Lucky Ladies is one of the most popular casino blackjack bonus bets. It is a side-bet, made in addition to the standard blackjack bet and pays a bonus based on your first two cards only. To play Lucky Ladies you must first make a standard blackjack bet. Once you have your bet in the larger betting circle, place a bet of at least $1 in the small circle for Lucky Ladies. The dealer will be happy to assist you with minimums and maximums.
If your first two cards total 20, you win. If your first two cards do not total 20, the bonus bet is lost. The payoff schedule you will most often see in casinos for a $1 wager is:
- 4-1 or $4 if your first two cards total 20
- 9-1 or $9 if your first two cards total 20 and are the same suit
- 19-1 or $19 if your first two cards total 20 and are exact matches
- 125-1 or $125 if your first two cards are both Queen of Hearts
- 1000-1 or $1000 if your first two cards are both Queen of Hearts and the dealer has a blackjack
So, what's wrong with that you ask? Nothing. Enjoy. But remember, many blackjack bonus bets carry a heavy price because the casino has such a huge edge. Lucky Ladies is certainly no exception. In fact, with a house edge of 24.7 percent for the above schedule with a six-deck shoe, the Lucky Ladies bet will cost the average player 10 times as much to play per dollar wagered than the standard blackjack bet. Some casinos offer Lucky Ladies with one of two other pay tables. One pays 200 to 1 for the two queens and no dealer blackjack. The house edge is 17.6 percent with a six-deck shoe. The third variation pays 250 to 1 for two queens and a dealer blackjack and has a house edge of 29.9 percent.
Of course if you do hit the 1000 to 1 bonus, you will be more than happy you played the bet. And, the IRS will be happy too, because the casino will break out a nice W-2G form for you after you supply an ID and social security number. Bummer. Any jackpot or bonus bet that is 300-1 or more than $600 is taxable.
