Free Bet Blackjack Side Bet

This regards the side bet Pot of Gold in Free Bet Blackjack and the side bet Perfect Pairs in regular Blackjack. When I play either game I never play the side bets. I don't play them because I'm aware of the house edge for either side bet. I've learned this through the Wizard's site (WOO). House edge on Perfect Pairs is 11%. House edge on Pot of Gold is around 4.64% or 1.55%, depending on how you do your 5's (as a free double down or free split). I've learned that it really isn't smart to play side bets. Learned this through Henry Tamburen's web page. Seems like whenever I play, I get someone who questions why I never play the side bet (especially at Free Bet Blackjack). I've had a couple of persons ask why I'm not playing regular Blackjack if I'm not going to ever play the Pot of Gold at Free Bet. I know that by playing this side bet, in the long run you will lose more money than by just placing a bet down. I experienced a rude player once at the regular Blackjack table when I didn't ever play Perfect Pairs. Am I doing the right thing by never playing side bets? Or should I lighten up and just play, say $1 every time on the side bets?

You're doing exactly the correct thing by NOT playing them. Ignore the other suckers, I mean other players. 😉

People get pissed at you for not playing it - but only when it hits. Never mind the dozen times it doesn't hit.

If they REALLY have a problem with it, tell them they can play your hand's side bet. Otherwise, they can STFU.