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Blackjack 3:2 vs 6:5: Why the Payout Matters So Much

Many tables now pay 6 to 5 on a blackjack instead of the traditional 3 to 2. It sounds like a small difference. It isn't.

What the numbers mean

At 3 to 2, a €10 bet that gets a blackjack wins €15. At 6 to 5, the same blackjack wins only €12. You lose €3 every time you hit the best hand in the game.

How often it happens

You get a blackjack on roughly one hand in 21, or about 4.75% of hands. The payout difference is 0.3 times your bet on each one. Multiply the two and you get about 1.4% of everything you bet: that's how much a 6 to 5 table adds to the house edge.

A concrete example

Over 100 hands at €10, you can expect around 4 or 5 blackjacks. At 6 to 5, that's roughly €14 less than at a 3 to 2 table, on top of the normal house edge. Over a long session, it adds up fast.

How to spot it

The payout is printed on the table felt or shown in the game rules: “Blackjack pays 3 to 2” or “6 to 5”. If a table pays 6 to 5, it's usually better to look for another one.

Practice at a 3:2 table in the free game

FAQ

Is 6:5 blackjack worth playing?

Generally no. It adds about 1.4 percentage points to the house edge, more than almost any other rule.

How much does a blackjack pay at 3:2?

One and a half times your bet: €15 on a €10 bet.

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Strategy and maths reduce the house edge, but never remove it. 18+, play responsibly.