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There is a great deal of controversy regarding how to handle skilled gamblers (card-counters), especially those playing Blackjack. In many cases the debate is based on lack of knowledge of the game or misconceptions by the surveillance, security and pit management departments. Depending on casino policy and the casino personnel, these opinionated differences can lead to liabilities.

Casino Policy

All casinos should have some type of policy on how to handle skilled players. This is commonly decided by upper casino management and verified by the legal counsel. The result of this collaboration is specific procedures that confirm how to handle players of high skill that are less than desirable customers.

Liabilities

Skilled Blackjack players do not hugely affect the casino’s bottom line. Instead they are a liability when practicing fraud by using false names. Another liability is that these players are using card counting methods which can be discovered through their betting and playing patterns.

Single card counters can easily be detected by surveillance and/or security. As a result, their income is minimal. On the other hand, card counting groups that risk little money and place large wagers when the cards are favorable can impact the pit income greatly when allowed to operate for an extended period of time.

The biggest liability is the actual lack of policy for handling these players. Without a procedure, the casino staff can mishandle patrons resulting in terrible public relations with potential customers. Also, this type of behavior often leads to lawsuits against the casino because they are treating players like criminals.

Why a Policy is Important

A detailed policy must be implemented prior to the opening of a casino to avoid these situations. There are too many areas where public relations can greatly diminish as well as legal battles can ensue as a result of improper customer relations. There is so much potential for liabilities within the casino business. Some are easily noticeable while others are hidden.

It is a shame when situations such as the previous go overlooked and the casino must engage in legal battles and poor press when it could have simply been avoided with policy and procedure. Once a policy is in place, security, surveillance, management and floor personnel will develop a better understanding as to how to manage these individuals and save the casino from the trouble and hassle of negative results.

There are 16 cards in a standard 52-card deck including tens, jacks, queens and kings. As a result, any player has a 31 percent chance of being dealt one of these cards. On the other hand, all other cards only have less than an 8 percent chance of being dealt. Therefore, this emphasizes the significance of hand value 10 in the game of Blackjack.

Due to this high chance of receiving one of these 16 cards, a strategy can be formulated. The following simple strategy is not as good as analyzing and utilizing data from computer simulations to formulate strategies. However, this helps the player understand the significance of value 10 cards in Blackjack and can assist with creating a solid strategy for when the value 10 card is not present.

There are only two options for this simple strategy. These include:

• Stay
• Hit

All other situations can be added later to create a much more complicated strategy but we will focus on the simple approach for the time being. This strategy is based on the postulation that the next card distributed to either the player or dealer will be of 10 value. Since almost one-third of all cards hold a value of 10 in the game of Blackjack, this is a reasonable hypothesis. If your total hand value equals 11 or less, then you must hit as exceeding 21 is impossible, even with a 10.

If your hand value from the first two cards equals 12 or more, the best action to take is stay. Since 31 percent of all cards are valued at 10, it is likely you may bust. However, this is based on the dealer’s face-up card. If between 2 and 6, it is likely they will have to draw another card. Chances are the hand is a 12 or 16 which means the dealer must draw. If the card is a 10, the dealer will bust and you win.

If the dealer’s card is between 7 and 11, with a 10 face-down they could have 17 to 21. Therefore, it is pointless to stay on a 12 to 16. It is best to take the chance and hit for one additional card. If the hand is 17 or higher, it is competitive and best to stay.

For committed Blackjack players, using this strategy can be an improvement in edge for the player by up to 1 percent. This may seem little, but in the long-run it is quite a significant advantage.

It’s difficult to pinpoint the exact time and location a card game was invented. Although there are varying theories, some general ideas are commonly agreed upon based on written accounts in various texts. Blackjack is one of many games with a murky past.

In the Beginning…

It’s commonly agreed upon that Blackjack was invented sometime in 17^th century France under the name Vingt et Un or 21. The name Blackjack originated from the black suit of spades of ace and jack. The game has evolved since Vingt et Un as there are some minor differences. In Vingt et Un, the player bets after each round and the dealer is permitted to double down. The objective of both games is to have a total equaling 21.

Migration to North America

Following the French Revolution, Blackjack migrated to the United States due to the lack of gambling laws. France had many gaming laws during that time period. This made it easy for players to hop on a ship and gamble. During the 19^th century, betting games like Blackjack were completely outlawed in the United States as a method of decreasing crime.

Blackjack Prohibition

During this time, Blackjack was played in secret underground clubs away from the watchful eye of the law. Throughout the 1920’s, the punishment and enforcement of the gaming laws become more stringent. In 1931 Las Vegas opened its legal casinos with droves of gamblers flocking to the city.

