When a player opts for insurance, they can place a bet equal to half of their original wager. If the dealer does indeed have a Blackjack, the insurance bet pays 2 to 1, allowing the player to recoup some of their losses. However, if the dealer does not have a Blackjack, the insurance bet is lost, and the game continues as normal.
Insurance Example
For example, if a player has a $10 bet on the table and the dealer’s upcard is an Ace, they can place a $5 insurance bet. If the dealer flips over a 10-value card, making their hand a Blackjack, the player wins $10 from the insurance bet but loses their original $10 bet, resulting in a break-even scenario. If the dealer does not have a Blackjack, the player loses the $5 insurance bet but continues playing their original hand.