Multiplier Blackjack

Introduction

Multiplier Blackjack is an innovative twist on traditional blackjack, allowing players to place two types of bets on a single hand. The first is the regular blackjack stake, and the second is a Multiplier stake, which offers higher payouts if the player wins due to the dealer going bust.

As of this moment, there are four locations offering this game in California and approximately twelve in Oklahoma.

Rules

1. Game play begins with the player placing either a blackjack and/or Multiplier wager. There are no specific ratios required between the two, meaning players can place any combination of bets within the casino's limits.
2. Once bets are placed, the game continues much like standard blackjack.
3. The rules governing the blackjack stake follow traditional guidelines as set for the table.
4. In the event that the player secures a winning blackjack, both the blackjack bet and the Multiplier wager will pay out as outlined by the established table rules.
5. If the player chooses to split their hand, they must also wager an equivalent amount on the new hand for both blackjack and/or Multiplier bets.
6. Upon deciding to double, the player can increase their respective wagers on either the blackjack or Multiplier stake, up to the original bet amounts.
7. In the unfortunate event of a loss, both the blackjack and Multiplier wagers for that specific hand will be forfeited.
8. If the game results in a tie between the player and dealer, the blackjack and/or Multiplier wagers for that hand will be returned to the player.
9. When the player wins by having a higher score than the dealer, the wagers for both blackjack and Multiplier will win, providing a payout of 1 to 1.
10. If the player succeeds because the dealer goes bust, the payout for the Multiplier wager is determined by the value of the card that caused the dealer to bust, while the blackjack wager pays at a 1 to 1 rate.
11. A winning blackjack is beneficial for both the regular blackjack and Multiplier bets. The exact payout amounts can vary based on the casino’s rules.

The following chart outlines the winnings associated with the Multiplier Blackjack wager when the dealer busts, presented on a 'to one' basis.

If my explanation isn't entirely clear, you can refer to the accompanying rack card. Click on the image for a more detailed view. This card pertains to a more lenient version that pays 2 to 1 if the dealer busts on an 8, compared to the standard 3 to 2 offered by most casinos.

Strategy

Below is the essential strategy for players opting to solely make the Multiplier bet, assuming the dealer must hit on a soft 17 and allows doubling after a split.

Key to the basic strategy table.

• H = Hit
• S = Stand
• D = Double if you can, otherwise hit
• Ds = Double if feasible; otherwise, stand firm.
• P = Split
• R = Surrender when possible; otherwise, go for a hit.
• Rs = Surrender when an option; otherwise, maintain your stance.

Analysis

For analysis purposes, I consider a winning blackjack to pay at a rate of 3 to 2, utilizing an infinite number of decks, with the dealer hitting on soft 17 and doubling after a split being allowed, and no option for surrender. Under these conditions, the house edge stands at 2.04%.

Analysis indicates that the difference in house advantage between six decks and an infinite number is 0.10% favoring the player. Adjusting for this difference results in a reduced house edge of 1.94%.

Effects of Rule Variations

The following list illustrates how various rules impact player expectations (positive values signify an advantage while negative values indicate a disadvantage).

• Blackjack pays 1.2 instead of 1.5: -1.35%
• Surrender allowed: +0.12%
• Dealer busts with 8 pays 2 to 1*: +1.39%

*: Game documentation references this rule, although I suspect no casino has adopted this more favorable version.

External Links

• Best Games — A dedicated website for the game supplier.
• Multiplier Blackjack — A specialized site created by the distributor exclusively for Multiplier Blackjack.
• Discussion — You can find further discussions about Multiplier Blackjack in my forum on Wizard of Vegas.

Written by: Michael Shackleford