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UKBlackjack Side Bets: A Complete Guide
Blackjack side bets like Perfect Pairs, 21+3, and Lucky Ladies add an entirely new layer to the game. With payouts climbing above 1000:1, they can turn certain hands into far more memorable and dramatic moments than you’d get in a regular round.
But are side bets in blackjack really worth chasing? Continue reading as we explore exactly that, along with what they involve, how the odds stack up, and when they might be a smart play.
What Are Side Bets in Blackjack?
Side bets in blackjack are optional wagers you place alongside your primary stake before the first card comes out. They operate independently from the main game, so even if the dealer’s total ends closer to 21, you can still collect on the secondary wager, and the reverse is also possible.
Different versions of blackjack feature their own side bets built around specific conditions. Payout triggers might involve identical suits, equal card values, or the creation of defined two- or three-card combinations.
The payout rates for blackjack side bets are set by a fixed paytable and can be far higher than the usual 1:1 or 3:2 you’d see on a main-hand win. The trade-off is that they’re harder to hit, plus casinos often have a larger house edge. In other words, you’re taking on more risk, but in return, there’s a shot at landing a much larger payout in a single deal.
Why You Might Play (or Avoid) Blackjack Side Bets
Blackjack with side bets can be appealing for the chance at hefty payouts, yet it also comes with factors you’ll want to weigh carefully. Let me explain.
Reasons to Play
The main reason blackjack side bets draw attention is that they bring an extra layer of action to a game that can otherwise feel predictable once you’ve mastered basic strategy. Sure, the hit, stand, double, and split decisions still form the core. However, alongside that, you’ve got another wager riding on a completely different result, which makes each deal feel more alive.
There’s also the pull of the payouts. Even if you’re playing a cautious main game, side bets can deliver that flash of high-return potential without staking large sums every hand. You might land a combination that pays 25:1, 100:1, or higher, and that sort of win can change the tone of your session immediately.
Some players chase side bets for the tiny edge that can come from tracking card composition. In bets like Perfect Pairs or 21+3, knowing how many suited or connected cards remain can slightly improve timing.
Reasons to Avoid
Those who focus heavily on the math will often skip side bets entirely. That’s because many run with a house edge of 5%, 8%, or even 10%, which is far higher than the main blackjack game.
The volatility is another thing to think about. Side bets pay bigger amounts because they’re harder to hit, which means you’re going to lose far more often than you win. That’s fine if you treat them as entertainment, but if you’re expecting them to carry your session, you’re going to hit long losing streaks that can wipe out any main-game progress.
The Most Popular Side Bets in Blackjack
There are dozens of side bet variants, but these are the most common ones you’ll find at land-based and online casinos:
Perfect Pairs
Perfect Pairs pays if your first two cards form a pair, with payouts varying based on whether they’re a:
- Perfect Pair: same rank, same suit (25:1 to 30:1)
- Coloured Pair: same rank, same colour, different suits (10:1)
- Mixed Pair: same rank, different colours and suits (5:1)
You can play different blackjack variants at Bovada, many of which include the Perfect Pairs side bet. One worth noting is Dragon Gaming’s version, which also features the 21+3 option that we’ll cover next.
21+3
21+3 combines your first two cards with the dealer’s upcard to form a three-card poker hand. The pay table would look something like this:
| Hand Type | Description | Payout |
|---|---|---|
| Flush | Your two cards plus the dealer’s upcard are all the same suit, regardless of order or rank. | 5:1 |
| Straight | Three cards in consecutive rank order with mixed suits. Ace can be high (Q-K-A) or low (A-2-3). | 10:1 |
| Three of a Kind | Three cards of the same rank but in different suits, e.g., 8♦, 8♠, 8♥. | 30:1 |
| Straight Flush | Three consecutive ranks all in the same suit, e.g., 4-5-6 of Clubs. | 40:1 |
| Suited Trips | Three identical cards in rank and suit, possible in multi-deck shoes, e.g., 9♠, 9♠, 9♠. | 100:1 |
The real appeal of 21+3 at casinos with blackjack like BetUS is that it offers big payout potential on hands that wouldn’t necessarily be strong in the main game. For example, you might have a low total in blackjack terms but still get a huge return if the three cards line up for a Straight Flush.
