What does a blackjack pay?
Not all blackjack payouts are equal, and the difference is bigger than it looks. The classic 3-to-2 payout is one of the best deals on the casino floor, while the sneaky 6-to-5 version costs you far more over time than most players realize.
The classic 3 to 2 payout
The traditional rule pays a blackjack at 3 to 2. On a 10-chip bet that means 15 chips of winnings, so you get back 25 total. This generous payout is a big part of why blackjack has one of the lowest house edges in the casino when you play well.
Why 6 to 5 is a trap
A 6-to-5 table pays only 12 chips on that same 10-chip blackjack. That one change adds roughly 1.4% to the house edge - more than doubling it on an otherwise good game. When you can choose, always prefer 3 to 2. Our free games use the player-friendly 3-to-2 rule.
Regular wins and pushes
Any non-blackjack win pays even money, 1 to 1. A tie is a push that returns your bet. And insurance, a separate side bet, pays 2 to 1 but is usually a poor bet. Since everything here is play chips, you can test payouts risk free.
Related questions
What is a blackjack (a natural)?
A blackjack, also called a 'natural,' is an Ace plus any 10-value card (10, Jack, Queen or King) dealt as your first two cards, for an instant 21. It is the strongest hand in the game and normally pays 3 to 2, more than a regular win. A 21 made from three or more cards is not a blackjack.
What is the house edge in blackjack?
The house edge is the small built-in advantage the casino holds over time. In a good blackjack game played with correct basic strategy, it is only about 0.5% - one of the best odds in any casino. Poor rules like 6-to-5 blackjacks, and common player mistakes, can push the real edge to 2% or more.
What is a push in blackjack?
A push is a tie. When your final total equals the dealer's, neither side wins - your original bet is simply returned to you. For example, if you both finish with 19, it is a push. A blackjack that ties another blackjack is also a push, so no one collects.