Development of Strategy

As this game progressed, numerous individuals studied the game to further develop strategies and tips. In 1953 Roger Baldwin and several associates began to test different theories and tactics. Three years later they published a strategy manual based on their findings to help limit the house edge.

Although this manual helped many players, they lacked the technology to further investigate. Building on these strategies, Edward Thorp developed an improved statistical model (now known as the card counting theory) which was published in 1962. This proved to be the most defining moment in Blackjack history and made the New York Times best seller list.

Casinos dispelled players from their property if found to be utilizing this theory. It also resulted in many changes including the method of shuffling. Luckily for the casino operators, the book was difficult to read due to the mathematics and statistical theories that the common player isn’t aware of.

The most profitable strategy gurus were Ken Ulston and the MIT Blackjack Group. Ulston took over $300,000 from Nevada casinos by placing a mini-computer in his shoe to calculate various odds. The MIT Blackjack Group won several million dollars in the 1990’s and were later banned from Las Vegas in 1997. Blackjack has a long and rocky history with players using questionable strategies like card counting.

The overall blackjack payout has slowly declined at many Las Vegas properties. The trade-off is that minimum bets have also decreased. Over the past few months, over 24 tables at Harrah’s Casino properties have begun paying out 6 to 5 for blackjack games at various limits. The previous payout standard was 3 to 2.

Payout Example

When running the numbers, the difference is minimal in the short term, but over a long playing period can be quite significant. For instance, the conventional payoff on a wager of $10 will win $15. With the new pay structure, the player only wins $12 on a $10 bet.

Payout Origination

The idea behind the new payout originated from party pits approximately 10 years ago. These are areas of a nightclub or bar in which the table games (such as blackjack) are dealt by attractive women. Since gambling isn’t the main attraction, the payout is 6 to 5. This structure seems to have made its way onto the mainstream gambling floor at various casinos. The idea was for casino managers to increase profits from low stake games.

Blackjack Players Reaction

It is estimated that nearly 25 percent of the casinos on the Las Vegas strip are offering blackjack games with the 6 to 5 payout arrangement. Blackjack gurus have always criticized this payout differential, stating that it’s simply a way to swindle unsuspecting tourists that aren’t familiar with the different payouts. Many believe once tourists realize the difference, this will hurt the casinos further economically.

The Numbers

According to the Gaming Control Board during the past 12 months, wagers on blackjack on the strip were $1 billion less. On the other hand, blackjack is currently less profitable than it was twenty years ago. Presently strip casinos keep 10 to 11 percent of profits compared to the 13 to 14 percent just a decade ago.

An Explanation

Although the economy is playing a large factor in the decline, a complimentary explanation is that Vegas is becoming a destination that offers more than just gambling. Consequently, gamblers are distracted by other attractions such as nightclubs and pool parties, all of which cost money.

In the past, casinos have managed to remain profitable even with cheap inexpensive food and rooms, better odds and better comps. Perhaps they need to return to the Vegas of old where the deals draw the customer in to gamble. Since customers are cutting back, the idea of cheap food, rooms and better comps may entice them to gamble more and increase profits for the casinos.

In a game of poker, or a round of blackjack, or a spin of the roulette wheel the dealer is important. The dealer has a direct effect on the outcome of your game, whether you realize it or not. For example, a bad dealer can cause you to lose your focus, costing you the win. It is important to learn to read the dealers, so to speak, so that you choose the best dealer for you when picking a table.

How to Read the Dealer

Notice How They Interact With Other Players

Before sliding up to a new table take a moment to observe how the dealer is interacting with the players already at the table. If the dealer seems friendly and sure of themselves, chances are you will have a positive gaming experience. If the dealer seems silent or too stern, it is probably best to move on to another table. Many professional players will attest that the mood and or experience of a dealer can be a critical factor in the outcome of the game.

Ask the Dealer Questions

When you first start playing, do not hesitate to engage the dealer. While you do not need to quiz every dealer you come across, it does not hurt to test your dealer knowledge. After all, you want a knowledgeable dealer. Especially if a round of the game comes into question or another player’s actions are not entirely honest.

Learn When to Move to Another Table

If you do not enjoy the dealer you are playing with, get up and move to another table. Playing at a table you do not like can lead to bad plays and missed hands. However, chances are you are not going to love every call every dealer makes and eventually you will run out of new tables to move.

Learn to strike a balance between your feelings on the dealer and what is actually fair practice. If the dealer is behaving honestly, try and let a few things slide before you move on. Especially if the game is going well for you.

