Is Blackjack Insurance A Complete Waste Of Time?

Posted: October 3, 2023

Updated: October 3, 2023

Though casinos offer the blackjack insurance bet so that players can shield themselves from losses, the truth is that the house alters the betting amount as well as changing the odds. This means that the player can never make a profit with the wager. At best he can only break even.

Whether it's insurance for your car, home, or even in the context of gambling, insurance serves as a means of offsetting risks. However, there are instances where it may seem unnecessary, resulting in you spending money on something you may never actually use. Conversely, when it comes to high-value assets like your house or car, having insurance offers a sense of security, ensuring that you're safeguarded in case of unforeseen events. This peace of mind is invaluable when it comes to protecting your investments. The growing popularity of online casino table games at casinos like 22Bet Casino, has led to a surge in the number of blackjack enthusiasts. For those new to the game, it's crucial to thoroughly acquaint yourself with the betting options and casino regulations before stepping into the action. When it comes to the topic of blackjack insurance, opinions vary on whether it's a wise investment. Read on to explore and make your own informed decision.

So, What Exactly Is Insurance?

Blackjack insurance is a supplementary bet offered to gamblers. According to the rules, if the dealer is dealt an ace and a 10-value card, the player is shielded from potential loss when the dealer achieves an unbeatable blackjack hand. Why the emphasis on an ace? It's because an ace can function as either an 11 or a 1, providing the most flexibility; it helps players avoid going over 21 while also holding the potential to reach the coveted 21. The combination of an ace and a 10-value card (10, jack, queen, or king) is the quickest path to securing a blackjack. In online live dealer blackjack games, you may witness this combination occasionally, but it's a rarity, which explains why many players opt to skip blackjack insurance bets. However, similar to any safety net, there's often a trade-off. Typically, when making an insurance bet, players can only wager half of their original bet. Additionally, the odds are set at 2/1 when opting for blackjack insurance, meaning that, at best, the player will merely break even.

When Should You Consider Taking Insurance In Blackjack?

According to online gambling news in the UK, it's crucial to understand that this particular wager isn't something you can employ at your discretion—it's only applicable when the dealer's face-up card is an ace. Furthermore, you can only invoke the insurance option if the dealer attains a hand value of 21 through an ace and a 10-value card.

For instance, if the dealer achieves a blackjack with an ace-4-7 combination, the insurance bet will not pay off. However, if the dealer holds an ace-king hand, then you qualify for blackjack insurance if you opted for it. If you're considering utilising this betting feature, the most opportune moment is when the dealer's hidden card is an ace, and the combination of an ace and a 10-value card hasn't appeared frequently.

Should I Steer Clear Of Blackjack Insurance?

In most cases, we suggest the answer is a firm "yes." Often regarded as a suboptimal strategy, blackjack insurance offers unfavourable odds. It also fails to diminish the house's advantage, and exerts an additional pressure on your bankroll. Keep in mind that 16 out of the 52 cards carry a value of 10, rendering your chances of winning an insurance bet at a mere +233, with the likelihood that the casino will effortlessly pocket this money. Although you might experience occasional victories, the long-term statistics do not work in your favour. Typically, players tend to lose more frequently than they win when it comes to blackjack insurance bets. Based on the aforementioned probabilities, if you played 52 rounds, statistically, you would secure victory in 16 rounds and suffer defeat in 33. For instance, if you wagered $15 on a blackjack insurance bet each round (requiring a minimum overall bet of $30), you would win $240 but incur losses amounting to $495, without even considering your initial bet. All in all, experts often advise against utilising insurance bets due to the meagre reward-to-risk ratio and the likelihood of detrimental impacts on your bankroll. For beginners engaging in online casino games, mastering the fundamentals before delving into intricate strategies like blackjack insurance is the surefire approach to enhance your chances of success. Otherwise, you run the risk of making ill-advised wagers and enduring substantial setbacks.

Varieties Of Blackjack Versions

While traditional brick-and-mortar casinos tend to maintain consistent layouts, machines, and games over extended periods, online casinos like one of the best online casino sites in the UK, 22Bet Casino, provide a wide array of variations for each casino game, encompassing online slots, blackjack, roulette, and poker. Here's an overview of various blackjack adaptations for your reference.

Classic Blackjack: This is the standard version of the game, also known as "21." The goal is to beat the dealer by having a hand value as close to 21 as possible without exceeding it.
European Blackjack: Similar to Classic Blackjack, European Blackjack uses two decks of cards, and the dealer receives only one face-up card, which reduces the house edge compared to some other variations.
American Blackjack: In American Blackjack, the dealer receives two cards, one face-up and one face-down. The face-down card, also known as the "hole" card, can affect players' strategies.
Spanish 21: Spanish 21 is played with a Spanish deck, which consists of 48 cards (all tens are removed). This increases the house edge, but there are various bonus payouts and special rules that can benefit players.
Pontoon: This British variation is similar to blackjack but has its own terminology and rules. For example, players are "twisting" instead of "hitting" and "buying" instead of "doubling down."
Double Exposure Blackjack: In this variation, both of the dealer's cards are dealt face-up, giving players more information to base their decisions on. To compensate for this, some casinos have specific rules that favour the dealer.
Vegas Strip Blackjack: A popular variation in Las Vegas, this game is typically played with four decks of cards. It offers favourable rules for players, including blackjack insurance, as well as the ability to double down after splitting.
Atlantic City Blackjack: Commonly played in Atlantic City casinos, this variation uses eight decks of cards and allows late surrender, which can be advantageous for players.

Blackjack Switch: In this unique variation, players are dealt two hands, and they have the option to switch the second card of each hand. This adds an interesting strategic element to the game.
Super Fun 21: This variation includes liberal rules, such as the option to split a hand up to four times and the possibility of winning with a hand totaling six cards or more that doesn't bust.
Progressive Blackjack: In Progressive Blackjack, players have the chance to win a progressive jackpot by placing a side bet. The jackpot continues to grow until someone wins it.
Perfect Pairs: A side bet is offered in Perfect Pairs Blackjack, where players can bet on whether their initial two cards will be a pair. Payouts vary based on the type of pair (e.g., perfect pair, coloured pair, mixed pair).
21 Duel Blackjack: This online blackjack variation combines elements of blackjack and Texas Hold'em. Players are dealt two face-up cards, and a communal card is placed in the centre. Players must create the best hand possible using their two cards and the communal card.

These are just a few examples of the many blackjack variations you can find in casinos around the world like 22Bet Casino. Each variation adds its own twist to the classic game, providing players with diverse and entertaining options, and in many cases, the possibility of taking out blackjack insurance. Keep in mind that specific rules and variations may vary from one casino to another, so it's essential to familiarise yourself with the rules before playing.