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These are common mistakes that raise the house edge or the risk of losing more than you planned. Avoiding them lowers the cost of play; the casino keeps the edge either way. All figures are from Wizard of Odds, checked Oct 17, 2026.
The Wizard of Odds house edge table lists blackjack at 0.43% under Atlantic City rules with basic strategy. The same page's casino figures, which reflect real players' mistakes, show blackjack at 0.75%. Our blackjack strategy guide has the chart.
Insurance is a side bet that the dealer's hidden card is a 10, offered when the dealer shows an ace. It pays 2 to 1. In a six-deck game, the hidden card is a ten 96 times in 311, about 31% of the time. That's below the one-in-three needed to break even at 2 to 1, which gives a house edge of about 7.4% (Wizard of Odds, insurance in blackjack, checked Oct 17, 2026).
A 3:2 table pays $15 on a $10 blackjack; a 6:5 table pays $12. The Wizard of Odds rule variations table puts the cost of "Blackjack pays 6-5" at 1.39% added to the house edge (checked Oct 17, 2026). Check the payout in the game rules.
Raising your bets after losses doesn't make a win more likely or change the house edge, and it can lead to very large bets after a losing run. Set a loss limit before you start and stop when you reach it.
Alcohol affects judgment. Basic strategy depends on making the right decision every hand, and on sticking to the limits you set.
The Wizard of Odds rule variations table lists "Dealer hits on soft 17" as adding 0.22% to the house edge. Other rules, such as the number of decks, doubling after splits and surrender, also change it. Read the game's rules screen before you play.
Betting systems change how much you stake, not the odds of the game. Use one basic strategy chart for the rules at your table, bet a flat amount, and keep to your budget.
For the full chart and the rule effects, see our blackjack strategy guide and blackjack for beginners.
Set a time and money limit before you play, and stop when you reach it. Help is free and confidential: see the helpline list for every province on our responsible gambling page.