Do Dealers Often Go Bust In Blackjack?

Blackjack is one of the most popular games in any casino, whether online or in a traditional setting. Its straightforward rules and the blend of chance and strategy it offers have attracted players worldwide.

Many players wonder about the dealer’s chances of going bust, which means the dealer exceeds a hand total of 21 and loses the round, awarding a payout to any players still in the game.

Understanding how often this happens may be of interest to players who want to make informed betting decisions. In this post, you will learn more about the role of the dealer in blackjack, what going bust means, and the factors that influence these outcomes.

Can The Dealer Go Bust In Blackjack?

The dealer plays a significant role in a game of blackjack and they follow specific rules that dictate their actions throughout the game. These rules typically mean that the dealer has to continue drawing cards until they reach a total of 17 or more.

If, during this process, the dealer’s cards collectively surpass 21, the dealer goes bust, resulting in a loss for the dealer.

Players automatically win if their own hand has not gone bust and they are still in the game.

Understanding the dealer’s rules may be important because they directly influence the likelihood of the dealer going bust. By knowing when the dealer must draw or stand, players can make more informed choices about their own hands.

Several factors impact the dealer’s chances of busting. These include the value of the dealer’s face-up card, known as the “upcard.” For example, when the dealer shows a low upcard, such as a 4, 5, or 6, their chances of going bust increase since these require more cards to reach at least 17.

While the dealer’s odds of going bust may be a factor worth considering, it’s important to remember that each game of blackjack is still influenced by chance, so there is never a promise of winning.

How Often Do Dealers Go Bust In Blackjack?

In blackjack, the likelihood of the dealer going bust depends on the value of their face-up card, or “upcard.” This initial card may give players some insight into the dealer’s chances.

On average, the dealer is estimated to go bust approximately 28% of the time. However, this percentage may vary based on the upcard.

If the dealer shows a low upcard, such as a 4, 5, or 6, their risk of going bust increases. With these cards, the dealer typically goes bust around 40% of the time.

Conversely, if the dealer’s upcard is a high card like a 10, jack, queen, king, or ace, the chances of the dealer going bust decrease.

Players may use this information to help them decide how they might want to play their hands. Knowing the odds of the dealer going bust can help players make more informed decisions while playing.

What Are The Odds of The Dealer Busting?

In blackjack, the odds of the dealer busting depend on the value of their upcard. This card is visible to all players and may provide insight into the dealer’s potential hand.

Different upcards carry varying chances of the dealer going bust. For example, if the dealer’s upcard is a 2 or 3, the bust rate is roughly 35%. This chance increases when the upcard is a 4, 5, or 6, with a bust rate of about 40%.

High cards, such as 7 through ace, present a lower chance of busting, with the dealer going bust closer to 20% of the time.

Knowing these odds may help players in deciding how to play their hands. They may determine when it might be beneficial to hit or stand.

While being aware of these odds can help guide decision-making, it’s important to keep in mind that blackjack is a game of chance. Even with this information, there is no way to guarantee a win.

Does Everyone Win If The Dealer Goes Bust?

In blackjack, if the dealer goes bust, it may provide an opportunity for players to win; however, not everyone automatically wins.

Players win only if their own hand has not exceeded 21. If a player goes bust on their turn, they lose there and then, even if the dealer subsequently busts. If a player’s hand total is 21 or less, so they are still in the game, and the dealer busts, that player wins their bet. 

---

*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins, etc.) mentioned in relation to this game 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.