Blackjack Side Bets 101
Lesson description
Discover the unusual origins of side bets and what makes these wagers so popular among players with Mr Blackjack.
Side bets can have a huge influence on your blackjack game. They're fun, and you can win lots of money from them - but only if you know what you are doing.
In this section, we will teach you why casinos invented side bets and the basics any player should know about these wagers.
I don’t know why you need to add anything to blackjack, but some players want to combine wagers from several casino games into one game, to bet in the most spots possible and potentially get a big payout.
In my opinion, players should focus on the bets that can give you the best odds, but it's always nice to see someone hit a three-of-a-kind jackpot or perfect pair.
Like slot machines, blackjack side bets will give you the illusion that you are winning small amounts to keep you interested.
For instance, the perfect pair payouts vary from 30:1 to 1:1. You will win every five hands or so, but most of the time the payout will be 1:1, giving you the illusion that the bet is worth it.
Side bets are great if you hit it big, but over time the casino's edge on these wagers is bigger than it is in roulette and stands at around 10% compared to roulette's 5%.
This means every time you bet $10 on the side, you are giving the casino $1. Compared to wagering $10 at roulette, you give the casino 50¢ every time you play. In the long run, these numbers add up.
Side bets are very exciting, however, let's say you get dealt a suited blackjack as an example. Depending on the game you are playing, if the dealer has the up-card needed to give you a straight flush, you win big on every bet.
You will never forget that, and that win will have you coming back for more. This is why casinos offer side bets. They want to pay you out so you keep playing them.
Side bets also allow you to win 100:1 and even sometimes 1,000:1 on the bet. The risk and possibility of big payouts are what make side bets so attractive to players.
In this season we will teach you about all the possible side bets that you may see at live and online casinos. We'll tell you the side bets to avoid, how to maximize payouts on certain wagers, and which side bets are worth your time.
What this lesson covers
- What side bets are in blackjack
- The pros/cons to side bets
- Why casinos offer them
- How they affect your gameplay
Meet Mr Blackjack
With a career spanning two decades, Mathieu Blake knows his way around a blackjack table. He's taught and entertained over 100,000 subscribers on his YouTube channel . In this series he'll take you through basic strategy, card counting, and bankroll management. Take a seat with Mr Blackjack and become a winning player.
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FAQs
- What are side bets in blackjack?
-
Side bets are additional wagers you can make in a regular blackjack game. Unlike regular blackjack betting where you wager on beating the dealer, with side bets you’re wagering on predicting what cards you and the dealer will receive.
- Is it worth playing side bets in blackjack?
-
Side bets have a high house edge and lower chances of landing. Only players experienced in card counting and basic strategy will find side bets are worth their time. Our blackjack odds guide gives more information about how casinos adjust the house edge for these wagers.
- What do side bets pay?
-
Each side bet has it’s own payouts, but overall they vary between 2.5:1 and 5,000:1. Some side bets have a progressive jackpot too.
- How do you place a side bet in blackjack?
-
To make a side bet, you must place your wager in the allocated space on the blackjack table. In online blackjack games, the casino will give you a prompt and highlight where to add your chips on the screen.
- When can I make a side bet?
-
You must make a side bet before any cards are dealt. The dealer will say when it’s time to add your bets to the table. Lesson four in season one of Blackjack Academy covers the basic etiquette to betting in blackjack.
- Can I make side bets in online blackjack for free?
-
You have to make a wager on a side bet in online blackjack to win any payouts from them. Some casinos will offer a free side bet in their real money blackjack games as a weekly promotion. We recommend checking their promotions pages for more details.
- Can I play blackjack games with side bets for free?
-
Our free blackjack arcade has dozens of free titles containing popular side bets. Enjoy some blackjack side bet action right away, with no time limits or sign up requirements.
- Do Vegas casinos accept side bets in blackjack?
-
Yes, all casinos in Vegas will accept side bets. Some tables may accept or reject some of these wagers though, so check with the dealer if there’s a specific side bet you want to make.
- What are side bets in blackjack?
-
Side bets are additional wagers you can make in a regular blackjack game. Unlike regular blackjack betting where you wager on beating the dealer, with side bets you’re wagering on predicting what cards you and the dealer will receive.
- Is it worth playing side bets in blackjack?
-
Side bets have a high house edge and lower chances of landing. Only players experienced in card counting and basic strategy will find side bets are worth their time. Our blackjack odds guide gives more information about how casinos adjust the house edge for these wagers.
- What do side bets pay?
-
Each side bet has its own payouts, but overall they vary between 2.5:1 and 5,000:1. Some side bets have a progressive jackpot too.
- How do you place a side bet in blackjack?
-
To make a side bet, you must place your wager in the allocated space on the blackjack table. In online blackjack games, the casino will give you a prompt and highlight where to add your chips on the screen.
- When can I make a side bet?
-
You must make a side bet before any cards are dealt. The dealer will say when it’s time to add your bets to the table. Lesson four in season one of Blackjack Academy covers the basic etiquette of betting in blackjack.
- Can I make side bets in online blackjack for free?
-
You have to make a wager on a side bet in online blackjack to win any payouts from them. Some casinos will offer a free side bet in their real money blackjack games as a weekly promotion. We recommend checking their promotions pages for more details.
- Can I play blackjack games with side bets for free?
-
Our free blackjack arcade has dozens of free titles containing popular side bets. Enjoy some blackjack side bet action right away, with no time limits or sign-up requirements.
- Do Vegas casinos accept side bets in blackjack?
-
Yes, all casinos in Vegas will accept side bets. Some tables may accept or reject some of these wagers though, so check with the dealer if there’s a specific side bet you want to make.