Blackjack Side Bets: Your Guide to Maximizing Wins in Online Casinos
Blackjack is one of the most popular card games in the world of online gambling, and for good reason. It’s fast-paced, strategic, and offers one of the lowest house edges among online casino games. But beyond the main game, Blackjack side bets offer an exciting twist—bringing high payouts, thrilling odds, and the potential for massive wins.
Whether you're playing in a live dealer casino or a top-rated online casino site, understanding side bets can enhance your experience and potentially boost your bankroll.
What Are Blackjack Side Bets?
Blackjack side bets are optional bonus bets placed alongside your main wager at the beginning of a round. Unlike the standard game, which is based on whether your hand beats the dealer’s, these side bets let you wager on specific outcomes like matching pairs, card combinations, or totals. These bets usually come with fixed odds and can offer payouts far greater than the standard 1:1 or 3:2 blackjack wins.
In both land-based casinos and online casino platforms, these side bets are a favorite among players looking to add excitement and potentially win big.
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Most Popular Blackjack Side Bets in Online Casinos
1. Insurance Bet
One of the most basic side bets in blackjack, insurance allows you to protect your hand when the dealer shows an Ace. If the dealer hits blackjack, the insurance bet pays out 2:1. This option is available at nearly every online blackjack table, including those offering real money games.
2. 21+3
The 21+3 side bet blends elements of poker into your blackjack hand by using your two cards and the dealer’s face-up card. The bet pays out based on the following combinations:
Flush (5:1): All three cards are the same suit.
Straight (10:1): Three consecutive cards in rank.
Three of a Kind (30:1): All three cards have the same rank.
Straight Flush (40:1): Consecutive cards of the same suit.
Suited Three of a Kind (100:1): All three cards are identical in rank and suit.
This is one of the most popular side bets in real money blackjack games across top online gambling sites.
Blackjack 21+3 Side Bet
3. Perfect Pairs
The Perfect Pairs side bet pays out based on whether your first two cards form a pair:
Mixed Pair (5:1): Same rank, different suits/colors.
Colored Pair (10:1): Same rank and color, different suits.
Perfect Pair (30:1): Identical cards in both rank and suit.
Available in most live casino blackjack games, this bet adds excitement from the first deal.
Blackjack perfect pair side bet payout
4. Easy Match
This simple side bet pays out if your first two cards are the same suit:
Single Deck: Pays 3:1.
Multi-Deck: Pays 5:2.
It’s a low-risk, easy-to-understand bet found at many real money casino games online.
5. Royal Match
If you’re dealt a King and Queen of the same suit, the Royal Match side bet pays:
Single Deck: 10:1.
Multi-Deck: 25:1.
This elegant bet has been a favorite in both online and traditional casinos for decades.
6. Over/Under 13
Bet whether your first two cards total over or under 13 (Aces count as 1). A result of exactly 13 usually means a loss:
Winning Bet: Pays 10:1.
Great for players who enjoy fast-paced betting strategies in online casino card games.
7. Super Sevens
All about the lucky number 7! You win based on how many sevens you draw:
First card is a 7: Pays 3:1.
First two cards are 7s (different suits): Pays 50:1.
First two cards are 7s (same suit): Pays 100:1.
Three 7s (different suits): Pays 500:1.
Three suited 7s: Pays 5000:1.
This high-variance bet is ideal for thrill-seekers at online blackjack casinos.
8. Lucky Ladies
This side bet pays out if your first two cards total 20:
Suited 20: 10:1.
Matching rank and suit (e.g., two 10 of hearts): 25:1.
Two Queen of Hearts: 200:1.
Two Queen of Hearts + Dealer Blackjack: 1000:1.
Perfect for players who love high-reward online casino bets.
9. Pair Square
A straightforward bet on whether your first two cards are a pair:
Different suits: 10:1.
Same suit: 15:1.
Found in many mobile casino blackjack games and ideal for casual players.
