Online blackjack is a game with a long history predating the internet age and heading back to 18th century France. Over time, side bets have been used to differentiate variants as well as to entertain players; both those not at the table in the case of betting behind, and those playing the game too. Side bets give players the chance to access higher-value payouts, alongside the payouts offered during the core game.
Side bets are a common feature found when you play blackjack online, which is why in this article we’ll be presenting you with a guide to help you understand how side bets work in online blackjack.
Disclaimer: The house will always have the edge. Players should never try to recover losses by gambling more. The outcome of the games is always entirely based on luck.
What Are Side Bets in Blackjack?
During a game of blackjack, players may place side bets alongside standard gameplay. These side bets usually try to guess the cards that the player or dealer will get. In general side bets are made before the cards are dealt, but some side bets such as the Insurance bet are undertaken after the first cards are dealt. It is important to note that these side bets cannot influence the outcome of the main game.
Not all online blackjack games will offer side bets; for example, in live blackjack and some online blackjack games where limited 'seats' are available at a time, players get the chance to 'bet behind', which is to bet on the outcome of the round.
Insurance, Perfect Pairs, and 21+3 are among the most popular side bets, but you may also come across other online blackjack side bets such as Easy Match, Royal Match, Over/Under 13, and Super Sevens.
Popular Types of Side Bets
We have mentioned a range of side bets seen in online blackjack, but to keep this article simple and brief below we have focussed on the three most popular side bets; 21+3, Perfect Pairs, and Insurance:
21+3:
The 21+3 side bet uses the dealer's face-up card and the player's first two cards. This side bet uses Poker card combinations that are applied to the combination of face-up cards dealt at the start of a round. For a Flush side bet, for instance, all three face-up cards—your two plus the dealer's one—will be the same suit. This result pays 5:1. Additional 21+ 3 side bets include Straight (pays 10:1), Three of a Kind (pays 30:1), Straight Flush (pays 40:1), and Suited Three of a Kind (Pays 100:1). As this side bet relies on the outcome of the initially-dealt cards, this bet must be made before the start of a round.
Perfect Pairs:
Perfect Pairs is the most common blackjack side bet that a lot of players will be familiar with. At chances of 5:1, the blackjack player bets that their cards will be a mixed pair (same rank but different colours); at odds of 5:1, a coloured pair (different numbers but same colour); at odds of 10:1, or a perfect pair (same colour and rank); which pays 30:1. Like the 21+3 side bet, this wager needs to be made before the initial cards are dealt.
Insurance:
Some players class Insurance as a side bet in Blackjack, while others view it as a gameplay option similar to ‘double down’. Blackjack insurance is an optional side wager that can be undertaken after the first cards are dealt but only when the dealer's up card is an Ace. In the case of a natural blackjack, it pays 2-1. The player may put a side bet that is worth half the initial stake on the insurance line. If the dealer does not have blackjack, the player loses their insurance stake and play continues.
While this side bet is appealing to conservative players, it is important to note that the Insurance bet has a high house edge percentage.
Pros and Cons of Side Bets
Pros:
- Side bets provide the potential for large winnings with a relatively small required supplementary wagering amount. These can frequently offer far larger payouts than standard blackjack bets.
- Side bets provide fresh betting possibilities beyond just defeating the dealer, therefore adding interest and variation to the game. This keeps gameplay fresh for long-time blackjack fans and also allows developers to add their unique twists on established concepts, thus bringing more variety to online players.
- While this is unusual and needs a thorough knowledge of the particular side bet regulations, certain side bets can be considered within a complex card-counting strategy (remember though, card counting is wholly ineffective in online blackjack due to the RNG software used).
Cons:
- Side bets have much higher house edge statistics. This means that the outcome has more chance of falling in the casino's favour than the players. This means that side bets come with more risk than traditional blackjack gameplay.
- The high-risk, high-reward strategy offered by side bets can lead to players’ bankroll being worked through far faster than if the player stuck to the main game only. This means less play time and means that (unless successful side bets are made) players with small budgets will find their bankroll quickly depleted.
- If you’re a new player, side bets can be a distraction from the core game. If you’re still learning the ropes, side bets can draw your focus away from the game at hand leading to rookie errors such as hitting when standing was the optimal move.
Are Side Bets Worth It?
Though the main disadvantage is a much higher house edge compared to the main blackjack game, blackjack side bets are generally regarded as a risky "sucker bet" that most players should avoid. Experienced players suggest that only players with a strong knowledge of the particular side bet rules and potential for advantageous card counting strategies should consider them. Blackjack side bets offer the possibility for huge wins with a small additional wager, but the house edge of these wagers is far higher and needs to be a factor well-considered by players.
In general, you should view side bets as a fun optional extra to utilise as and when the feeling takes you. Due to their low RTP outcomes, side bets should not be incorporated as a core part of blackjack strategy.
Instead, explore and experiment with blackjack side bets cautiously, you could try out some Spin Genie blackjack games in free-play mode to see these side bets in action without impacting your bankroll. Just remember to always gamble responsibly and never wager more than you can afford to lose.
Conclusion
Side bets should be viewed as a fun but optional extra to your online blackjack gameplay. Your focus should primarily be on the game at hand. Should you choose to add a side bet to your gameplay, just remember that as the payout potential increases, so too does the house edge against you. Remember to always gamble responsibly and never wager more than you can afford to lose. Sign up and play today at Spin Genie to discover our selection of top online blackjack games.
