Blazing 777 is a side bet in blackjack games at casinos across Canada. It adds excitement to a game that normally sees wins and losses in single bets. If you place the Blazing 777 bet, you get paid any time you hit even a single 7 in your hand. With more 7s, the correct suits and the dealer up-card involved, you can win a progressive jackpot.
Blackjack rules concerning splits, doubles and hard/soft 17 for the dealer vary from casino to casino. Since it is independent of the main hand, the Blazing 777 side bet works with different games. You will also find this bet at blackjack tables at online casinos.
This page has new players covered for both the basics of blackjack and the 7s side bet. We’ll go over how this bet works in the context of a regular hand first, then cover prizes and progressives — along with betting strategy.
How do you play Blazing 777 Blackjack?
Without the side bet, Blazing Sevens Blackjack follows the normal blackjack setup and rules. This side bet requires a minimum of six decks in the shoe. With one- or two-deck games, there are not enough suited 7s to make this work.
You start by placing your main bet. In bigger casinos in Alberta, Ontario and Québec, $5 minimums are typical. In smaller venues in Saskatchewan or the Atlantic provinces, you can find minimums as low as $2. The Blazing 777s side bet has a minimum of $5. If you are playing online, then stakes will be far smaller.
The main game plays out separately from the Blazing 777 wager. Your aim is to have a live hand when the dealer busts, or to get closer to 21 than the dealer. Rules for doubling down, splitting hands and whether the dealer will hit or stand on soft 17 will vary between casinos.
Blazing 777 is completely independent from the hand against the dealer; you can lose against a dealer blackjack — and still win big by hitting 7s.
How to win the Blazing 777 side bet
You can play at a Blazing 777 Blackjack table without participating in the side bet, which is optional for each hand. You’ll be risking less money, but also taking a chance that you hit those 7s and miss out on a potentially big prize.
The bet is based on three cards: your own two cards, plus the face-up card that the dealer shows. Here is a typical pay table:
- If you are dealt one 7 in your own cards, you win at 2:1.
- If you are dealt a pair of 7s, you win at 25:1.
- If you dealt a pair of 7s, and the third card is a 7 (this is usually based on the dealer’s up card, though sometimes a card you hit is used instead), you get paid 200:1.
- If the three sevens are all of the same colour, you win 10% of the progressive jackpot prize.
- If the three sevens are all of the same suit, you win 100% of the progressive jackpot prize.
Once again, there can be variations to the jackpot prizes. In some places, you win the full 100% progressive jackpot only when the three sevens are all diamonds, with three sevens of the same suit (non-diamond) paying 10% of the prize, and three sevens of the same colour pay 200 to 1.
The progressive jackpot prizes will vary from casino to casino. If you enjoy this version of the game and want a shot at the big prize, keep an eye on the blackjack tables for when the prize pool gets big. Every time you play the side bet, a portion of that stake goes toward the jackpot.
This side bet balances one of the drawbacks of blackjack: most wins are single bets, with the occasional 3:2 for a blackjack hand or 2x win for a double-down. When you compare this to casino poker games like Mississippi Stud or Ultimate Texas Hold’em, there are fewer ways to win big. This side bet gives you exactly that chance — while adding a 2:1 prize for a single 7, which pays more regularly.
Strategy for Blazing 7s Blackjack
For the main game, knowing the correct basic strategy will keep the casino house edge to a minimum. Basic strategy shows when you hit, stand, double or split based on your total and the card that the dealer is showing. Many Canadian casinos offer a blackjack strategy chart — they vary slightly depending on the rules at each table.
While there is no specific strategy when it comes to the side bet, the decision on when to play is significant. The key appeal of this wager is that you have a chance at a huge progressive jackpot. When this starts to rise, the increase in players joining the games can give it an extra boost.
There is a bigger house edge than the main game — up to 6% depending on the jackpot size. The key to getting the most from this bet is to employ solid bankroll management. This will make sure you have a shot at winning a big prize, without risking too much of your bankroll on a single session.
Playing Blazing 777 Blackjack online
Online versions of the Blazing Blackjack side bets come with fixed prizes. You will find versions on casino websites and online casino apps. A big advantage for software-based casino games is that you can play at your own pace. The software waits for you to “rebet” and hit deal each time.
There are many other side bets for online blackjack games, including the popular Perfect Pairs and 21+3 variants. You can also play a range of blackjack-inspired games such as Blackjack Switch, Free Bet Blackjack and Spanish 21 online.
Bonuses and rewards for Blazing 777 Blackjack games
There is no need to play Blazing 777 (or any game) at live casinos in Canada without receiving rewards. Loyalty programs typically offer $10 in bonus play for new members. This is for slot games — though with a little luck you could be taking your slot winnings to the blackjack tables.
These loyalty programs let players earn points based on their gambling — which they can redeem for bonus play. Look for discounts, promotions and venue-specific rewards.
Online players will usually receive a welcome bonus when they sign up at a new casino, often in the form of a deposit bonus. The size of the bonus is based on a percentage of your first deposit — for example, a 100% bonus up to $200. These bonuses will have a playthrough requirement. The low house edge of blackjack games means more betting is necessary to clear your bonus compared to slots. Other bonuses to look out for online include no deposit casino bonuses, reloads, loyalty rewards, and both one-time and standing promotions.
Blazing 777 Blackjack at casinos in Canada
Blackjack is the single most popular table game at live casinos across Canada. Even the smallest venues with just a handful of tables will spread this game. The optional Blazing 777 side bet adds a chance to win more than the one or two bets that you win in a typical hand. This is based on the number of 7s you get dealt, plus the card the dealer is showing. Get three suited 7s and you could be walking away with a progressive jackpot.