Blackjack Losing Streak: Odds of Losing X Hands In a Row

For those new to the classic casino game of blackjack, experiencing a streak of losses may be confusing and frustrating. You might find yourself wondering how often these losing streaks occur, and whether they’re just part of the game. Understanding the odds and probabilities may help you set more realistic expectations if you decide to engage in play.

In the following article, we’ll take a look at the likelihood of losing several hands in a row, and how that could potentially influence your overall gaming experience.


Blackjack Losing Streak Probability

Each hand of blackjack is considered a separate event, and any streak of losses is simply the result of the odds of losing a hand occurring multiple times in a row. If a player follows blackjack basic strategy, which is designed to help minimize the house edge, the probability of losing a single hand is estimated to be around 48%. This estimate is based on the standard rules of blackjack but may vary slightly depending on the specific variant of the game being played.

To determine the likelihood of losing multiple hands consecutively, you can multiply the single-hand loss rate by itself for the number of hands in question. As the number of consecutive losses increases, the probability of experiencing that outcome decreases significantly.

The figures provided are approximate, assuming a 48% loss rate per hand for clarity.

Odds of Losing 5 Blackjack Hands In a Row

The chance of losing five hands in succession is:

0.48 x 0.48 x 0.48 x 0.48 x 0.48 = approximately 2.5%
(around 1 in 40)

Odds of Losing 6 Blackjack Hands In a Row

For six losses in a row:

0.48 raised to the power of 6 = roughly 1.2%
(about 1 in 83)

Odds of Losing 7 Blackjack Hands In a Row

For seven straight losses:

0.48 to the power of 7 = around 0.6%
(about 1 in 167)

Odds of Losing 8 Blackjack Hands In a Row

Eight consecutive losses:

0.48 to the power of 8 = approximately 0.3%
(around 1 in 348)

Odds of Losing 9 Blackjack Hands In a Row

Nine losing hands in a row:

0.48 raised to the power of 9 = about 0.15%
(roughly 1 in 715)

Odds of Losing 10 Blackjack Hands In a Row

For ten hands lost in succession:

0.48 to the power of 10 = around 0.07%
(about 1 in 1,430)

These probabilities may shift slightly depending on the number of decks, table rules, and specific payout structures. Players should remember to gamble responsibly and within their means- blackjack is ultimately a game of chance, and there is never a way to guarantee a win. 

Longest Blackjack Losing Streak

There is no fixed limit to how many blackjack hands can be lost in a row. Streaks of losses can vary because each hand is an independent event. Over the course of many hands, it is possible to encounter sequences with multiple losses in a row.

If you play for an extended period, it’s not uncommon to experience losing streaks of six hands or more. While a run of ten losses in a row is rare, it can happen. The length of your playing session and the stakes involved may influence how these patterns feel, but they do not affect the actual probabilities.

The house edge can vary between different blackjack variants. Factors such as payouts, the number of decks used, and specific table rules all contribute to this variation.

Why Do I Keep Losing at Blackjack?

Facing repeated losses can be frustrating. While blackjack involves decision-making, each hand is still influenced by a random shuffle, meaning that no result is caused by the one before it.

Certain game rules can make blackjack more challenging. For example, payouts of 6:5 instead of 3:2 and the use of multiple decks can raise the house edge. While these factors don’t directly cause streaks of losses, they can reduce the potential expected returns over a larger number of hands.

Play Blackjack Online at Ivy Casino

At Ivy Casino, we offer a safe and regulated environment where you can enjoy Blackjack online, whether you’re an experienced player or just starting out. Our platform provides a variety of options to suit different playing styles and experience levels, so you can choose what works best for you.

We use certified Random Number Generator (RNG) technology to ensure that all game outcomes are random and fair. This is part of our commitment to transparency and fairness, so you can feel confident that your experience is secure. Ivy Casino is fully licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), meaning we meet all the necessary standards to protect you as a player.

It’s also important to approach gaming responsibly. We offer players the opportunity to set their own limits and take regular breaks to help keep things in balance. At Ivy Casino, we aim to create a comfortable environment where you can play at your own pace, making sure that gaming stays fun and safe.

**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.

 *All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.