Blackjack has been around for centuries, maintaining its status as one of the most iconic casino games. Even today, it’s still the go-to table game for many players who love the strategic challenge it offers. But no matter how much you enjoy blackjack, it can feel repetitive after a while. That’s where variations like Bonus Spin Blackjack, developed by AGS, come in.
This version of the game adds a spinning wheel and a progressive jackpot, taking the excitement up a notch. Let’s take a closer look at how this unique blackjack variation works and whether it’s worth your time.
How Bonus Spin Blackjack Works
Bonus Spin Blackjack isn’t the only game that offers side bets and extra payouts, but it definitely does so in a more creative way than most. If you place the bonus bet, you can win additional prizes in two key ways:
- Ace Payout: If your first two cards include an ace, you win even money.
- Natural Blackjack: If you’re dealt a natural blackjack (an ace plus a 10-value card), you get to spin a virtual wheel for a chance to win a prize.
The wheel offers a variety of prizes, ranging from $15 all the way up to the jackpot, which could be something huge like $5,000 or even a new car.
At first glance, it sounds pretty exciting, but does it really offer more value than classic blackjack? Let’s explore.
How to Play Bonus Spin Blackjack
Here’s a quick rundown of how to play Bonus Spin Blackjack:
- Place your regular bet in the standard betting circle.
- Optionally, place a bonus bet in the red circle or press the button.
- The dealer deals with your first two cards.
- If one of those cards is an ace, you’ll win an even-money payout.
- If you placed the bonus bet and got a natural blackjack, you’ll push the red button to spin the bonus wheel. You’re guaranteed to win at least $15.
The bonus bet is all about getting an ace or a natural blackjack. If you don’t get either, you automatically lose the bonus wager.
Where Can You Play Bonus Spin Blackjack?
A few Las Vegas casinos currently offer Bonus Spin Blackjack, including:
- 4 Queens
- Binion’s
- Golden Nugget
This game has been well-received, so it may be expanding to other popular gambling destinations in the future. But for now, you’ll need to visit Vegas if you want to give it a try.
The Pros of Playing Bonus Spin Blackjack
Bonus Spin Blackjack stands out thanks to its unique features and potential rewards. Here are a few reasons you might want to play:
1. Extra Ways to Win
In traditional blackjack, the only “extra” payout you can expect is for a natural blackjack, which usually pays 3:2 or 6:5. In Bonus Spin Blackjack, you get more chances to win thanks to the bonus wheel. Every time you hit a natural blackjack, you get to spin for a prize, which could be as big as $5,000 or even a new car.
2. Chase Bigger Jackpots
Normally, you’d need a streak of luck or to bet big to win significant money in blackjack. But with Bonus Spin, even a small bonus wager gives you a shot at substantial payouts. The car and $5,000 prizes are particularly appealing when you consider how little you have to risk for a chance at winning them.
3. A Fresh Take on a Classic Game
If you’re a fan of blackjack but want to try something different, Bonus Spin Blackjack offers a refreshing twist. It still features the core gameplay of blackjack, but the spinning wheel adds an extra layer of excitement. You don’t need to hit some rare hand to activate the wheel—just get a natural blackjack and you’re in the game for a big prize.
The Cons of Playing Bonus Spin Blackjack
While Bonus Spin Blackjack offers plenty of excitement, there are also some drawbacks to keep in mind before diving in.
1. Extra Bet Required
As with many blackjack variations that include side bets, you’ll need to place an additional wager to participate in the bonus aspect of the game. Depending on the casino, this bet can range from $1 to $5. While it might not seem like much, these small bonus bets can add up, especially for low-stakes players. Over time, it can make the game more expensive to play.
2. Higher House Edge
One of the reasons blackjack is so popular is that it usually offers one of the lowest house edges of any casino game. In most Las Vegas casinos, blackjack tables often have a house edge of less than 1%, and online blackjack typically has an even lower edge of around 0.5%.
The Best Way to Determine Blackjack RTP
However, the Bonus Spin feature comes with a cost—placing the optional side bet increases the house edge significantly. If you make the bonus bet, you’ll be facing a house edge of around 5% or more. That’s pretty steep for blackjack and more in line with games like Caribbean Stud or American Roulette, which are known for having higher house edges.
Conclusion: Is Bonus Spin Blackjack Worth It?
Bonus Spin Blackjack brings an exciting new element to a classic game. If you’re someone who enjoys side bets and the thrill of chasing big prizes, you’ll probably find this game to be a lot of fun. The chance to spin the wheel and win anything from cash to a car adds an extra layer of excitement to the standard blackjack experience.
That said, the higher house edge and extra bet required for the bonus feature could be a turnoff for some players, especially those who prefer the low house edge blackjack is traditionally known for. If you’re looking for a fresh take on blackjack and don’t mind the extra risk, Bonus Spin Blackjack might be worth trying. But if you’re more of a blackjack purist focused on minimizing the house edge, you might want to stick with the classic version.