In the past twenty years, as new blackjack variations have emerged, Free Bet Blackjack has become a popular choice among online casino players. Let’s delve into the game’s rules and determine if the odds in Free Bet Blackjack justify investing your time in playing it.
Best casinos to play Free Bet Blackjack
Top Choice
21+ and present in one of the admissible states to participate. T&Cs apply. Please play responsibly. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLE
21+ and present in one of the admissible states to participate. T&Cs apply. Please play responsibly. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLE
21+ and present in one of the admissible states to participate. T&Cs apply. Please play responsibly. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLE
21+ and present in one of the admissible states to participate. T&Cs apply. Please play responsibly. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLE
21+ and present in one of the admissible states to participate. T&Cs apply. Please play responsibly. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLE
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Table of Contents Free Bet Blackjack
What is Free Bet Blackjack?
Free Bet Blackjack is a modern twist on the classic card game, first introduced in 2012 at the Golden Nugget Casino in downtown Las Vegas. In this version, players can double down or split pairs without putting any of their own money on the line. Now most casinos offer this popular format.
The gameplay is similar to traditional blackjack, with players receiving two face-up cards and the dealer revealing one card face-up. The goal is to get a higher card total than the dealer without going over 21. The ideal hand is Blackjack, which is when the first two cards add up to 21. You only play against the dealer, not other players.
In Free Bet Blackjack, players can double down for free if their initial two cards total 9, 10, or 11. The house also allows splitting pairs except for 10s. If the dealer busts with a 22, all bets are a tie. Even if a player has 21, it will still result in a push against the dealer’s 22. Despite some advantageous rules, it’s crucial to remember these specific conditions while playing Free Bet Blackjack at the our recommended online casinos.
Our 2 top picks for Free Bet Blackjack
Players who can legally play online casino games may want to consider trying out BetMGM and PokerStars for a highly regarded Free Bet Blackjack game. This popular game can be found in their Live Casino section, available for play on the casino website or through the app.
1. Infinite Free Bet Blackjack – BetMGM Casino
BetMGM offers an exciting variant called Infinite Free Bet Blackjack, developed by Evolution Gaming. This variant allows an unlimited number of players to participate simultaneously. In this game, players can double down or split selected hands without any additional cost, making it a low-risk, high-reward experience.
Additionally, BetMGM provides a competitive welcome bonus for new players, which includes a 100% deposit match up to $1,000 and a $25 bonus upon registration and account verification.
2. Live Free Bet Blackjack – PokerStars
PokerStars also features a version of Live Free Bet Blackjack, allowing players to double down and split hands for free under certain conditions. This game includes options for side bets such as Any Pair, 21+3, HOT 3, and Bust It, each offering different payout structures. Players can enjoy Live Free Bet Blackjack around the clock, with the added convenience of playing on mobile devices via the PokerStars app.
New players at PokerStars can benefit from a welcome bonus which includes a 100% deposit match up to $1,000 and a $25 bonus, providing an excellent start for exploring various games, including Live Free Bet Blackjack.
Free Bet Blackjack rules
Mastering the rules of Free Bet Blackjack can be done in under 10 minutes. Previous knowledge of how to play blackjack is beneficial, as the same rules apply with some variations as follows:
Players have the option to double down for free on hard totals of 9, 10, or 11 with a “free bet” chip provided by the house. Any winnings from the free bet are paid out in the same manner as regular wagers;
All bets made with the free bets will be treated as if the player had wagered their own funds;
Once all bets have been resolved, any free bet chips will be collected by the dealer;
The free bet chips are not worth any money;
Blackjacks will be paid out at the standard 3/2 odds;
If the dealer’s hand reaches a total of 22, all active bets will either push or stand, excluding Blackjacks which will still win.
Advantage players find tables featuring the surrender option to be extremely beneficial. Surrendering in tough situations and recovering half of the initial bet can be a useful tactic. However, Free Bet Blackjack does not allow for surrendering.
Gameplay and Strategy
1.
Basic Strategy:
The basic strategy for Free Bet Blackjack closely mirrors that of traditional blackjack but with adjustments for the free bet options. Players should take advantage of free doubles and splits whenever possible to maximize their potential returns.
For example, always double down for free on a hard 9, 10, or 11, and split pairs like 2s, 3s, 6s, 7s, and 8s when given the opportunity. Avoid splitting tens, as this is not permitted in the free bet feature.
2.
Dealer’s Push 22:
The Push 22 rule means that players need to be mindful of situations where the dealer might bust with a 22. It’s essential to make strategic decisions that consider this possibility, particularly when the dealer shows a weak upcard (4, 5, or 6).
