What Does 3:2 Mean in Blackjack?

Most blackjack players see a sign on the table that says "Blackjack Pays 3:2," and they turn slightly to the other side only to see another that says "Blackjack Pays 6:5." Those who are yet to understand the game choose the latter table. But the experienced players choose the 3:2 blackjack, leaving those who don't know what it actually means wondering why.

Understanding blackjack payouts can save you money because not all blackjack tables pay the same. In this guide, we'll answer the question "What Does 3:2 Mean in Blackjack?" We'll explain what 3:2 means and how to calculate your winnings. You will learn why casinos offer different payout rules and why experienced players almost always choose 3:2 over 6:5.

What Does 3:2 Mean in Blackjack?

3:2 in blackjack is the payout for having a blackjack hand total (21) on your first two cards dealt to you by the dealer. If you are dealt an ace card and a 10-value card, the Jack, the Queen, or the King, you have a natural 21 blackjack. A dealer will offer you a 3:2 payout for this result if you are at the table.

What Does 3:2 Mean in Blackjack? A 3:2 blackjack payout means that if you are dealt a natural blackjack (an ace card and a 10-value card), you win $3 for every $2 you bet. For example, a $10 bet pays $15, while a $25 bet pays $37.50. A 3:2 payout offers better odds for players than a 6:5 payout and results in a lower house edge.

So if you bet:

Bet	3:2 Blackjack Pays
$10	$15
$20	$30
$25	$37.50
$50	$75
$100	$150

How Do You Calculate a 3:2 Blackjack Payout?

As mentioned, the 3:2 blackjack meaning is: a payout offer of $3 for every $2 in bets. Therefore, to calculate a 3:2 payout quickly, multiply your bet amount by 1.5, or add half of your bet to your original bet.

But mathematical equations can be done numerous ways. Another way to calculate this is to multiply your bet by 3, then divide the total by 2. Another method is to divide your bet by 2, then add the result to your initial wager to get your payout.

• If you place a $5 bet, your payout will be: 5 + 2.5 = $7.50
• If you place a $10 bet, your payout will be: 10 + 5 = $15
• If you place a $25 bet, your payout will be: 25 + 12.5 = $37.50
• If you place a $50 bet, your payout will be: 50 + 25 = $75
• If you place a $100 bet, your payout will be: 100 + 50 = $150
• If you place a $500 bet, your payout will be: 500 + 250 = $750

The higher your bet size, the higher your return at the 3:2 blackjack table. To save you time, you can simply use our Blackjack Payout Calculator. Input your bet amount, and it will show you how much you should expect if you get a blackjack hand at the 3:2 table.

Why Do Casinos Pay 3:2 for Blackjack?

Casinos pay 3:2 on blackjack because it is the traditional payout. Mathematically, it gives players a fair return while keeping the house edge low. As a result, it reduces the dealer's advantage. For a natural blackjack, while the dealer only wins even money (1:1) when they get a blackjack, players get 3:2. Casinos have made many attempts to make players choose the 6:5 tables, which increases the advantage of the house. However, to preserve the historical payout rules, the 3:2 tables remain available, though hard to find. If you can't find a 3 to 2 game on the casino floor, look in the high limit room.

3:2 vs. 6:5 Blackjack

Playing 3:2 blackjack or 6:5 blackjack remains a crucial decision that has significant consequences on your bankroll if the right choice isn't made. The 3:2 blackjack remains the best you can play to get the best possible returns on your wager. The 6:5 table by mere value count seems better, but it isn't.

Here is a table showing what 3:2 and 6:5 blackjack offer for the same bet amount.

Bet Amount	3:2 Blackjack Payout	6:5 Blackjack Payout	Difference
$10	$15	$12	$3
$25	$37.50	$30	$7.50
$50	$75	$60	$15
$100	$150	$120	$30

From the table above, you can see that there is an obvious difference between 3:2 blackjack and 6:5 blackjack. 3:2 payouts are significantly higher than 6:5 payouts.

Whenever you want to decide on which blackjack table to play at, remember this quick comparison:

Feature	3:2 Blackjack	6:5 Blackjack
Payout for a Natural 21	Higher	Lower
House edge (Basic Strategy)	Lower (~0.5%)	Higher (Up to 2%)
Which is Better	✅ Always play 3:2 blackjack	❌ Avoid 6:5 blackjack

Casinos introduced 6:5 blackjack because it benefits the house. It increases the house edge by 1.4%, which is good for casinos' profits but bad for players' bankroll. Hence, knowledgeable players avoid it.

Does Every Blackjack Table Pay 3:2?

No, not every blackjack table pays 3:2. Blackjack payout ratios vary. And finding a 3:2 blackjack table has become increasingly difficult over the last decade. Many land-based establishments and digital casinos have swapped the traditional 3:2 blackjack tables for the 6:5 blackjack to maximize their profits.

