TablesRules

Match the Dealer: the blackjack side bet

Match the Dealer pays if one or both of your first two cards match the dealer up card in rank. Suited matches pay more. The house edge is usually several times higher than the main game.

Reviewed Oct 15, 2026

Answer first

90s

01Your first two cards are checked.
02Rank must match the up card.
03Suited matches pay more.

Key numbers

Match the Dealer at a glance

2Cards checkedYour first two

4 to 1Typical unsuitedPer match

11 to 1Typical suitedPer match

~3-4%House edgeRough

In short

Key takeaways

It is settled before you play your hand.
Both cards can match and both pay.
Pay tables change with deck count.
The edge is far above basic strategy blackjack.

Progress

How the bet settles

1
Bet placed
Before the deal
2
Deal
Two cards each
3
Compare
Your cards to up card
4
Pay or lose
Right away

Your main hand plays on as normal.

Pay table

Typical pay table

Glance before you bet

Result	Pays
Unsuited match	4 to 1
Suited match	11 to 1
No match	Loses

One common table; check the felt.

Why more decks pay more

With more decks there are more cards of the same rank and suit as the dealer card. Casinos often set the pay table by deck count.

Six and eight deck games are common for this bet. Check the placard for the exact pays.

Typical house edge

Decks	Edge
8 decks	About 3%
6 decks	About 3.5%
2 decks	Higher

Rough guide; exact figures depend on the pay table.

Main game play

The side bet does not change how you play your hand. Use basic strategy as normal.

A matched card is settled at once, before you hit, stand or double.

You bet $5 on the side bet. You get a 9 of hearts and a 9 of clubs, and the dealer shows the 9 of hearts.

Sequence

Playing the side bet

Step 01
Read the placard
Pays and limits.
Step 02
Place the side bet
In its circle.
Step 03
Watch the deal
Check matches.
Step 04
Get paid
Before play.
Step 05
Play your hand
Basic strategy.

Side bets and bankroll

Side bets raise the amount you risk each hand. Count them in your session budget. Small, steady side bet wins can hide a slow loss over a long session.

If you play the main game with basic strategy, the side bet often adds more expected loss than the main bet.

Taking a break after a set time helps keep play fun.

Floor rules

Side bet terms

Know before you sit

Up card: The dealer face-up card.
Suited match: Same rank and suit.
Unsuited match: Same rank, different suit.
Placard: The sign with rules and limits.

Where you find it

Match the Dealer is offered in some US casinos, often on six or eight deck shoe games. Not every table has it. Ask the dealer whether the bet is still open if you join the table mid-shoe.

Online blackjack games may offer it with their own pay tables. Check the game help screen.

Limits are usually low, such as $1 to $25 or $100.

Common mistakes

Changing strategy: Play as normal.
Ignoring deck count: Pays differ.
Big side bets: Higher edge.
Missing the placard: Pays vary.

How often you win

With many decks, at least one of your two cards matches the dealer rank roughly one hand in seven. Each of your two cards is compared with the dealer card on its own.

Suited matches are much rarer, which is why they pay more.

The long run loss rate stays above the main game, even with frequent small wins.

Reading the placard

The placard lists the pays for suited and unsuited matches, plus the table limits for the side bet. Pays can differ from the example in this guide. Some casinos post a separate maximum for the side bet that is lower than the main table limit.

Some versions pay less for unsuited matches when fewer decks are used. A small change in the pay table moves the house edge by a large amount.

If the pays are not posted, ask the dealer before you place the bet.

Keep reading

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.

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After 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.

01Basics

What is Match the Dealer?

A blackjack side bet that pays when your first two cards match the dealer up card in rank.

Do both cards count?

Yes. Each matching card is paid on its own. House rules can vary, so check the table placard or ask the dealer.

Does suit matter?

Yes. A suited match pays more than an unsuited one. House rules can vary, so check the table placard or ask the dealer.

02Rules

When is the bet settled?

Right after the deal, before you play your hand. House rules can vary, so check the table placard or ask the dealer.

Does it change the main game?

No. Your main hand plays as normal. House rules can vary, so check the table placard or ask the dealer.

Is it offered everywhere?

No. It depends on the casino and the table. House rules can vary, so check the table placard or ask the dealer.

03Strategy

Is it a good bet?

It has a higher house edge than basic strategy blackjack. House rules can vary, so check the table placard or ask the dealer.

Can counting help?

In theory, but the gain is small and hard to use. House rules can vary, so check the table placard or ask the dealer.

Where can I get help?

If gambling stops being fun, call or text 1-800-GAMBLER for free, private help any time of day.

Sources

Wizard of Odds — Blackjack side bets Not from a registry (Reference source, not an official registry) · accessed Oct 15, 2026Side bet odds and house edge
UNLV Center for Gaming Research Not from a registry (Reference source, not an official registry) · accessed Oct 15, 2026Research library on casino games and gambling
Nevada Gaming Control Board · accessed Oct 15, 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 15, 2026Free, confidential help: call or text 1-800-GAMBLER