The short answer is no, the dealer does not have to stand on 17 in blackjack.
There are a few reasons for this.
First, it is possible to get a blackjack split if the dealer has a higher hand (e.g. Ace, 2, 3, or 4) and the player has a lower hand (e.g.
2, 1, or 0). In this case, the dealer would stand on 17 and give the player an even break. .
Second, it is possible to get a blackjack split if the dealer has a higher hand and the player has a lower hand and an Ace. In this case, the dealer would stand on 16 and give the player an even break.
Finally, it is possible to get a blackjack split if the dealer has a higher hand and the player has a lower hand and any other card besides an Ace. In this case, the dealer would stand on 15 and give the player an even break (assuming that both hands are of equal value).
So in short, whether or not the dealer has to stand on 17 in blackjack depends on what kind of split they might be dealing with.
