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Blackjack Side Bets: What Are The Best Side Bets?
Blackjack has long been a favourite in both land-based and online casinos. While most players are familiar with the main game, there’s another element that may add extra entertainment: side bets.
With a variety of options available, each with its own rules, odds, and potential payouts, some side bets may stand out more than others, depending on what you’re looking for.
In this post, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most common blackjack side bets, breaking down what they are, what they offer and why they might be worth considering. Read on to learn more.
What Are Side Bets In Blackjack?
In blackjack, side bets are additional wagers that players may place alongside their main bet. These bets are separate from the primary wager on the player’s hand and offer a different way to engage with the game.
Side bets allow players to bet on various possible outcomes beyond just beating the dealer. For instance, a player might wager on receiving a matching pair with their first two cards or predict the suit or rank of the dealer’s face-up card.
What makes side bets unique is that they are independent of the main hand’s outcome. This means a player may lose the main hand but still win a side bet, or vice versa.
Side bets bring another dynamic to the table, each with its own rules and potential payouts. However, it’s important to note that they often come with a higher house edge than standard bets.
For anyone considering side bets, it’s essential to stay informed and make thoughtful decisions. Always approach gambling responsibly.
What Are The Best Blackjack Side Bets?
When exploring side bets in blackjack, players will encounter a variety of options. Each side bet has its own rules and potential payouts, which can add another dynamic to the overall experience.
Determining the “best” side bet is subjective, as it largely depends on what a player values most—whether it’s the chance for bigger potential wins, simpler rules, or bets with a lower house edge.
Popular side bets come with their own distinct appeal, offering different ways to engage with the game beyond the main hand. In the following subsections, we will look a little closer at the 21+3, insurance and perfect pairs side bets.
21+3
The 21+3 side bet combines elements of both poker and blackjack. In this bet, players check if their first two cards, along with the dealer’s face-up card, form a winning poker hand.
Possible winning hands include a flush, straight, or three of a kind, each offering its own potential payout. What makes the 21+3 bet appealing is the opportunity to try and win a bet in a way that goes beyond the standard blackjack hand.
However, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the specific table rules, as payouts and qualifying hands may vary. As with all side bets, it’s key to play responsibly and make informed choices.
Insurance
In blackjack, the insurance bet is an option offered when the dealer’s face-up card is an ace. This side bet allows players to wager that the dealer’s hidden card will complete a blackjack.
Essentially, the insurance bet acts as a form of protection against the dealer’s potential blackjack. However, players should approach it with caution. The insurance bet carries a higher house edge, meaning that, over time, the odds of winning from this bet are lower.
Perfect Pairs
The Perfect Pairs side bet in blackjack adds another dynamic to the game by focusing on whether your first two cards form a pair. There are three types of pairs, each offering different potential payouts:
Perfect Pair: Two identical cards in both rank and suit (e.g. two queens of hearts).
Coloured Pair: Same rank and colour, but different suits (e.g. queen of hearts and queen of diamonds).
Mixed Pair: Same rank, but different colours and suits (e.g. queen of hearts and queen of clubs).
Potential payouts vary by pair type and may differ depending on the casino or table, so it’s a good idea to check the specific rules before playing.
Blackjack Side Bets Payouts
In blackjack, side bets offer their own set of potential payouts, which may vary significantly depending on the type of bet placed.
One of the most common side bets is the insurance bet, which usually offers a payout of 2:1. If the player’s insurance bet is successful, they’ll receive double their original wager on that bet.
The Perfect Pairs bet provides a range of possible payouts, depending on the type of pair a player receives. For example, some tables may offer payouts as high as 25:1 for a Perfect Pair—when the two cards are identical in both rank and suit.
Another popular side bet is 21+3, which blends elements of both poker and blackjack. Potential payouts here depend on the poker hand formed. For instance, a Flush might pay 5:1, offering a decent return if the right cards are dealt.
Since payout structures may vary between tables, it’s important for players to familiarise themselves with the specific rules of the table they’re playing at.
Is It Worth Placing Side Bets In Blackjack?
If you’re deciding whether or not you want to place side bets in blackjack, it’s important to consider what you’re hoping to get out of the game.
Side bets add an extra layer to the game, offering the chance to try and win something even if the main hand doesn’t succeed. These bets may sometimes offer higher payouts than a typical blackjack win, which adds to their appeal.
However, it’s essential to keep in mind that side bets generally come with a higher house edge, meaning the odds of winning are lower compared to the main game. As a result, many experienced players treat side bets as nothing more than an entertaining addition rather than a regular part of their approach.
If your budget allows and the idea of side bets interests you, they may be an enjoyable feature to add to your gameplay. But, as always, it’s crucial to manage your budget and gamble responsibly.
Play Blackjack Online at Dream Jackpot
If you’re looking for a safe and regulated environment to play blackjack online, Dream Jackpot is the place to be. Licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), we ensure that our platform meets the highest standards of fairness and security.
We offer a wide variety of blackjack games suitable for both beginners and experienced players. Whatever your preferences, there’s a game to suit nearly every style.
Our site is easy to navigate, with user-friendly features intended to make your gaming experience smooth and enjoyable. Additionally, if you ever have any questions or need assistance, our support team is always here to help.
If blackjack is your game of choice, we invite you to explore what Dream Jackpot has to offer. Remember to play responsibly and make informed decisions as you enjoy your experience.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.
