Want to double your winnings without risking your bankroll? Mr Blackjack takes you through the rules and gameplay to one of his favorite games: free bet blackjack.
The main difference between these variants is that free bet blackjack lets you double down if your hand is worth 9-11, or split any pair (except 10s) for free. In exchange, a 22 is a push against all hands. Our blackjack rules guide covers the aim and gameplay of blackjack in more detail.
Regular blackjack has a lower house edge, so in terms of making a profit we recommend you avoid free bet blackjack. If you want to play for fun, then the bonus wagers in free bet blackjack make this game a top choice.
Free bet blackjack is not rigged. The casino already has the edge given a 22 is a push in this blackjack variant, so there is no need for them to manipulate the game.
Free bet blackjack has a higher house edge and rules that favor the casino, i.e. push on 22 and no surrender. If you want games with good blackjack odds, we recommend sticking to traditional blackjack.
You will find free bet blackjack in several casinos in Vegas, and at Bally’s in Atlantic City. Some players report that certain Vegas casinos offer 6:5 payouts at their free bet tables, so make sure you ask the dealer before playing.
While basic strategy can help on some hand scenarios, it doesn’t take the push on 22 into account, and some casinos block surrender as an option. The basic recommended strategy for this blackjack game is to play aggressively and accept every free bet to split and double.
You can still count cards in free bet blackjack. Just be aware of how the free bets and push on 22 affects your advantage and the casino’s edge.