Lucky Ladies

Introduction

One of the most sought-after side bets in blackjack is Lucky Ladies. This fun bet originated in Washington state and can now be observed in various casinos. The premise is simple: any player hand totaling 20 wins a payout, with specific combinations of twenties, particularly those with two queens, offering more lucrative rewards. Over the years, several variations, labeled A through E, have emerged, including a progressive version entitled Bonus Lucky Ladies.

Clarifying terms: a 'matched pair' refers to two cards that are identical in both rank and suit.

Here you will find the pay table associated with the progressive version labeled Pay Table F.

Analysis of Pay Table A

Next is an analysis of Pay Table A played with six decks. The analysis reveals a return percentage of 75.29%, signifying a house edge of 24.71%.

Analysis of Pay Table B

Now, we examine Pay Table B using six decks, which results in a house edge of 17.64%.

Analysis of Pay Table C

The following table scrutinizes Pay Table C, specifically designed for single-deck play, revealing a house edge of 29.89%.

Analysis of Pay Table D

In the analysis of Pay Table D with six decks, the findings suggest a house edge of 13.34%.

Analysis of Pay Table E

Here’s my evaluation of Pay Table E based on the six decks used.

House Edge Summary

The subsequent table provides a summary of the house edges from versions A to D across one to eight decks.

Bonus Lucky Ladies

Bonus Lucky Ladies is a $1 progressive side bet that I first came across on June 5, 2015, at the Palace Casino in La Center, Washington. Below is the corresponding pay table. All payouts operate on a 'for one' basis, meaning the player’s initial stake is not returned upon winning.

The following table details the probabilities and returns for each possible event, calculated from six decks. A question mark indicates a variable payout depending on the size of the jackpot.

The table previously discussed indicates that fixed payouts yield a return of 31.19%. For every $10,000 increment in the jackpot, the return increases by 2.13%. To break even, the jackpot would need to hit $328,372.59.

Analysis of Pay Table F

Here’s my assessment of the progressive Pay Table F based on six decks. All winnings are considered on a 'for one' basis.

The next table illustrates a return to the player of 42.18%, excluding the jackpot value. Each increment of $10,000 in the jackpot significantly raises the return by 14.56%.

I encountered this 'red light' $1 wager at the Rampart on January 29, 2021, when the jackpot stood at $17,347.43. Therefore, the effective return at that moment would be calculated as 42.18% plus 14.56% multiplied by the ratio of $17,347 to $10,000, totaling 67.44%.

Written by: Michael Shackleford