There is a lesser-known side bet in the game of blackjack that’s been around for a long time, but it’s only recently started gaining traction among modern players. That wager is called Buster Blackjack.
Back in 2016, AGS—a known gaming supplier—reported that the Buster bet had become one of the fastest-growing side wagers worldwide, with nearly 90 casinos across the U.S. adding it to their tables. Pretty interesting, right?
Now that more attention is on this bet, it’s worth asking: What exactly is Buster Blackjack? How does it work—and more importantly, can it actually pay off? This casino guide lays it all out.
Buster Blackjack Adds A Side Bet Option
Buster Blackjack gives players the chance to bet that the dealer will go bust. In plain terms, if the dealer’s card total hits 22 or higher, you win the side bet.
How It Works
How do side bets work in blackjack? Simple. At the start of each round, you place your regular blackjack bet—and if you like, you can add a little extra on the Buster side bet.
The round plays out as usual. Players—who may have used a blackjack hands cheat sheet—first get paid (or lose) based on the outcome of the main game. Then, and only then, the Buster side bet gets settled.
For example, if you hit a natural blackjack, the dealer pays that out first. After that, the dealer’s hand plays on to determine whether the Buster bet wins. Flip that situation—say, the dealer has blackjack and you don’t—they’ll still have to finish the round to resolve the Buster wager.
So if the dealer busts, the Buster Blackjack side bet pays you. If not, the bet’s lost. Either way, it’s an added layer of excitement that runs alongside your main game. Just remember, knowing the blackjack basic strategy guide will always boost your edge over time.
Rules of Buster Blackjack
Here are a few Buster Blackjack rules to know before placing a bet in online blackjack games for real money.
- The Buster side bet doesn’t affect the play and outcome of the regular game of blackjack. Players can win their regular game and side bet.
- Players can also lose their regular game and their side bet if the dealer goes bust.
- You lose the side bet if the dealer doesn’t bust.
Payouts
Buster Blackjack payouts depend on how many cards the dealer holds when a bust occurs. The higher the number of cards, the bigger the payout. Below is a table highlighting the payouts
|
Total bust cards |
Payout |
| 3–4 | 1:1 or 2:1 |
| 5 | 4:1 |
| 6 | 15:1 |
| 7 | 50:1 |
| 8+ |
200:1 |
What To Expect From A Buster Blackjack Round
The Buster Blackjack side bet adds excitement without changing how you play your regular hand. It’s simple, quick, and entirely based on how the dealer’s round plays out.
While it can lead to big wins, don’t forget—it’s still a gamble. The outcome is driven by chance, not skill. So enjoy it for what it is: a fun twist on a classic game. And if you’re in the mood to try your luck, you can play it right now at Slots Paradise Casino.
FAQs
What is Buster in blackjack?
Buster is a side bet in blackjack where players can bet on a dealer going bust and getting rewarded for it.
How to play buster blackjack?
Place a bet amount on the Buster side bet before the start of the game. Once the round is over and the dealer ends with a bust, you win the bet and will receive your payout.
How much does Buster pay in blackjack?
When the dealer busts with 3 or 4 cards, Buster pays out 2:1. With five cards, the payout is 4:1; with six cards, it is 15:1. With seven cards, the payout is 50:1, while 8 or more cards pay out 200:1.
What does busting mean in blackjack?
Busting in blackjack means getting a total card amount higher than 21. Having a total of 22 or above is busting.