Blackjack Side Bets

Aria BrownStefan Weber

9 min read

Blackjack as a casino game is particularly popular amongst players thanks to its simple rules and relatively low house edge - which can be reduced to less than 0.5%, depending on the variant you choose to play. It also allows for the perfect mix of skill, strategy, plus luck, so that there's a bit of each in every hand.

It's got a whole lot of good things going for it, except some might argue, the winning potential. Even with a natural blackjack, that is, the payout is "only" 3:2. These winnings compared to the stakes are therefore not particularly high when you're talking about gambling. And this is one of the main reasons why some players try to improve their winning potential with the help of various side bets.

21+3, Perfect Pairs, and insurance are particularly well-known and widely used betting options in this context. But you can also find plenty of new and unique side betting options, especially through different providers online.

While they can increase your winning potential, and the overall thrill factor, in general, it's important to understand that the house edge usually increases with side bets. The lower the house edge, the better for the player. So making a side bet is not necessarily the best option at the blackjack table. However, others would argue, due to the entertainment value, they're definitely worth considering. We'll ultimately leave that choice up to you, and in the meantime help you out with this side bet review, so at least you can go in better educated.

Table of Contents

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⏱The brands and bonuses above were last updated on 27. May, 2024. We test and check casinos regularly to provide up-to-date information. However, there may still be instances where there may be differences between a casino's newest offering and the listing on this site.

What Are Blackjack Side Bets Anyhow?

The primary purpose of side bets is to offer you the prospect of higher winnings. In regular blackjack play remember, the maximum payout is 3:2 (for a natural blackjack), and for a general winning hand, no more than double your stake value (i.e. a payout of 1:1). That's why most gaming providers, both local and online, have integrated side bets as an option.

Important to know: Side bets are called that because they are settled regardless of the outcome of the actual blackjack game. That is, they take place on the side of the main action, and are determined independently, without any connection to whether or not your regular hand wins or loses against the dealer's. As such, you can win one or the other, both, or neither.

Keep in mind, side bets can only be placed if you participate in the regular blackjack game, with an extra wager on top of your standard bet.

They are not available on every blackjack game mind you, but when they are, they are always optional. This means you can decide whether and which additional bets to make. The amount you can place on such bets is limited, of course, like in the main game play, and set by each casino or provider.

Also, while they offer a higher payout sum because they're all about random luck rather than any bit of strategy, due to that very nature, they also have a higher probability of loss. Depending on the type of side bet you're making and the game on offer, the house edge can rise to almost 14%, and in rare cases even more.

Example from Stake casino: Theoretical RTP with and without side bet.MoreLess

The Most Popular Blackjack Side Bets

1. Perfect Pairs
2. 21 + 3
3. Insurance
4. Royal Match
5. Over / Under 13

Perfect Pairs

Arguably the best known of the lot, the Perfect Pairs (PP) blackjack side bet is an additional wager you place on the chance that the first two cards you're dealt will be a pair. There are three types of pairs, each with different odds of being dealt; the greater the match, the higher the payout.

The most likely, a mixed pair, pays out at the lowest rate, usually 5:1 though sometimes a bit higher. A colored pair, as in the same number or face card both red or both black, pays out higher at a rate of 10:1-12:1. And a perfect pair, as in a couple of identical cards like two diamond 2s is the rarest and highest paying of all.

The exact rate may vary slightly depending on the game provider, but it's quite possible that a perfect pair will be rewarded with a payout of up to 30:1.

Type of pair	Description	Example	Payout rate
Perfect pair	Card number/face, color, and suit are identical		25:1 - 30:1
Colored pair	Card number/face and color are the same		10:1 - 12:1
Mixed pair	Card number/face is the same		5:1 - 6:1

Perfect Pairs is one of the more popular side bets and is therefore used in many blackjack variants. In addition, a number of developers of online table games offer a specifically named version called Perfect Pairs Blackjack. However, even if you choose one of these, this side bet is still always going to be optional, and therefore not a must in order to take part in regular play.

