Free Bet Blackjack is a unique blackjack variant by Evolution Gaming. The same rules apply with regular blackjack, but you get a free bet in two specific situations. There are also some interesting side bets you can place.
In this how to play Free Bet Blackjack guide, we will discuss how the game works, the available side bets, and whether there are any good Free Bet Blackjack strategies. Additionally, we will answer some frequently asked questions about the game.
How Free Bet Blackjack Works
Like regular blackjack, your cards are supposed to represent a higher value than the dealer's while exceeding 21. But things are different when the dealer scores 22 or more. Players still in the game will then get their money back, while with regular blackjack you win and get paid out your stake once.
Although Free Bet Black looks disadvantageous at first glance, this is not the case. A score of 22 for the dealer can also be beneficial. You can place a free bet if you score 9, 10, or 11 with your first two cards. If you then lose, you do not lose your own money. After all, it was a free bet.
In addition, there is a second possibility to win a free bet at Free Bet Blackjack, namely when you choose to split. You get a free bet on every pair except a pair of 10s. You only lose the free bet and none of your money if you eventually lose. If you win, you just get paid money.
Free Bet Blackjack side bets
Another big difference with regular blackjack is that Free Bet Blackjack doesn't have just one betting option. In addition to the standard bet, there are four side bets. We list these four below:
21+3
With this side bet at Free Bet Blackjack, you bet on your first two cards and the dealer's first card. When these three cards form three-of-a-kind, straight, flush, or straight flush, you win a multiple of your bet. The amount you win depends on the combination. With a straight flush, you win the most; with a regular flush, you win the least.
Hot 3
This side bet at Free Bet Blackjack also relates to your first cards and the dealer's first card. In this case, it is about the total score of the three cards together. With a total of 19, you will receive your bet once, 20 twice, and 21 even four times. The bank will pay you twenty times your stake if the total is 21 and the cards are all of the same suit. With three 7's, this is even a hundred times.
Any Pair
With this Free Bet Blackjack side bet, you win when the first two cards in your hand form a pair. For example, when you are dealt two 2s or two queens. In that case, you will be paid eight times your bet. If the pair is also of the same suit, for example, twice an 8 of hearts, you win your bet no less than 25 times.
Bust it
With the bust it bet, you bet on the dealer busting himself by scoring above 21. The higher the number of cards he needs to go bust, the bigger your profit will be. With three cards, you get three times your bet; with eight or more, you can be paid out 250x your stake or even more.
FAQs about Free Bet Blackjack
What is the RTP of Free Bet Blackjack?
Free Bet Blackjack’s RTP is 98,45%, slightly lower than the usual 99,28% of regular blackjack.
Are there any specific Free Bet Blackjack strategies?
Yes, like hitting any hand valued 8 or lower, taking the Free Double every time you’re dealt a hand valued 9 to 11, and hitting 12 versus all dealer cards except 5 and 6.
Can I count cards at Free Bet Blackjack?
No, you won’t be able to count cards in Free Bet Blackjack as the dealers use 6 to 8 decks of cards which are shuffled with an electronic shuffling machine after each half of a deck is played.