Most blackjack side bets are not worth it in the long run. While they offer higher payouts, they usually come with a significantly higher house edge compared to the main game.
If you are playing at UK blackjack sites, understanding which side bets provide better value and which increase risk is essential.
At Gambling Zone, we rank the most common blackjack side bets to show which ones offer reasonable value and which are best avoided.
What Are Blackjack Side Bets?
Blackjack side bets are optional wagers placed alongside the main hand. They are based on specific outcomes, such as card combinations or dealer results.
Common features include:
- Higher potential payouts than standard bets
- Separate outcomes from the main game
- Increased house edge
While they can add variety to gameplay, they are not part of optimal blackjack strategy.
How Side Bets Compare to Standard Blackjack
The main blackjack game can have a house edge as low as around 0.5 percent with optimal play.
Side bets, however, often have a much higher edge.
Key differences include:
- Standard blackjack focuses on skill and decision making
- Side bets rely more on chance
- House edges for side bets can exceed 5 percent or more
This is why side bets should be approached with caution.
Blackjack Side Bets Ranked from Best to Worst
Below is a ranking of common blackjack side bets based on general value and house edge.
Perfect Pairs
Perfect Pairs
This bet wins if your first two cards form a pair.
Typical payout structure:
- Mixed pair offers lower payouts
- Coloured pair offers medium payouts
- Perfect pair offers the highest payout
Why it ranks higher:
- Lower house edge compared to most side bets
- Simple to understand
- Frequent enough outcomes to maintain engagement
While still not optimal, it is one of the more reasonable side bets available.
21+3
This side bet combines your two cards with the dealer’s upcard to form poker style hands.
Winning combinations include:
- Flush
- Straight
- Three of a kind
Why it ranks mid tier:
- Moderate house edge
- Engaging gameplay element
- Variety of winning outcomes
It offers entertainment value but does not improve long term returns.
Lucky Lucky
This bet is based on the total value of your cards and the dealer’s upcard.
Common winning outcomes include:
- Totals of 19, 20 or 21
- Suited combinations
- Three card 21
Why it ranks lower:
- Higher house edge than most other side bets
- Less consistent winning frequency
- Strong reliance on rare outcomes
It can deliver high payouts, but wins are less predictable.
Insurance
Insurance is offered when the dealer shows an ace.
It pays if the dealer has blackjack.
Why it ranks poorly:
- High house edge
- Long term negative value for most players
- Only situationally useful in advanced play
For most players, insurance is not recommended as a regular option.
Progressive Side Bets
Progressive Side Bets
Some tables offer progressive jackpots linked to side bets.
Features include:
- Large potential payouts
- Rare winning conditions
- Increasing prize pools
Why they rank lowest:
- Very high house edge
- Extremely low probability of winning
- Designed for occasional large payouts rather than consistent returns
These bets are primarily for entertainment rather than strategy.
Are Any Blackjack Side Bets Worth Playing?
From a strict value perspective, side bets are not necessary for optimal play.
However, some players choose to use them for entertainment.
If you decide to use side bets:
- Choose options with lower house edges such as Perfect Pairs
- Keep stakes small compared to your main bet
- Treat them as optional extras rather than core strategy
This approach helps limit risk while still enjoying additional features.
When Should You Avoid Side Bets?
There are situations where side bets are best avoided completely.
These include:
- When playing with a limited bankroll
- When focusing on long term value
- When trying to reduce the house edge
Avoiding side bets helps you maintain better control over your bankroll and results.
Balancing Entertainment and Strategy
Blackjack side bets are designed to add excitement rather than improve your odds.
Understanding the balance between entertainment and value is key.
A practical approach includes:
- Prioritising the main blackjack game
- Using side bets occasionally rather than consistently
- Staying aware of the increased risk
This ensures that side bets remain a controlled part of your gameplay.
Making Smarter Choices at the Table
Choosing whether to use side bets depends on your goals as a player.
If your focus is long term value, it is better to avoid them. If your goal is entertainment, they can add variety when used responsibly.
Understanding how each side bet works allows you to make informed decisions before placing additional wagers.
Gambling Zone remains the trusted source for comparing UK blackjack sites, helping you stay ahead of the game with expert insights and clear guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best blackjack side bet?
Perfect Pairs is often considered one of the better options due to its relatively lower house edge.
Are blackjack side bets worth it?
Most side bets have a higher house edge, so they are generally not worth it for long term value.
Is insurance a good side bet?
Insurance is usually not recommended because it carries a high house edge.
Do side bets affect your main blackjack game?
No. Side bets are separate wagers and do not influence the outcome of your main hand.
