What Is Hot 3 in Blackjack? Side Bet Payouts & Odds
Side bets are a familiar sight at blackjack tables, offering optional wagers alongside the main hand. One of these is Hot 3, often seen next to the regular betting circle.
Hot 3 has its own potential payouts and odds that are separate from standard blackjack, so it helps to understand what counts and what does not before putting any chips down.
This blog post explains how the Hot 3 side bet works, the typical payouts you might see, the odds behind it, and the house edge, so you may look over it with clear, practical information.
What Is the Hot 3 Side Bet?
The Hot 3 side bet in blackjack is an optional wager based entirely on the player’s first two cards and the dealer’s upcard. No later cards and no decisions in the main hand affect the outcome.
Hot 3 is closely related to the Lucky Lucky side bet, as both are determined only by these three initial cards and the total they form. Hot 3 pays when these cards total 19, 20, or 21, with higher payouts for rarer combinations such as a suited 21 or three sevens. Three sevens—the player holding two 7s and the dealer showing another 7—is the highest-paying combination in the most common paytable.
How Does Hot 3 Work in Blackjack?
Hot 3 is placed before any cards are dealt, alongside the main blackjack wager. After the player receives their first two cards and the dealer reveals their upcard, the side bet is immediately resolved.
Only those first three cards count. If they add up to 19, 20, or 21, or form a qualifying special pattern, the bet pays according to the posted paytable. For example, a three-card 21 made with suited cards generally pays more than a mixed-suit 21, and all three sevens outrank every other result.
The side bet does not influence how the main blackjack hand is played, and the outcome of the main hand does not alter the result of the side bet. Once the three cards are visible, the Hot 3 bet is fully determined.
Hot 3 Payouts and Odds Explained
While casinos may use their own versions, the most widely used Hot 3 paytable pays as follows (all payouts are typically “to 1”):
- 19 → typically 1:1
- 20 → typically 2:1
- 21 (unsuited) → typically 4:1
- Suited 21 → typically 20:1
- Three 7s (any suits) → typically 100:1
These potential payouts reflect the relative rarity of each outcome. Totals of 19 and 20 appear most frequently, while three 7s is extremely rare, which is why it pays the most.
The probabilities of each hand depend on the number of decks used. Using the common six-deck shoe as an example, mathematical analysis shows that Hot 3 typically holds a house edge of around 5.4%–5.6%, with slight variation depending on the exact rules and deck count.
Is Hot 3 a Good Side Bet for Players?
Whether Hot 3 is “good” depends on what a player wants from their session. The bet offers the possibility of occasional large payouts, particularly the 20:1 and 100:1 results, and it resolves immediately, which gives it faster action than the main blackjack hand.
However, from a statistical perspective, the Hot 3 side bet is significantly less favorable than the main blackjack game. Blackjack played with sound basic strategy can have a house edge well under 1%, while Hot 3 generally sits above 5%. As a result, it functions more like a novelty bet: entertaining and potentially exciting, but costing more in the long run than playing the main hand alone.
Players who enjoy side bets may treat Hot 3 as a small, occasional wager for added excitement, but it should not be considered a profitable play over time.
House Edge
The house edge represents the casino’s long-term advantage over players. For Hot 3, the commonly documented house edge ranges from approximately 5.4% to 5.7%, depending on the paytable and the number of decks used. This is notably higher than the main blackjack game, where the edge can drop below 1% under favorable rules and correct strategy.
The higher edge stems from the rarity of the premium results. While the top potential payouts might appear appealing, they occur infrequently, and the sum of the many losing hands outweighs the occasional large win. The number of decks also influences probability, as more decks slightly reduce the frequency of suited and matching combinations.
Responsible play is essential with any side bet. Keeping these wagers small, using them occasionally, and setting spending limits can help ensure they remain entertaining additions rather than a source of significant losses.
If gambling ever feels like it’s affecting your well-being or finances, organisations such as GamCare and GambleAware offer free, confidential support.
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*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.
**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.
