What Is Free Bet Blackjack?

Free bet blackjack is a variation of the original blackjack game. However, unlike other variations, free bet blackjack does not change much in the game's rules. What makes it different is that the casino allows players to split and double down for free once in each game. Hence the name free bet. If you win, the dealer pays double your initial wager. If you lose, you only flash your initial bet. 

In addition, the player is allowed to surrender after being dealt the first two cards. However, you need to decide quickly, as from the moment the 3rd card is dealt, you will not be allowed to surrender again. 

Allowing players to split and double down without increasing their stakes gives the player a significant advantage. Therefore, to let the dealer get some odds back and make the game fairer for the casino, this variation applies something called the 'Push 22' rule. 

More specifically, push 22 blackjack rules imply that if the dealer goes bust on the precise hand of 22, instead of paying all unbusted player's hands like in the traditional game, the dealer will push (or tie). Therefore, if the dealer's hand reaches 22, you will tie with the dealer, no matter how strong your hand is.  

However, if you own a natural blackjack, you will beat the dealer in this case. The standard payout is 3 to 2.