How Do Dealers Always Win in Blackjack? Average Hands

Blackjack is one of the most popular card games found in casinos, and if you’ve played a few rounds, you might have noticed that the dealer often seems to come out on top. This can lead many players—especially beginners—to wonder whether the game is truly fair, or if the dealer holds a built-in advantage.

In this post, we’ll explore some of the most common questions about how blackjack works. We’ll take a closer look at why the dealer appears to win more frequently, what a typical dealer hand looks like, and how the rules affect each round of play.

You’ll also learn what happens when the dealer goes bust, and whether the number of players at the table has any impact on the outcome. If you’re new to the game, you’ll find straightforward explanations that help make sense of the basics. 

Read on to see how the structure of blackjack shapes the dealer’s edge, and what that means for your chances if you choose to play.

Why Does the Dealer Seem to Win So Often?

In blackjack, the dealer follows strict rules on every hand. They must continue drawing cards until they reach a set total—usually 17—and they are not allowed to make decisions based on strategy or instinct. Players, on the other hand, have the freedom to choose whether to draw another card or stick with their current hand.

If a player’s total goes over 21, they “bust” and automatically lose the round, regardless of what the dealer ends up with. Because the dealer always plays last, any players who bust beforehand are already out of the round, even if the dealer later busts as well. This built-in sequence plays a significant role in how often the dealer wins over time.

These rules, rather than any advantage given by the casino itself, are what most influence the dealer’s success rate. Recognising this helps explain why the dealer may appear to win more frequently than the players.

Is the Game Rigged in Favour of the Dealer?

Blackjack, whether played in a casino or online, follows the same standard set of rules for both the dealer and the players. As mentioned earlier, the dealer always acts last, and this built-in structure creates a statistical advantage—one that is part of how the game is designed, rather than an indication of unfairness.

All licensed casinos in the UK, including online platforms, are required to follow strict regulations set by the Gambling Commission (UKGC). Games are independently tested and regularly audited to ensure fairness, meaning the outcomes are not manipulated or “rigged” in the dealer’s favour.

Ultimately, the dealer’s advantage comes from the rules of the game itself, particularly the order of play.

What Percentage of Hands Does the Dealer Win in Blackjack?

On average, the dealer wins between 46% and 49% of hands under standard casino rules. Around 8% of hands result in a “push”, where the player and dealer finish with the same total, leading to a tie. The remaining hands are won by players, and individual decisions made during each round have a noticeable impact on those outcomes.

These percentages can vary slightly depending on factors such as the specific house rules or the number of decks in play. While the structure of blackjack does give the dealer a small built-in advantage, the game is not fixed. Instead, it’s shaped by consistent rules that apply equally to all players and the dealer alike.

Blackjack Dealers’ Average Hand

On average, a dealer’s final hand usually totals between 18 and 19. This outcome is largely due to the rule that requires the dealer to continue drawing cards until reaching at least 17, at which point they must stop—regardless of the cards held by the players.

Because this process is fixed and does not vary from round to round, the dealer’s total often falls between 17 and 21, unless they go bust. These consistent results reflect the dealer’s lack of choice in how they play each hand, unlike players who can adjust their strategy throughout the game.

What Happens When the Dealer Busts?

When the dealer’s hand totals more than 21, it’s considered a “bust”, and the dealer automatically loses that round. Any players still in the game with a hand of 21 or less win, regardless of their total—provided they haven’t already busted earlier in the round.

This straightforward rule applies across both online and in-person games, giving players a clear advantage when the dealer goes over 21, so long as their own hand remains in play.

Does the Number of Players at the Table Affect Dealer Wins?

Whether there’s one player at the table or several, the dealer always follows the same rules—drawing cards until reaching at least 17 and acting last. Each player competes individually against the dealer, so another player’s outcome doesn’t affect what happens with your own hand.

When more players are involved in a round, it may seem like the dealer is winning more often overall. In reality, this is simply because more hands are being played at once. The rules, odds, and the dealer’s behaviour remain exactly the same.

If you’re considering giving blackjack a try, either online or at a casino, understanding how these mechanics work can help you approach the game with a clearer idea of what to expect.

Play at The Best Online Blackjack Sites

If you’re thinking about trying blackjack online, it’s important to choose a site that’s secure and properly licensed. To make that easier, at Best Casino HQ, we’ve put together a dedicated page featuring online casino sites that meet UKGC standards for fairness and security.

On our site, you can compare platforms based on game variety, customer support, and other features to help find an option that suits your preferences.

If you do decide to play, make sure to read through the terms carefully and set clear limits before getting started. Feel free to take a look at our recommended sites to see what’s available and decide whether online blackjack is right for you.