Free bet blackjack: rules, strategy and where to play online

Blackjack is a staple in casinos around the world, with new and returning players alike sharing a love for the title. Because it is so popular, many variations of traditional blackjack have emerged over the decades. One of the most popular of them is free bet blackjack. This blackjack variant follows many of the same rules of the original game, but with a few twists.

Are you interested in learning more about free bet blackjack and what you can expect when you sit down to play? In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about free bet blackjack online before you dive in.

What is free bet blackjack?

Free bet blackjack, as the name implies, is a blackjack variant that allows players to make certain bets for free. Doubling down or splitting, more specifically, are typically free for players of free bet blackjack. Additionally, the dealer pushes on a 22, meaning that if players have 21 or less, their wagers are considered push wagers.

Aside from the above, free bet blackjack rules are the same as the standard game.

How to play free bet blackjack

If you’re looking for free bet blackjack strategy, the good news is that you can employ standard blackjack strategies to potentially gain similar results. That’s because much of the game, including the number of cards, combination payouts, and overall goal, is the same. The main difference to understand is free double downs and splits – so let’s take a closer look.

In free bet blackjack, players can claim free doubles on two-card hard totals of nine, 10, or 11. When placing a free double, the player’s wager is automatically matched, and one additional card is added to their hand. If the dealer wins the round, players lose only their initial wager. If the result is a push, the player receives their original wager only. If players win, they receive not only their initial wager, but also winnings equal to double that wager.

Players can also claim free splits on all pairs, with the exception of 10s. When claiming the free split, the players’ pair is divided into two hands, and players play both hands one at a time. They can also claim free doubles and free splits on both hands. When players win, they receive chips equal to their initial wagers. When losing or pushing, they lose the free chips.

Side bets in free bet blackjack

Free bet blackjack side bets are largely the same as side bets in traditional blackjack, with the exceptions noted above. These include things like ‘hot 3’ side bets (betting on whether the dealer’s upcard and player’s first two cards total 19, 20, or 21) and ‘21+3’ side bets (betting on whether the dealer’s upcard and player’s first two cards form poker combinations such as a flush or straight), in addition to many others.

The main difference in side bets between free bet blackjack and standard blackjack is the Pot of Gold bet. Pot of Gold side bets are based on the free bet tokens players rack up in their initial hand. If players win, the side bet pays out anywhere from 1000:1 and 100:1 depending on the casino and rules in play.

Benefits of playing free bet blackjack

There are a variety of benefits to playing free bet blackjack. Namely, players face reduced risk with free side bets. Add to that enhanced gameplay and opportunities for higher payouts, and it’s easy to see why free bet blackjack is a fan favourite.