What Are Online Blackjack Side Bets?
There’s no doubt that Blackjack is one of the most popular casino card games with players of all types. For those of us that enjoy smaller bets through to those of us that might be looking for high roller casino gambling. Blackjack can be a game that gives good odds of winning by employing correct strategies in standard gameplay. The house edge in a standard game means a player will get some good value from the experience and enjoy plenty of winning hands even though it’s a game of luck .
However, many blackjack players are not aware of the potential rewards of the side bets you can place in a game. There are several ways of placing a blackjack side bet available in casinos and they can definitely spice up a game while adding extra winning opportunities.
So, what exactly are they?
Side bets are additional wagers that you can be place alongside your main blackjack bet after the cards have been dealt from the deck. While they can offer higher payouts than the main bet, they also have a higher house edge, which means the odds of winning are lower. That’s a key point for players, of course, and it’ll be important to keep this in mind when deciding whether to place a side bet when you participate in any game. Some are more volatile than others.
Let’s explore some of the most popular online blackjack side bets and how they might enhance your gameplay experience in any gaming session.
By RealMoneyGames – Steve Cross
Perfect Pairs
One of the most popular online blackjack side bets is Perfect Pairs. This bet pays out if the player’s first two cards are a pair. The payout varies depending on the type of pair, with a mixed pair paying 6:1, a colored pair paying 12:1, and a perfect pair (two identical cards) paying 25:1. While the odds of getting a pair are relatively low, this side bet can offer substantial payouts for lucky players.
21+3
Another popular side bet is 21+3, which combines the player’s two cards with the dealer’s up-card to form a three-card poker hand. If the hand is a flush, straight, three-of-a-kind, or straight flush, the player wins the side bet. Payouts vary depending on the strength of the hand, with a straight flush offering the highest payout at 100:1. This side bet can be exciting for players who enjoy the added challenge of poker-style gameplay and like the excitement of seeing a Queen, King, or Ace in their hand.
Insurance
For players who prefer a more straightforward side bet, Insurance is a good option. This bet is offered when the dealer’s up-card is an Ace and pays out if the dealer’s hole card is a ten-value card, resulting in a blackjack. While this side bet offers lower payouts than others, it can be a smart choice for players who want to protect their main bet in case of a dealer blackjack.
Bust It
The Bust It side bet wager pays out if the dealer busts (has a hand total over 21) with three or more cards. The payout varies depending on the number of cards in the dealer’s busted hand, with a three-card bust offering the lowest payout at 1:1 and a nine-card bust offering the highest payout at 250:1. This side bet can be a fun addition for players who enjoy rooting against the dealer.
Super Sevens
The Super Sevens side bet allows players to bet on whether they will be dealt one or more sevens in their hand. The more sevens a player receives, the higher the payout. This side bet can offer payouts of up to 5000:1, making it one of the most lucrative side bets available in blackjack. However, as with all side bets, players should be aware of the increased risk involved and should only make this bet if they feel comfortable taking on that risk.
Summary
Players will find that online blackjack side bets can add an extra layer of excitement and potential payouts to the gameplay. But it’s important to remember that these bets have a higher house edge and lower odds of winning than the main blackjack bet. If you want to play it safe and enjoy Blackjack’s reasonable house edge, the standard betting route is the one you want to take.
But we all like some variety, and if you want some extra entertainment in some hands, having a side bet can add to the fun and may even result in a nice-enough win.