Lucky Ladies
You’re playing blackjack. First card comes out, then the next, and the total lands on 20. That’s a strong hand already, but with the Lucky Ladies side bet in play, you could already be due the following payouts:
| Hand | Payout |
|---|---|
| Any 20 (any suits) | 4:1 |
| Suited 20 (same suit) | 10:1 |
| Matched 20 (same rank and suit) | 25:1 |
| Two Queens of Hearts | 125:1 |
| Two Queens of Hearts + Dealer BJ | 1000:1 |
Royal Match
The Royal Match side bet has been offered in traditional land-based casinos since the mid-20th century. You place it before the deal, and if the first two cards share the same suit, you win. Most tables use two payout levels:
Insurance
Blackjack Insurance is also a side bet, yet unlike Perfect Pairs or 21+3, you’ll find it in every game rather than as an extra add-on. You start playing as usual, and if the dealer’s upcard is an Ace, the insurance option appears. The bet pays 2:1 if the hole card completes a blackjack; otherwise, that wager is lost while the main hand continues.
Try one of the blackjack games at Super Slots and see how it works.
Blackjack Side Bet Comparison Table
Here’s a table comparing the most popular blackjack side bets head-to-head:
| Side Bet | Available In | Trigger | Cost | Top Payout | House Edge |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21+3 | Most live & RNG games | Poker-style hand (e.g., flush) | Main bet or higher | Up to 100:1 | ~ 3.2% to 6.7% |
| Perfect Pairs | Online + land-based blackjack | Two cards form a pair | Main bet or higher | Up to 30:1 | ~ 4% to 11% |
| Lucky Ladies | Live dealer, some video blackjack | Two cards = 20 | Main bet or higher | Up to 1000:1 | ~ 17% |
| Royal Match | Older land-based tables | Suited or royal couple | Main bet or higher | 25:1–30:1 | ~ 10% |
| Insurance | All live & RNG games | Dealer’s upcard is Ace. | Half of main bet. | 2:1 | ~ 7% to 8% |
Blackjack With Side Bets: Where You’ll See These Variants
Side bets are built into a range of popular variations of blackjack. Evolution’s Infinite Blackjack carries Perfect Pairs and 21+3 as standard, while Playtech’s All Bets Blackjack includes an extended lineup covering Perfect Pairs, 21+3, Lucky Ladies, and more.
In RNG blackjack, especially games with multiple betting boxes, you’ll often see the same options built into the interface. They’re typically available in both real-money and free-play modes, so you can try them without risking your bankroll before deciding whether to add them to your regular play.
Blackjack Side Bet Payouts: What Can You Win?
Perhaps the main reason why side bets in Blackjack are so popular is that the numbers are on a completely different level from the main game. Most popular options like Perfect Pairs or 21+3 pay anywhere from 5:1 to 100:1, depending on the combination you hit. Some Lucky Ladies variants push it over 1000:1 if you land the absolute top hand while the dealer has blackjack.
The trade-off is volatility. These wins don’t appear often, so expect plenty of small losses while waiting for that one big payout.
Are Blackjack Side Bets Worth It?
Yes, blackjack side bets are worth it if you approach them for the fun rather than long-term profit. They offer a chance at payouts far beyond the main game and can keep a session lively even during cold runs.
That said, they’re not built for serious strategy play. The odds are stacked more heavily against you, and even with card composition tracking in a few cases, the edge is still firmly on the casino’s side.
The best approach is betting on side bets in blackjack with moderation. Set a percentage of your starting budget aside, and maybe even a small slice of any winnings, and place them when you get a hunch. Treat those bets as entertainment spend, so a loss never dents your main bankroll.
Other Player Questions Answered
Do side bets change the basic blackjack strategy?
No, side bets don’t change basic blackjack strategy because they’re resolved separately from the main hand. The outcome has no impact on hit, stand, double, or split decisions, though chasing them can distract from optimal play.
Are side bets in blackjack better online or in person?
Side bets in online blackjack tend to be better because you’ll usually find more variety, higher maximum payouts, and clearer paytables. Land-based casinos often limit options and focus only on the classics.
Can you win real money with side bets?
Yes, you can win real money with side bets, often at payouts far exceeding a standard blackjack hand. However, the long-term house edge is higher.
Is insurance considered a side bet?
Yes, technically, insurance is considered a side bet because it’s a separate wager with its own odds and payout. It’s offered universally whenever the dealer’s upcard is an Ace.
Final Thoughts on Blackjack Side Bets
Blackjack side bets can turn a standard hand into something more unpredictable. They give you a reason to hope for very specific card combinations, and the payouts can be far higher than anything you’ll see in the main game. That said, the house edge is usually much steeper, so you should treat them as a fun extra rather than a path to steady wins. Keep an eye on the paytable because payouts and rules vary between casinos and game providers.
Ready to try side bets in blackjack for yourself? Start with blackjack games at Wild Casino.
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