| Updated: September 18, 2025Standard online blackjack games are often too similar and lack variety, which is why many players opt for the live dealer version of this casino classic. Playtech’s 21+3 Blackjack is a great addition to the studio’s collection of live games and the perfect option for blackjack fans looking for more excitement and winning opportunities.
Over the past few years, Playtech has developed an impressive range of live dealer blackjack games, and in 2016 it introduced 21+3, an interesting side bet that has been added to every classic variation of the game. Those who choose to wager on Playtech’s live blackjack should first review the basic rules and ensure they understand them.
Rules and Gameplay
The game is played like classic blackjack – it uses eight standard decks of cards and allows up to seven players to sit at the table. The additional Bet Behind option gives players the opportunity to wager on the hand of fellow casino patrons when the blackjack table is full.
The aim of the game is the same as in any other blackjack variation – to beat the dealer by getting blackjack or as close to 21 as possible without going bust. It is a hole-card game, and the dealer stands on all 17s. Players are allowed to split only once and may double on any two cards, including after a split. Insurance is available, and the game features the 10-Card Charlie rule.
Distinctive Features
The most interesting feature of this live dealer blackjack, however, is the 21+3 side bet. With it, players wager that their two initial cards and the dealer’s face-up card will form a three-card poker hand. There are several possible hands, and depending on the rank, players receive different payouts:
- Suited Three of a Kind – 100:1
- Straight Flush – 40:1
- Three of a Kind – 30:1
- Straight – 10:1
- Flush – 5:1
In addition to the 21+3 bet, Playtech’s live dealer blackjack also offers the Perfect Pairs side bet, which provides bonus payouts for landing a pair, i.e., two cards that are fully or partially identical. If your hand consists of two cards of the same color, you receive a payout of 6:1. Suited pairs pay 12:1, while perfect pairs pay 25:1.
Conclusion
Playtech’s 21+3 Blackjack is an excellent live dealer blackjack game available on most computers and mobile devices. It is streamed in HD and offers beautiful, crisp graphics, an intriguing 21+3 side bet, and a generous RTP of 99.46%. Note that the theoretical return drops to 96.30% for the 21+3 side bet and 95.90% for the Perfect Pairs side bet.