What is Free Bet Blackjack?

Free Bet Blackjack is a popular version of traditional blackjack offering the chance to double down or split cards without risking additional funds. In this version, the casino covers the cost of these moves, but with a twist. The twist is that if you lose after using a free bet, you forfeit the initial wager but don’t lose the extra amount used for the free bet. While the house edge is slightly higher due to the free bets, the game provides a more exciting and potentially less costly experience for blackjack enthusiasts. It’s ideal for players looking to increase their options at the table.

Free Bet Blackjack Tips

Here are some practical tips to help you get the most out of Free Bet Blackjack:

1. Use free bets wisely: Since you can double down or split without additional risk, it’s a good idea to use these options when the odds are in your favour;
2. Understand the rules: Free Bet Blackjack typically has specific rules, such as a push on a dealer’s 22. Make sure you’re aware of all the details before playing;
3. Avoid splitting tens: While you can split tens using a free bet, it’s generally not a good strategy since a pair of tens is already a strong hand;
4. Use the free split strategically: Only split pairs of eight or aces since they offer the best chance for a favourable outcome;
5. Stay conservative with free bets: While using free bets can be tempting, be cautious. If you’re not confident in your hand or the dealer’s upcard is strong, it might be safer to play conservatively;
6. Know the house edge: The casino’s edge in Free Bet Blackjack is higher than standard blackjack. Knowing this helps you make smarter bets.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can increase your chances and enjoy a more strategic gameplay.

How to Play Free Bet Blackjack Online?

Playing Free Bet Blackjack at Casino Days is easy, and it’s similar to traditional blackjack but with a few extra features. Here’s a short guide on how to play:

1. Choose a reputable online casino;
2. Understand the rules;
3. Start by placing a bet. This is the amount you’ll risk on the hand, and the free bets for splitting or doubling down don’t require additional funds;
4. After you place your bet, you’ll be dealt two cards face up, and the dealer will have one card face up and one card face down;
5. Decide your next move: Hit (take another card), stand (keep your current hand), double down (double your bet using the free bet, usually on 10 or 11), and split (split a pair into two hands, using a free bet for the second hand);
6. Once all participants have made a decision, the dealer reveals their face-down card and plays their hand. The dealer typically must hit on 16 or less and stand on 17 or higher;
7. If your hand beats the dealer’s hand without busting (going over 21), you win your initial bet. If you lose, you forfeit the initial wager. However, the free bets for doubling down or splitting don’t count toward the loss;
8. You can choose to play another hand or cash out your winnings after each round.

Free Bet Blackjack Rules

Free Bet Blackjack follows the basic rules of traditional blackjack, but with several key differences that make this version unique. Here’s an overview of the main rules:

• Free bets for doubling and splitting: You can double down or split without additional risk, as the casino covers the extra bet. If you lose, you only lose the original wager;
• Basic blackjack rules: The goal is to beat the dealer with a hand value closest to 21, without busting. Aces are worth 1 or 11, face cards are worth 10;
• Dealer’s rule: The dealer must hit on 16 or less and stand on 17 or higher;
• Push on dealer’s 22: If the dealer busts with a 22, all players remaining in the round push (tie) instead of losing;
• Blackjack: A 10-point card and an Ace dealt as the first two cards is a blackjack, paying 3:2 (or 6:5, depending on the casino);
• Splitting and doubling restrictions: Some casinos may restrict splitting or doubling for free on certain blackjack hands (e.g., 10-value cards);
• House edge: Slightly higher than traditional blackjack due to the free bet feature;
• Player decision: Players can hit, stand, double down, or split (using free bets for doubling and splitting).

Free Bet Blackjack – Side Bets

Side bets in Free Bet Blackjack add an extra layer of excitement and potential winnings to the game. They are placed alongside your main bet and are typically based on the outcome of the player’s or dealer’s hand, rather than the traditional win/loss conditions of blackjack.

Perfect Pairs

Perfect pairs wagers that your first two cards will form a “pair.” The payout varies depending on the type of pair, with perfect pairs usually offering the highest payout. Here are the main types of perfect pairs:

• Perfect pair: Two matching cards of the same suit (e.g., two King of Hearts);
• Coloured pair: Two matching cards of the same colour but different suits (e.g., 7 of Hearts and 7 of Diamonds);
• Mixed pair: Two matching cards of different colours and suits (e.g., 8 of Spades and 8 of Clubs).

