Ever notice some tables feel “friendlier” on your wallet? That’s often because they pay blackjack payout 3:2. In this guide, I’ll break down what 3:2 truly means, how it changes your expected results, and the smart steps to find and verify the right tables—without memorizing a math textbook.

Quick definition: A natural blackjack (Ace + 10-value card) pays 3:2—win $15 on a $10 bet—versus 6:5, which pays only $12 on $10.

What 3:2 Means (and Why Players Care)

3:2 is a shorthand for the payout odds on a natural blackjack. If you bet $20 and get a blackjack:

  • 3:2 pays $30 profit (you take back $50 total).
  • 6:5 pays $24 profit (you take back $44 total).

That $6 difference seems small per hand, but it adds up fast over a session.

Blackjack payout 3:2 vs 6:5: Real-Dollar Comparison

Natural blackjacks appear about 4.75% of hands. If you play 300 hands at $25 a hand, you’ll average about 14 blackjacks.

  • 3:2 total profit on those blackjacks: 14 × $37.50 = $525
  • 6:5 total profit on those blackjacks: 14 × $30.00 = $420
  • Difference: $105 less on the 6:5 table—same play, same cards.

That gap is why players prioritize 3:2 tables.

Why 3:2 Matters: The House Edge Impact

Switching from 3:2 to 6:5 typically adds about 1.4% to the house edge. On otherwise similar rules, a solid 3:2 game can sit near 0.5% house edge with basic strategy, while a 6:5 game can push it above 1.9%.

In short: the house edge impact isn’t a rounding error—it’s the difference between a reasonable game and an expensive one.

How to Spot and Verify a Blackjack Payout 3:2 Table

  1. Read the placard: Look for “Blackjack pays 3 to 2.” If you see “6 to 5,” move on.
  2. Ask the dealer: “Do naturals pay 3:2 here?” Staff will answer quickly.
  3. Check the felt and info panel (live and online): Rules are usually printed or shown in the game menu.
  4. Watch a payout: If a player gets a natural on $10 and is paid $15 (plus their bet), it’s 3:2.

Tip: If the minimum is much lower at one table than others nearby, it’s often because it’s a 6:5 game.

Step-by-Step: How Payouts Are Calculated

  1. Confirm if your hand is a natural blackjack (Ace + 10-value as first two cards).
  2. Multiply your bet by 1.5 for 3:2, or 1.2 for 6:5.
  3. Add back your original wager to get total returned chips.

Examples

  • $15 bet at 3:2 → profit $22.50 → take back $37.50 total.
  • $25 bet at 3:2 → profit $37.50 → take back $62.50 total.
  • $25 bet at 6:5 → profit $30.00 → take back $55.00 total.

Common Table Variations That Affect Value

Beyond payout odds, rules matter. These common table variations can shift the expected value:

  • Dealer hits soft 17 (H17) vs. stands (S17): often adds about +0.20% to +0.22% house edge for H17.
  • No double after split (NDAS): roughly +0.14% house edge.
  • Double on 10–11 only: about +0.18% house edge.
  • Number of decks: more decks generally increase the edge; single deck to 8 decks can add ~+0.6%.
  • Late surrender allowed: reduces house edge by about −0.08% to −0.10%.
  • Resplitting aces (RSA): often reduces house edge by about −0.07%.

When you can, choose 3:2, S17, DAS allowed, surrender allowed, and fewer decks.

Experience: A Real Session That Proved the Point

On a summer trip to Las Vegas, I sat at a $15-minimum game that felt “tight.” I realized it was a 6:5 table. After an hour, I’d had five naturals on $25 bets—paid $150 total profit.

I moved to a nearby 3:2, $25-minimum table. In the next hour, I hit four naturals—paid $150 profit again. On a 6:5 table, those same four naturals would have paid $120. That single switch saved me $30 in one hour, and over a weekend it added up to a few hundred.

Practical Strategy Tips for 3:2 Games

1) Pick the Right Table First

  • 3:2 payout confirmed
  • S17 preferred, DAS allowed
  • Look for surrender and fewer decks

2) Use Basic Strategy

  • Memorize a chart for your exact rules and decks.
  • Basic strategy can drop the house edge near 0.5% on good 3:2 games.

3) Manage Your Bankroll

  • Session bankroll ≈ 40–60 bets for casual play.
  • Flat bet or modest ramps; avoid chasing losses.

4) Skip Insurance

Insurance pays 2:1 but is a negative-value side bet in the long run unless you’re counting cards.

5) Table Etiquette That Helps

  • Decide hits/stands before your turn; speeds up more hands per hour.
  • Ask the dealer to confirm rules if anything seems unclear.

House Rules at a Glance

If you must choose between similar tables, prioritize:

  1. 3:2 payout over 6:5—always.
  2. S17 over H17.
  3. DAS allowed; surrender available.
  4. Fewer decks, when possible.

FAQ

What does blackjack payout 3:2 mean?

It’s the reward for a natural blackjack: you win 1.5 times your bet. Bet $20, win $30 profit, take back $50 total.

Is 3:2 always better than 6:5?

Yes. 6:5 usually adds about 1.4% to the house edge. That’s a large shift against the player compared with 3:2.

How can I quickly verify the payout at a table?

Read the table sign or felt. If unclear, ask the dealer, or watch a natural payout on a small bet.

Do the number of decks change the value of a 3:2 table?

Yes. More decks generally increase the house edge. A single-deck 3:2 game (with fair rules) is typically stronger than an eight-deck 3:2 game.

Are 3:2 tables still common online?

Many live-dealer and RNG games still offer 3:2, but read the rules; 6:5 has become more common, especially at low minimums.

Conclusion

If you take one thing from this guide, make it this: choose blackjack payout 3:2 tables first. Combine that with solid rules and basic strategy, and you’ve done the most important work to protect your bankroll.