21 + 3

The 21+3 side bet is all about the dealer's faceup card plus the first two cards that you're dealt. What you're looking to do here is to form a poker hand in order to win.

For example, a flush occurs when all three cards are of the same suit, such as three hearts, for which the payout rate is 5:1.

A straight, consisting of three cards of consecutive value - for example 2, 3, and 4 - is settled at odds of 10:1, regardless of the suit. However, if the cards are all of the same suit, i.e. clubs, spades, hearts, or diamonds, your winnings will increase to 40:1.

Three of the exact same cards is the most lucrative of all, generally paying out at an exceptional 100:1, which goes to show how hard it is to land, but how worthwhile the bet can be.

Poker hand	Description	Example	Payout rate
Suited three of a kind	Three of the exact same card		100:1
Straight flush	Three cards of the same suit with consecutive values		40:1
Three of a kind	Three cards of the same number in any suit		30:1
Straight	A series of consecutively numbered cards, regardless of suit		10:1
Flush	Three cards of the same suit, regardless of number		5:1

Insurance

Insurance is offered in many blackjack games. How it works is simple. If the dealer receives an ace, or in some places a 10-value up card, you'll then have the option of insuring your own bet against the dealer getting a blackjack.

To execute this option, you'll need to place another bet of half the value of your original wager. That means if you bet $10 on your hand, that would be $5 more for insurance.

Only after you've made your insurance bet will the dealer check their hole card. If the dealer indeed has a blackjack hand, you'll receive a 2:1 payout on the insurance, though you'll still lose your initial hand - unless of course you too have a natural blackjack. And if the dealer doesn't have blackjack, you'll lose your insurance money, with the rest of the hand playing out according to the regular rules.

Royal Match

Another commonly employed side bet is the Royal Match, which also appears in many online blackjack games. The goal of this bet is to be dealt two cards of the same suit.

At best, it's a queen and a king of the same suit, known as a royal match, which pays out at a rate of 25:1. Two cards of the same suit - such as a 2 and 9 of diamonds - offer good odds too at 5:2.

Combination	Description	Example	Payout rate
Royal Match	A queen and king of the same suit		25:1
Pair of suited cards	Two cards of the same suit		5:2

The house edge of this side bet is up to 10.5%, which is undoubtably quite high. It can, however, also, as is the case of some very unusual variants, reduce the house edge. Therefore, Royal Match is considered to be a fairly player-friendly bet - the probability of winning depending largely on the number of decks used.

Depending on the casino or provider, there may be other variations to the combinations and payouts highlighted here, although what we listed are the standards. For example, there are games with jackpots attached, and those that pay out more if both the dealer and the player have a royal match.

Over / Under 13

The main advantage of the Over/Under 13 is that the house edge is relatively low compared to other side bets. If the bet is placed on "over 13", it's between 6% and 7%. And if it's "under 13" you've chosen, the house edge increases to just over 10%, with the precise percentage always depending on the number of decks being used.

The aim of this side bet is to predict whether the total value of your first two cards will be higher or lower than 13 points. As a rule, if the point value is exactly 13, the bet is lost. There are, however, exceptions to this rule, with some providers for example paying out the highest odds of 10:1, in this situation.

* Only available in certain casinos on select games.

Rarer Forms & Additional Bets Available (Especially Online)

Bust It

Top 3

An additional bet you can find in Playtech's All Bets Blackjack game is called Top 3. Here, you have the opportunity to bet on a combination of three cards, i.e. a poker hand. The first two cards you were dealt and the dealer's up card are taken into account, with three specific combinations that can lead to a win.

Ultimately, if this sounds familiar it's because it is. Basically, this side bet is a "slimmed down" version of 21+3, with fewer potential winning poker combinations (i.e. no flush or straight), but potentially higher payouts for the top one. Just note, this version is only online, and the Top 3 wager must be placed directly with the ante bet.

