Encountering a hand where both the player and the dealer receive blackjack might seem confusing if you have not seen it before. This situation does not occur often, and the outcome might appear unclear—does anyone receive a payout, or does the round simply end without a winner?
This blog post explores what a double blackjack involves, how payouts might be handled, and how the result may be displayed in online and live dealer games.
Read on to find out more.
When Both The Player And Dealer Get Blackjack
A double blackjack occurs when both the player and the dealer receive an Ace and a 10-value card—10, Jack, Queen, or King—right at the start. This hand is often called a “natural.” While unusual, the resolution usually follows familiar game rules.
In most standard blackjack games, the round ends without either side winning, and the player’s original stake is returned. Essentially, the game treats both hands as equally strong because each totals 21 with just two cards.
Table rules might differ slightly depending on the casino, software provider, or version of the game. Some venues might have subtle variations, so it is always advisable to check the rules before placing a bet. Cards are dealt randomly, and the game system—whether electronic or live—applies the correct procedure automatically.
If you are wondering whether this outcome always happens in the same way, the next section explains the exceptions.
Is A Double Blackjack Always A Push?
In nearly all blackjack variants, a double blackjack leads to a push, returning the player’s stake. This is standard in both land-based and online settings.
However, there are rare exceptions. Certain formats adjust the treatment of naturals or ties. For example, in some unusual variations, a player’s natural might be prioritised under specific conditions. These differences usually appear in non-traditional games, promotional tables, or novelty side formats.
For anyone placing bets, reviewing the rules page or in-game help might prevent surprises if both sides receive blackjack in the same round.
How Blackjack Payouts Work When Both Sides Have Blackjack
When a double blackjack occurs, the main stake is returned and no extra payout is made. Typical advertised payouts, such as 3:2 or 6:5 for a player blackjack, only apply if the dealer does not also have a natural.
There are two situations that are handled separately.
Insurance: If the dealer’s visible card is an Ace and the player chooses to place an insurance bet, the main hand is usually returned if both sides have blackjack, but the insurance wager might pay out at 2:1. For example, a £10 main bet alongside a £5 insurance wager would result in the main stake being returned and £10 from insurance, leaving a net gain of £10. The exact procedure might differ depending on the provider, so checking the game rules is important.
Side bets: Optional bets, such as Perfect Pairs or 21+3, are evaluated independently. Even if the main hand ends in a push, these bets are settled according to their own rules, so there might still be a win or loss.
Do Online Blackjack Games Treat Double Blackjack Differently?
Online games usually mirror physical tables. When both the player and dealer are dealt blackjack initially, the round is treated as a push and the stake is returned.
Small differences might occur depending on table style:
- Hole card games: Common in American-style blackjack, the dealer checks for blackjack immediately when showing an Ace or 10. If both hands are naturals, the push is confirmed right away and the stake returned.
- No hole card games: Often labelled European blackjack, the dealer takes the second card only after the player has acted. If both hands end as naturals, the push still occurs.
Online games generally make this result clear on-screen. The rules page or help section will confirm which format is being used, reducing uncertainty.
How Double Blackjack Is Displayed In Live Dealer Blackjack
On live tables, double blackjack is highlighted clearly to avoid confusion. In hole-card formats, the dealer checks for blackjack as soon as an Ace or 10 appears. If both dealer and player have a natural, a notification usually shows “push,” and the stake is returned automatically.
In European-style tables, the dealer reveals the second card only after all player actions. If both hands are naturals, the result appears immediately on the display.
The live interface updates the balance and marks the round complete. Any side bets are settled separately, with notifications for clarity.
Whether online or live, a double blackjack is treated consistently as a push in nearly all games. Checking table-specific rules remains the most reliable way to confirm any uncommon variations.
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**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.