Side bets are a super exciting part of online blackjack. They give you extra chances to win big, even beyond the main game. These are optional bets, but they can really make your game more thrilling, especially if you’re hoping for a “perfect pair” or a strong poker-like hand with “21+3.”
Now, while some of these side bets can definitely help you to win more, others come with a higher risk for the player. That means they could eat into your money pretty quickly. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most popular online blackjack Singapore side bets. We’ll also help you figure out which ones are actually worth your money and when it’s just smarter to skip them.
What Are Side Bets in Online Blackjack?
Side bets in blackjack are basically extra bets you can make on top of your regular one. They give you a chance to win more money if certain card combinations or things happen in the game.
Instead of just trying to beat the dealer, side bets in blackjack are separate wagers. You’re often betting on specific things like getting a pair, cards from the same suit, or certain card totals.
These extra bets really spice up regular blackjack. It’s especially true when you’re playing online because there are often so many different side bet options to choose from. Now, side bets usually give the casino a bigger edge, but on the flip side, they can also lead to some seriously big payouts – sometimes even 100 times your bet or more!
For players who just want to have some fun, these can make the game a lot more exciting. Just make sure you get a handle on the odds before you put your money down.
Most Popular Side Bets in Online Blackjack
There are some special side bets in online blackjack that can pay out a lot of money, but they usually come with bigger risks. Knowing about the common ones in live blackjack online Singapore can really help you figure out if they’re worth trying, and just as importantly, when it’s smarter to simply skip them.”
| Side Bet | Description | Typical Odds | House Edge | Best Time to Go For |
| Perfect Pairs | Bet that your first two cards will be a pair | Up to 25:1 | Around 4%–11% | When you want a high payout on lucky pair combos |
| 21+3 | Combines your two cards + dealer’s upcard for poker hands | Up to 100:1 | Around 3%–7% | Great when face cards or suited cards are showing |
| Insurance | Bet that the dealer has a blackjack (when Ace is showing) | 2:1 | ~7% | Rarely advised; only for card counters or pros |
| Royal Match | Bet that your first two cards are of the same suit | 5:2 to 25:1 | Around 3.7% | Best played for fun in games that offer suited bonuses |
| Lucky Ladies | Bet that your hand totals 20 with potential bonuses | Up to 1000:1 | Up to 24% | Only for thrill-seekers chasing massive payouts |
| Super Sevens | Bet on drawing one or more sevens in your hand | Up to 5000:1 | Around 12% | Risky, but exciting with a 7 as your first card |
| Bust It | Bet that dealer will bust with a 3rd, 4th, or 5th card. | 3:1 | 9%+ | Use when the dealer’s upcard is weak and the bust likelihood is higher. |
The Best Side Bets with the Highest Payout Potential
In this section, we’ll highlight which of the side bets we mentioned offer the best payouts. Sure, these big payouts can keep you up at night, but you’ll also lose sleep if your bet doesn’t hit because the stakes are that high. So, here are the top side bets with the best potential payouts:
- Perfect Pairs: You win if your first two cards turn out to be a pair. If they’re a perfect pair (same suit!), you could win as much as 25 times (25 to 1) your bet.
- 21+3: This one uses your first two cards and the dealer’s face-up card to make poker-style hands like a flush or a straight. You could even win up to 100 times (100 to 1) your bet with this one.
- Royal Match: This pays out if your first two cards are from the same suit. You get an even bigger payout if they’re a King and Queen of the same suit.
- Lucky Ladies: This bet focuses on getting a pair of Queens or a total of 20 with your first two cards. Some versions can pay out a huge 1000 to 1 if you get two Queens of the same suit, making 20.
When to Avoid Blackjack Side Bets (and Why)
While those side bets in blackjack games online Singapore can definitely make the game more exciting, there are times when it’s just smarter to skip them. The biggest reason to stay away is that the casino has a much bigger advantage with them.
Think about it: in the main blackjack game, if you play your cards right, the casino’s edge can be super low, maybe around 0.5%. But with side bets, that edge often jumps way up, sometimes even over 10%! That really cuts down on your chances of winning money in the long run.
Another thing to be really careful about is when a game dangles the idea of huge wins in front of you. You know, those side bets that promise a ton of money, like winning 25 or even 100 times your bet? While that sounds amazing, those big payouts almost never happen.
A lot of players get sucked in by the thought of hitting it big, but they don’t always realize just how unlikely that truly is.
Take insurance as an example—it might look like a safety net at first, but over time, you’ll likely lose more money than you’ll ever get back. In the end, it feels like you’re on the losing side.
Tips for Playing Side Bets Responsibly
In this last part of our article, it’s better that you understand how to use side bets responsibly. You don’t need to use side bets just because you suddenly feel like it or you’re intrigued to try them just because others say so.
That shouldn’t be your mindset. Be objective with your decisions—because if you’re too subjective, your gameplay might end up falling apart. Remember, success in blackjack is always up to you—not just luck. So, to execute your bets well, follow these tips on how to use side bets responsibly:
- Have a separate budget for side bets. Think of these as a little extra game. Set aside a small amount of money just for them so you don’t accidentally use your main betting funds.
- Understand the odds before you bet. Every side bet has different payouts and house advantages. It’s good to know which ones give you a better shot, like “21+3” or “Perfect Pairs,” and stay away from those with really bad odds, like “Insurance.”
- Don’t do side bets all the time. Use them once in a while to make the game more exciting, not to try and win big every single hand.
- Avoid side bets when you’re losing. It’s really tempting to try side bets when you’re down, but that’s a quick way to lose even more money. Stick to your usual strategy, not your feelings.
- Pick the options with a low house edge. Some side bets give the casino less of an advantage than others. Choose wisely and skip the ones where the casino has a much bigger edge.
- Only use side bets when you’re already winning. If you’ve managed to get ahead, putting a little bit of your winnings into side bets can be a fun treat. Just make sure you’re never using your original betting money for them.
- Know when to stop. Just because a side bet paid off once doesn’t mean it’ll happen again. Enjoy your wins, but don’t keep chasing more – knowing when to quit is a big part of playing responsibly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are side bets in online blackjack worth trying for beginners?
Not always. It’s not that ideal for beginners in blackjack, since side bets have a high house edge, which means the odds are stacked against you. Yes, side bets have high payouts, but you won’t win often if you always go for them, so you’ll end up losing more than you’ll win. That’s why if you’re a beginner, it’s better to practice for free online first and experiment with side bets before playing for real.
What are the safest side bets to try in online blackjack?
When you’re playing blackjack, you’ll see different side bets, and two of the better ones are often ’21+3′ and ‘Perfect Pairs.’ These are usually popular because they have a bit less risk for the house and can pay out pretty well. But let’s be clear: no side bet is ever a sure thing – they all come with more risk than your regular blackjack moves. So, it’s a good idea to only try them now and then, and always, always take a quick look at the odds before you place your bet.
Why do experts recommend avoiding blackjack side bets like insurance?
Taking insurance in blackjack when the dealer has an Ace might seem like a good idea. But actually, for most everyday players, it’s one of the worst bets you can make in the long run. The casino has a big advantage on it, and it just doesn’t pay off often enough.
