Blackjack has become one of the most popular online and mobile casino games in the world. One reason behind this is that there are a variety of online blackjack side bets that can be made to add an extra level of excitement and potential profit.
But what are these side bets? How do they work? What are the odds?
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the more popular side bets found in online blackjack apps, and explore what you need to know before placing your bet.
What are Blackjack Side Bets?
Blackjack side bets are optional wagers that can be made in addition to the standard blackjack bet. They are available in many online blackjack games and can offer players the chance to win extra money.
Side bets are optional, so players can choose whether or not to make them. They are usually made before the start of each hand. If a player does not want to make a side bet, they can simply place their standard blackjack bet.
Popular Blackjack Games with Side Bets
There are a few different types of blackjack side bets, each with its own rules and payouts. Some only appear in specific variations of blackjack, but others (notably Insurance) are available at most tables.
The most common side bets are Insurance, Perfect Pairs and 21+3 bets.
Insurance
Insurance is probably the most commonly offered, and best known side bet in Blackjack.
The insurance side bet is available when the dealer’s upcard is an ace. The player will stake half their original bet on the side bet.
Insurance pays out if the dealer has blackjack. If the dealer does not have blackjack, the bet is lost.
The odds of this happening are about 33 to 16 and the insurance bet pays out at 2 to 1 odds, leading to a house edge of between 2% and 3%, depending on how many decks are in use.
When players are counting cards, a high count (which indicates there are more 10s left in the deck) makes the Insurance side bet more likely to win. Theferore, it can be a very useful option for players when used in conjunction with a card counting strategy.
Perfect Pairs
The Perfect Pairs bet is a side bet that pays out if the first two cards dealt to the player form a pair.
This can be any type of pair, such as two cards of the same rank or two cards of the same suit.
The payout for the Perfect Pairs bet varies depending on the odds of the particular type of pair being dealt.
21+3
The 21+3 bet is a side bet that pays out if the first two cards dealt to the player and the dealer’s up card form a flush, straight, or three-of-a-kind.
The payout for this bet also varies depending on the odds of each type of hand being dealt.
Royal Match
The Royal Match bet is a side bet that pays out if the first two cards dealt to the player are suited (i.e. both cards are of the same suit). The best payout comes when the cards form a suited king and queen.
This bet pays out at various odds of up to 25 to 1.
Progressive Side Bets
Some online blackjack games also offer progressive side bets. These are side bets that have a gradually increasing jackpot. The size of the jackpot depends on how many players are making the bet and how often it is won.
Progressive side bets are usually available in addition to the standard blackjack bet. Players can choose whether or not to make them, but they must place their standard blackjack bet first.
Blackjack side bets can offer players the chance to win extra money. They are available in many online blackjack games and can be made before the start of each hand.
How do you Make a Side Bet in Blackjack?
To make a blackjack side bet, simply put your chips in the designated area before the start of each hand. You can usually find this area on the table next to the standard blackjack betting area.
Can you Lose your Main Bet if you Win a Side Bet?
No. Side bets in blackjack are separate from your main bet. You can win or lose your side bet without affecting your main bet.
Are there any Benefits to Making a Side Bet in Blackjack?
Side bets can offer players the chance to win extra money. They can also add an element of excitement to the game.
However, players should be aware of the rules and payouts for each side bet before they make one. Otherwise, they could end up losing more money than they originally intended to.
Any side bets will have their own rules which are independent of the standard blackjack rules for that particular table.
All side bets come with a house edge (otherwise they would not be offered) and unlike the main blackjack game, there is no skill or decision-making involved. As a player, your only decision is whether to make the side bet or not.
For this reason, they should not be made with any expectation of long-term profitability (unless you are using the Insurance side bet and are counting cards).
However, they do pay out from time to time, so you could get lucky, and they do add an extra fun dimension to the game.
Last Updated on September 29, 2022
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