What Does Even Money Mean in Blackjack?

If you play blackjack online or in a land-based casino, you’ll probably be offered “even money” by the dealer at some point. So what is this blackjack rule called even money, and how does it work? Even money in blackjack is an offer made by the dealer in situations where you’re dealt a blackjack hand (Ace + 10 Card), and the dealer’s up card is an Ace. The even money bet option protects the player from a push in case the dealer also gets a blackjack.

For instance, if you place a $20 bet and you get a blackjack as your opening hand, you can tell the dealer you want “even money” if the dealer has an ace-up card. This must be done before the dealer peeks at his down card.

When you request even money, you’ll get $20, and that round of games ends there as a push (draw). You’ve managed to win $20 on the side bet, even if the dealer ends up getting a blackjack too. But what happens if you decline even money? If the dealer does not have blackjack, then you win your bet, earning a reward of $30 (in the case of a 3:2 payout). However, you’ll get nothing if the dealer has blackjack. Most casinos only offer this even money side bet on 3-2 blackjack and not on the 6-5 variant.