Blackjack has long been a favourite in both land-based and online casinos. While most players are familiar with the main game, there’s another element that may add extra entertainment: side bets.
With a variety of options available, each with its own rules, odds, and potential payouts, some side bets may stand out more than others, depending on what you’re looking for.
In this post, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most common blackjack side bets, breaking down what they are, what they offer and why they might be worth considering. Read on to learn more.
What Are Side Bets In Blackjack?
In blackjack, side bets are additional wagers that players may place alongside their main bet. These bets are separate from the primary wager on the player’s hand and offer a different way to engage with the game.
Side bets allow players to bet on various possible outcomes beyond just beating the dealer. For instance, a player might wager on receiving a matching pair with their first two cards or predict the suit or rank of the dealer’s face-up card.
What makes side bets unique is that they are independent of the main hand’s outcome. This means a player may lose the main hand but still win a side bet, or vice versa.
Side bets bring another dynamic to the table, each with its own rules and potential payouts. However, it’s important to note that they often come with a higher house edge than standard bets.
For anyone considering side bets, it’s essential to stay informed and make thoughtful decisions. Always approach gambling responsibly.
What Are The Best Blackjack Side Bets?
When exploring side bets in blackjack, players will encounter a variety of options. Each side bet has its own rules and potential payouts, which can add another dynamic to the overall experience.
Determining the “best” side bet is subjective, as it largely depends on what a player values most—whether it’s the chance for bigger potential wins, simpler rules, or bets with a lower house edge.
Popular side bets come with their own distinct appeal, offering different ways to engage with the game beyond the main hand. In the following subsections, we will look a little closer at the 21+3, insurance and perfect pairs side bets.
21+3
The 21+3 side bet combines elements of both poker and blackjack. In this bet, players check if their first two cards, along with the dealer’s face-up card, form a winning poker hand.
Possible winning hands include a flush, straight, or three of a kind, each offering its own potential payout. What makes the 21+3 bet appealing is the opportunity to try and win a bet in a way that goes beyond the standard blackjack hand.
However, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the specific table rules, as payouts and qualifying hands may vary. As with all side bets, it’s key to play responsibly and make informed choices.
Insurance
In blackjack, the insurance bet is an option offered when the dealer’s face-up card is an ace. This side bet allows players to wager that the dealer’s hidden card will complete a blackjack.
Essentially, the insurance bet acts as a form of protection against the dealer’s potential blackjack. However, players should approach it with caution. The insurance bet carries a higher house edge, meaning that, over time, the odds of winning from this bet are lower.
Perfect Pairs
The Perfect Pairs side bet in blackjack adds another dynamic to the game by focusing on whether your first two cards form a pair. There are three types of pairs, each offering different potential payouts:
Perfect Pair: Two identical cards in both rank and suit (e.g. two queens of hearts).
Coloured Pair: Same rank and colour, but different suits (e.g. queen of hearts and queen of diamonds).
Mixed Pair: Same rank, but different colours and suits (e.g. queen of hearts and queen of clubs).
Potential payouts vary by pair type and may differ depending on the casino or table, so it’s a good idea to check the specific rules before playing.
Blackjack Side Bets Payouts
In blackjack, side bets offer their own set of potential payouts, which may vary significantly depending on the type of bet placed.
One of the most common side bets is the insurance bet, which usually offers a payout of 2:1. If the player’s insurance bet is successful, they’ll receive double their original wager on that bet.
The Perfect Pairs bet provides a range of possible payouts, depending on the type of pair a player receives. For example, some tables may offer payouts as high as 25:1 for a Perfect Pair—when the two cards are identical in both rank and suit.
Another popular side bet is 21+3, which blends elements of both poker and blackjack. Potential payouts here depend on the poker hand formed. For instance, a Flush might pay 5:1, offering a decent return if the right cards are dealt.
Since payout structures may vary between tables, it’s important for players to familiarise themselves with the specific rules of the table they’re playing at.
Is It Worth Placing Side Bets In Blackjack?
If you’re deciding whether or not you want to place side bets in blackjack, it’s important to consider what you’re hoping to get out of the game.
Side bets add an extra layer to the game, offering the chance to try and win something even if the main hand doesn’t succeed. These bets may sometimes offer higher payouts than a typical blackjack win, which adds to their appeal.
However, it’s essential to keep in mind that side bets generally come with a higher house edge, meaning the odds of winning are lower compared to the main game. As a result, many experienced players treat side bets as nothing more than an entertaining addition rather than a regular part of their approach.
If your budget allows and the idea of side bets interests you, they may be an enjoyable feature to add to your gameplay. But, as always, it’s crucial to manage your budget and gamble responsibly.
Play Blackjack Online at Dream Jackpot
If you’re looking for a safe and regulated environment to play blackjack online, Dream Jackpot is the place to be. Licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), we ensure that our platform meets the highest standards of fairness and security.
We offer a wide variety of blackjack games suitable for both beginners and experienced players. Whatever your preferences, there’s a game to suit nearly every style.
Our site is easy to navigate, with user-friendly features intended to make your gaming experience smooth and enjoyable. Additionally, if you ever have any questions or need assistance, our support team is always here to help.
If blackjack is your game of choice, we invite you to explore what Dream Jackpot has to offer. Remember to play responsibly and make informed decisions as you enjoy your experience.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.
