Blackjack 3:2 vs 6:5: why the payout matters
A natural blackjack pays 3 to 1.5 on a 3:2 table and only 6 to 5 on a 6:5 table. That one rule adds about 1.4% to the house edge.
Reviewed Oct 14, 2026
Answer first
90s| Rule | 3:2 table | 6:5 table |
|---|---|---|
| $10 natural pays | $15 | $12 |
| $25 natural pays | $37.50 | $30 |
| Added house edge | — | About +1.4% |
| Typical edge with good play | 0.5%–0.6% | About 2% |
Key numbers
The payout gap
In short
Key takeaways
- You get a natural about once every 21 hands, so the payout matters more than it looks.
- A $25 player at 70 hands per hour loses about $25 more per hour at a 6:5 table.
- The pay rule is printed on the felt: look for “Blackjack pays 3 to 2”.
- Single-deck 6:5 games are not a good deal; the payout cut outweighs the deck count.
On the felt
The same natural, two payouts
Your hand
Natural 21 on a $10 bet
3:2 table
Paid $15 — total back $25
6:5 table
Paid $12 — total back $22
Cost per hour at 70 hands
| Bet | 3:2 expected loss | 6:5 expected loss |
|---|---|---|
| $10 | About $4 | About $14 |
| $25 | About $10 | About $35 |
| $50 | About $20 | About $70 |
Rough figures for basic strategy in a six-deck game. Real results swing widely.
Why casinos spread 6:5 games
A 6:5 table earns more per hand without slowing play. Many players never check the felt, so the change goes unnoticed.
On the Las Vegas Strip, 6:5 is common at low minimums. Higher-limit pits and many locals casinos still deal 3:2.
Sequence
Spotting the payout before you sit
Step 01
Read the felt
The pay rule is printed in the arc above the betting spots.
Step 02
Check the placard
The sign shows minimums, decks and sometimes the soft 17 rule.
Step 03
Ask the dealer
“Does blackjack pay three to two here?” is a normal question.
Step 04
Walk if it is 6:5
A higher minimum at 3:2 often costs less than a lower one at 6:5.
How much a session really costs
Say you play four hours of $25 hands at 70 hands an hour. That is 280 hands and about 13 naturals. At 3:2 those pay $487.50; at 6:5 they pay $390.
The gap of almost $100 comes straight out of your pocket, before any other rule. Basic strategy cannot close it.
Comps are based on average bet and time, not on the payout. A 6:5 table does not earn you more rewards to make up the loss.
Other rules worth less than the payout
| Rule | Effect on house edge |
|---|---|
| 6:5 instead of 3:2 | +1.39% |
| Dealer hits soft 17 | +0.22% |
| No double after split | +0.14% |
| Eight decks vs six | +0.02% |
| Late surrender offered | −0.08% |
Approximate values for a six-deck game. Lower is better for you.
Common mistakes
- Not reading the felt
- The pay rule is printed on every table, yet many players sit down without looking. A few seconds of reading saves real money over a trip.
- Choosing the lowest minimum
- A $10 table paying 6:5 can cost more per hour than a $15 table paying 3:2. Compare the expected cost, not just the minimum.
- Taking even money
- Even money on a natural against an ace is insurance in another form. Over time it costs about the same as the insurance bet.
- Thinking a single deck makes up for it
- Fewer decks help, but only by a fraction of the 1.39% the 6:5 rule costs. The payout cut is far larger.
- Forgetting online rules
- Online tables list rules in the help screen. Most licensed games pay 3:2, but check before you play a new title.
Keep reading
Related pages
Go play
Where to play in Las Vegas
Tap a resort — each row opens that casino’s White Gambling page (hours, game mix, floor facts). Venues with this game in official counts, sorted high to low.
Open a casino page
Real listings · not adsAfter the 90 seconds
Questions before and after you play
A 90-second guide cannot cover every table moment. Tap a group, then a question — answers are short paragraphs, not one-liners.
01Payouts
How much does 6:5 blackjack cost?
About 1.4% more in house edge. On $25 hands at 70 per hour, that is roughly $25 more in expected loss each hour.
Is 6:5 blackjack ever worth playing?
Only for fun at very small stakes. Any 3:2 game with normal rules is a better deal.
Is 6:5 single deck better than 3:2 six deck?
No. A single deck helps the player by about 0.5%, but the 6:5 pay costs about 1.4%.
How often do you get blackjack?
About 4.8% of hands, or once every 21 hands. At 70 hands per hour, that is about three naturals.
02Finding tables
Do online casinos pay 3:2?
Most regulated online blackjack pays 3:2. The rules are listed in the game’s help screen.
Can I ask for a 3:2 table?
Yes. Floor staff can point you to 3:2 tables, which usually have higher minimums.
03More payout questions
Does 6:5 apply to every win?
No. Only a natural blackjack is paid 6 to 5. Ordinary wins still pay 1 to 1, and doubles and splits pay as normal.
Why do some single-deck games pay 6:5?
Single-deck games give players a small edge boost. Casinos often pair them with 6:5 to more than cancel it out.
What should I look for besides 3:2?
Dealer stands on soft 17, double after split, and late surrender all help. Fewer decks help a little more.
Sources
- Wizard of Odds — Blackjack house edge calculator Not from a registry (Reference source, not an official registry)The gaming industry’s standard reference for casino-game math, by actuary Michael Shackleford. Not an official registry; our calculators compute these numbers independently. · accessed Oct 14, 2026Rules, odds and house edge
- Nevada Gaming Control Board · accessed Oct 14, 2026Approved games and gaming revenue reports
- National Council on Problem Gambling — Help and resources Not from a registry (Reference source, not an official registry) · accessed Oct 14, 2026Free, confidential help: call or text 1-800-GAMBLER
- American Gaming Association — Research Not from a registry (Reference source, not an official registry) · accessed Oct 14, 2026US casino industry data