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

Surrender

Blackjack

An optional rule allowing a player to forfeit their hand and lose only half their original bet rather than risking the entire bet. Surrender is offered after the initial deal but before any other action. “Late surrender” is most common — the player may surrender only if the dealer does not have blackjack. “Early surrender” (rare) allows surrender before the dealer checks for blackjack.

In practice

Surrender reduces the house edge by approximately 0.08% when used correctly. Surveillance should verify that surrender is only offered before any other player action and that the dealer correctly collects only half the wager.

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.