10. Lucky Lucky
Combines your two cards and the dealer’s face-up card to form specific winning totals and combos (like 7-7-7 or 21 with suited cards). Payouts vary by combination, making this one of the more flexible card game side bets available.
11. Match the Dealer
Bet on whether either of your first two cards will match the dealer’s face-up card:
Different suit: 4:1.
Same suit: 11:1.
An exciting add-on available at many live online casino blackjack tables.
Blackjack Lucky Lucky side bet payouts
Are Blackjack Side Bets Worth It? Pros, Cons, and Strategy Tips for Online Casino Players
In the fast-paced world of online gambling, few games are as iconic and widely played as blackjack. Popular across both brick-and-mortar casinos and the top online casino platforms, blackjack offers players a mix of strategy, speed, and solid odds. But beyond the standard gameplay, blackjack side bets present a tempting opportunity to boost your potential winnings—if you’re willing to take the risk.
So, are blackjack side bets worth it? Let’s dive into the pros and cons of placing these optional wagers and explore how they fit into your online gambling strategy.
Are Blackjack Side Bets a Smart Gambling Strategy?
From a purely mathematical and strategic standpoint, most blackjack side bets are not in the player’s favor. These bets typically have a much higher house edge than the base game. For example:
Standard blackjack house edge (with basic strategy): ~0.5%
Common side bets like “Perfect Pairs” or “21+3”: 3%–10% or higher
Because of this increased house advantage, side bets are not considered part of an optimal blackjack betting strategy. They're not influenced by card counting, decision-making, or hand value. In short, they're designed more for entertainment than long-term profit.
That said, many players still enjoy making these bets during their real money casino sessions for the sheer adrenaline rush and the chance to hit a big win.
The Entertainment Value of Side Bets in Online Casinos
Although side bets may not offer the best odds, they can significantly enhance your online casino experience. Here’s why many online gamblers still love them:
Fast Action: With multiple outcomes to bet on, the game feels faster and more dynamic.
Big Payouts: The potential to win hundreds or thousands from a small side bet is appealing to many.
Added Excitement: Watching to see if your cards form a pair, a flush, or a “lucky 20” adds a layer of suspense to every hand.
Perfect for Casual Play: If you're playing for fun and not focused strictly on strategy, side bets add variety.
Especially in live dealer blackjack games, side bets have become a fan favorite. Many top-rated online casinos feature variations that emphasize side bets, knowing that players enjoy the added thrill.
When to Consider Making a Side Bet
If you're a recreational player looking to spice up your blackjack session, occasional side bets can be worthwhile—as long as you're aware of the odds. Here are a few tips:
Set a Side Bet Budget: Treat side bets like slot machine spins—fun but not the foundation of your gambling strategy.
Know the Payouts: Each side bet has its own structure. Bets like Lucky Ladies, 21+3, and Super Sevens can offer big rewards but have low probabilities.
Play for the Thrill, Not Profit: Use side bets to increase entertainment, not as a reliable source of winnings.
Avoid Chasing Losses: Don't double down on side bets in an attempt to recover losses from the main game.
Final Verdict: Are Blackjack Side Bets Worth It?
In the world of online blackjack and real money casino gaming, side bets offer excitement, variety, and high-reward potential—but at the cost of a higher house edge and lower probability of winning.
If you're a serious strategist, side bets don’t add value to your long-term gambling success. But if you're playing in an online casino for fun, and you enjoy mixing things up with multiple bet types, side bets can absolutely be worth a try.
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Add excitement to standard blackjack gameplay
Potential for huge payouts from small wagers
Widely available in online and live casino blackjack games
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High house edge compared to the base game
Not part of optimal blackjack strategy
Easy to overuse if not managed carefully
Enhance Your Blackjack Experience at Online Casinos
If you're interested in leveling up your game, don’t just rely on side bets. Check out our expert guides on:
With the right balance of smart strategy and entertainment-focused betting, you can make the most of your time at the tables—whether you're a casual player or a seasoned gambler exploring the world of online casinos.
