Side Bets in Blackjack Explained

Aug 30, 2024
7 mins read

Side Bets in Blackjack Explained

If you have ever played blackjack – whether it is at a land-based casino, at fiat casinos, or just recently, at crypto gambling operators, the basic rules and gameplay remain the same. Nonetheless, newbies in the gambling world need to become aware of one additional aspect when they play blackjack – side bets.

A blackjack side bet is a great way for experienced punters to add another layer of enjoyment to their gaming session. So, let’s take a look at the most popular blackjack side bets and how you can benefit from them at Cryptorush.

What Is a Side Bet?

Side bets are additional wagers that you place on a round of blackjack that cover outcomes beyond a main blackjack bet like Player or Dealer Wins.

The vast majority of side bets are placed on the blackjack table before the cards are dealt at the start of the round. Moreover, many side bets have far greater payouts than the simple 2:1 that you get for beating the dealer’s hand, which just makes playing blackjack an even more thrilling experience.

You will be happy to know that the average blackjack game features several side bets that you can see marked with the odds on the table itself, or they will be explained in more detail in the game information tab. Let’s walk you through the most common side bets that you can use to enhance your crypto gambling endeavor.

21+3

First off, we have the 21+3 side bet, which is one of the most sought-after ones in the game. This is a type of wager that allows you to make a separate bet on the first two cards dealt as well as the dealer’s up card.

This means that these three cards will eventually create either a three-of-a-kind or a straight flush. If you manage to do so, you can expect a payout of excess 9:1 or higher. Of course, you must place this bet before any cards are dealt.

Insurance Bet

Moving on, we have one of the most popular side bets in the game of blackjack – insurance. This is a wager that allows you to protect your hand against the dealer having blackjack. In a scenario where the dealer has a blackjack, you will receive a 2:1 payout on your original wager.

This way, the insurance bet can offer a bit of peace of mind knowing that this way, the house edge is decreased a bit. However, in the long term, insurance bets are not part of the optimal blackjack strategy.

Perfect Pairs

The Perfect Pairs side bet is a very straightforward one that will be victorious for you if you have two of the same cards in the same suit. Just like all the other side bets, you can make a Perfect Pair side bet before cards are dealt.

Note that the probability of landing a perfect pair is lower than some of the other bets in this list. Therefore, this side bet pays 25:1, which can result in a pretty hefty payout, depending on the size of your bet.

Other

Some are more complicated than others, but besides the side bets explained above, there are some additional ones you can use as you progress through your experience levels in the game of blackjack:

  • Suited Three-of-a-Kind: This is one of the most complex side bets, as it requires you to have three cards with the same suit and rank. This bet has a higher house edge, but it pays 10:1 if it is successful.
  • Mixed Pair: As the name itself implies, a mixed pair bet allows blackjack players to wager on getting two different ranks that match in color and suit. For this side bet, the payout is 5:1.
  • Colored: Here, you need to bet on the color of the first two cards you receive – either black or red. The payout is 10:1.
  • Beat the Bust: It is one of the most exciting side bets in the standard game of blackjack, whichallows you to wager on whether the dealer will bust.
  • Royal Match: A side bet that sees you bet on the first two cards in your hand being King and Queen of the same suit. In a multi-deck blackjack game, the payout for this bet is 25:1.
  • Lucky Ladies: Here, you bet on whether the first two cards in your hand will have a total value of 20. The payouts here can vary – if they have a different suit, a 4:1 payout is due, if they are of the same suit, then the payout is 10:1, and 25:1 is the payout for cards of the same rank and suit. Now, note that if the two cards are the Queen of Hearts, you get a 200:1 payout, while the same cards coupled with the dealer getting blackjack will mean a hefty 1,000:1 payout.

Blackjack Side Bets Pros and Cons

Sure, some blackjack side bets enhance your gameplay and even ensure a low house edge, but you ought to know that there are some small drawbacks to using them when playing. Let’s explore this in more detail.

Pros
Entertaining and enjoyable
Easy to understand and to place
Higher odds than standard bets
Available in several blackjack variants
Cons
Increased the house edge because of the vast majority
Distraction from the main hand

Cryptorush has partnered with the most prominent software providers in the crypto gambling industry, so if you seek to play crypto blackjack with additional side bets, you are at the right place.

For example, Gameart’s Blackjack Side Bets game is a unique take on the main variant, with this title offering you the chance to place 21+3, Perfect Pairs, and an Insurance bet.

We can also switch to the live casino section at Cryptorush, where Blackjack Azure is a very prominent name. This is undoubtedly one of Pragmatic’s gems of live games, and besides the stunning graphics and professional dealer, you can look forward to Perfect Paris, Insurance, as well as the popular 21+3 blackjack side bet.

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Enhance Your Crypto User Experience With Side Bets in Blackjack

Now that you know how blackjack side bets work, you can dive straight into the real money action. Take a look at the extensive game library of blackjack tables at Cryptorush, choose a variant that matches your taste the most and off you go.

Blackjack titles in the table games section also come in demo mode, so don’t hesitate to play for free first and practice your blackjack strategy.

Don’t forget to buy your preferred cryptocurrency first, store it in a wallet, and use it to make seamless, fast, and low-fee transactions.

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Jose Jose
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220 articles
Jose is your go-to guide in the vibrant world of crypto casinos. With a passion for all things crypto and a natural talent for spinning engaging stories, he’s been exploring the ins and outs of the industry for years. Jose's journey through the digital currency space isn't just about following trends; it's about sharing the thrill of crypto gambling with a wider audience. At Cryptorush, he’s the mastermind behind content that gets you closer to the action, offering tips, reviews, and insights on the latest in crypto casino games and payments. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the scene, Jose’s articles are your ticket to a winning streak.