Blackjack is one of the most played casino games that mixes chance and skill and provides players with an exciting experience as they try to beat the dealer. There are many side bets available in the blackjack game, among which is the insurance side bet, which stands out as a controversial option that raises doubts among the players. While some players consider this side bet to be a smart way to protect themselves from future losses, others think it is just a bad bet with a big house edge.
This article will delve into the details of Insurance side bets, and their rules, and discuss whether it is a great strategy or a bad bet. By understanding the details of insurance side bets, players can make more informed decisions about blackjack.
What Does Insurance Mean In Blackjack Game?
Blackjack Insurance is considered a side bet offered when the dealer’s upcard is an ace, allowing players to wager up to half their original bet that the dealer has a natural blackjack. If it is correct, then the payout will be 2:1. But if it is not correct, the player loses the insurance bet while continuing with the hand.
The experts say that, however, you lose your main bet. Betting insurance is when you protect your hand against the dealer’s blackjack. More importantly, you can insure yourself up to half of the initial bet and it can only be done if the dealer has an ace as a visible card. This is because it is easy to count 10s in the pack and in this instance, any expert player with more betting options would simply outsmart the insurance wager.
Rules of Insurance Bet in Blackjack
There are certain rules for placing an insurance bet while playing blackjack. Let’s look at the rules.
- Players can bet up to 50% of their original bet on the insurance side bet.
- Insurance is only available if the dealer’s upcard is an Ace, indicating they may have a blackjack.
- If the player’s insurance bet is correct and the dealer has a blackjack, the insurance bet pays 2:1.
- The dealer will draw a second card to complete their hand. If it is not a 10-value card for a blackjack, the insurance bet losses.
- Before the dealer checks to see if they have a blackjack or continue with the hand, insurance bets are settled.
- When playing many hands, players can take insurance on any of their hands.
- If the player wishes to win their initial bet, they can choose to accept even money and sacrifice the +150 blackjack bonus odds.
Is Insurance Bet A Great Strategy or a Bad Bet?
To know whether an Insurance side bet is a great strategy or a bad bet, it is important to understand the working mechanics of the bet. You will get a better understanding of the mechanics of insurance bets from the above part.
Experienced players state that an Insurance bet is the worst side bet option while playing blackjack. Why did they believe that strongly?
There are many reasons why insurance bets should be avoided in blackjack games.
➡️ The Odds
The main reason for avoiding the insurance bet is due to the odds of success. When the dealer displays an Ace, there is around a 30% chance that they have blackjack. The true odds, however, are not to the player’s advantage because the insurance bet only pays out at a 2:1 ratio.
➡️ The House Edge
The house’s edge can rise from roughly 2% to over 7% with insurance bets. In the long term, this makes it a losing proposition.
➡️ Foolish Bet
In blackjack, an insurance bet is regarded as one of the worst bets. The logic shows that it is still a foolish bet, even if you believe the dealer has a strong chance of winning blackjack.
➡️ Trap for Beginners
It will be a trap for beginners since they do not know much about this side bet. When a player is holding a blackjack, dealers frequently advise new players to place insurance side bets. Yet, this is a scam to trick the players into placing a poor bet.
These are the main reasons that make the insurance side bet the worst option among blackjack lovers.
Also Read: 21+3 Blackjack Side Bet: A Complete Guide!
Conclusion
There are several side bet options available in the blackjack game, among which Insurance side bet is considered a debatable option that raises concerns among blackjack lovers. While some players consider the insurance bet to be a smart way to protect themselves from future losses, others think it is just a bad bet with a big house edge. Truly, blackjack insurance is often seen as a poor bet option because of the significant house edge, odds of chances, and less safety it provides. Players should concentrate on fundamental strategy and stay away from side bets, which can gradually decrease their bankroll.
