Should Players Take Insurance and Even Money in Blackjack?

In the thrilling game of blackjack, players often face the dilemma of whether to take insurance or even money when certain conditions arise. This decision can greatly impact their overall gameplay and potential winnings.

In this article, we will delve into the debate surrounding these options and explore the factors players should consider when faced with the choice of taking insurance or even money in blackjack. By understanding the pros and cons of each option, players can make informed decisions that maximize their chances of success at the blackjack table.

All about Insurance and Even Money

Offering insurance or an amount of even money is the most common way that casino’s dealers usually implement to confuse gambling enthusiasts. To be precise, you will be asked to take insurance and even money under the following circumstances:

Insurance

You will be offered insurance when the dealer’s upcard is an Ace. Notably, taking this insurance or not is totally up to you. It does not matter whether you decide to take insurance or refuse the offer. 

If you choose to accept the proposition from the casino dealer, it is necessary to make another bet of half of your initial one. Once an additional wager is placed, you are betting that the dealer’s facedown card is counted as 10 to make his hand a blackjack. 

There are two possible scenarios after your decision to take insurance. Let’s see:

• If the dealer’s unexposed card is a 10 value card, he hits blackjack, but you do not, you will be paid a winning that is equal to your original bet, or a payout of 2 to 1. 
• In case the dealer does not get a blackjack, you lose your insurance bet and keep on playing the hand as usual.

Even Money

Even Money is the same as insurance, a sucker bet. This insurance is offered when you hit a blackjack, and the dealer’s exposed card is an Ace. There are always 2 choices for you to pick: receiving an amount of even money, or refusing it while playing on your hand.

• You will instantly end your hand and touch a payout of double your initial stake by choosing the even money option. This also means you do not have to risk anything if the dealer’s hand is blackjack or not; even if he does, the game is a push, and you keep your initial stake. However, take a second. Even money may seem to be palatable no matter what the dealer has, but the payout you benefit from is slightly lower if you refuse to choose this option. A payout of 3 to 2 is much more beneficial in favor of players, instead of the one of 1:1.
• In case the offer is not accepted by players, the game keeps taking place as usual until the dealer’s facedown card is revealed.

An example of blackjack even money option is: 

Suppose that you bet $5 and you have a blackjack hand, and the dealer shows he has an Ace. You will be asked to take even money of $10. If you refuse the offer, and the dealer’s face-up is a ten-value card, you win nothing. If it turns out that he doesn’t hit blackjack, you can grab a winning total of $12.5 (2.5 times your original bet).

Read more: Hard and Soft Hands in Blackjack: Which Hand Type Is Better?

What is the Difference Between Insurance and Even Money?

Casinos always have their own ways to have an advantage over gambling enthusiasts. That’s why insurance and even money are widely used in any blackjack variant. If you do not stand your ground, you may not make the right decision.

In terms of nature, even money and insurance are the same thing, which casino dealers use to confuse players. 

The difference between them is the semantic one. To be precise, even money is just insurance you take when you have a blackjack.

Besides, insurance is available when the dealer’s exposed card is an Ace; but in the case of even money, it is only used when the dealer has an ace and you have a blackjack.

Are Insurance and Even Money Worthy of a Try?

Gamblers have been arguing about insurance and even money for such a long time whether they should take insurance or even money or not.

Casinos aim to ensure players that advantage is in favor of them, and they can defeat the dealer. It is noted that some players are advised to accept insurance and even money. 

The truth is, nothing is insured. You have to place an additional bet just to guess that the dealer has a ten-card value in the hole, and your winning odds are not even enhanced.  

The only time that insurance and even money are advantageous options if you make sure that more than a third of the undealt cards are either 10s or picture cards. With such information, they can benefit players in the long run and boost your winnings up.

Last Words

All in all, insurance and even money are always options in favor of casinos, both online and offline. Moreover, they are not a part of the blackjack strategy that players can take advantage of in order to improve their winning chances against the dealer. It is better to stay away from these playing options. 

If you want to make your gambling adventure great, you can play blackjack for free before placing a bet on this exciting game. There are a number of blackjack demo versions offered by the best casinos in the industry for you to spend your time on. You can also play baccarat for free, online roulette and so much more.

If you are ready to play blackjack for real money, carefully check our online casino reviews to find out a responsible and honest site with the fastest withdrawal process.