Poker hand	Description	Example	Payout rate
Suited three of a kind	Three of the exact same card		270:1
Straight flush	Three cards of the same suit with consecutive values		180:1
Three of a kind	Three cards of the same number/face in any suit		90:1

Hot 3

The Hot 3 bet is offered in some Evolution Gaming titles, for example Infinite Blackjack, one of its more popular live versions of the game.

Like other side bets, it involves card combinations that are created from your original two cards along with the dealer's face-up card. However, this time the goal is different, being trying to form a hand of 19, 20, or 21 with that three card mix - with some very specific details in terms of how combos pay.

If the total value of the three cards is 19 points, the additional win is 1:1. So, if you bet $1 you get $2. At 100:1, however, the payout ratio for three 7s is particularly profitable, so it can definitely be worthwhile on the prize money front.

Combination	Description	Example	Payout rate
Three 7s	All three cards are 7s		100:1
Same suit 21	Three cards of the same suit combine to reach 21 points		20:1
Unsuited 21	Three cards of any suit combine to reach 21 points		4:1
20 points	The sum of the three cards is exactly 20 points, regardless of color or suit		2:1
19 points	The sum of the three cards is exactly 19 points, regardless of the color or suit		1:1

Overall, at 5.4%, the house edge on the Hot 3 bet is considered quite low. However, the probability of being right with such a bet is not particularly high either.

Buster

Honey Bonus

The additional bet called the Honey Bonus has various similarities with 21+3. Once again here, the decisive factors for winning are your own cards together with the dealer's face-up card. Small poker hands can be formed from this combination.

With three identical cards of the same suit - for example three kings of diamonds - the highest winning odds are 100:1. But pay attention to the payout rate differences for the various poker hand combos, compared to other similar side bets (they tend to be a bit lower).

The special thing about the Honey Bonus is that a natural blackjack of the same suit can also lead to an additional win.

Overall, by the way, this side bet is less profitable than many others, with a house edge of 13.51%.

Poker hand	Description	Example	Payout rate
Suited three of a kind	Three of the exact same card		100:1
Straight flush	Three cards of the same suit with consecutive values		40:1
Three of a kind	Three cards of the same number in any suit		25:1
Straight	A series of consecutively numbered cards, regardless of suit		15:1
Flush	Three cards of the same suit, regardless of number		10:1
Suited blackjack	A natural blackjack with cards of the same suit		5:1

Lucky 7s

Also known as Super Sevens, Crazy Sevens, or spelled out Lucky Sevens, this type of bet is, you guessed it, all about the 7s.

Wins on this side bet start with a payout on a single 7 on your first card; then increase the more 7s you've got - with your first three cards being counted towards forming combinations.

What we just wrote is in fact the crucial part. That is, that winnings are only possible with the Lucky 7 side bet if your first card is a 7. All subsequent sevens increase the winnings. However, if the first card is any other number than a 7, this additional bet is considered lost, even if your next two cards are 7s.

While the payout ratios can sometimes be even higher than described below (we've even seen 5,000:1) what we've listed is fairly standard. Just note that Lucky Sevens is sometimes quoted as the worst of the side bets, as it has an extremely high house edge.

Combination	Description	Example	Payout rate
3 identical sevens	The three 7s in your hand are the same suit		500:1
3 sevens of different colors	Three 7s with different colors or suits		100:1
Same-colored pair	Two 7s of the same suit		50:1
Different colored pair	Two 7s of different colors		25:1
Individual 7	A single 7 in your hand (must be the card dealt first)		3:1

Lucky Ladies and King's Bounty

The King's Bounty and Lucky Ladies side bets are based on the same concept. The former involves collecting two kings of spades, while the latter pays the highest win for a pair of queens of hearts. You will not find both options available in the same game, as they're essentially the same bet under a different name, dependent on the provider.

