“Signature pairs” and other sucker bets

[zdgp]

I regularly play blackjack on HAL. On my last cruise, they had a new gimmick at the blackjack tables called “signature pairs”. You make a side bet, and win if dealt a pair on your first two cards. The payoff is:

Pair of different colors: 5 to 1
Same color: 10 to 1
Suited pair: 25 to 1
Ace of clubs pair: 50 to 1

This is a sucker bet. Compared to the odds, the payoff is awful. Forget this gimmick and just play blackjack.

[Paul Motter]

Thanks for the tip - these side bets usually ARE sucker bets but people love them. I would like to hear more tips on what "sucker bets" to avoid.

[zdgp]

On my last two HAL cruises, it looks like “signature pairs” is a good moneymaker for the casino. A lot of blackjack players like this game, as it is more popular than the previous gimmick at the blackjack tables called the “wheel of madness”. (I think that players didn’t trust the wheel, but they are more comfortable seeing cards dealt from the shoe.)

There is an error in my original post. The 50 to 1 payout is for any suited pair of aces. This doesn’t affect my other comments. The house take on this game is 8.6%, a really bad bet for a table game.

[gritchenlewis]

People love to play betting or gambling for earning money and also to have fun and enjoyment. Signature pairs seems an amazing table game that definitely gives people excitement.

[Marsdude]

Other sucker bets would be anything in the middle area of the crap table.

Taking "insurance" in BJ is also considered a sucker bet.

I actually don't like to call these sucker bets. They can be fun sometimes if your way ahead.