Bonus Blackjack is a side bet available in some variations of blackjack. Unlike other side bets seen in the card game, there really isn’t a standard set of rules explaining what this bet is. More simply stated, the bonus blackjack side bet means different things in different variations of the game.
That said, most versions of the bonus blackjack side bet involve wagering on whether the player or dealer will get a hand score of 21 in some way.
Naturally, side bets offer you a chance to make more money on a hand. However, there is a lot of contention over whether these bets are worth making. This includes Bonus Blackjack wagers, which aren’t available in many online games. Perhaps, this is due to these bets providing odds that are too favorable for casinos?
If you are wondering what these bets are and whether they are worth your time, stick around. Below we have a look at the most popularly available bonus blackjack side bets and their payout odds. Then, you’ll be able to judge for yourself whether these bets give you better odds of winning.
We also list a load of online casinos with the best blackjack games so that you can find a title that fits all your needs easily.
There are three popular versions of this side bet seen at land-based and online casinos.
1. Natural Blackjack Bet
In some blackjack variations, the bonus bet is a wager on either yourself and/or the dealer to hit a natural blackjack – a hand featuring a ten-point card and an ace.
The odds on this bet is 15 to one, which means a big payout. You can add an extra stipulation to up the ante even further if you like. That is, the natural needs to be a jack and an ace.
2. Three-Card Blackjack
The second version of this bet sees players try to get blackjack with either a hand featuring three sevens or a six, seven, and eight. Both of these hands use three cards to make a score of 21 – the best in the game.
The bet pays 500 to 1, but there is a 40.78% house edge on the wager. Needless to say, it isn’t a bet for the faint-hearted. (Word of advice: never trust bets that make you ignore basic strategy!)
3. Blackjack or Pair
The last version of this bet has many different levels. You can bet on:
whether you and/or the dealer get a natural blackjack,
whether your natural blackjack will be suited,
and whether you will get a pair.
The payout you get on this bet is dependent on the option you take. The odds vary from 25 to 1 all the way down to 1 to 1 for a simple set of suited cards.
Should I Make Bonus Blackjack Side Bets?
If there is one thing to note about all of these bets, they all pay relatively well. After 15 to 1, means $1 bet turns into $15, right?
However, with the house edge that many wagering options carry, it is simply not suitable to be making these bets as you probably aren’t going to win them.
Overall, we think that an odd bonus blackjack bet doesn’t hurt. However, adding this side bet to your game strategy is a bad idea. You’ll land up losing cash a lot quicker and for no good reason.
Bonus Blackjack is a side bet available in some variations of blackjack. Unlike other side bets seen in the card game, there really isn’t a standard set of rules explaining what this bet is. More simply stated, the bonus blackjack side bet means different things in different variations of the game.
