When comparing blackjack tables, the small figures 3:2 and 6:5 can look harmless. They are easy to miss, yet they change how much is returned on the very best starting hand.
Rules have shifted over time, and not every table handles pay-outs in the same way. What seems like a minor tweak in numbers can shape overall returns more than many people expect.
If you like knowing how a game works under the bonnet, it is worth understanding exactly what these ratios mean and how they affect the maths behind the table.
What Do 3:2 and 6:5 Mean in Blackjack?
The figures 3:2 and 6:5 describe how a natural blackjack pays. A natural blackjack is when your first two cards are an ace plus any ten-value card, totalling 21.
A 3:2 payout means that for every £2 staked, the win adds £3 on top of your original stake. With a £10 stake, a 3:2 payout adds £15.
A 6:5 payout returns less. For every £5 wagered, the win adds £6. On a £10 stake, that means an extra £12.
You will usually see the ratio listed on the table layout or in the game’s information screen. That single line tells you how your natural blackjacks will be settled.
Players should always remember to gamble responsibly and within their means- never wager more than you can afford to lose.
How Do Blackjack Payouts Work?
Most winning hands in blackjack pay even money, or 1:1. If you stake £20 and win a standard hand, the win adds £20 to your balance, plus your original stake is returned.
Natural blackjacks use the higher ratio shown on the table, which is where 3:2 or 6:5 comes in. To see the extra amount added on a special payout, multiply your stake by the first number and divide by the second. That figure is the win, before your original stake is returned. For instance, £40 at 3:2 adds £60; at 6:5 it adds £48.
Other outcomes can occur. If your total equals the dealer’s, it is a push and your stake is returned. Some tables include optional side bets, but those have separate payout tables and do not change how the main hand is settled.
Why Does 3:2 Blackjack Offer Better Value?
The difference between 3:2 and 6:5 shows up in pounds and pence. On a £10 stake, a natural blackjack adds £15 at 3:2 but only £12 at 6:5. That £3 gap might sound small, yet it matters because natural blackjacks are not rare. They appear in roughly 1 in 21 hands, or about 4.8% of the time.
Every time that hand appears, 3:2 pays an extra 0.3 times your stake compared with 6:5. Spread across many hands, that arithmetic adds up. If someone placed £10 per hand over a long stretch of play, the higher payout would return about £1.44 more per 100 hands simply from naturals. That is enough to shift the long-term numbers in a meaningful way.
In short, 3:2 keeps more value in the player’s column whenever that top hand lands, and that flows through to the overall odds.
What Is the House Edge Difference Between 3:2 and 6:5?
House edge expresses the game’s average advantage over many hands. On tables with standard rules and a 3:2 payout for natural blackjacks, the house edge is often around 0.5% when using optimal decisions. Change the payout to 6:5 and the edge typically jumps to about 1.9% under the same conditions.
That increase comes largely from the reduced return on natural blackjacks discussed earlier. Other rules can nudge the figures too, such as whether the dealer stands on soft 17, how doubling works, or the number of decks used. Still, the payout ratio is one of the biggest levers.
To give the numbers some scale, a 0.5% edge means an average expected cost of 50p per £100 wagered over time. At 1.9%, that average rises to £1.90 per £100. Actual results vary from session to session, but the built-in maths does not change.
Does Table Minimum Stake Affect 3:2 and 6:5 Games?
Minimum stakes often differ between the two formats. It is common to see 3:2 tables set higher minimums, such as £10 or £20, while 6:5 tables sometimes allow £5 entry. That is not a rule, just a pattern you will notice.
The reason is straightforward. A 3:2 table pays out more when natural blackjacks appear, so operators may set a higher minimum to balance returns. A 6:5 table pays less on that hand, which can support a lower entry point.
Online lobbies usually display the minimum and the payout ratio side by side before you join. If you compare a few tables, you will often find a mix of lower minimums with 6:5 and higher minimums with 3:2, plus some options that sit in between.
Are 6:5 Blackjack Tables Becoming More Common?
Yes, 6:5 tables have become more visible in recent years. They tend to appear where venues want to raise average returns without changing the overall feel of the game too much. You will also see them online alongside traditional 3:2 versions.
Even so, 3:2 has not gone away. Many tables still use it, particularly in formats that stick closely to classic rules. What has changed is that 6:5 is no longer unusual, so it pays to notice which version you are sitting at before you start.
If both types are available, the choice comes down to how you weigh payout generosity against table limits and any other rules in play.
How Can Players Spot 3:2 and 6:5 Tables?
Most tables make the payout for natural blackjacks clear once you know where to look. A quick scan is usually enough.
- On physical tables, check the wording on the layout near the betting area. Phrases like “Blackjack pays 3 to 2” or “Blackjack pays 6 to 5” are normally printed in plain view.
- In online games, open the information or paytable panel. The payout for a natural blackjack is listed with the main rules, and you can also see other key points such as whether the dealer stands on soft 17.
- If anything is unclear, ask support or on-site staff to confirm. It only takes a moment and avoids surprises.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.