The truth is, if you’ve played blackjack even a handful of times at a site like Stake.com or a land-based casino, you’ve probably been offered the insurance bet. Sounds simple, right? It’s a side bet that’s supposed to "protect" you from the dealer having blackjack when they show an Ace. But what does that actually mean? Is insurance in blackjack a good deal, or just a sneaky sucker bet dressed up to look like a safe play?
Let’s break down why experienced players almost universally say never take insurance in blackjack, and why that advice holds water. Along the way, we’ll contrast it with other common newbie pitfalls—like playing American Roulette instead of European—and arm you with the knowledge to pick smarter bets and games. This isn’t just theory; it’s straight from my 15 years supervising casino floors in Vegas and Macau, plus my time watching players at online sites like Stake.com.
What Is the Blackjack Insurance Bet?
Insurance is a side bet that becomes available when the dealer’s upcard is an Ace. You can bet up to half your original wager on whether the dealer’s hole card is a ten-value card (10, Jack, Queen, King), which would give the dealer a blackjack. If the dealer does have blackjack, the insurance bet pays 2 to 1, which is supposed to offset your loss on the main hand.
Sounds like a good safety net, right?
But here’s the kicker: the odds of blackjack insurance paying out are worse than the payout ratio. The house edge on this side bet is higher than the standard blackjack game. Let’s dig into the math.
The Odds and the House Edge Explained
To understand why the insurance bet is a losing proposition in the long run, you need to grasp the concept of house edge. Simply put, house edge is the built-in advantage the casino has over you. It’s the percentage of each bet that the casino expects to keep over time.
Think of it like a tax on every wager you make. The lower the house edge, the better your chances.
Bet Type House Edge Explanation Main Blackjack Hand ~0.5% (with basic strategy) Best bet in the casino when played with correct strategy Insurance Bet ~7.5% Huge disadvantage compared to main bet; worse than roulette bets
The insurance bet’s house edge of roughly 7.5% means the casino expects to profit $7.50 on every $100 bet placed on insurance. Meanwhile, sticking to basic blackjack strategy keeps the house edge around half a percent. That’s a massive difference.
Why is the insurance bet so bad?
It boils down to the odds vs. the payout. The probability that the dealer has a ten underneath their Ace is about 30%. Yet the payout is only 2:1. That payout only makes sense if the odds were 33%, which they’re not. Over time, you lose money consistently by taking insurance.
Is Insurance Ever a Good Bet?
Unless you're card counting, the short answer is no. Players with a sophisticated grasp of the deck composition might find moments where insurance turns profitable. But for everyday players at Stake.com or any other casino? It’s a trap.
Ever wonder why the casino pushes that bet so hard? Because it’s so profitable for them! It’s a classic example of using your psychology against you. They tempt you with the idea of “insurance” on a risky hand—sounds responsible—while knowing you’re essentially putting money in their pocket.
Identifying Beginner-Friendly Casino Games: The European Roulette Advantage
Speaking of sucker bets, one of the most common rookie casino mistakes I’ve seen—both on the floor and online—is players choosing American Roulette over European Roulette. It drives me nuts, honestly.
Both wheels look nearly identical at first glance, but the tiny difference hugely impacts your odds.
- American Roulette: Has 38 pockets — numbers 1 through 36, plus 0 and 00. European Roulette: Has 37 pockets — numbers 1 through 36, plus a single 0.
Why does that matter? The extra '00' pocket almost doubles the house edge from 2.7% in European Roulette to about 5.26% in American Roulette.
If you were smart enough to avoid the blackjack insurance bet, don’t hand over almost double the house edge on https://thegamehaus.com/gaming/top-10-online-casino-games-for-beginners/2025/09/11/ a roulette game by picking the American wheel.
Choosing your games isn’t just preference; it’s strategy.
At Stake.com, you’ll often find both versions of roulette. Take a moment to hunt down the European variety, and you instantly improve your odds without changing your playstyle.
Low-Risk vs High-Risk Bets: What’s Best for You?
No matter which game you choose to play, understanding risk is key.
Low-risk bets: Lower house edge, smaller payouts, more consistent returns. High-risk bets: Higher house edge, potentially bigger payouts, but more volatility and faster losses.Blackjack with proper strategy and European Roulette are examples of low-risk, beginner-friendly options. Blackjack insurance and American Roulette are high-risk traps disguised as fun.
Play smarter, not harder.
Summary: Why You Should Say No to Blackjack Insurance
- Insurance has a built-in house edge near 7.5%, much worse than playing basic blackjack. The odds that the dealer has blackjack don't justify the 2:1 payout. Taking insurance increases your losses over time — it’s basically throwing money away. Always choose games with the lowest house edge: European Roulette over American Roulette, and blackjack without insurance bets. Familiarize yourself with the realistic odds before accepting “safe” bets pushed by the casino.
Remember, casinos like Stake.com offer plenty of games designed for fun and fair play, but you’ve got to see through the tricks to come out ahead. If you want a reliable mentor’s advice after thousands of hours on the floor: lock in your basic strategy, ignore that insurance bet, and pick European over American wheels every time. Your bankroll will thank you.
Final Thought: The Lucky Number 17
Before I sign off, here’s a little insider tip: if you ever find yourself playing roulette, and you want to channel a bit of casino floor mojo, keep an eye on number 17. It’s historically one of the most frequent hits on the wheel — kind of a “lucky number” for players who know the game. Doesn’t increase your odds, but hey, every little bit of fun helps, right?
Now get out there—play smarter, not harder.