If you have ever looked closely at a blackjack table, either at a casino or online, you might have noticed different numbers displayed for payouts. These figures, such as 3:2 and 6:5, are not just small print, they directly shape potential returns and how a game feels to play.
Understanding what these numbers mean and why they exist makes the game clearer, especially when choosing between tables that look similar at first glance.
This guide breaks down each payout, shows how they affect returns, and highlights what to consider when picking a game. Read on to learn more.
What Do Blackjack Payouts Mean?
A blackjack payout is the amount paid when you win with a “blackjack”: an Ace plus any ten-value card in your first two cards. Not all wins pay the same. A standard win usually pays 1:1, while a blackjack uses a set ratio, typically 3:2 or 6:5.
These ratios tell you how much you receive for each pound staked on a winning blackjack. With 3:2, a £10 bet returns £15 in winnings for a blackjack. With 6:5, the same £10 returns £12. Game rules and payout ratios are listed on the table layout or in the game info, so a quick glance before you start could help put the numbers in context.
Players should always remember to gamble responsibly and within their means- never wager more than you can afford to lose.
How Does a 3:2 Blackjack Payout Work?
The 3:2 payout is the traditional standard for blackjack. It pays one and a half times your stake on a blackjack.
For example, a £10 bet returns £15 in winnings for a blackjack, plus your £10 stake, so £25 in total. If you stake £20, a blackjack pays £30 in winnings, for £50 back altogether. The name “3:2” simply reflects that for every £2 you bet, you receive £3 in winnings when you have a blackjack.
You will often see this format on classic tables. If a game shows a different ratio, the value of a blackjack changes accordingly.
How Does a 6:5 Blackjack Payout Work?
A 6:5 payout pays less for the same blackjack hand. Here, every £5 staked returns £6 in winnings when you hit a blackjack.
On a £10 bet, the blackjack win is £12, plus your £10 stake for £22 back in total. The hand itself is the same as before, an Ace with a ten-value card in your first two cards, but the payout is smaller than 3:2.
If you are unsure which payout a table uses, the paytable or on-screen rules will confirm it. This small detail changes the value of your strongest starting hand.
Why Do Casinos Offer 6:5 Blackjack?
Venues add 6:5 tables to broaden their mix of games. These tables often sit alongside variations with different minimum bets or optional features, giving players more choice around stake size and style.
The trade-off is that a 6:5 payout slightly increases the built-in advantage for the house compared with 3:2. Put simply, the casino keeps a little more from each blackjack paid at 6:5.
If you notice more 6:5 tables in smaller areas or within certain online lobbies, that is usually because they are straightforward to offer and can be paired with other rule tweaks.
Blackjack House Edge Explained
The house edge is the average percentage a casino expects to retain over time from all wagers. In blackjack, it is shaped by the rules in play, including payout ratios, how many decks are used, whether the dealer hits or stands on a soft 17, and options like doubling after a split.
With typical rules and a 3:2 payout, the house edge commonly sits around 0.5%. That means roughly 50p of every £100 wagered is expected to remain with the house over the long run. Change a few conditions and it moves. A 6:5 payout instead of 3:2, or tighter rules on doubling and splitting, can push the edge above 1.5%.
Most games list either house edge or Return To Player (RTP) value in their information panel. These can be a useful tool when comparing tables.
Which Blackjack Payout Is Better for Players?
All else being equal, 3:2 is the more favourable payout for players. On a £10 stake, a blackjack pays £15 at 3:2 and £12 at 6:5. That £3 gap per blackjack may feel minor in one round, but it becomes meaningful over time. For instance, across ten blackjacks at £10 a hand, the difference adds up to £30 in winnings.
This feeds into the house edge as well. A typical 3:2 game with standard rules often sits near 0.5%. Move to a 6:5 table and the house edge can rise to around 1.5% or more, depending on the other rules in place.
Some games use 6:5 on tables with lower minimums or extra features, while others keep 3:2 as standard. The payout ratio shown on the layout or in the game info tells you what to expect from a blackjack before you commit to a table.
Does Table Minimum Affect Payout Choice?
Minimum stakes and payout ratios often appear together as part of a game’s overall setup. Lower minimum tables are more likely to use 6:5 for blackjack, while higher minimum tables more often keep 3:2.
You might see, for example, a £5 minimum table using 6:5 alongside a £20 minimum table offering 3:2. Both options can sit in the same lobby so players can choose a combination of stake level and payout style that suits them.
In short, if your priority is the strongest return on a blackjack, a 3:2 table is the better fit when available. If you prefer a lower minimum and a slower pace, you may see more 6:5 options. Either way, a quick look at the payout ratio and table rules could help you pick a game that matches what you want from blackjack.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.