Blackjack Side Bets Explained: Are They Worth It?

If you’ve got the standard game of real money blackjack down pat, you might eventually be tempted to go “off-menu.” Side bets are the "secret” set of wagering options when it comes to the casino’s most popular game.

In this space, we will explore exactly what blackjack side bets are, the different types of side bets you can place, and if placing a side bet is worth it — whether you're playing at an online casino or in person. 

♠️ What Is a Blackjack side bet?

A side bet in blackjack is an additional wager that a gambler can make alongside their primary bet. Blackjack side bets allow you to bet on different card combinations or outcomes instead of simply hitting, standing, or splitting. Side bets are entirely optional, and a side bet does not impact whether or not you win your “regular” bet.

Think of it like a steak dinner. The steak is the main attraction, or the main bet. 

The mashed potatoes are a side, or the side bet.

These sides, or side bets, are by definition: “off to the side.” But if you hit on a side bet, or those mashed potatoes are out of this world, it can drastically change the entire game.

🂣 How do blackjack side bets work?

It is obviously important to know how side bets on the best real money casino apps work before placing one. Here is what you need to know:

When do you place a side bet in blackjack?

You have the option of placing a side bet before the dealer begins dealing cards. A side bet should be placed at the same time as your primary blackjack wager.

Once the cards are dealt, the player can no longer place a side bet, so keep that in mind when considering blackjack strategy. 

Where do you place a side bet in blackjack?

Special betting circles for side bets are adjacent to each player’s main betting circle. Many blackjack tables even have these circles with options to bet on popular side bets like 21+3 or Perfect Pairs.

Players must make sure that their chips are inside the designated side bet area, or the bet will not count. 

It's important to note that not all online blackjack variants allow side bets. While the majority do, always check first before playing. 

How are blackjack side bet odds/payouts determined?

Each table has a payout chart for specific side bets. Be sure to check the chart before placing a side bet. 

⚫️ Examples of popular blackjack side bets

Here are some examples of popular blackjack side bets you can make at traditional online casinos, in-person betting houses, and at the best sweepstakes casinos:

21+3

Poker players adore 21+3. Your two cards are combined with the dealer’s upcard to create a three-card poker hand. These hands follow classic poker combinations like a flush, straight, three of a kind, and one pair.

Perfect Pairs

Perfect Pairs is based on your first two cards. If your first two cards match, then you’re a winner. For example, if you were dealt two cards that were a 7 of clubs, your pre-game Perfect Pair bet would win. 

Colored Pair

A Colored Pair is two cards of the same color and the same value, but different suits. A red 6 of clubs and a red 6 of diamonds would be an example of a Colored Pair.

Mixed Pair

A Mixed Pair is made up of one black card and one red card. Let's say you have a 5 of hearts and a 5 of diamonds, then you'd have a Mixed Pair.

Lucky Ladies 

When placing a Lucky Ladies side bet, your goal is to get to 20 on just your first two cards. For instance, a 10 of spades and a 10 of clubs would get you to 20. The ultimate, though, is two Queens (hence, the name "Lucky Ladies"), which has the biggest payout.

Royal Match

If your first two cards are suited, then you’re a winner. The best you can do is get a suited King and Queen, which has a 25:1 payout. 

Blazing 7s

Also called a “777” side bet, Blazing 7s is all about, you guessed it, sevens. Just getting one seven will get you a small win. If you get three sevens, you win big. If you get three sevens, all suited, you’ll win really big since the payout rate is 500:1.

Insurance

If the dealer’s face-up card is an Ace, you have the opportunity to make an Insurance bet. This Insurance bet is half the size of your original bet. If the dealer has blackjack, you win the Insurance bet at a 2:1 payout, but you lose your original bet.

Having trouble understanding these terms? Check out our online casino glossary to brush up on your betting terminology.

❓ Are blackjack side bets worth it?

The best part about a normal game of blackjack is that it is typically one of the lowest house edge games in the casino. Once you start throwing side bets into the mix, the house edge increases and can often increase dramatically.

Consider that a regular blackjack game has a house edge of 0.36% to 2.48%. Most of these side bets, meanwhile, have a house edge of around 7%, and some of them can get to as high as 20%.

If you are a conservative gambler (a bit of an oxymoron, I know), then you will want to steer clear of side bets.

But, if you are playing blackjack for entertainment value and/or are chasing that monster payout because you have an online casino bonus burning a hole in your virtual pocket, then side bets are definitely worthwhile. Make sure you track your spending, though. You don't want to get carried away, hoping for some Lucky Ladies to appear.

Basically, blackjack side bets sit in the “high risk, high reward” category, that more often than not will go the way of the house.