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Average Dealer Hand In Blackjack: Do They Cheat?

Blackjack is a thrilling card game that many enjoy at casinos and online. It is all about getting as close to 21 as possible without going over in an effort to beat the dealer. 

But have you ever wondered if what the dealer is holding in their hand comes up often? And more importantly, can you trust that they are playing fairly? These are common questions among players who want to ensure they are getting a fair shot at winning. 

Delving into these aspects not only adds to your knowledge of the game and potentially makes it more interesting, but it also eases any doubts about fairness at the table. 

In this blog post, we are going to shed light on what the average dealer hand looks like and address the burning issue: do they cheat? Keep reading to put your mind at ease and allow you to enjoy your next blackjack game in the confidence that there is no shady business. 

What Is The Average Hand Of The Dealer In Blackjack?

When playing blackjack, you might wonder what hand the dealer typically holds. On average, the dealer’s hand usually ends up with a total value of around 17 or 18. 

This is largely due to a couple of key factors in the game's rules. 

First, according to most house rules, the dealer must hit if their hand totals 16 or lower. This means they must take another card to try and get closer to 21. However, as soon as they hit 17 or higher, they must stand or stop taking more cards. 

Secondly, it is interesting to note that the average winning hand in blackjack is around 18.5. In most instances where a player or the dealer has a hand value somewhere around it without busting, which is when your cards total more than 21, end up winning the round. 

So, combining the dealer's required actions and the average winning totals, we can see why the dealer tends to land around 17 or 18 more often than not. 

What Percentage Of Hands Do Blackjack Dealers Win?

In blackjack, you might be curious about how often the dealer actually wins

On average, it is estimated that dealers win around 49% of the hands dealt. This number might seem high, but you have to remember the game’s basic rules and the house edge. 

Players win roughly 42% of the time. While this percentage might be a bit lower than the dealer's, it does not mean you are at too significant a disadvantage. 

Then there is the remaining 9% of hands. These end in a tie, which is known as a "push". In a push, neither you nor the dealer wins, and you typically get your original bet back. 

Do Dealers Cheat In Blackjack?

Worrying that dealers might cheat in blackjack is understandable, but it is important to know that this is not the case. 

Dealers do not cheat because the casino's entire operation would be at stake if they were caught. In the UK, casinos must follow strict regulations as set out by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). If they cheat, they risk losing their licence to operate, which is simply not worth the risk. 

Moreover, casinos have no need to cheat at blackjack. The game already provides them with a built-in advantage known as the house edge. This ensures that, over time, the casino makes a profit from the game. 

The house edge gives casinos a slight advantage over players in every hand, adding up to a profit in the long run. Because of this, cheating is not necessary, as the game naturally benefits the casino. 

So, the next time you play, you can enjoy the game with peace of mind, knowing the cards are being dealt fairly. 

How Do Blackjack Dealers Always Win?

It might feel like blackjack dealers always win, but that is not the case. Blackjack is a game of chance, and, on average, players win about 42% of the time. 

However, the house edge gives dealers a slight advantage, which is why it may seem like they win more often. This edge stems from how the game is structured. 

One key factor is the order of play. Dealers do not play their hands until after all players make their moves. If a player goes bust, losing their bet, it does not matter what the dealer ends up with - those bets are already lost. 

Additionally, players only see the dealer's upcard when deciding on their moves. In contrast, the dealer, although not influenced by this during play, sees all player cards when it is their turn. This difference in visible information contributes to the house’s advantage. 

Understanding these aspects can help make sense of why the dealer might appear to win more often, even though they do not win all the time. It is all about the nature of the game and the slight edge casinos have by design. 

Please ensure you always gamble responsibly. Set a budget, stick to it, and never chase losses. 

*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins, etc.) mentioned in relation to this game are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.

**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.