NEW ZEALAND
ENGLISH
Casino Terms Glossary
Stand off — is a tied outcome in casino games where neither the player nor the house wins the bet. Most common in blackjack (a “push”), a stand off means the hand ends level and your original stake is not lost. Depending on house rules, the chip is returned to you or left in place for the next hand.
Understanding Stand off
In gambling, Stand off meaning and Stand off definition both describe a tie that leaves the wager neutral—no win, no loss. In blackjack, equal totals trigger a stand off and the stake is returned; in broader table lingo it can cover any neutral resolution. This matters for bankroll planning, comps, and bonus wagering because pushes usually don’t advance turnover. At 101RTP, we clarify Stand off across games, publish honest casino reviews, and provide tools like our Bonus Value Score and Slot Simulator to plan stakes, volatility, and realistic wagering expectations. Alternative spellings: stand-off, standoff.
Examples of Stand off
Here are common examples of Stand off in casino play:
- Blackjack: You hold 20, the dealer shows 20 — stand off/push. Your $50 stake is returned, no win or loss.
- Blackjack after a split: One split hand ties the dealer (stand off) while the other wins. Net result equals the single win.
- Pai Gow Poker: Player and banker end with equal outcomes, resulting in a push/stand off on the main wager.
- Sportsbook legacy lingo: Older tickets sometimes printed “standoff” when a spread result exactly matched the line (modern term: push).
FAQs
What is Stand off in blackjack?
In blackjack, a Stand off (often called a push) occurs when your final total equals the dealer’s. No one wins the hand and your original stake is returned or left in place for the next deal. This casino term signals a neutral result and doesn’t change your bankroll.
How does a Stand off impact my bankroll and comps?
A Stand off keeps your bankroll flat for that hand—no gain, no loss. Many casinos don’t count pushes toward wagering volume, so they may not help with comps or loyalty tiers. Track your actual betting action to understand how many resolved (non-push) hands you’re producing.
Can a Stand off happen in baccarat or roulette?
In baccarat, the main Player and Banker bets are treated like a Stand off when the result is a Tie—your wager is returned, though the separate Tie bet pays if placed. Roulette doesn’t have Stand off results, but some variants return stakes on specific outcomes (e.g., la partage) under special rules.
Is Stand off the same as a push?
Yes, in most casino and gambling contexts the terms are synonyms. Stand off meaning and push both refer to a tie that produces no net win or loss. Usage varies by region and house style; some tables print “push” on layouts while others may use stand-off or standoff.
Do Stand offs count toward bonus wagering requirements?
Typically no. Because a Stand off doesn’t resolve as a win or loss, most casinos exclude pushes from turnover for clearing bonuses. Always check the bonus terms. For practical guidance on eligible play and expected value, 101RTP’s reviews and Bonus Value Score explain what is most likely to count.
Why does understanding Stand off matter for players?
Knowing the Stand off definition helps you forecast session length, variance, and how often your bankroll is at risk. Pushes slow down turnover, which can affect comp rates and bonus clearing. Recognising neutral outcomes lets you plan stakes and time-on-device more accurately in any casino.
Can different casinos handle Stand offs differently?
Yes. Most return the stake immediately; some leave it standing for the next hand. Wager-counting and comp policies vary as well. Review the table placard or rules page before playing. 101RTP compares these house rules in our casino reviews so you can choose where your play is treated best.
About the Author
