When playing blackjack, you may come across a side bet called “insurance”. This bet is designed to protect players from losing their main wager if the dealer has a natural blackjack. But is insurance in blackjack worth it? Many players wonder whether it’s a smart strategy or just a high risk chance to increase their profits. In this guide, we’ll break down how insurance works in blackjack, explore its rules and determine if it’s a bet you should take.What Is Insurance in Blackjack? - WinStar
What Does Insurance Mean in Blackjack?
The insurance in blackjack meaning is simple—it’s a side bet that players can make when the dealer’s upcard is an Ace. This bet is separate from the main wager and costs half of the original wager. The idea behind blackjack insurance rules is that if the dealer has a ten-value card (10, J, Q, or K) as their hole card, resulting in a blackjack, the insurance bet pays out at 2:1. However, if the dealer does not have a blackjack, the insurance bet is lost.What Is Insurance in Blackjack? - WinStar
How Does Insurance Work in Blackjack?
Blackjack Insurance Rules
Here’s a step-by-step look at how blackjack insurance works:
- The dealer’s upcard is an Ace, and players are offered the option to take insurance.
- Players can place an additional insurance bet worth up to half of their original wager.
- The dealer checks for blackjack:
- If the dealer has blackjack, the insurance bet pays 2:1.
- If the dealer does not have blackjack, the insurance bet is lost.
What Does Insurance Do in Blackjack?
Many players assume that insurance in blackjack protects their entire hand, but this is a misconception. The purpose of insurance is to offset potential losses if the dealer has blackjack. However, it does not impact the outcome of the main bet.
When Should You Take Insurance in Blackjack?
Most professional players avoid taking insurance because it increases the house edge. However, there are certain scenarios where it might be considered:
- If you understand the current odds, and have a strong indication that many ten-value cards remain in the deck, insurance might be beneficial.
- If you’re a casual player, taking insurance may seem like a protective measure, but in the long run, it results in more losses than wins.
- If you have a blackjack yourself, the dealer may offer an even-money payout, which is essentially the same as taking insurance.
- If you’re playing for fun, you might take insurance just for the excitement of the side bet, but keep in mind that it’s not a winning strategy in the long run.
Is Insurance in Blackjack Worth It?
If you’re playing to maximize your winnings, insurance is a bad bet due to its high house edge and frequent losses. However, if you enjoy side bets and find the extra chance exciting, taking insurance can add an extra layer of fun to your blackjack experience. That said, it’s important to understand its risks before deciding—here are a few key things to consider below.
Probability and House Edge of Blackjack Insurance
The key to understanding if insurance in blackjack is worth it lies in the probability. When the dealer shows an Ace, the chance of them having a ten-value card (and thus a blackjack) is about 31%. This means that insurance will fail nearly 69% of the time, leading to consistent losses over time.
Since the insurance bet pays 2:1, a winning bet only offsets the original wager’s loss. However, since this bet loses more often than it wins, the casino maintains a house edge of approximately 7.5% on insurance bets—significantly higher than the edge on the main game.
Does Insurance Matter If I Hit Blackjack?
A common question players ask is, does insurance matter if I hit blackjack? The answer is no. If you have a blackjack and take insurance, you are essentially betting against yourself. Instead, the dealer may offer you even money, which guarantees a 1:1 payout instead of the normal 3:2 payout for blackjack.
Mathematically, taking even money is the same as taking insurance—but neither provides any extra advantage to the player. In most cases, keeping your original bet and avoiding insurance is the better strategy.
Alternative Strategies Instead of Taking Insurance
Instead of relying on blackjack insurance rules, players should focus on strategies that actually improve their chances of winning. Here are some better alternatives:
- Basic strategy: Learning the mathematically correct way to play each hand reduces the house edge to 0.5% or lower.
- Bankroll management: Instead of wasting money on insurance, managing your bets wisely ensures long-term success.
- Avoiding side bets: Insurance and other side bets are designed to favor the house, so sticking to the main game is the best move.
- Using blackjack cheat sheets: These reference guides help players make the best possible decisions based on their hand and the dealer’s upcard.
- Understanding blackjack odds: Knowing the probabilities behind different hands and dealer outcomes can help you make smarter betting choices.
Should You Ever Take Insurance in Blackjack?
The short answer is no. While it may seem like a protective bet, the numbers show that insurance is a losing proposition in the long run.
Instead of wasting money on a bet that rarely benefits the player, it’s better to focus on solid blackjack strategies, bankroll management and making mathematically sound decisions. Blackjack is a game of skill and probability—understanding the numbers will always lead to better results than relying on side bets.
If you’re looking to hone your blackjack skills, we invite you to take a seat at one of our tables. As the World’s Largest Casino, WinStar World Casino & Resort is always ready to deal you in with knowledgeable staff and exciting gaming experiences.
