How to Play Lucky Ladies Blackjack Side Bet: Odds & Payouts
The Lucky Ladies side bet introduces an additional layer to blackjack. It’s separate from the main hand and brings its own set of payouts based on specific outcomes in the first two cards.
This feature works independently of regular gameplay choices. If you’re considering whether to use it, it helps to understand what combinations qualify, how returns are structured, and how frequently different outcomes tend to appear.
This blog post explores how it’s placed, what combinations are paid, how the chances stack up, and how it sits in relation to other blackjack side bets.
Read on to learn more.
What Is the Lucky Ladies Blackjack Side Bet?
Lucky Ladies is an optional extra bet available at certain blackjack tables. It applies only to the player’s initial two cards and doesn’t change how the main hand is played.
The bet rewards totals of 20, but not all 20s are treated equally. Some combinations are more favourable than others—especially those made with matching suits or picture cards. There’s one result in particular that most versions place at the top of the scale.
This bet resolves on the spot—before any additional cards are drawn. Next, we’ll look at how it’s placed on the table.
How Do You Place a Lucky Ladies Bet?
On blackjack tables that feature this side bet, there’s a marked area for the chip to go—usually to the side of the main betting spot. If you choose to use it, your stake must be placed there before the round begins.
The amount staked is treated separately from the main blackjack wager and may follow different table limits. Once the cards are dealt, the result for this side bet is settled right away, based solely on the player’s first two cards.
Potential payouts follow the table’s posted structure. It’s worth noting that while most versions stick to similar rules, there can be subtle differences between venues. These might include how high the top payout is or whether additional triggers are in place. A quick look at the layout or rules screen will clarify what’s in effect before the cards are dealt.
Lucky Ladies Blackjack Payouts Explained
Returns on this side bet depend on both the value and combination of the first two cards. The lowest return is usually linked to any total of 20, regardless of suit or picture value. From there, payouts tend to rise based on how closely matched the cards are.
For instance, some combinations might include:
- Any two cards totalling 20: Typically pays 4 to 1
- Matched 20 (same rank and suit): Typically pays 10 to 1
- Two Queens of Hearts: Typically pays 100 to 1
That final outcome—two Queens of Hearts—is often the highest possible payout. Some variations offer extra returns if the dealer has a blackjack, but these rules are specific to the table setup.
At this stage, you might be wondering how likely these outcomes are. That’s where the next section comes in.
What Are the Odds of Winning the Lucky Ladies Side Bet?
Standard Odds Versus Rare Hands
The frequency of winning combinations depends heavily on which two cards appear. Totals of 20 are fairly common, especially when using a mix like a 10 with a Queen or King. These combinations appear across most shoe-dealt blackjack games, which is why they’re linked to the lower end of the payout scale.
However, combinations that require specific suits and values—such as the previously mentioned Queen pair—occur much less often. These are the hands tied to the top returns and tend to surface only occasionally. The more exact the requirement, the less frequently it shows up.
Game format plays a part, too. A table using more decks makes exact matches harder to land, while fewer decks can slightly increase the chance. Either way, the largest payouts align with combinations that don’t occur often, which explains their place on the paytable.
Understanding how likely each hand is can put the payout figures into clearer perspective—especially once the edge is taken into account.
Does the Lucky Ladies Side Bet Have a High House Edge?
Compared to the main blackjack wager, the house edge on this side bet is significantly higher. Most versions fall somewhere between 17% and 25%. This figure is shaped by how the prize money is concentrated on less frequent combinations and how the decks are configured.
Because this bet is resolved without any decisions or strategy—just based on two initial cards—it doesn’t offer the same opportunities to influence the outcome as regular blackjack hands. Everything hinges on those first two cards.
For that reason, it’s always worth reviewing the specific paytable in use before placing a chip. This shows you exactly what returns to expect and how they relate to the various outcomes.
As you compare side bets, these figures may be useful in understanding how they stack up against one another.
How Does Lucky Ladies Compare to Other Blackjack Side Bets?
There are several side bets commonly seen at blackjack tables. Each focuses on different card patterns or scenarios. For instance:
- Perfect Pairs pays when the player’s first two cards form a pair, with better returns for suited or identical pairs.
- 21+3 combines the player’s two cards with the dealer’s upcard to make poker-style hands like flushes or straights.
- Insurance is offered if the dealer shows an Ace, and pays if the dealer holds a blackjack.
Lucky Ladies is focused solely on two-card 20s, and its top rewards are linked to very narrow combinations. As a result, it tends to have a higher edge than some of the other options.
If you’re exploring tables that offer these extras, it may be beneficial to compare how each one is triggered and what kind of combinations are involved. Always check the house rules and paytables before deciding whether to place a chip.
And remember, if you choose to engage with side bets, do so with moderation in mind. Responsible gambling practices apply at all stages—whether it’s the main hand or any optional extras.
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**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.