These days, Single- and Double-Deck Games offer 6:5 blackjack payout. Therefore, do not assume what a table pays until after you have checked it. Always look at the felt table or the digital limit sign next to the dealer before sitting down. By law, casinos must clearly state payout rules. Look for the exact phrasing: "Blackjack Pays 3 to 2." If you don't see this labeling, you can ask the dealer what a blackjack pays.

Additionally, there are newer 21-card game variants like Blackjack Switch that offer an even-money blackjack (1:1) payout, which is worse. Players are lured in by gameplay advantages, such as the ability to swap cards between two separate hands.

Where to Find a 3:2 Blackjack Table

To find a table that pays 3:2 Blackjack, you may have to visit downtown Las Vegas casinos or local casinos that are off the Strip. You can find 3 to 2 blackjack in the high limit room of the main Las Vegas Strip or other high-limit casino resorts. However, be ready to increase your stakes. Many casinos now reserve their best odds for players willing to wager more per hand. So expect table minimums of $50, $100, or $300 or more. Nevertheless, it's not impossible to find land-based casinos and online casinos that still offer 3:2 blackjack games. Simply check the blackjack payout labeling for details on the game before you place a bet.

How 3:2 Payouts Affect the House Edge

The 3 to 2 blackjack payout reduces the house edge by 1.4%. Hence, it offers better returns than a 6:5 payout. When you play traditional blackjack using perfect basic strategy on a 3:2 table, the house edge is about 0.5%. The 3:2 payout offers a higher long-term expected value than the 6:5 payout.

Common Mistakes Players Make

What players commonly misunderstand when they receive a blackjack payout:

• "I thought I won double."
• "I thought blackjack always pays 2:1."
• "I didn't notice the table was 6:5."
• "I thought insurance changed the payout."

Should You Always Play 3:2 Blackjack?

Yes, you should always play 3 to 2 blackjack.

Pros

1. Better for the Player: Lower house edge when playing using basic strategy
2. Sustained Bankroll: You will be able to play more hands per hour
3. Maximized Wins: Because blackjack pays 3 to 2, you get full value for your wager. E.g., 3:2 pays you $15 on a $10 bet instead of just $12, which is what the 6:5 blackjack pays.

Cons

1. Higher Minimums: Depending on the casino, you may need to bet $50 to $100+ per hand
2. Harder to Find: Over the past 10 years, 3:2 tables have become scarce

When 6:5 might be your only option

If you have no choice but to play the 6:5 table, go ahead and play. However, ensure you play using the basic blackjack strategy. You can download the blackjack strategy chart for free. With it, you can maximize your wager to get the best possible payouts.

Conclusion

What Does 3:2 Mean in Blackjack? For every $2 you wager, you win $3. This is the best blackjack payout ratio you can get in a casino. Avoid the 6:5 tables, although it is becoming difficult to do this because 3:2 blackjack tables are becoming increasingly rare to find. But when you find one, play it using the basic strategy. Also, make entertainment your goal, not profits.

FAQs

What does 3:2 mean in blackjack?

3:2 blackjack payout means that if you are dealt a natural blackjack (an ace card and a 10-value card), you win $3 for every $2 you bet.

How much does a $25 blackjack pay?

A $25 blackjack pays $37.50 at the 3:2 table and $30 at the 6:5 table.

Is 3:2 better than 6:5?

Yes, a 3:2 blackjack table offers better payouts and odds for players than a 6:5 blackjack and results in a lower house edge.

Why do casinos offer 6:5 blackjack?

Casinos offer 6:5 blackjack because it benefits the house. It increases the house edge by 1.4%, which is good for casinos' profits.

Does every blackjack table pay 3:2?

No. Always look at the felt table or the digital limit sign next to the dealer before sitting down. Look for the exact phrasing: "Blackjack pays 3 to 2."

How do you calculate a blackjack payout?

To calculate a 3:2 payout quickly, multiply your bet amount by 1.5. Or you can add half of your bet to your original bet. For example, if your bet is $10, half of that is $5. 10 + 5 = $15. However, to save time, you can use our blackjack payout calculator.

What happens if the dealer also has blackjack?

Suppose both you and the dealer have blackjack; the hand results in a push, i.e., a tie. Your original bet remains yours.

Is insurance related to a 3:2 payout?

Insurance is a side bet. If placed, it pays 2:1 if the dealer has blackjack. If you have a blackjack and the dealer is asking for insurance, you can say "Even Money" and the dealer will give you 1:1 or even money for your blackjack. However, keep in mind, that experts warn to never take insurance or even money, as the probability of the dealer having a blackjack is low.