If you have been to a casino, it is likely you have seen the crowded Blackjack tables. Blackjack is one of the oldest and most popular games at the casino. Playing blackjack well takes a good mixture of skill and luck, which is why blackjack players are always looking to improve their game. While there are several ways of making yourself a better blackjack player in the long run, there are a few things you can do now to improve your game immediately.

Three Ways to Improve Your Blackjack Game

Set Winning Goals

While it is important to manage your bankroll, and divide your bets for maximum playing time, you should also be setting winning goals. A goal is simply a way of knowing when you have achieved what you came to achieve. This is good for two reasons. One, having a winning goal in mind will help give you perspective even when the last few hands have not gone your way. For two, a winning goal will help you know when to quit. If you set a goal and quit when you get there, you are far more likely to walk away from the Blackjack table with cash in hand.

Keep Your Emotions in Check

Proper emotional control is a huge key to successful playing in any gambling game, but this is especially true in Blackjack. Blackjack can be a very intense game. The emotions often run high at the table, the drinks are flowing, and the other players are adding to the confusion. It is easy to slip up and let your emotions get the best of you. This can cause you to run a bet too high or fold when you should not have. Learn to keep your emotions in check and your bankroll will thank you.

Choose Your Table Wisely

If there is more then one blackjack table in the casino, then pick the one you think will be the best fit for you. Study the other players for a few hands. If it seems like the players will disrupt your strategy, go to another table. If you start playing at a table and do not like the vibe, get up and move to the next one. Playing with a dealer or players you do not enjoy can negatively affect your game. Move around until you find a table you like.

Multi-tasking is nothing new at the casino – for years poker players have swung by the sportsbook while waiting for a table or slots players have bought a keno ticket while having a coffee in the cafe – but online casinos have taken the concept of side games to a whole new level. These days you can play any number of games at once with one featured center screen and another minimized in the corner or with up to a dozen or more poker tables resized and going at once. Many games – like bingo and keno, for example – have consistently been side games at the casino, but these days their growing popularity is seeing them increasingly played front and center. Here are a few traditional casino side games that we believe deserve your full attention.

Lottery-style Games

Keno was first popularized in live American casinos as a diversion for players sitting in their rooms or killing time at the cafe. Alternately bingo has always had its own crowd of casual players outside the casino. These preconceived perceptions of the games are slowly changing thanks to the new exposure they’re receiving from online casinos. All the fun of bingo and keno is in seeing your numbers get drawn, plus these lottery-style games tend to attract a large and active crowd of live players, so why not get a bit more involved with your lottery-style game the next time you play?

Sportsbooks

The term “side bet” was probably coined at a sportsbook, and yet for some casino players all sportsbook bets are side bets. Half-hearted sports bettors are missing all the fun (not to mention losing lots of bets). What’s great about sportsbooks is that they give sports fanatics a new way to interact with the game. The next time you’re logging in to make a quick bet at your preferred sportsbook, take a little extra time to read about the odds, browse forum postings or peruse expert advice on your selected event – we guarantee the added knowledge will make your participation more exciting.

Blackjack

Any serious blackjack player would scoff at its being labeled as a side game, but the truth is that blackjack has become an increasingly popular diversion for slots and poker players. The irony of playing blackjack as a side game is that with the right strategy and the right blackjack table you could probably earn more at this game than any other offered in the casino. For this reason alone blackjack deserves your undivided attention. The game’s potentially high payback percentage relies entirely on your use of a perfect strategy, and that requires concentration.

Blackjack is one of the most popular games at the casino. The main goal of blackjack is to reach a sum of twenty-one without going over. In blackjack a dealer will continue to deal cards to a player one at a time until the player tells the dealer to stop or goes over twenty-one, known as busting.

Blackjack is one of the most frequented tables at any casino. Blackjack can become an addicting game, and players often wonder how to increase their skills.

With a few simple tricks you can up your skill level no matter how experienced, or inexperienced, you are.

Tips for Playing Blackjack

1. Practice makes perfect. Blackjack is a fast paced game where players are expected to add quickly in their heads, and make instant decisions on their hands. This can be daunting to new players. If you are uncomfortable playing at the fast paced level of a casino table you can practice at an online casino, or during a home game of poker, until you feel more comfortable playing against casino dealers.

2. Gauge your bank roll. The longer a player is able to stay in the game, the higher their odds are of winning. If you can, start with a bankroll that is at least twenty times the minimum bet. This way you are guaranteed to play at least twenty hands of Blackjack at the minimum bet.

