The 21-card game is a casino classic known for its unique gameplay and wagers (main and side bets). Blackjack side bets are numerous, but notable mentions include perfect pairs, 21+3, and insurance. The real-world understanding of insurance is to register and pay money to a company offering such service to lessen the impact of unexpected losses on your finances. But what is insurance in blackjack?
Insurance in blackjack is a side bet that involves wagering on the dealer’s getting a blackjack because they show an Ace. If you win this bet, you get a payout, but if you don’t, you only lose that bet and not the whole game. This is why it’s called insurance.
However, like all blackjack bets, the insurance bet has rules, benefits, and drawbacks. Our casino news today answers the question, “What is insurance in blackjack?”
What Is Insurance in Blackjack and How Does It Work?
Insurance in blackjack is a side bet available to players when the dealer has an Ace up card. It has a payout ratio 2:1 and demands a wager equal to half of your original bet.
The dealer’s Ace up-card increases the chance of having a natural 21 (blackjack) if the second card is a 10. In the main game, this would automatically result in a loss for the player. The only exception is if you also have a natural blackjack, which will result in a push unless you place an even money bet.
However, if an insurance bet is placed, you win and get a payout of 2:1 (2x your original insurance bet size). Conversely, if the dealer’s second card does not match the Ace to form 21, you lose the wager placed and return to the initial gameplay following the standard blackjack rules.
Note you can still lose your original bet against the dealer even if you win the insurance. Nevertheless, winning an insurance bet will help you recover since you wagered half your principal bet amount. On the other hand, losing can cost you your original bet and an extra bet amount. So, be cautious when placing this side bet.
Now that you know what is insurance in blackjack, it’s time to see how it works. For more relevant game guides and tips, visit our site!
How Does Blackjack Insurance Work?
All players place their bets at the start of every online blackjack gaming round. Once done, the croupier deals two cards face up to every player, including himself. However, for the dealer, one card is face up while the second is face down. The former determines if there is going to be an insurance side bet or not.
The dealer offers the insurance option if the face up card is an Ace. If you refuse to take the bet, the game proceeds as usual. However, if you wish to take the bet, you would be asked to place an additional bet, equivalent to half of your initial bet. A blackjack insurance example is $5 when your initial bet is $10.
The second card is flipped open to reveal its face value. If it’s a 10, that makes 21, and you win your bet of 2:1. Following our example, you will be paid $10, and the regular game continues. The tricky side of an insurance bet is that it is not available in every round. That’s why seizing the opportunity to make extra bucks is often advised.
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Insurance Blackjack Rules
We have highlighted some insurance blackjack rules while explaining how the wager works. However, to simplify, here are rules to remember:
- The insurance bet is a side bet a player can place when the assigned dealer’s upcard is an Ace.
- The maximum bet you can make for the insurance is half of your main bet.
- The insurance bet has a spot on the table where players must put their bet.
- If you win the insurance bet, you automatically lose the main bet and move to the next round.
- Blackjack insurance pays 2 to 1.
- When playing online, a pop-up always indicates the insurance bet.
- Casinos are not obligated to offer you an insurance bet.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Insurance Betting
Every betting decision on the blackjack table has pros and cons. Let’s take a look at those that apply to insurance for blackjack.
Advantages
The biggest pro of taking the insurance bet is that it protects you from completely losing the game. The insurance bet rule of placing only half of your main bet also ensures you don’t lose much of your bankroll due to its 2:1 payout ratio.
Disadvantages
One major disadvantage of blackjack insurance is the odds of winning. It pushes the house edge to about 7%, and the dealer has lower odds of landing a blackjack (1 in 3). Often, players lose more than they win.
Lastly, the insurance bet goes against everything the basic blackjack strategy stands for. Some players consider an insurance casino a distraction from the main game and something you shouldn’t bother with.
Is Insurance in Blackjack Worth It?
Examining the blackjack insurance meaning, it looks like a great side wager, especially when you have a weak hand and the dealer’s Ace up card is staring at you. However, blackjack insurance can cost you the game and your bet amount. If you take the insurance bet and lose it, you could lose the main game, thereby losing more money.
The dealer only has a 31.4% chance of having a blackjack with an ace card in a single-deck game. Factoring in the house advantage, the insurance in Blackjack is not worth it. Sticking to the basic blackjack strategy is advised.
A Final Brushstroke
A common answer to the question of “what is insurance in blackjack” is that it is a sucker bet. Why? The odds of winning are lower, and it doesn’t have a higher payout ratio. It’s really not a way to make money. Perfect Pairs and 21+3 side bets are better.
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