Blackjack Payout Rules: 3:2 vs 6:5

How Blackjack Payouts Work

Every blackjack hand can end in one of three ways: you win, you lose, or you push (tie). The amount you receive depends on how you win — and the table's payout ratio is the biggest factor in your long-term results.

Blackjack has three main payout scenarios:

The critical line in that table is the natural blackjack payout. Whether the table pays 3:2 or 6:5 for a natural 21 (an Ace plus any 10-value card) is the single most impactful rule variation in blackjack. It affects your expected return more than the number of decks, the dealer's S17/H17 rule, or whether surrender is offered.

Payout Chart: Every Bet Size at 3:2 vs 6:5

Below is a quick-reference chart showing what a natural blackjack pays at common bet sizes. The difference column shows exactly how much money you lose per blackjack at a 6:5 table.

The math is straightforward: at 3:2, you multiply your bet by 1.5. At 6:5, you multiply by 1.2. The difference — 0.3�— your bet — is the amount the casino takes from every single natural blackjack you hit.

3:2 vs 6:5 — The Full Comparison

On the surface, the numbers "6:5" look bigger than "3:2" — and this is exactly why many casual players get tricked. The confusion comes from reading the raw numbers instead of understanding the ratio. Let's clear that up definitively.

The critical number: switching from 3:2 to 6:5 adds approximately 1.39% to the house edge (in a standard 6-deck game). That transforms blackjack from one of the best bets in the casino to one that's worse than baccarat, craps pass line, or even some slot machines.

How Payout Ratios Affect House Edge

To understand why this single rule matters so much, let's look at the math. In a standard 6-deck game, a player receives a natural blackjack on approximately 4.75% of all hands — roughly once every 21 hands.

The difference in payout per blackjack is 0.3�— your bet (1.5 minus 1.2). Multiply the frequency (4.75%) by the payout difference (0.3), and you get approximately 1.4% — which is the additional house edge from the 6:5 rule alone.

To put that in perspective, here's how the 6:5 rule compares to other common rule variations that affect house edge:

The 6:5 payout rule is worth more than all other unfavorable rule variations combined. This is why experienced players and every reputable basic strategy guide say the same thing: avoid 6:5 tables.

The Real Cost: Hourly & Session Losses

Let's translate the math into real dollars. Assume you play 80 hands per hour (a typical pace at a live casino table) and hit a natural blackjack once every 21 hands — approximately 3.8 blackjacks per hour.

These losses happen before the regular house edge on non-blackjack hands even kicks in. A $25 player at a 6:5 table loses an additional $114 per 4-hour session compared to the same player at a 3:2 table. Over a weekend trip with 12 hours of play, that's $342 in extra losses — money that simply evaporates because of one rule difference.

Even Money Payout — Should You Take It?

When you have a natural blackjack and the dealer shows an Ace, the dealer will offer you "even money" — a guaranteed 1:1 payout (instead of waiting to see if the dealer also has blackjack, which would result in a push).

How Even Money Works

Imagine you bet $50 and receive a natural blackjack (Ace + King). The dealer's up card is an Ace. You have two choices:

Take even money: You receive $50 profit immediately (1:1 payout). The hand is over.

Decline even money: The dealer checks for blackjack. If the dealer does NOT have blackjack (~70% of the time), you win $75 (3:2 payout). If the dealer DOES have blackjack (~30% of the time), it's a push — you get your $50 back but win nothing.

The Math Says: Decline It

When the dealer shows an Ace, they have blackjack roughly 30% of the time (4 out of 13 possible hole cards are 10-value). That means 70% of the time, declining even money earns you $75 instead of $50.

Expected value of declining: (0.70 �— $75) + (0.30 �— $0) = $52.50
Expected value of accepting: $50.00

Declining even money is worth $2.50 more per occurrence on a $50 bet. Over time, this adds up significantly. Basic strategy — and virtually every blackjack tips guide — recommends always declining even money.

Other Blackjack Payouts: Insurance, Side Bets & Push

Insurance Payout (2:1)

When the dealer shows an Ace, you can place an insurance side bet equal to half your original wager. If the dealer has blackjack, insurance pays 2:1. However, insurance carries a house edge of approximately 7.5% — making it one of the worst bets at the table. Basic strategy players should always decline insurance.

Push (Tie) — 0:0

A push occurs when your hand value equals the dealer's. Your bet is simply returned — no win, no loss. Pushes happen on approximately 8.5% of all hands. In standard blackjack, if both player and dealer have natural blackjack, it's a push. Some blackjack variations handle pushes differently — for example, "Push 22" variants where dealer bust on 22 becomes a push instead of a player win.

Side Bet Payouts

Many tables offer optional side bets like 21+3 or Perfect Pairs with higher payouts (up to 100:1 for rare hands). However, these consistently carry house edges of 4–8% or more. The attractive payouts mask significantly worse expected returns compared to the main blackjack game.

Rare: 2:1 Blackjack Payout

In exceptionally rare cases, some promotional tables offer 2:1 on natural blackjack. This actually gives the player an edge over the house (negative house edge of approximately -1.86%). If you find one, sit down and don't leave.

How to Find 3:2 Tables

In Land-Based Casinos

Finding 3:2 tables requires a bit of effort, especially on the Las Vegas Strip where 6:5 has become the default at lower-minimum tables. Look for the payout printed on the table felt — it should clearly say "Blackjack pays 3 to 2." If it says "Blackjack pays 6 to 5" or doesn't specify, ask the dealer. High-limit rooms ($50–$100 minimum) are more likely to offer 3:2 payouts. Off-strip casinos and downtown Las Vegas also tend to have more 3:2 options at lower minimums.

Online

Most reputable online blackjack sites clearly display the payout in the game rules or info screen. Many online tables still offer 3:2, making it easier to find favorable games. You can also practice for free to verify the payout before playing with real money.