Everything You Need to Know About Blackjack Side Bets

If you've played a few hands of online blackjack, you've probably noticed some extra betting options appearing alongside your main wager. These are called side bets; optional bets you can place for a chance at bigger payouts, depending on how the cards fall. 

While they're not essential to the game, blackjack side bets can give you more ways to win. In this guide, we'll walk through the most common blackjack side bets you'll find at online casinos. 

What Are Blackjack Side Bets?

Blackjack side bets are additional wagers you can place at the start of a hand, before any cards are dealt. They're separate from the main game and don't affect the outcome of your standard blackjack hand. Even if you lose the main hand, you could still win a side bet and vice versa. 

Most side bets revolve around specific card combinations, such as the player's first two cards forming a pair, or certain combinations involving the dealer's upcard. Some offer fixed payouts, while others follow more complex payout tables based on probability. 

Side bets come with a higher house edge than standard blackjack, so they're more of a thrilling extra than a core strategy. That said, if you enjoy a bit of excitement with the chance for bigger rewards, they can be the perfect addition to your game.

Most Popular Blackjack Side Bets Explained

Let's take a look at the most common blackjack side bets you'll find online. 

Perfect Pairs 

Perfect Pairs is one of the most widely offered side bets. It's all about whether your first two cards form a pair. 

There are three possible outcomes: 

• Perfect Pair - Two cards of the same rank and suit (e.g. two King of Spades) 
• Coloured Pair - Same rank and colour, different suits (e.g. King of Hearts and King of Diamonds) 
• Mixed Pair - Same rank, different suits and colours (e.g. King of Spades and King of Hearts) 

Payouts usually look like this: 

• Perfect Pair: 25:1 
• Coloured Pair: 12:1 
• Mixed Pair: 6:1 

21+3 

This side bet mixes online blackjack with a bit of online poker. It uses your first two cards and the dealer's upcard to form a three-card poker hand. Winning combinations include: 

• Flush - All three cards of the same suit 
• Straight - Three consecutive ranks, e.g. 5-6-7 
• Three of a Kind - All cards of the same rank 
• Straight Flush - Three consecutive cards of the same suit 
• Suited Trips - Three identical cards  

The odds vary, but Suited Trips usually pay out the highest, often around 100:1. 

Insurance 

This is technically a side bet, though it's more integrated into the game. If the dealer's upcard is an Ace, you'll be offered "insurance": a bet that pays 2:1 if the dealer has blackjack. 

You can bet up to half your original stake, and it's resolved immediately after the dealer checks their hole card. While it might sound tempting, it generally has a high house edge, so it’s best used sparingly. 

Lucky Ladies 

This one pays out if your first two cards total 20, with higher payouts for specific 20-point combinations. 

For example: 

• Suited 20 - Two same-suit cards totalling 20 
• Matched 20 - Same rank and suit (e.g. Queen of Hearts and Queen of Hearts) 
• Lucky Ladies - Specifically, two Queen of Hearts 

There's also a big jackpot-style payout if you land Lucky Ladies and the dealer hits blackjack. 

Royal Match 

This classic side bet wins if your first two cards are of the same suit. A "Royal Match" is a suited King and Queen, which pays out much higher, sometimes up to 25:1. A regular suited hand might pay 5:2 or similar. 

It's a relatively simple bet, and fans enjoy it for its moderate-reward profile.

Are Blackjack Side Bets Worth It?

From a purely strategic point of view, side bets usually carry a significantly higher house edge than the main game. But that's not the full story. 

Side bets exist to add entertainment and variety. They offer the chance for bigger wins and can spice up sessions, especially if you're playing casually. The key is moderation; treat them as occasional extras rather than a core part of your strategy. 

If you're interested in how the fairness of blackjack works behind the scenes, check out our detailed guide.

Can You Use Strategy with Side Bets?

Most side bets are based on fixed outcomes and odds, so there's limited strategy involved. Unlike the main blackjack game, where things like basic strategy charts can reduce the house edge, side bets are mostly down to chance. 

However, understanding the odds and knowing when to use (or avoid) them is still valuable. For example, taking insurance regularly is usually not a great idea, as the long-term returns don't stack up. On the other hand, occasionally throwing a small bet on 21+3 or Perfect Pairs could add to your gaming experience without eating into your balance too fast. 

For more on how online blackjack works in general, our online blackjack rules guide is a great place to start. 

Blackjack side bets aren't for everyone, but they can offer an exciting twist if you're looking for something beyond the usual hit or stand decisions. From exploring  Perfect Pairs to spotting 21+3 hands, there's a wide variety of options - just remember they're best used for entertainment rather than long-term profit. 

As always, the most important thing is to play responsibly and enjoy the game. Whether you stick to classic blackjack or try your hand at some side bets, there's always something new to discover at the tables. If you're looking to try out different versions of online blackjack, these five thrilling blackjack games offer a great mix of variety, pace, and features to suit different playing styles.  

There's something for every type of player at Virgin Games, whether you like to keep it classic or explore new features and side bets along the way.

Curious to explore blackjack side bets? Discover thrilling online blackjack games at Virgin Games and enjoy fast-paced action with real-money rewards. Sign up and play today.

 All offers mentioned correct at the time of writing, but may be subject to change.