Blackjack side bets, or prop bets, are a modification to the traditional, centuries-old casino game.

Gambling fans love the innovation in the gameplay because it gives them extra opportunities to bet, thus gain.

However, many gamblers and experts see blackjack side bets as a negative development.

More specifically, they believe that prop bets are a distraction to the player.

Therefore, they decrease the chances of winning and initial earning.

Like any other game or game-addition, the side bets have both advantages and disadvantages.

So, let’s see what this adjustment is all about.

What are Blackjack Side Bets?

At the beginning of the round, when you are placing your main bet, you can place an additional wager.

However, not all land-based and online casinos offer such opportunities.

There are several types of blackjack side bets, with different odds and payout possibilities.

Additionally, it is important whether you are betting on your hand or the dealer’s hand.

When you are observing a competitive hand, you may be able to predict something or have a gut feeling about what is coming.

So, if you want to back your predictions, you can place a wager.

Yet, make sure to check the wager’s winning conditions before you put your money on it.

The Most Common Blackjack Side Bets

In continuance, you can find a list of a few popular blackjack side bets that are featured on most of the regulated gambling online sites.

Additionally, these bets are simple, observable, and offer high payouts.

Thus, they can be of great advantage to players.

Royal Match

A royal match is a player-friendly bet that can be found on most online casinos.

It comes with a house edge of 3.7%.

The player should spot two suited cards, for which the payout is 5:2.

In the best-case scenario, these cards would be a king and a queen, with a payout ratio of 25:1.

Yet, the ratios may vary on the number of decks and depending on the operator.

21+3

When you bet on 21+3, your first two cards and the dealer’s face-up card should form one of the poker hands flush, straight, three-of-a-kind, or straight.

Nowadays, it is one of the most common wagers casinos have to offer.

The benefits of 21+3 are not spectacular. You can earn only 3.24% or a payout of 9 to 1.

Over/Under 13

In comparison with the 21+3 wager, the over/under 13 offers much greater returns.

If, as a player, you predict that the sum of your first two cards will be below 13, you are betting on a 13% house edge.

On the other hand, if you bet that the sum will be over 13, the house edge is 6.5%.

What is important is that aces count as ones.

Additionally, you should know that if the sum of your cards is 13, you lose in both scenarios.

Other Blackjack Side Bets

Insurance

When you bet on insurance, you bet that the dealer will show a blackjack.

The return of insurance for you, as a player, is 2:1.

However, the dealer’s face card must be a ten, an ace, or any face card.

If it is any other way, you will not be able to take insurance.

Lucky Ladies

To win at lucky ladies, the sum of your first two cards should total 20.

In such a scenario, you will get paid 4:1. If your two first cards are queens of hearts and the dealer is dealt a blackjack, the payout ratio od 1000:1.

This is the highest possible return, which explains the name of the wager.

To sum up, blackjack side bets come with pros and cons, like any other casino game.

They certainly offer higher returns, but can also be quite distracting.

It’s up to you whether or not to bet on it.