Free Bet Blackjack Game Review
Free Bet Blackjack is a unique version of blackjack created by Evolution Gaming. The game allows players to double down and split certain hands for free, giving you all the benefits of these actions without the additional risk that comes with them. This advantage has made it a popular option among live casino players who are looking for a new way to enjoy blackjack.
| Game Developer | Evolution |
| RTP Rate | 98.45% |
| Minimum Bet | $1 |
| Maximum Bet | $1,000 |
| Number of Concurrent Players | Unlimited |
How to play Free Bet Blackjack online
The aim of Free Bet Blackjack is to get as close to 21 as possible without going over. Before each round, you must place your bet in the space provided. If you beat the dealer, you receive a payout of 1:1, but if the dealer wins, you lose your bet. You will receive a payout of 3:2 if your hand total is 21 after your first two cards – this is called a "blackjack".
Special features of Free Bet Blackjack online
Free Bet Blackjack differs from conventional blackjack as it offers the ability to double or split certain hands for free.
Free Double
If your hand total is 9, 10, or 11 after your first two cards, you will be given the option to "double down" for free. By using your free double, the additional bet will be added to your original bet, increasing your potential returns without increasing your risk.
For example, you bet $10 at the start of the hand. You're given a free double and win the hand. In this scenario, you'll receive $30 back – your original $10 bet and $20 in profit. If you lose the hand, you only lose your original $10 bet.
Free Split
Free splits are offered when you're dealt two cards of the same rank, with the exception of 10s, Jacks, Queens, or Kings. When using your free split, your hand is split into two separate blackjack hands, with each receiving an additional card. Your original bet is used on your first hand, while the free bet is used on the second hand.
For example, you bet $10 and are dealt 99, giving you the option of a free split. After using your free split, you win both hands. Based on the results, you'll get a $30 payout, $20 in profit, and $10 from your original wager.
Free Bet Blackjack rule change
To ensure the house edge remains in place, Free Bet Blackjack has one key rule change that differentiates it from traditional blackjack. In this game, if the dealer's total is 22, the hand is a push.
Players familiar with traditional blackjack games may be caught out by this rule, so we encourage you to thoroughly read the rules before you start playing for real money.
Mechanics of playing Free Bet Blackjack online
Despite the additional features, Free Bet Blackjack is an easy game to play. To help you get started, we've created a step-by-step guide that you can follow along with at home.
- Click on the Free Bet Blackjack online icon to load the game.
- Enter a username to use the chat function.
- Wait for the current hand to end.
- Choose your bet size by clicking on the chip icons in the middle of the screen.
- Click on the interactive game board to place your bets.
- Make your actions by clicking on the buttons as they appear.
One of the benefits of Free Bet Blackjack is that your free actions are automatically displayed to you during gameplay, ensuring that you won't miss out on a free double or split.
After all players have completed their actions, the dealer plays their hand according to the game's rules. All winnings are automatically paid to your account.
Free Bet Blackjack side bets
Alongside the main game, Free Bet Blackjack offers a number of optional side bets that can provide the potential for greater returns but come at the cost of a decreased RTP rate.
Perfect Pairs
This bet pays out if your first two cards are paired. Bonuses are given for special pairs, such as pairs of the same colour or the same suit.
- Mixed pair – 6:1 – A pair of cards of different suits and colours; e.g. 7c7h.
- Coloured pair – 12:1 – A pair of cards of the same colour but different suits; e.g. 5c5s.
- Perfect pair – 25:1 – A pair of cards of the same suit; e.g. AsAs.
21+3
This side bet incorporates the dealer's upcard to make 3-card poker hands. The harder your hand is to make, the more it pays out.
- Flush – 5:1 – Three cards of the same suit in non-sequential order; e.g. As9s7s.
- Straight – 10:1 – Three cards of different suits in sequential order; e.g. 8h7h6d.
- Three of a kind – 30:1 – Three cards of the same rank but different suits; e.g. 4c4d4s.
- Straight flush – 40:1 – Three cards of the same suit in sequential order; e.g. 3h4h5h.
- Suited trips – 100:1 – Three cards of the same rank in the same suit; e.g. 5h5h5h.
Hot 3
The Hot 3 side bet calculates the total of your first two cards plus the dealer's upcard, paying out if the total is 19, 20, or 21.
- Total 19 – 1:1 – The three cards total 19; e.g. 8s2h9c.
- Total 20 – 2:1 – The three cards total 20; e.g. Js7c3h.
- Unsuited 21 – 4:1 – The three cards are of different suits and total 21; e.g. 9c6s6c.
- Suited 21 – 20:1 – The three cards are of the same suit and total 21; e.g. Th6h5h.
- 7-7-7 – 100:1 – Each of the three cards is a 7; e.g. 7c7h7c.
Bust It
This side bet allows you to bet on the dealer's hand total exceeding 21. Bonuses are given based on the number of cards it takes the dealer to bust. This side bet is a push if the player has blackjack.
- Bust with 3 cards – 1:1
- Bust with 4 cards – 2:1
- Bust with 5 cards – 9:1
- Bust with 6 cards – 50:1
- Bust with 7 cards – 100:1
- Bust with 8 or more cards – 250:1
Free Bet Blackjack strengths and weaknesses
Free Bet Blackjack has a number of positive features that make it an appealing option for players, but there are some downsides to consider. To help you make an informed decision, we've highlighted the key pros and cons of this game in the list below:
Pros of Free Bet Blackjack
- You can take high EV actions such as doubling on 11 vs 6 without the additional risk of wagering an extra bet.
- The free actions are automatically offered while you're playing, making them easy to use.
- Many sites offer "Infinite" versions which have no restrictions on player numbers.
- The game offers a variety of side bets which offer the potential for increased rewards.
- The house edge is lower than in traditional blackjack games.
Cons of Free Bet Blackjack
- The hand is a push when the dealer hits 22 which is worse for the player.
Game design
The studio design of Free Bet Blackjack is another one of the game's positive features. Like many live casino games developed by Evolution, the studio space looks fantastic; the black, gold, and red colour scheme provides an air of luxury to the gaming experience, making you feel like a high roller as you play.
Unfortunately, the sound design doesn't quite match the quality of the surroundings. There is no background music, which leads to periods of silence while the dealer is managing the game. We also noticed that the game volume was very low, which made it hard to hear the dealer.
Free Bet Blackjack – our expert opinion
After evaluating the features and benefits of Free Bet Blackjack, we believe that it's a good option for fans of live casino table games. The ability to double down and split certain hands for free is a great feature that gives you the benefits of these actions without any of the risk. We enjoyed the variety of side bets on offer and were impressed with the quality of the game's production.
Check out our list of live casinos to find the best sites to play Free Bet Blackjack online and always gamble responsibly.
