Guide to Blackjack Side Bets

Blackjack has long been a live casino favourite, favoured by many thanks to its mix of skill, strategy and luck. For many players, the game's appeal lies in its simplicity, but for those seeking something a little bit different, blackjack side bets can be a more than interesting option. These optional wagers, placed alongside the main game, inject a little bit of variety into the classic game, offering possibilities of winning even if you don't beat the dealer!

GUIDE TO BLACKJACK SIDE BETS

• WHAT ARE BLACKJACK SIDE BETS?
• POPULAR BLACKJACK SIDE BETS
• PERFECT PAIRS
• LUCKY LADIES
• INSURANCE
• ROYAL MATCH
• BLAZING 7S PROGRESSIVE
• DEALER BUST
• HOW DO SIDE BETS WORK?
• WHY PLAY SIDE BETS?
• TIPS FOR PLAYING BLACKJACK SIDE BETS

WHAT ARE BLACKJACK SIDE BETS?

Side bets are additional wagers players can make alongside their main blackjack bets. While they don’t affect the main game’s outcome, they offer separate chances to win based on specific card combinations or scenarios. So, why do people place side bets in Backjack? Well, for the most part, the popularity of these bets lies in their potential for generating winnings from hands that may otherwise be losers! Players can place a bet and go bust, but still score a win depending on the types of cards they received, or even on how the dealer’s cards fare!

POPULAR BLACKJACK SIDE BETS

Several Blackjack side bets have become popular in UK casinos. Some will rely on the cards you are dealt, while others will depend on how the dealer perfroms, whilst others still will see payouts grow as other players fail! Let’s take a look at these in a little more detail.

PERFECT PAIRS

Perfect Pairs is a straightforward side bet based only on your first two cards. The goal is to land a pair, and there are three possible outcomes:

• Mixed Pair: A pair of the same rank but different suits and colours.
• Coloured Pair: A pair of the same rank and colour but different suits.
• Perfect Pair: A pair of the same rank and suit. As you may expect, the Perfect Pair outcome is the most sought after, as it offers the highest return due to its rarity.

LUCKY LADIES

Lucky Ladies rewards the receipt of high-value cards. This side bet wins if your initial two cards total 20. Some combinations, like two Queens of Hearts, come with enhanced rewards, which can make this bet very interesting.

INSURANCE

Insurance is a unique side bet that doubles as a defensive strategy. It’s offered when the dealer’s face-up card is an Ace, giving players a chance to protect against a potential blackjack. The mechanics are simple: you place an additional wager worth half your main bet. If the dealer does have blackjack, your insurance bet pays out.

ROYAL MATCH

Royal Match is all about elegance, rewarding players when their first two cards are suited, for example a five and the King of hearts. A special variation, the suited royal, occurs when the two cards are a King and Queen of the same suit, bringing higher odds and bigger payouts.

BLAZING 7S PROGRESSIVE

For those who like to hunt big wins, the Blazing 7s Progressive side bet is hard to ignore. This wager is tied to a progressive jackpot that grows until it’s won. The objective is to land combinations of 7s, with higher rewards for multiple 7s in the same suit or a sequence of suited 7s across player and dealer hands. Everytime a player plays this side bet and loses, their bet is put into a a progressive prize pool. This means that the payout for this can grow and grow until it is finally hit.

DEALER BUST

For those who are guilty of occasional schadenfraude, the Dealer Bust side bet adds an interesting new dynamic to the game. This bet allows players to bet on whether the dealer will bust by exceeding 21 during the round. If the dealer goes over 21, players who have placed a Dealer Bust bet will receive a payout, adding another way to enjoy the hand. In some games, players can even bet on how many cards it will take for the dealer to go bust!

HOW DO SIDE BETS WORK?

Placing a side bet is easy, and most tables will clearly mark the available options. At the start of a round, you simply place your chosen side bet in its designated area. Once the cards are dealt, the dealer resolves side bets independently of the main hand. For example, if you wager on Perfect Pairs and receive two matching cards, your side bet wins regardless of how your main hand performs.

WHY PLAY SIDE BETS?

Side bets offer several advantages that make them appealing to players. The main reason is that many use them is that they increase the variety of the game, breaking-up the monotony of standard blackjack hands. Of course, the potential for additonal payouts – even on hands that would otherwise by losers – is more than enough reason for many!

However, it’s essential to approach side bets with the right mindset. While they’re entertaining, they carry a higher house edge, making them less reliable for long-term profits. Treat them as a way to enhance your experience rather than a primary focus.

TIPS FOR PLAYING BLACKJACK SIDE BETS

Blackjack side bets can be an interesting way to add some variety to your hand, but there a few things you should consider before placing that first bet:

1. Know the Odds: Familiarise yourself with the odds of each side bet before placing your wagers. This knowledge can help you make informed decisions and manage expectations.
2. Set a Budget: Allocate a specific portion of your bankroll for side bets. This ensures you enjoy their excitement without overspending.
3. Learn the Rules: Understanding the specific rules of each side bet can prevent surprises and enhance your confidence at the table.
4. Understand House Edge: It is vital that you understand that these side bets often have a signbisifcant House Edge. Research your side bet and make sure that you understand and can acceot the risk associated with it.