3. Start with small bets. Poker players, especially beginners, are prone to getting overly excited at Blackjack tables and tossing their entire bankroll in to one hand. This is a risky business, especially if you are playing with a limited bankroll. Instead, try starting off betting only the minimum. Not only will this increase your playing time, but it will allow to you develop a higher bankroll as you start to win hands. Once you have a high bank roll you can start betting those riskier bets.

4. Know your terms. Blackjack is such a popular game that there are entire websites, books, and television shows devoted to learning the skills behind Blackjack. Take time to read a book or two. Blackjack has its own set of lingo, betting rules, and skill sets. The more you know about the game, the better you will play.

5. Only bet when you feel comfortable. Blackjack tables can be intimidating places to some poker players. Instead of worrying about what your neighboring player is doing, worry about your hand. If you don’t feel comfortable betting on a hand, or betting to a certain amount, then don’t do it. Take the game as slowly as you wish. After all, Blackjack is meant to be fun.

Every game in the casino from Texas Hold ‘Em to the slot machines has a house edge. A house edge is how the casino ensures they keep some of their money and are able to stay in business. However, different games have a different house edge that can vary from less then one percent to five or more depending on the game. Knowing the best games to play in the casino with the lowest house advantage may help you walk away a winner.

The Five Casino Games with the Lowest House Edge

1. Video Poker- Video poker machines typically carry a house advantage of two percent or less, and some poker machines go as low as half a percent. You can determine the video poker machine’s house advantage by reading the payout scale. The payout scale is typically located on top of or near the poker machine. Occasionally the scale may be listed on the interactive menu.

2. Poker Tables- The poker tables may be the best seat in the house if a player is trying to beat the house edge. This is due to the fact that in the exception of a small sum removed from each pot, the house has virtually no advantage at the poker table. House winnings are completely up to the dealer and the luck of the draw. A highly skilled poker player can eliminate the house advantage at the table.

3. Blackjack- The blackjack table is another spot in the casino with a low house edge. Most blackjack tables carry a house advantage of less then one percent. By knowing the basic blackjack strategies, a player can reduce the house edge to half a percent.

4. Acting as the Banker in Pai Gow- At first glance, acting as the banker in Pai Gow does not seem that appealing, after all you have to pay a five percent commission to the house for the spot. However, the banker in Pai Gow collects on any player he beats, and if you are good at the game, the five percent commission is well worth it.

5. Baccarat- While Baccarat has a higher house advantage then blackjack or the poker tables; it is still one of the best bets in the house. Baccarat only carries slightly more then one percent on the house edge.

By playing games with a low house advantage a player has a better chance of walking away from the casino a winner, however, no player should play a game with high stakes until they are completely familiar with the rules and strategies.

The man who was accused of counting cards at a blackjack table in the Paris Las Vegas casino in Las Vegas, Nevada is suing for rights to reenter the casino. According to the man, the casino’s decision to ban him from their establishment is not in accordance with Nevada law. Harris who is the defendant in the lawsuit owns the Paris Las Vegas casino.

According to Harris, Steven Silverstein was Counting Cards

Steven Silverstein was playing at a blackjack table at the Paris Las Vegas casino owned by Harris on September 6^th, 2009 when four casino employees approached him. Steven Silverstein was directed to the cashier’s desk and asked to cash in his casino chips. Upon doing so, Steven Silverstein met the Paris Las Vegas manager who instructed Silverstein to leave the casino and imposed a ban on him returning.

According to the casino manager, Steven Silverstein was counting cards at the blackjack table. According to a letter Steven Silverstein wrote to Harrah’s Chief Executive Gary Loveman following the event, he was not counting cards and the casino manager had mistaken him for someone else. Mark Dunn, the Vice President of Legal Affairs, responded to the letter by banning Steven Silverstein not only from the Paris Las Vegas casino but also from sixteen total casinos in Harris western district.

Steven Silverstein Sues Harris to be Able to Reenter the Casino

According to Steven Silverstein, he was not counting cards on September 6^th at that blackjack table. He also claims that Harris revoked his player’s club card for all of their casinos, effectively preventing him from playing poker at any of their establishments, which is against the original letter Mark Dunn wrote to Silverstein, which stated he was only banned from the western region of Harris’ branches. Steven Silverstein also believes that any ban is against Nevada’s laws and would like them all to be removed and his playing privileges to be reestablished at every Harris casino.

Steven Silverstein filed the lawsuit against Harris in the Clark County District Court earlier this month. Steven Silverstein is a lawyer in Los Angeles, California. To date, this is the only altercation he has had with the Harris casinos or any casinos on the Las Vegas strip. There is no word yet on whether Harris will decide to settle the Silverstein case out of court or proceed to trial.