Blackjack Insurance: What Does It Mean?

If you’ve ever played blackjack or looked at the game options at Red Casino, you may have seen something called “insurance.” This is an extra option available in some blackjack games, but it might not be immediately clear what it does or how it works.

Understanding different aspects of blackjack can help you feel more familiar with the game, particularly if you’re new to it. Insurance is one of the features that often raises questions. In this blog, we’ll explain what it is, how it works, and what to consider before using it.

What Is Insurance In Blackjack?

Insurance is an additional bet that you can place in some blackjack games when the dealer’s first card (known as the “upcard”) is an Ace. The idea behind this option is to give players a chance to place a side bet on whether the dealer’s second card will be worth 10 points—making a blackjack.

In blackjack, the numbered cards (2–10) have their face value, while the Jack, Queen, and King are each worth 10 points. An Ace can be worth either 1 or 11 points, depending on the situation. If the dealer’s hidden card (known as the “hole card”) is a 10, they have blackjack.

If you choose to take insurance, you place an extra bet that is up to half the amount of your original wager. If the dealer does have blackjack, this insurance bet pays out at 2 to 1. However, if the dealer does not have blackjack, your insurance bet is lost, and the game continues as usual with your original hand.

Not all blackjack games offer insurance. Some variations may have different features or rules, so it can be useful to check the game description before playing.

How Does Insurance Work In Blackjack?

When playing blackjack, the insurance option is only offered when the dealer’s upcard is an Ace. If this happens, you will be given the choice to place an insurance bet before the dealer reveals their second card. This is separate from your main bet and is limited to half of your original wager.

Here’s a step-by-step example of how insurance works:

• The dealer’s upcard is an Ace.
• You decide whether or not to place an insurance bet.
• If you place the insurance bet, it is equal to half of your original wager.
• The dealer checks their hole card.
• If the hole card is a 10, the dealer has blackjack.
  • The insurance bet usually pays out at 2 to 1, meaning you recover the amount lost on your main bet.
• If the hole card is anything other than a 10, the dealer does not have blackjack.
  • The insurance bet is lost, and the round continues with your original hand.

It’s important to remember that each round of blackjack is independent, and the outcome is based on random card draws.

Blackjack Insurance Rules Explained

Insurance is an optional side bet, meaning you do not have to take it. When the dealer has an Ace as their upcard, the game will pause briefly to allow players to decide if they want to place the insurance bet. If you choose not to, the round continues as normal.

Some key rules of insurance in blackjack:

• Insurance is only available when the dealer’s first card is an Ace.
• The insurance bet is limited to half of your original wager.
• If the dealer has blackjack, the insurance bet typically pays 2 to 1.
• If the dealer does not have blackjack, the insurance bet is lost.
• Your original bet is still in play, meaning you could still potentially win, lose, or draw depending on your hand and the dealer’s final total.

Since different blackjack games may have slight rule variations, it can be useful to check the game rules and paytable to understand how insurance works in that specific game.

Should You Take Insurance?

Whether or not to take insurance depends on personal preference, but many players choose to avoid it. This is because, over time, the odds of winning an insurance bet are usually not in the player’s favour.

The chance of the dealer having a blackjack when showing an Ace is about 30.8%. This means that in the long run, the insurance bet will most likely lose more often than it wins. While the payout is usually 2 to 1, the probability of the dealer not having blackjack is higher than the probability of them having it.

Some experienced players and strategy guides suggest that insurance is not a favourable bet. However, some players might decide to take it if they feel it suits their playing style.

In live blackjack games, where a physical deck is used, some players might attempt card counting strategies to try and determine when, or if, more 10-value cards remain in the deck. However, in online blackjack games, including those at Red Casino, the cards are shuffled automatically between rounds, making card counting ineffective.

Play Blackjack Online For Real Money

At Red Casino, you can find a variety of blackjack games with different rules and features. Some versions may offer insurance, while others may focus on different aspects of the game. Checking the game descriptions and paytables can help you choose a version that suits your preferences.

Blackjack is a game that combines strategy and chance. Each hand is independent, and the outcome is based on the cards drawn. Since all casino games involve an element of chance, outcomes cannot be predicted or guaranteed.

If you’re interested in exploring blackjack or other table games, Red Casino offers a selection of different options. As with any casino game, it may be a good idea to understand the rules before playing. Play responsibly and enjoy the experience.

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*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.

**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.