Discover the top side bets in blackjack and roulette. Maximize wins, manage risk, and enhance your experience in online games.
The Best Side Bets in Blackjack and Roulette
Side bets in online games like blackjack and roulette have gained massive popularity in recent years. They offer players additional ways to win, inject excitement into gameplay, and create opportunities to earn bigger payouts beyond standard bets. However, understanding the odds, strategies, and risks involved in side bets is essential to maximize benefits while minimizing losses.
In this Ibc9 guide, we’ll explore the most profitable and entertaining side bets in blackjack and roulette, how to approach them strategically, and tips for players to make informed decisions.
1. What Are Side Bets?
Side bets are optional wagers placed alongside the main game bet. Unlike the primary bet, side bets typically depend on specific card combinations or outcomes.
Examples:
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In blackjack, a side bet might pay if your first two cards form a pair or a specific total.
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In roulette, a side bet could reward a particular number combination or color sequence.
Side bets are designed to add excitement but often carry higher risk. Knowledge of probabilities is key to making smart choices.
2. Popular Blackjack Side Bets
2.1 Perfect Pairs
This bet pays if your first two cards are a pair.
Variants and Payouts:
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Mixed Pair: Two cards of the same rank (e.g., 5 of hearts and 5 of spades) – smaller payout.
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Colored Pair: Same rank and color – medium payout.
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Perfect Pair: Same rank and suit – highest payout.
Strategy Tip:
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Perfect Pairs have a higher house edge than standard blackjack, so only place this bet occasionally for excitement rather than consistent profit.
2.2 21+3
A combination of blackjack and poker, this side bet wins if your first two cards plus the dealer’s upcard form a poker hand like:
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Flush
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Straight
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Three-of-a-Kind
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Straight Flush
Strategy Tip:
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Use smaller wagers, as the house edge is higher than the main blackjack game.
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Fun for players who enjoy poker-style rewards.
2.3 Insurance
Insurance is a bet that pays if the dealer has blackjack when showing an Ace.
Strategy Tip:
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Only consider insurance if you are skilled at card counting. For casual players, insurance generally increases losses over time.
3. Popular Roulette Side Bets
Roulette side bets can differ based on the online platform but typically revolve around patterns, combinations, or special numbers.
3.1 Neighbors Bet
This bet covers a number and its neighbors on the roulette wheel.
Strategy Tip:
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Ideal for players targeting streaks on the wheel.
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Offers excitement but remember the payout is lower due to covering multiple numbers.
3.2 Orphans Bet
Covers numbers not included in the Voisins or Tiers bets.
Strategy Tip:
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Reduces risk while still offering decent payout potential.
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Use smaller wagers to enjoy longer sessions.
3.3 Final Number Bet
A bet on all numbers ending in a specific digit (e.g., all numbers ending with 7).
Strategy Tip:
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Great for players who follow number patterns.
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Requires careful bankroll management to avoid overspending.
3.4 Column/Dozen Bets
Though technically not a side bet, many players treat these as additional wagers outside their main number bets.
Strategy Tip:
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Offers nearly 1/3 chance to win, balancing risk and reward.
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Can be combined with main bets for strategic coverage.
4. How to Approach Side Bets Strategically
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Know the Odds: Side bets typically carry higher house edges than main game bets. Study payout structures before wagering.
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Set a Budget: Decide in advance how much of your bankroll is dedicated to side bets.
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Occasional Play: Use side bets to enhance excitement rather than as a primary profit strategy.
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Track Results: Maintain records of wins and losses to see which side bets perform best for you.
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Avoid Chasing Losses: Don’t increase wagers on side bets to recover losses from the main game.
5. Advantages of Side Bets
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Higher Payouts: Even small wagers can result in big wins.
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Increased Excitement: Adds variety and suspense to gameplay.
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Strategic Opportunities: For skilled players, side bets offer ways to leverage knowledge and patterns.
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Engagement: Keeps sessions dynamic, especially in live dealer or multiplayer environments.
6. Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Over-Betting: Chasing side bets aggressively often leads to bigger losses.
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Ignoring Main Game Strategy: Focus should remain on the primary game.
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Not Understanding Payouts: Misjudging odds can cause unrealistic expectations.
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Playing Without a Plan: Successful side bet play requires discipline and a clear strategy.
7. Conclusion
Side bets in blackjack and roulette add layers of excitement, offering players chances to win big while exploring creative betting strategies. Whether it’s Perfect Pairs, 21+3 in blackjack, or Neighbors and Final Number bets in roulette, these wagers provide thrilling gameplay beyond standard bets. However, understanding the risks, odds, and proper bankroll management is crucial to enjoy side bets responsibly.
Support the League of online games fans by sharing your favorite side bets, discussing strategies, and encouraging others to play smarter. Remember, the key to success in online table games is combining knowledge, strategy, and entertainment—side bets are your ticket to enhanced gameplay!
