The word on Buffalo Bonus Blackjack

By Alan Vaughn

There’s a new blackjack side bet in town and it can pay as much as 75 to 1 if you are lucky enough bet at the right time. Like most side bets, the payout schedule is tempting but the casino advantage is big.

Buffalo Bonus Blackjack is really two different side bets combined on a single table: Bust Bonus and 21 Magic. Today I would like to discuss the Bust Bonus side bet. This side bet gives players the option to bet on whether or not the dealer will bust, with the payouts based on the dealer’s up card.

Like all side bets, the regular play decisions will remain unchanged. Once the player has finished their turn, if they still have an active hand, they will be given the option of placing the Bust Bonus bet. If they do not have an active hand they will be forced to save their money. Once all player hands are complete the dealer will draw according to their normal rules and pay off the side bet if they bust (go over 21).

Regular payouts range from one to three times your bet, but if all of the cards are suited, the payouts increase to a range from three to 50 times your bet. If the dealer busts with exactly three 8s, the payout is 25-to-1; if all of the 8s are the same suit, it goes to 75-to-1. Since the player is aware of the dealer’s up card before placing the bet, they will know in advance which payouts are available.

On average the dealer will bust 30% of the time, with percentages ranging from about 20% to 44% depending on the dealer’s up card. Suited busts are at least 16 times as rare as a regular bust.

When all of these factors are considered, a conservative estimate of the average casino advantage is about 30%.

A savvy side-bet player will try to outsmart the bet by only betting on certain dealer up cards. But the payouts for this side bet are structured in a way that will cause players to lose more money. Most players are aware that a dealer will bust more frequently when they are displaying a 5 or a 6, so they will be inclined to place bets more frequently on these values. Due to the lower payouts on these values the casino advantage on them is between 45% and 50%, while values of 9 or 10, where the dealer will bust less frequently, only carry advantages of about 25% due to relatively higher payouts.

While new side bets can be very appealing to players and can be a fun diversion, just know that they can carry a price. With two separate side bets on a single table, it is possible for the casino to make a lot of money if they can fill the table. If you insist on playing these bets, you have a chance of winning, but you also have a chance of losing faster than with regular blackjack.

Alan Vaughn has played high stakes blackjack for several years in casinos all across the US. He recently moved to Denver where he teaches blackjack to players of all skill levels. For questions, comments, or information on lessons please email denver21school@yahoo.com.