In addition to the pairs, both of these side bets offer payouts for players who have 20 points, with two cards of the same or different suits in their hand; the important thing here being that this score must be achieved with the first two cards. Furthermore, some providers pay up to 2,000:1 if the hand consists of the corresponding kings or queens AND the dealer has a natural blackjack. Whether this option is available is stated in the respective game's instructions, so worth checking.

A disadvantage of this additional bet, despite all the winning potential, is undoubtedly the house edge, which is very high at up to 24%.

Combination	Description	Example	Payout rate
Pair of kings of spades, or pair of queens of hearts	Depending on the bet's name, your initial hand must consist of 2 kings of spades or 2 queens of hearts		200:1
Same suited 20	Your first two cards are of the same suit and their value totals 20 points		10:1
Unsuited 20	Your first two cards have a 20-point value, regardless of the suit		4:1

Lucky Lucky

In this blackjack side bet, you're looking to form a score of 19 to 21, using your first two cards plus the dealer's up card. The rarer the combination, the higher the winnings. This is especially true for three of a kind, and series of cards of the same suit, such as 6 of hearts, 7 of hearts, and 8 of hearts. Different colored constellations also lead to payouts, although these are always lower than if the card color matches.

Overall, the Lucky Lucky Side Bet is characterized by attractive payout odds. In addition, the house edge of 2.66% is lower than that of many other additional bets, so if you're lucky enough to find it on offer, it can be worth pursuing.

That being said, it should also be noted that there are now numerous variants going by the same name that sometimes offer higher or lower payout rates, or none at all for certain combinations, or even have other special features. When that's the case, it can also increase the house edge significantly to over 10%. So like with any side bet, you'll need to check the game's paytable when you start to be certain it's all that you were hoping for.

Combination	Description	Example	Payout rate
Suited triple 7s	Three 7s of the same suit		200:1
Suited 6-7-8	A 6, 7, and 8 of the same suit		100:1
Unsuited triple 7s	Three sevens of any color/suit		50:1
Suited 21	Three cards of the same suit with a total of 21 points		15:1
20-point total	Three cards whose combined value is 20 points, regardless of suit or color		2:1
19-point total	Three cards whose combined value is 19 points, regardless of suit or color		2:1

Suit'em Up

The Suit'em Up side bet also increases the house edge when played - depending on the exact variant and respective rules - to around 3% to 10%.

What it's all about, as the name implies, is card suits matching, i.e. spades, hearts, diamonds, or clubs, with the first two cards you're dealt being decisive. An initial matching suit pays out at 2:1. From there 11 points, pairs, a natural blackjack, and two aces are more profitable, culminating at a top payout of 50:1.

Sometimes certain live variants of online blackjack offer even higher winnings with the Suit'em Up side bet, with payouts of up to 60 times having been witnessed.

Starting hand	Description	Example	Payout rate
Perfect pair of aces	2 aces of the same suit		50:1
Same suit blackjack	A blackjack combo, with both cards of the same suit		10:1
Perfect pair	Two of the exact same card (number and suit)		5:1
11 points of the same suit	Two cards of the same suit with a total value of 11 points		3:1
Two cards of the same suit	Any two cards of the same suit; the point value is irrelevant		2:1

Advantages and Disadvantages of Blackjack Side Bets

There are several aspects that speak in favor of side bets. The primary one, in fact has nothing to do with winning, rather that side bets add variety to the game, ultimately providing an additional layer of excitement.

That being said, the winning potential is not to be underestimated either. Depending on the bonus option, payouts of up to 2,000X your bet, for example, are not unheard of. In addition, for most side bets there is more than one card combination that will pay out, at different scales, but still something.

However, there is no denying that side bets significantly increase the house edge and the probability of being right with an additional bet is not very high in most cases.