Advantages
1.
Increased Opportunities:
Free doubles and splits provide players with more opportunities to increase their winnings without additional risks.
2.
Strategic Depth:
The game offers added layers of strategy, making it engaging for both new and experienced players.
3.
Lower Risk:
Players can make aggressive moves without risking more of their own money.
Disadvantages
1.
Push 22 Rule:
The dealer’s 22 resulting in a push can be frustrating and reduce the overall profitability of the game.
2.
Learning Curve:
Players need to adjust their strategies from traditional blackjack, which can take time to master.
Bonus features
After receiving your initial two cards, you have the option to activate one of two free bet features. These options are:
Free Double: You can choose to use the Free Double feature on every hand, which will double your current bet at no extra cost. If you win the round, you receive the double bet amount as real money winnings. This feature is only available for hand totals of 9, 10, or 11.
Free Split When you are dealt a pair of cards with the same value, you can opt for the Free Split feature to split them into two separate hands. Each card in the pair will be treated as its own hand, with the original bet duplicated on the second hand at no additional charge. You win for each hand that beats the dealer. This feature does not apply to pairs with a value of 10-K.
Our tips to play Free Bet Blackjack
A significant change in strategy when playing Free Bet Blackjack is the ability to double down for free on two-card hands with a value of 9, 10, or 11, regardless of the dealer’s up-card.
Therefore, when using a strategy, it is recommended to:
Take advantage of free splits, except for certain situations such as with fours against a dealer showing a five or six, fives when a free double is available, and tens;
Only double down when facing a dealer’s six up-card with soft 16, 17, or 18.
However, if you opt for a free split and have a soft hand from 16 to 20, it may be worth paying to double down against a dealer’s six up-card.
Furthermore, it is beneficial to double down after a free split when facing a dealer’s five up-card, especially with soft hands ranging from 17 to 19. Like most blackjack games, the key to success in Freebet Blackjack is to capitalize on double downs and splits while hoping for the dealer to bust.
🔺 The advantage of Free Bet Blackjack lies in the reduced risk and potential loss of personal funds if luck is not in your favor.
Responsible gaming
Upon joining an online casino, it is crucial to focus on responsible gambling. It is easy to get carried away, so we recommend monitoring your behavior closely. Additionally, utilize resources like Gamblers Anonymous, National Council on Problem Gambling, and Gambling Therapy to help regulate your gambling habits.
Other casinos to play Free Bet Blackjack online
Due to the increasing interest in various blackjack variations, a number of online casinos now provide Free Bet Blackjack in addition to other options. It is common to have the choice between an online version and a live dealer game, so you should consider your familiarity and knowledge of Free Bet Blackjack rules when deciding which version to play. We want to give you two pieces of advice to choose the best online casinos with Free Bet Blackjack:
Below an additional list of regulated casinos that offer Free Bet Blackjack as well as other variations and casino games:
Conclusion
Free Bet Blackjack is an exciting and strategic variant of the classic blackjack game. The inclusion of free doubles and splits adds a dynamic element, making it appealing for players looking to increase their winning potential with lower risk. Despite the Push 22 rule, which can sometimes negate wins, the overall experience is engaging and can be profitable for those who understand and utilize the game’s unique features effectively.
For more detailed strategies and tips, players can refer to blackjack strategy guides and practice with free versions of the game available on the BetMGM and PokerStars platforms.
FAQ Free Bet Blackjack
In Free Bet Blackjack, players receive a complimentary wager on specific hands as a variation of the traditional game. In this version, players can double down or split pairs without putting any of their own money on the line.
The return to player rate of Free Bet Blackjack is 98.45%. That means on average, players can expect a return of $9.84 for every $10 bet over extended playing sessions.
Yes, the basic strategy for Free Bet Blackjack includes taking advantage of the free doubles and splits whenever possible. Players should double down for free on hard 9, 10, or 11, and split pairs like 2s, 3s, 6s, 7s, and 8s. It is also important to consider the Push 22 rule when making strategic decisions.
Following the first two cards being drawn, players have the option to utilize the free double option, which will increase the bet by 100% at no extra charge. Additionally, the free split feature becomes available if the player holds two cards of the same value.
In Free Bet Blackjack, players can double down for free on hard totals of 9, 10, or 11, and split pairs for free (excluding tens). These free bets are funded by the casino, allowing players to potentially increase their winnings without additional risk.
The house edge in Free Bet Blackjack is relatively favorable, typically around 1.04%. This edge takes into account the free bet features and the Push 22 rule, making it a competitive option compared to other blackjack variants.