Login to Singapore
Login to Malaysia
HOTLINE: 
Blackjack has been a staple in land-based and online live casinos in Malaysia for decades, with countless players, owing to its fast-paced nature and simple gameplay. It really is just easy; have a hand value closer to 21 than the dealer’s hand, without, of course, exceeding 21. This straightforward mechanics keeps the action thrilling for players at the table.
Despite its undemanding rules, blackjack still has some aspects that make it controversial to many players. This includes the “insurance,” a side bet that some view as a safety net while others see as unnecessary.
Learning when taking insurance is a reliable strategy and when it becomes a costly mistake is crucial to maximising long-term success in blackjack.
Understanding Blackjack Insurance Bets
Blackjack insurance is a side bet that players can use when the dealer’s upcard is an Ace. This is mainly designed to protect against the possibility of the dealer having a natural blackjack, resulting in a payout of 2:1. However, if the dealer does not have a blackjack, the player will lose the insurance wager regardless of the outcomes of their main hand.
Many casual or novice blackjack players assume that insurance protects their bets. But insurance is a separate wager, and it can affect one’s gambling bankroll when placed mindlessly.
Here’s how insurance bets are usually offered to the players.
- The dealers will deal with an upcard Ace for themselves.
- Before they check for a blackjack, the players will have the opportunity to place an insurance bet that is worth half of their original wager.
- Once the players are done, the dealers will check if they have a blackjack (an Ace + 10-value card). If the dealer does not have a blackjack, the insurance bet is lost, and the round will continue as usual.
When to Use Blackjack Insurance
As stated, blackjack insurance is often a losing proposition for many. But that doesn’t mean that certain players can benefit from it. For instance, highly skilled card counters who effectively track deck composition have a higher chance of winning an insurance bet. They can track the ratio of high-value cards (10s, Jacks, Queens, and Kings) to low-value cards based on previous hands, giving them an insight into whether taking insurance is advantageous.
Read More: Card Counting in the Digital Age: Is It Still Possible Online?
There are also other scenarios when blackjack insurance could be a rational choice. For instance, single-deck blackjack games make it easier to count the remaining cards. If there is still a high number of 10-value cards left in the deck, then there’s a higher chance of the dealer having a blackjack.
Why Consider Skipping Blackjack Insurance
While insurance bets seem like a reasonable safeguard against a possible dealer blackjack, they are not designed to help players break even. The odds of the dealer having a blackjack when their upcard is an Ace are lesser than the odds of them not having a blackjack, resulting in a net loss over time.
Many seasoned blackjack players also advise against the insurance wagers because it can be a distraction from anyone’s main strategy. Unless the player is a risk-taker and an expert card counter, it is recommended to focus on the main hands as it can result in more winning over time.
Insurance bets also have a higher house edge than other blackjack wager types. Many casinos thrive on players making side bets like this, as it increases their overall edge, providing an additional source of revenue.
Conclusion
While making insurance bets in blackjack seems appealing, many players often misunderstand and misuse it, leading to greater losses. Highly skilled counters and high-risk takers can justify taking insurance in certain situations. However, for casual players just looking for a laid-back gaming experience, focusing on basic strategies and gameplay allows them to maximise their chances of long-term success.
If you are looking for the best digital platform to play blackjack and some other top online casino games in Malaysia, then CM2Bet MY is for you. We have a wide range of classic casino games and sports betting markets that you can play anytime, anywhere.
Register now to get started!
Read More:
The Magic of 21: The Enduring Appeal of Blackjack
What You Need to Know About European and Atlantic City Blackjack
