How Do Blackjack Side Bets Work?

When it comes to blackjack, side bets are an optional wager that can be made in addition to the standard bet on the blackjack hand. Side bets usually have a separate betting area on the blackjack table and they are not required to be made.

However, some casinos will require players to make a side bet in order to participate in the game. Side bets usually have a higher house edge than the main blackjack game, so it is important to understand how they work before placing any money on the table.

There are many different types of side bets that can be made in blackjack, but the most common one is the insurance bet. This bet is usually offered when the dealer is showing an Ace as their upcard.

The insurance bet pays out if the dealer has a blackjack, which means that they have an Ace and a 10-value card in their hand. The insurance bet pays 2-to-1 odds, so it is only offered when the dealer is showing a strong likelihood of having a blackjack.

Another common side bet is the Perfect Pairs bet. This bet pays out if the first two cards dealt to a player form a pair.

There are different payouts for different types of pairs, with perfect pairs paying out at 30-to-1 odds and mixed pairs paying out at 6-to-1 odds. This bet has a high house edge, so it is not recommended for players who are trying to win money at blackjack.

The last common side bet is the Lucky Ladies bet. This bet pays out if the player’s first two cards total 20 points.

The Lucky Ladies bet usually pays out at 10-to-1 odds, but some casinos offer higher payouts for this bet. Like the Perfect Pairs bet, this side wager has a high house edge and should be avoided by players who want to win money at blackjack.

There are many other types of blackjack side bets that can be found at different casinos. Some of these bets have extremely high house edges, so they should be avoided by players who want to win money at blackjack.

However, some side bets can actually offer players positive expected value if they are skilled at counting cards or if they know how to take advantage of casino promotions. Before placing any money on a side bet, make sure to do your research and figure out if the bet offers you positive expected value or if it is simply a waste of money.