Ever found yourself glued to your screen enjoying a live dealer blackjack game? If so, you’re probably already familiar with the suspense that unfolds as each card is dealt.
But did you know there’s an added layer of intrigue you might be missing out on? Blackjack side bets are exciting additions that can truly amplify the thrill, transforming your everyday blackjack experience into something far more gripping.
Side bets in blackjack can represent the ultimate in both reward and risk in the game. It’s important to understand your chances of winning such bets and include that in your strategy if you are interested.
Many new online blackjack players who are curious about these wagers wonder whether they are a good use of their bankroll. As with many aspects of gambling, there are few objective and universal answers to such a question.
What Are Side Bets in Blackjack?
Side bets in blackjack are just what the name suggests. It’s an additional wager that you can place as this popular table game unfolds.
It’s important to know that such bets are independent of the wager you made to get into the game. It’s possible to win your main bet and side bet(s), lose your main bet and win your side bet(s), or lose all your wagers on a certain hand.
Because these bets are independent, you should consider whether they make sense separately from your main bet. That comes down to blackjack bankroll management and measuring risk.
The Allure of Side Bets
When you are considering a side bet in blackjack, it’s hard not to notice the potential return if you win. Often, that payout can be many times what you stand to win on your main bet.
However, that big payout comes with a big risk. You need the game to play out in a very specific way, greatly limiting your paths to a win.
If you’re careless, placing such side bets can quickly burn through your bankroll. That especially applies if your main bets aren’t going in your favor, either.
So, you need to consider these bets as part of an overall strategy and maintain the same level of scrutiny for them as you would any standard bet in blackjack. Play the odds and take calculated risks when you can afford to do so.
Side Bet Rules – A Quick Overview
While the rules for the various side bet options will differ somewhat based on the blackjack variant you are playing, there are some standard procedures. These include when you can place such bets and how.
Many side bets need to be placed before the cards are dealt to start each hand, although some can be placed as the hand plays out. Either way, the croupier in the game or the user interface in online blackjack will present you with your options.
Just like with your regular wagers, you’ll need to risk the minimum amount and then see how the cards are dealt. The luck of the draw will decide whether or not you’ve won and you’ll collect your chips if so.
The Different Flavors of Side Bets
To appreciate the true zest of blackjack side bets, it’s important to understand the most popular types you’re likely to encounter at a blackjack table or an online casino:
1. Insurance
Ever wish you could shield yourself against a dealer’s blackjack? The blackjack insurance side bet is your answer. This side bet’s in play when the dealer’s upcard is an ace and pays out 2:1 if they land a blackjack.
2. Perfect Pairs
Twins, anyone? This side bet rewards you if your first two cards make a pair — either mixed, colored, or a perfect pair.
3. 21+3 Blackjack
Why not put a little bit of poker in your blackjack game? The 21+3 bet rewards you if your first two cards and the dealer’s upcard form a valid poker hand, say a flush or a straight.
4. Super Sevens
Got a thing for lucky number seven? This bet pays out progressively if you get 1, 2, or even three 7s.
5. Over/Under 13
This bet is all about guessing whether your first two cards will total above or below 13.
- Lucky Ladies: Feeling like a lucky lady tonight? Score 20 with your first two cards and this side bet pays out.
- Royal Match: If your first two cards are of the same suit, this bet rewards you — more so if it’s a royal pair (king and queen.)
Are Side Bets Worth It?
The million-dollar question: are side bets worth your hard-earned cash? When do you make bets in blackjack and when do you go for side bets instead?
Well, that depends on what you’re in the game for. If you’re playing blackjack for the sheer thrill and unpredictability, then, sure, side bets can amplify your experience. They provide an extra layer of suspense and who doesn’t love the prospect of a big payout?
However, if you’re all about playing the odds and maximizing your returns, side bets might not be your best bet, due to their higher house edge. The simple truth is that such wagers are much more unlikely to hit than more standard bets in blackjack.
The Next Big Side Bet Payout Could Be Yours at BetMGM
Side bets in blackjack can offer a roller coaster of a ride, with high payouts and an opportunity to deviate from the standard game strategy. These wagers also carry a higher risk due to the increased house edge, though.
So, whether you’re the “anchorman” in blackjack, looking to add a bit of spice to your game, or are just getting started with online blackjack, remember to approach side bets with caution. Those wagers can boost your bankroll value quickly but also drain it just as fast.
When you’re ready to try your hand at these side bets, all you need to do is register at BetMGM and take a seat at one of the many live dealer blackjack tables or thousands of other online casino games. When you do so, you can use your casino welcome bonus to explore all the side bet options.
With a little bit of strategy, some luck, and a dash of daring, who knows? The next big side bet payout at the blackjack tables could be yours.
