Lesson description
Discover the unusual origins of side bets and what makes these wagers so popular among players with Mr Blackjack.
Side bets can have a huge influence on your blackjack game. They're fun, and you can win lots of money from them - but only if you know what you are doing.
In this section, we will teach you why casinos invented side bets and the basics any player should know about these wagers.
I don’t know why you need to add anything to blackjack, but some players want to combine wagers from several casino games into one game, to bet in the most spots possible and potentially get a big payout.
In my opinion, players should focus on the bets that can give you the best odds, but it's always nice to see someone hit a three-of-a-kind jackpot or perfect pair.
Like slot machines, blackjack side bets will give you the illusion that you are winning small amounts to keep you interested.
For instance, the perfect pair payouts vary from 30:1 to 1:1. You will win every five hands or so, but most of the time the payout will be 1:1, giving you the illusion that the bet is worth it.
Side bets are great if you hit it big, but over time the casino's edge on these wagers is bigger than it is in roulette and stands at around 10% compared to roulette's 5%.
This means every time you bet $10 on the side, you are giving the casino $1. Compared to wagering $10 at roulette, you give the casino 50¢ every time you play. In the long run, these numbers add up.
Side bets are very exciting, however, let's say you get dealt a suited blackjack as an example. Depending on the game you are playing, if the dealer has the up-card needed to give you a straight flush, you win big on every bet.
You will never forget that, and that win will have you coming back for more. This is why casinos offer side bets. They want to pay you out so you keep playing them.
Side bets also allow you to win 100:1 and even sometimes 1,000:1 on the bet. The risk and possibility of big payouts are what make side bets so attractive to players.
In this season we will teach you about all the possible side bets that you may see at live and online casinos. We'll tell you the side bets to avoid, how to maximize payouts on certain wagers, and which side bets are worth your time.