21+3

The 21+3 side bet combines your two cards with the dealer’s upcard to form a poker hand (e.g., a flush, straight, or three-of-a-kind). Payouts vary based on the strength of the hand, with a straight flush typically offering the highest payout. Here are some possible hands:

• Flush: Three cards of the same suit;
• Straight: Three consecutive cards in sequence, regardless of suit;
• Three-of-a-kind: Three cards of the same rank;
• Straight flush: Three consecutive cards of the same suit;
• Suited three-of-a-kind: A combination of three-of-a-kind in the same suit.

Super 7

Super 7 is based on the player’s first card being 7. The more 7s you get, the higher the payout will be. A Super 7 is when the player’s first two cards are both 7s, offering a significant payout. In case the first card is a 7, then the payout is 3:1, and if the first card is 7, and the second card is also 7, then the payout might be 25:1 or more.

Royal Match

Royal Match wagers that your first two cards will be suited, with a bonus if they form a royal flush (Ace-King of the same suit). Typically, the payout for a suited pair pays out 5:2, while a royal flush can offer a payout of up to 25:1 or higher, depending on the casino’s rules.

Why Play Free Bet Blackjack?

Free Bet Blackjack is a thrilling version of traditional blackjack that offers you the chance to double down or split pairs without risking additional money. The casino covers the cost of these movies, making it a more affordable and strategic option for players. This feature allows you to take more chances, increasing the potential for higher payouts without adding financial risk. The game also includes the exciting rule where if the dealer busts with a 22, all remaining players push, reducing the likelihood of losing. With its increased strategic depth and reduced cost, Free Bet Blackjack offers an enjoyable and accessible experience for both beginners and seasoned players.

Key Differences from Traditional Blackjack

Although Free Bet Blackjack and traditional blackjack share similarities, they also have some differences.

• Free bets for doubling and splitting: In Free Bet Blackjack, the casino covers the cost of doubling down or splitting, so you don’t need to risk additional money on those moves;
• Dealer’s 22 push rule: If the dealer busts with a 22, all remaining players push (tie) instead of losing bets;
• Slightly higher house edge: Due to the free bet feature and additional rules, Free Bet Blackjack typically has a slightly higher house edge compared to traditional blackjack;
• No extra cost for split or double: Unlike standard blackjack, where you need to pay for splits or doubles, Free Bet Blackjack lets you take advantage of these moves without extra financial risk;
• Payout for insurance: While insurance is available in both versions, Free Bet Blackjack often uses a different approach for the payout and betting structure.

Strategies and Tips for Playing Free Bet Blackjack

Here’s a list of useful tips and strategies for playing Free Bet Blackjack:

• Use free bets wisely: Take advantage of the free bets for doubling down or splitting on strong hands, like 10s or Aces. These moves offer better chances for higher payouts without additional risk;
• Avoid splitting 10s: It’s generally not a good blackjack strategy to split 10s, as they already make a strong hand. Keep the 20 and play it safe;
• Split Aces and 8s: Always split Aces and 8s, as they offer the best chance of creating stronger hands after the split;
• Know when to double down: Double down on hands like 10 or 11 when the dealer has a weak card (2-6) showing. You’ll increase your chances of winning without risking more money;
• Don’t rely on free bets: While tempting, don’t overuse the free bet options. Use them strategically on favourable hands, rather than betting recklessly;
• Watch the dealer’s upcard: If the dealer’s upcard is 4-6, there’s a higher chance they will bust;
• Practice: Understand the rules and practice with free demos before playing for real money.

Why Play Free Bet Blackjack at Casino Days in Canada?

Canadians who choose to join and play Free Bet Blackjack at Casino Days are welcomed with a 100% Welcome Bonus. This bonus matches your initial deposit up to $2,000, followed by an award of 100 Free Spins for Pragmatic Play’s online slot, Sweet Bonanza. Our casino allows you to choose the payment method, such as cryptocurrencies, Interac, Credit/Debit Cards, and e-wallets.