Insurance in Blackjack

When playing blackjack, if the dealer is showing an ace, players are given the option of taking insurance against the dealer having blackjack. Insurance is a side bet which usually pays 2 to 1 up to half of the initial bet. Many people consider taking insurance a good opportunity but, in the long run, it is not the right decision to make. Unless you are counting cards, taking insurance gives the house an approximate statistical advantage of over seven percent. If you are new to statistical analysis of casino games seven percent may not sound like a large advantage but it is huge. That is why it is strongly advisable to not take insurance if it is offered because, in the long run, it is a losing proposition. While you may feel it is the right play when the dealer does have blackjack, in the end you will do better by not using insurance.