Online Casino Score

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.

Large casinos in Las Vegas are taking the next step towards connecting with their customers: iPhone apps. By unveiling this technology, casinos can better market to their customer needs. As technology improves, flexibility of large businesses is becoming increasingly important.

Application Functions

These applications allow customers to conduct a number of tasks outside the confines of a specific casino. These functions include:

• Check casino points
• Upgrade room
• Find deals
• Bypass room check-in
• Make restaurant reservations
• Check property maps
• Photo galleries
• Learn about current events dealing with the casino
• Preview upcoming shows
• Thing to do list

What do the apps do?

Overall, there are different apps for different casinos that offer a diversity of functions. As customers play different games at different stakes, points are earned. With these iPhone applications, players can check their point balance instantly. Also, many casino apps allow for room upgrades and the ability to find special offers and deals.

One of the most popular utilities thus far has been the ability to avoid conventional check-in. Instead customers are able to obtain their keys and head right to their room. Making restaurant reservations at hotel eateries is another popular feature. Many casinos present the option of clickable property maps, with photo galleries of various areas of the resort.

Additionally, these apps display current news events that involve that particular casino. Furthermore, customers can preview videos of upcoming shows and performances at different hotels. Finally, many of the applications allow the customer to create a to-do list of different activities found around Las Vegas.

Who’s using this technology?

In the past, the younger crowd has embraced new technology by being the first to use it. Ironically, these iPhone apps are being utilized by older customers because they are more familiar with the different casino properties and what they have offered in the past.

Although this technology has recently been unveiled, there is no indication that this will increase profits, customer retention or attract new players. With the unforeseen primary use by older customers, it’s difficult to target a specific demographic at this moment.

When was this technology revealed to the public?

Harrah’s Casino’s was the first to implement iPhone app connectivity in February 2010. Caesar’s Palace followed shortly after. MGM Mirage recently released their own set of applications and Mandalay Bay, New York-New York and the Beau Rivage in Biloxi, MS are next to unveil their programs.

This is a great step in the future of both the casino and hotel business. It improves flexibility among its consumers by utilizing advanced, but simple, technology. If successful, this could revolutionize the way the entertainment industry conducts business.