6 to 5 Blackjack Risks: Why It’s a Bad Deal for Players

6 to 5 blackjack might seem like a sweet deal, but experts say it's not. 

Even though the idea of a single deck and faster play sounds great, the lower payout on a blackjack gives the casino a bigger advantage. In this post, we’ll explain 6 to 5 blackjack rules and why it’s better to steer clear if you want to win more. Keep reading!

6 to 5 Blackjack: A Great Deal or a Risky Trap?

6 to 5 blackjack is a variation of the standard blackjack game where a natural blackjack pays out at odds of 6 to 5 instead of the traditional 3 to 2.

Below’s a 6 to 5 blackjack payout chart:

The above chart shows that, if you bet $10 and get a blackjack:

• In a 6 to 5 table, you win $12 (6/5 × $10).
• In a traditional 3 to 2 game, you would win $15 (3/2 × $10).

As of now, many Vegas casinos have used 6 to 5 single-deck blackjack instead of the 3 to 2 payout as a way to increase the house edge. By lowering the payout on a natural blackjack, they can reduce player winnings on a natural blackjack, which means more profit for the house.

Even though this ratio is more favorable to the house, why do many people still participate in 6 to 5 blackjack variations? 

This variation is common at lower-stakes tables, attracting casual players who prefer smaller bets. Casinos know that these players often focus on the appeal of a single-deck game or lower minimums and may overlook the payout difference.

• Single-deck games give better odds because fewer cards make it easier to track which ones have been played. 
• To balance this, casinos often reduce the payout to 6 to 5 and may restrict options like doubling after a split, which limits the player's chance to maximize a good hand.

Even when doubling is allowed, the player’s advantage remains low compared to the house. So, despite the appeal of lower bets or single decks, 6 to 5 blackjack is less profitable for players and benefits the house more.

In essence, 6 to 5 blackjack is not as profitable for the player as advertised. Instead, it is more beneficial for the casino. Therefore, it’s not a game to choose even if you like lower minimum bets.

Blackjack 6 to 5 vs. 3 to 2: Why 3:2 Payout is a Better Choice

The main difference between Blackjack 6:5 and 3:2 is that in 6:5 games, a natural blackjack pays out at lower odds of 6 to 5, whereas in 3:2 games, a natural blackjack pays out at higher traditional odds of 3 to 2.

6 to 5 Blackjack Reduces the Player's Chances

To help you see how the profits differ, here is a table summarizing the house edges and payouts of these two ratios:

The difference in the payouts is: you lose $3 of potential winnings for each natural Blackjack in the 6 to 5 rule. So, 3:2 creates a higher profit margin and helps the player make up for other losses in the game. Meanwhile, 6:5 gives them less money even if they have the best hand possible in Blackjack.

The 6 to 5 Blackjack House Edge is High

With 3 to 2 odds, the house edge is around 0.5%, meaning for every $100 wagered, you lose about $0.50 on average. However, with 6 to 5 odds, the house edge jumps to 1.45% or more, causing a loss of $1.45 per $100 wagered. This difference adds up significantly over time, especially with larger bets.

Casinos promote single-deck games and allow doubling after splitting to make 6 to 5 blackjack more appealing. These tactics attract casual players with promises of faster gameplay and simplicity, but in reality, the lower payout favors the house.

In short, 3 to 2 odds are much better for players, offering higher payouts and a lower house edge. So, you should always choose a 3 to 2 table for a smarter, more profitable game.

In the end, before you pick a blackjack table, it's a good idea to know the difference. Sure, 6 to 5 blackjack might be faster and seem easier, especially if you're new or not skilled. But with that 6 to 5 dealer advantage and lower payout, you’ll end up winning less over time. 

Our advice is to go for a table that pays 3 to 2; it’s definitely the smarter option. To know why 3 to 2 is better, check out this article!

Blackjack Tips & Tricks for Small Budget Players

If you're playing blackjack on a tight budget, here are some tips to help you enjoy the game without overspending and to keep things as fair as possible:

• Look for tables with low minimum bets during off-peak hours: Look for $5 or lower minimum bet tables during off-peak hours. Online casinos often offer even lower limits, like $0.50 or $1.
• Take advantage of bonuses: Take advantage of welcome bonuses or free chips, but always check the terms. Some require you to wager 30x or 40x before withdrawing winnings.
• Set a strict budget: Decide how much you’re willing to spend and stick to it. If you win, consider playing with just your profit, keeping your original budget safe.
• Improve your skills: Rather than playing 6 to 5 blackjack, which offers lower payouts, you should learn basic blackjack strategies, like when to hit, stand, or double down. 
• Look for 3:2 single-deck tables: Some reputable casinos still offer single-deck blackjack with a 3:2 payout (with some tweaked rules to balance the house and player advantage). These games give you better odds, but they’re less common. For more details on single-deck blackjack and why it’s a better choice, check out this article!

FAQs

Why do Casinos Use 6 to 5 Blackjack Odds?

Casinos use 6 to 5 odds to increase their profit by lowering player payouts on blackjack hands. It gives them a bigger edge, but it still attracts casual players who might not notice or understand how much less they’re winning compared to 3 to 2 tables.

Should You Play 6 to 5 Blackjack Online?

It’s better to skip 6 to 5 blackjack online. The lower payout means you’ll win less when you hit blackjack.

How to Recognize a Blackjack Table with Better Odds?

To spot a table with better odds, look for one that advertises a 3 to 2 payout for blackjack to have higher returns when you hit 21. Just check the rules on the table or game description for details on the payouts before you sit down.

6 to 5 blackjack can really decrease your chances of winning because, unlike the traditional 3 to 2 payout, the 6 to 5 version gives you less money for a blackjack. So, you should stick to other tables instead of 6 to 5 blackjack. Remember, you should always manage your money and playing time wisely!