Blackjack Betting Option Introduced

As reported by the Chicago Sun Times: "An innovative betting option known as Casino Surrender, which was recently introduced in the greater Chicago area at the Blue Chip Casino & Hotel in Michigan City, Ind., has the potential to become a standard feature at blackjack tables in casinos nationwide if the early returns are any indication.

"Since its debut on two tables at the Stardust in Las Vegas last April, it has expanded to 70 tables at 12 casinos and is currently licensed in the states of Nevada, Indiana and Mississippi. Before the end of the year it'll be on 100 tables at 16 casinos.

"Casino Surrender is not be confused with surrender, an old blackjack option with limited availability whereby a player can elect to forfeit half of his bet to the house when he feels his two-card dealt hand is in a position of weakness against the dealer.

"The new patented variation turns the tables on the casino by permitting the player to force the dealer to surrender under the following conditions: The player is holding a two-card 20 (10/10 or A/9) and the dealer is showing a 10-value up-card with no ace in the hole.

"The reward for the player is the return of his original bet and a win of 50 percent of its value without having to play out the hand while risk having the dealer turn over a 10-value card for a 20 (push), or, worst case scenario, drawing to 21 and beating you…"