Many blackjack players don't understand the impact of even money. However, some take it up without thinking about how it affects their game. Some casino slots players think of even money as a sure win, while others feel it isn't part of basic strategy.
What Is Even Money In Blackjack?
Even money is an option available to blackjack players if they hit 21, and the dealer's face-up card is an ace. If you opt for even money, the round ends, and you win double your stake. Even money is a kind of insurance you take so that if the dealer also hits 21, you receive a profit. However, the profit could be slightly lower than it would be if you didn't choose the option and the dealer hadn't hit 21.
For example, if your original bet was £2 and you hit blackjack while the dealer has an ace, you can choose a £4 win. However, if you don't take the option and the dealer turns out with a blackjack, you don't win. Alternatively, if the dealer doesn't have a blackjack, you can win £5. However, the even money win in this scenario can win you a sure profit of £2.
If you have a blackjack and decline the even money and the dealer doesn't hit blackjack, you win 1.5x your original bet.
Is Even Money The Same As Insurance?
Even money and insurance are essentially the same. Blackjack Insurance always favours the house. The only difference is that even money, at its core, is an insurance bet when you have 21, whereas an insurance bet can be made if the dealer has an ace as the face-up regardless of your hand.
If the dealer has an ace as a face-up card and you have a blackjack, you can make an even money bet.
Should You Take Even Money In Blackjack?
So, should you take even money in casino games like blackjack? No. Mainly because the maths doesn't add up.
For example, if the dealer has an ace as their up card, you're likely to push almost 30.74% of the time. In addition, you may have a blackjack 6.4% of the time if the dealer has an ace. If you don't take even money, you can get a 3:2 payout 69.26% of the time. Do the maths, and you'll find that you're around 4% better off if you don't take the even money.
Overall, even money benefits online casinos more than the players.
Conclusion
Now that you have a grasp of even money, it gives you a better chance to understand how to use it in play. So, the next time the dealer asks if you wish to take even money, you weigh up the pros or cons.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to this slot game are subject to change at any time.