Blackjack Side Bets FAQs

1. Are side bets recommended when playing blackjack?
2. Does it make sense to take out insurance as an additional bet when playing blackjack?
3. Which additional blackjack bet is the best?
4. Do I have to make the side bets that are available in any given game?
5. Can multiple side bets be placed per round?
6. Does online blackjack offer the same side bets as land-based casino blackjack?

1. Are side bets recommended when playing blackjack?

Whether or not side bets are recommended is an excellent question. However, there is no clear answer. That's because making side bets is not necessarily a matter of logic, rather a matter of taste.

Many players appreciate side bets because of the variety they offer, and the potential for additional winnings. They love the thrill of a pure gamble, and aren't thinking odds in making them.

That being said, in reality, you will rarely see an experienced blackjack player tempted to place side bets. Maybe occasionally for the thrill. But a serious player knows that the attractive payout rates are offset by a relatively high house edge, and not so good odds of winning.

2. Does it make sense to take out insurance as an additional bet when playing blackjack?

Insurance is one of the most common additional bets offered at the blackjack table. It allows you to partially protect yourself when it seems that a dealer blackjack could be imminent - that is they have an ace, or in some cases a 10-value card showing - helping you hedge your losses.

However, despite the temptation, it's generally recommended that players avoid this side bet, as realistically, a natural blackjack is still very unlikely, so not worth the extra expense. That is, over the long term, losing the additional wager required to take out insurance is going to be the more likely event.

But the option for taking out insurance is there for a reason. So if you want to, go for it; even if it's more likely an emotional, rather than logical move.

3. Which additional blackjack bet is the best?

We actually advise against side bets - at least when it comes to optimizing the profit potential in the long term. Additional bets, as we'll keep hammering in, carry a higher risk of loss, and the house edge is higher here than in the basic game, which goes to say, they are not a good gamble.

Our determining the best, beyond that, also isn't necessarily going to help you, as most games only offer one or two side bet options, if at all. That being said, you can always search for blackjack variants that have the side bets you're most keen on, and proceed from there - especially online, where the options are endless.

However, since we appreciate you're looking for recommendations nonetheless, we'll say: while we can't attest to your budget or tolerance for risk, overall if you're going to go the route of side bets, consider the house edge, and choose options where it is increased the least.

4. Do I have to make the side bets that are available in any given game?

No, not at all. Even if side bets are available in the blackjack game you've chosen, or even if it's named after one of the more famous side bets like Perfect Pairs, you still do not need to execute this option at any point. Side bets are entirely optional in any blackjack game in which they are offered. So feel free to play a few rounds with, and a few rounds without, as you please.

That being said, while it may seem obvious, we'll just point out that the opposite isn't true. That is, you can't possibly make a side bet without anteing up on the main blackjack game first.

5. Can multiple side bets be placed per round?

There are actually versions of blackjack that allow you to make several different side bets. Whether these can be placed in parallel depends on the individual case. Playtech and Evolution Gaming, for example, are two developers that are known for their diverse live blackjack tables. Infinite Blackjack, for instance, has a particularly large selection of additional bets, as does the All Bets Blackjack game.

You can also find blackjack variants that allow both Perfect Pairs and 21+3 side bets on the same hand. And of course insurance is often available with various other side bets as well.

6. Does online blackjack offer the same side bets as land-based casino blackjack?

A look at land-based casinos, especially in Las Vegas or Macau, makes it clear: side bets are by no means the same everywhere in the world. Different countries, cities, and casinos, each have their own norms. And while you'll find plenty of additional betting options at the world's blackjack tables, it is most certainly online where you're going to get access to the greatest variety of all, with the greatest of ease. In fact, that's just another advantage of online blackjack play.

Blackjack Side Bets Summary

All and all, while it's safe to say that blackjack side bets aren't anything close to a guaranteed thing - or even a good choice in most professional players' opinion - they most definitely can be fun.

They exist for a reason after all. And it's not only to help the house make more money. Plenty of players love the added layer of excitement they offer, and the adrenaline packed chase after the elusive big money prize.

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