Part I: Games & Gaming · Card Games — Baccarat & Blackjack

Bust

Blackjack

When a hand’s total exceeds 21, resulting in an automatic loss for the player. The dealer must also bust if their hand total exceeds 21, in which case all remaining player hands win. A busted hand is immediately collected by the dealer. The term is also used as a verb: “to bust” means to exceed 21.

In practice

When the dealer busts, they typically announce “Too many” or “Over.” Surveillance should verify that busted player hands are collected immediately and not exposed to other players.

One entry from the Casino Industry Glossary — 1,157 terms written for surveillance, compliance and operations professionals rather than for players. Definitions describe industry usage; where a term carries a regulatory meaning, verify against the instrument that governs your jurisdiction.