The 21+3 Blackjack Side Bet first emerged in Las Vegas back in 2001 and quickly soared in popularity worldwide.
If you’re curious about mastering this exciting bet or identifying the best variations, we’ve compiled everything you need to know. The 21+3 side bet combines the thrill of blackjack with elements of poker, using the player’s first two cards and the dealer’s up card to form a poker hand. A winning combination, such as a straight, flush, or three-of-a-kind, can lead to big payouts.
When playing at best Australian casinos, look for tables offering the 21+3 bet with competitive payouts. Understanding the odds and knowing the best times to place the side bet can enhance your chances of success. While it’s not a guaranteed way to win, strategic use of the 21+3 side bet can make your blackjack experience even more exciting!
What Exactly Is the 21+3 Side Bet?
The dealer distributes your first two cards and reveals their face-up card.
You instantly win if your cards combined with the dealer’s visible card create a flush, straight, or three-of-a-kind.
The simplicity of this bet is its strongest appeal.
It’s a side wager placed separately from your main bet, commonly found at casinos—online and offline—starting from as little as $1, although Las Vegas establishments typically begin at $5.
Understanding 21+3 Side Bet Payouts
Initially created by Galaxy Gaming, the original payout was straightforward: a flush, straight, or three-of-a-kind earned you 9-to-1.
With online gambling expanding, payout structures diversified.
Certain online variants offer progressive jackpots for rare hands, such as suited three aces, or rewarding combinations like a suited three-of-a-kind at 270-to-1.
The primary gameplay remains unchanged: your first two cards and the dealer’s top card form the winning combination.
Common online payouts include IGT’s variant, offering a 4.14% house advantage with a six-deck shoe:
- Suited Three-of-a-Kind: 100-to-1
- Straight Flush: 35-to-1
- Three-of-a-Kind: 33-to-1
- Straight: 10-to-1
- Flush: 5-to-1
Similarly, Evolution Gaming provides payouts slightly adjusted for a lower house edge of 3.62%:
- Suited Three-of-a-Kind: 100-to-1
- Straight Flush: 40-to-1
- Three-of-a-Kind: 30-to-1
- Straight: 10-to-1
- Flush: 5-to-1
Combining 21+3 with the Top Three Bet
Frequently, casinos offer the “Top Three” side bet alongside 21+3, both promoted by Galaxy Gaming.
Players wagering both side bets could earn substantial rewards:
- Three-of-a-kind: 90-to-1
- Straight flush: 180-to-1
- Suited three-of-a-kind: 270-to-1
This is in addition to the standard 21+3 winnings. However, the Top Three alone holds a high house edge of approximately 9%.
More Decks Equals Better Odds
The number of decks significantly impacts the house advantage on the 21+3 bet.
Shufflemaster’s original paytable illustrates how dramatically odds vary:
- 8 decks: 2.74%
- 6 decks: 3.24%
- 4 decks: 4.24%
- 2 decks: 7.26%
- 1 deck: 13.3%
Choosing more decks considerably lowers the house advantage.
Even using IGT or Evolution Gaming’s tables, an eight-deck game reduces the house advantage by nearly 1% compared to a six-deck shoe.
Therefore, always favor games with higher deck counts to enhance your odds.
Is It Possible to Beat the 21+3 Side Bet?
Lower house edges generally indicate better odds, but can players consistently win?
Gaming expert Eliot Jacobson demonstrated that counting suits could marginally tip odds toward players, although this requires considerable effort and yields minimal profit.
However, progressive jackpots can occasionally tip the advantage toward players. Monitoring large progressive jackpots might present situations where mathematical odds favor your play.
Conversely, beware of low jackpot progressives, which often worsen the odds compared to standard payout tables.
Final Thoughts
21+3 Blackjack side bet remains popular for its simplicity, excitement, and manageable house edge, provided you choose wisely.
With cautious selection—prioritizing more decks and favorable payouts—you can enhance enjoyment and possibly turn odds slightly in your favor.
It’s a thrilling addition to blackjack tables worldwide, poised to remain a favorite among casino enthusiasts for many years ahead.
