Bet Types

Blackjack Bet Types

Blackjack uses a straightforward betting structure built around a primary wager, with optional betting actions available as the hand unfolds. These bet types appear across nearly all blackjack variants, including Classic Blackjack, European Blackjack, Atlantic City Blackjack, Vegas Strip Blackjack, and live dealer games. Understanding how each bet works and when it applies forms the foundation of blackjack strategy and prepares players for more advanced decision-making.

At first, many players focus only on the main bet, adding additional options gradually as they become more comfortable with the game's flow.

Main Bet (Initial Wager)

The main bet is the fundamental wager in blackjack and is placed before any cards are dealt. This bet is required to participate in the hand. If you win a regular hand, the payout is even money at 1:1. If you are dealt a natural blackjack, the hand typically pays 3:2.

The house edge on the main bet usually ranges from about 0.5% to 2%, depending on table rules and how well the player follows basic strategy. The size of the main bet also determines the maximum amount allowed for other betting actions, such as doubling down or splitting. Main bets can range from the table minimum to the posted maximum, with no commissions or special conditions applied.
Most players find that choosing a comfortable main bet size matters more than any other decision, as it sets the tone for the entire hand.

Double Down

Doubling down is an optional betting action that allows you to double your original bet after receiving your first two cards. In exchange, you receive exactly one additional card and must then stand. This option is available only at specific points in the hand and only when allowed by the table rules.

Doubling down is most effective when your hand has a strong chance of improving, such as a total of 10 or 11 against a weak dealer upcard. Some tables allow doubling on any two cards, while others restrict it to totals of 9 through 11. Doubling after a split may also be permitted, depending on the casino. Proper use of doubling down is a key element of basic strategy and helps reduce the house edge.

New players often hesitate to double down at first because it commits more money, even when the situation is favorable.

Split

Splitting is available when your initial two cards are of the same rank. Choosing to split separates the cards into two independent hands, requiring you to place a second bet equal to your original wager. Each hand is then played separately, starting with one additional card.

Most tables allow re-splitting if another matching card is dealt, usually up to three or four total hands. Aces are typically split only once and receive just one additional card each. If a split Ace receives a 10-value card, the payout is usually 1:1 rather than 3:2. Splitting Aces and 8s is generally advantageous, while splitting 10s or 5s is not recommended. House rules vary on whether doubling after splits is allowed.

Splitting can feel unintuitive initially, since it turns one hand into two, but the game interface clearly guides each hand separately.

Insurance

Insurance is a side wager offered when the dealer’s upcard is an Ace. It costs half of your original bet and pays 2:1 if the dealer has blackjack. If the dealer does not have blackjack, the insurance bet loses, and the main hand continues as normal.

Although insurance is often described as protection, it is a separate wager with a house edge of approximately 7.5%. Basic strategy generally advises against taking insurance, as it does not improve long-term results. Insurance only becomes mathematically favorable under specific conditions, such as when a player is counting cards and knows the deck is rich in 10-value cards.
Many players take insurance the first time they see it, assuming it protects their hand, before learning that it is a separate wager.

Even Money

Even money is offered when you have a blackjack, and the dealer shows an Ace. Accepting even money guarantees a 1:1 payout instead of the usual 3:2. While this removes the risk of a push if the dealer also has blackjack, it is mathematically identical to taking insurance on your blackjack.

By choosing even money, you give up the higher payout in exchange for certainty. Like insurance, even money carries a similar house edge of around 7% and is not recommended by basic strategy. It tends to appeal to more risk-averse players but offers lower long-term value.

Even money is often chosen for peace of mind, especially by players who prefer certainty over higher potential payouts.

Surrender

Surrender allows you to forfeit your hand and lose half of your original bet. The most common form is late surrender, which is available after the dealer checks for blackjack. Early surrender, which allows surrender before the dealer checks, is rare and offers greater player advantage.

Surrender is useful in very unfavorable situations, such as holding a hard 16 against a dealer 9, 10, or Ace, or a hard 15 against a dealer 10. When used correctly, surrender reduces the house edge by approximately 0.08%. Although often overlooked, it is an important component of optimal blackjack strategy where available.

Some players avoid surrender because it feels like giving up, even though it can save money in the long run.