how side bets can enrich the blackjack experience by blending chance with the potential for high rewards.
21+3
The 21+3 side bet in blackjack blends elements of poker and blackjack. It focuses on the player’s first two cards and the dealer’s visible card. If these three cards form a poker hand—such as a flush, straight, three of a kind, or straight flush—the player wins the side bet.
Payouts depend on the hand formed, with more difficult poker hands offering higher rewards. For instance, a straight flush typically pays more than a simple flush.
21+3 blackjack appeals to players who enjoy both blackjack and poker, as it cleverly combines the strategy and excitement of both games. It requires a balance of probability knowledge, intuition, and luck, adding an engaging twist to classic blackjack and delivering a more varied and rewarding experience.
Insurance in blackjack
Insurance in blackjack is a side bet that players can place when the dealer’s visible card is an ace. It serves as a form of protection in case the dealer has blackjack. If the dealer does, the player who placed insurance is paid at 2:1 odds.
Although insurance may seem like a smart strategy, it’s often seen as a poor long-term choice for players. The odds of the dealer having blackjack are typically lower than the chance of losing the insurance bet, which increases the house edge.
However, for cautious players or those using card counting, insurance may offer peace of mind. It can act as a safety net against a potential significant loss if the dealer reveals a blackjack.
Blackjack insurance is a side bet that should only be considered with a clear understanding of its risks and benefits, and how it fits within your overall game strategy.
100%
up to 750 CAD
200
Free Spins
-
Wager
Royal Match
The Royal Match side bet in blackjack is based on the player’s first two cards. If the cards are of the same suit (hearts, diamonds, clubs, or spades), the player wins. A specific Royal Match, where the two cards are a king and queen of the same suit, offers a higher payout.
This bet is especially popular due to its simplicity and visual appeal. The thrill comes from watching a visually striking pair appear, especially a Royal Match of king and queen, which offers the most attractive return.
Royal Match is a great option for players seeking a side bet that is easy to understand yet exciting, with substantial winning potential. It adds an element of surprise and anticipation, as players hope their initial cards form the winning combination.
The house edge in side bets
Side bets add an extra layer of excitement to blackjack, offering variety and the chance for bigger wins. However, players must be aware that the house edge on side bets is generally much higher than in standard blackjack. This is an important factor to consider.
This imbalance is due to how these bets are structured. The payouts may seem appealing, as shown on the paytable, but are typically linked to low-probability outcomes. For example, betting on a tie or specific hand may look tempting, but the odds are often against the player—increasing the house’s advantage.
Moreover, side bets don’t allow for strategic approaches like doubling down or card counting, which limits the player’s ability to influence outcomes. Their random nature and lack of direct control work in the house’s favour.
It’s crucial for players to understand this reality in order to manage expectations and their bankroll wisely. Side bets should be seen as a form of entertainment with higher risk, best approached with caution and awareness of the odds.
Side bets in online blackjack vs land-based casinos
Side bets in blackjack take on different nuances when comparing online play to brick-and-mortar casinos. In online casinos, technological advancements have led to a wide variety of side bets. Players enjoy an extensive range of options, often presented with visually appealing graphics and user-friendly interfaces. Additionally, online casinos frequently offer registration bonuses or targeted promotions to encourage the use of side bets.
In a physical casino, the side bet experience is enriched by the atmosphere and social interaction. While there may be fewer variants available, the use of a real shoe and the presence of other players add a human and exciting dynamic. Still, the core rules around betting on specific hands or card combinations remain consistent across both settings.
A key difference in land-based play is the ability to observe the game and potentially pick up on patterns or other players’ behaviours—an element that’s absent online. However, online gaming offers greater convenience and accessibility, letting players enjoy blackjack with side bets anytime, anywhere.
Whether online or in a physical casino, side bets add an extra layer of excitement to blackjack, with each format offering a unique experience shaped by its environment.
magicalspin.com
150% up to 750 CAD + 100 FS + 15 CAD offered
Special offer
Advanced blackjack strategies
In blackjack, it’s essential to consider advanced strategies such as splitting and using special bonuses. These tactics give players additional ways to optimize their gameplay. A well-timed blackjack split can turn a tough hand into two potentially winning ones, while blackjack bonuses enhance the game by offering extra rewards for specific card combinations.
These strategies, when combined with knowledge of side bets and an understanding of the house edge, can significantly increase the chances of success for an informed player.
FAQ
What is a side bet in blackjack?
A side bet in blackjack is an optional wager placed in addition to the main game bet. These bets typically offer higher payouts and are based on specific card combinations or particular outcomes, independent of the main hand’s win or loss. Common examples include bets on pairs, sequences, or specific card suits.
Are side bets worth it in blackjack?
Side bets bring an exciting element to blackjack, but they generally carry a higher house edge than standard gameplay. While they can lead to significant wins, they also come with greater risk. Players are best off viewing side bets as an entertaining addition, rather than a reliable winning strategy.
Can you apply strategies to blackjack side bets?
Unlike the main blackjack game, where strategies can reduce the house edge, side bets are mostly based on chance. Outcomes are unpredictable and generally not influenced by game strategy. As such, side bets should be played with caution and seen as a form of entertainment rather than a dependable way to boost your winnings.
