Side bets, or bonus bets, have attracted players to live blackjack tables in land-based casinos for many years. Now online blackjack offers the option for individuals to place bonus bets as well.

What Are Blackjack Bonus Bets?

Bonus bets are an optional wager players can make in many versions of online blackjack. There are a variety of different bets available, depending on the blackjack game you're playing. Each bonus bet has a pay table that describes the odds of the wager and the payout, as well as other details such as the minimum and maximum bet.

Are Bonus Bets Worthwhile?

Before you decide to make a bonus bet, take the time to review the rules and the related pay chart. Some side bets only require a minimum wager of $1. Depending on the odds and the house edge, these bets are sometimes worth the risk, but many bonus bets are simply a gimmick to entice players and increase the casino's revenue.

The Best Blackjack Bonus Bets

Players who realize that blackjack bonus bets are primarily designed to enhance the game's excitement rather than generate huge wins are in a better position to find the best bonus bets to play. Side bets like Royal Mach and Match the Dealer are often too big of a risk based on the odds, while bets such as Sweet Sixteen can often pay off. Bonus bets make the game of blackjack much more appealing, but these side bets can eat away at your bankroll if you're not careful.