House edge on this dealer bust side game?
Quote: ComplexEnigmaI was playing blackjack at this tiny blackjack parlor in Washington State last fall. I apologize in advance since my memory isn't the best and I wasn't exactly sober for this experience. They had a side bet that would win if the dealer busted no matter how your hand did. You could place this bet after the cards were dealt, as long as you hadn't played your hand yet (bet, stand, split, etc). The person at third base could wait until his turn to place the bet. I was at least a 6 deck shoe and I believe the bet paid out 1:1 (maybe slightly more but pretty sure 1:1). Since you could bet so late, you could selectively bet on dealer showing 4, 5, 6 or something. I'm sure a card counter could boost his odds even more. Also I'm fairly certain the dealer hit on soft 17. What would the house edge be on this game? Could a person sitting at 3rd base get a sizable advantage?
Are you sure it didn't pay out different amounts with different dealer up cards? I think I've played at tables that have this same side bet, but it paid even money if the dealer busted with a 5 or 6 showing, and paid better odds with different up cards, up to some jackpot if the dealer busted with 3 8s. I don't see the specific bet I'm remembering listed on the Wizard's list of BJ side bets, but there are a couple variations on "bet that the dealer is going to bust" there.
To answer your question on 3rd base having an advantage, no not so much. I believe at high counts the dealer is more likely to bust, but you'd have to be counting all the cards from previous rounds (like a normal card counter) to know when to make the bet at an advantage. Someone with more experience than me probably knows if that is correct...
https://wizardofvegas.com/forum/gambling/blackjack/5530-new-side-bets-21-magic-and-bust-bonus/
It is the bust bonus game in that port. The only difference is we bet before we played our hand and our bet still stood even if we busted. Would this change the edge at all?
Quote: ComplexEnigmaAh yes that's right. I remember there was a substantial payout for dealer showing Ace. You are right, there's a sliding scale based on the card shown. I actually found this game after discovering the name of the side bet from the casino's website. It was discussed here in the forum:
https://wizardofvegas.com/forum/gambling/blackjack/5530-new-side-bets-21-magic-and-bust-bonus/
It is the bust bonus game in that port. The only difference is we bet before we played our hand and our bet still stood even if we busted. Would this change the edge at all?
Hmm, yes, I think I've seen this game under even a 3rd slightly different permutation of rules. Where I played, the dealer offered the Bust Bonus to all players after everyone was dealt in, but before any action. So 3rd base would make the bet at the same time as the rest of the table. I don't recall if they took the side bet as well as your main bet if you busted, though.
Quote: AcesAndEightsHmm, yes, I think I've seen this game under even a 3rd slightly different permutation of rules. Where I played, the dealer offered the Bust Bonus to all players after everyone was dealt in, but before any action. So 3rd base would make the bet at the same time as the rest of the table. I don't recall if they took the side bet as well as your main bet if you busted, though.
If you busted and everyone else busted or had a BJ, the side bet pushed. You made the side bet after they checked their hole card.
