Now Paying a Whopping 2:1 on Blackjack!
April 7, 2009
Who says superb Blackjack odds are dead in Las Vegas?
Supposedly, Las Vegas used to have 2:1 Blackjack tables. It was before my time, and I think it was for ultra-high rollers, and even though I have never seen it with my own eyes, I have at least heard of it.
This being the case, imagine my surprise when I walked over to the Wynn yesterday, found a $15 Blackjack game, and was told by the dealer that it paid 2:1.
If this was a new strategy by Steve Wynn to bring gamblers back … I thought it was a marvelous idea.
Of course, I was skeptical.
I needed confirmation.
I walked down the hallway to the Encore and I asked what they paid on naturals. The pit boss told me “All shoe games pay 3:2, single deck pays 6:5”.
I thanked him, and then I walked back to the Wynn.
I approached the same dealer at the same table, and posed the query to him again. This time, I had to get evidence.
Now, I am certainly not trying to be mean or to ridicule someone or anything of the sort. I have simply been on the Internet long enough to know that people assume that just because they have not personally experienced something, it is concrete proof that you are a liar … or that you “misunderstood”.
How many times have you heard this one?
“Well, I never had bad service at that restaurant, so it must be you!”
“I’ve always had great cocktail service at NYNY. Either your readers are lying, or your readers must be the problem.”
I swear to you that there are people out there who still think I run around smacking security guards in the head because … quote … “they’ve never harassed me for taking pictures, you must just give them problems”.
People are irrational creatures. They like to think that they live the “real” life, and anything that they have never experienced is simply made up. We’ve all been there, so whenever possible, I take counter measures.
Keep that in mind as I post this completely in my own defense and for no other reason. It’s my preemptive rebuttal to all you know-it-all “that never happened to me”-ers:
See that video above? Press “play”. There, it happened to me. I have proof. Kiss my ass.
I digress.
Of course, he was confused, because I plopped down at a nearby table 30 minutes later and got paid $30 on a $20 BJ.
At least I hope he was confused.
The reason I say that is because after playing the tables for a bit, I decided to play some multi-hand video Blackjack at the Encore. Of course, the first thing I did when I sat down was hit “help” to see what the payouts were.
Encore Casino Video Machine Payouts
Here again, they listed all winning hands as being paid 2:1 … including Blackjack. This was getting too coincidental.
Apparently, the rationale of the video game is that the bet is gone the moment you make it because that is the price of playing the game, so if you win, you get two times the amount you put in. IE. 2:1
Of course, the payout is actually 1:1. Their calculation is twisted logic, but perhaps legally defensible. It got me thinking. Could this be a harbinger of things to come?
It is possible.
One of my readers who goes by the psuedonymn “Blueboar” posted this photo on my site. It was a large Marquee that said “Now paying a whopping 6:5 on BlackJack”. We all know how that worked out. People bought it. Hook, line, and sinker. Could “Now paying a whopping 2:1 on Blackjack” work also?
Photo provided by: Blueboar
Honestly, with the mathematically-challenged tourists we have here now. Probably. They wouldn’t know 6:5 from 8:15 from 3:2 from 1:1. They just get excited when they draw an ace and a face. The amount they get is of no consequence. I think the casinos could get away with it.
As for the machines, well, they are already one step ahead of the physical tables.
“Gee, Rex, after seeing those odds, I know you didn’t play the multi-hand machine, right?”
Actually, I did. This time I am going to have to pull a mea culpa.
Encore Casino - Video Blackjack
Encore Casino - Video Blackjack
I had never played this particular machine before, and I always make it a point to play every game at every casino at least once. Even if it sucks.
The way I justified it was this: The difference between 3:2 and 1:1 on a twenty five cent machine is 12.5 cents … so it wasn’t like I was really padding the bottom line.
Having convinced myself that I was not contributing to the decline of Vegas as a whole, I slipped a $10 bill into the machine, and began playing. Not just playing, but playing like a complete douche. I split every ten, every six, and every … well everything. Even against dealer tens.
And I won every split. Here is the result of my split Aces against a dealer nine.
Encore Casino - Video Blackjack
As you can see, I was doing okay. If you call breaking even “doing okay”. I cashed out with $10.75 a mere fifteen minutes later, and I assure you that … having played the thing and satisfied my curiosity … I will never play it again.
This video Blackjack game, as programmed, is a sucker’s game. I do, however, like the idea of playing 7 hands at a time. I also like quarter minimums. It sucks from a bankroll perspective, but It’s a very fun machine. If it ever became true Blackjack, I would probably play it quite often.
Anyway, twice during my session at the Wynn/Encore … I was told that Blackjack paid 2:1, when it clearly did not. Twice by a human, and once in writing by a machine.
I hope like hell that it is a mere coincidence, but if history has taught us anything … it is that there are no coincidences.
“Now paying a whopping 2:1 on Blackjack!” may be coming to a casino near you.
Rest assured … it won’t be what you think it is.
Written by DRich on April 7, 2009 at 4:56 pm
In gaming there is a clear distinction between paying “2 for 1″ as the video BJ games states, and paying “2 to 1″ as would be referenced on a live table (or “3 to 2″). It is confusing to most people, and the gaming regulators should change the terminology so not confuse so many people.
Written by buttnugget on April 7, 2009 at 5:29 pm
Rex,
Part of the problem is that you are confusing 2 for 1 and 2 to 1 (2:1). 2 for 1 is not > 3:2 (3 to 2). 2 for 1 is even < 6:5. Confusing ain’t it?? When its 2 for 1, half of the “2″ is your original bet of 1. In 2:1 you get two for every dollar you bet so you get 3 back (the two you win and your original one).
For example say you play one hand at each of two tables betting $5; one that’s 2 for 1 and one that’s 6:5 and get blackjack at each. At the 2 for 1 you get $10 (your original $5 the $5 you won) and at the 6:5 you get $11 (your original $5 plus the $6 you won).
2:1 on blackjack would be great, 2 for 1 sucks worse than a $4 hooker. Maybe a way to remember it is that if a hooker offers to give you two blow jobs FOR one dollar that’s probably bad, but if it’s 2:1 girl TO guy that’s good!!
Written by Disco Stu on April 7, 2009 at 8:16 pm
It is now OK for them to give an incorrect answer to a direct (and repeated) question? Nice. I have seen too many tables that did not have a sign at the corner listing the payout, so if you cannot ask the dealer a very specific question about “HOW MUCH DOES BLACKJACK PAY?”, then there’s no hope.
We all mis-speak. Heck, I do it all the time. However, he had no hesitation in telling you it was “Two to one” and that’s how every blackjack at the table should have been paid.
Written by Andy Steiner on April 7, 2009 at 9:24 pm
Listen closely to the dealer. Even he doesn’t know what he’s saying. He does clarify his original 2 to1 statement by saying: “Your bet plus half.”
That ain’t 2 to 1. That ain’t 2 for 1. That’s a dealer what needs remedial education.
Written by Jinx on April 8, 2009 at 1:58 am
I also had to try the multi blackjack machine awhile ago and agree with your assessment, they suck ass.
Written by shoedogbob on April 8, 2009 at 2:55 am
I was in Vegas not even two weeks ago playing blackjack that happened to be 6:5. In the hour that I played I did not catch a natural blackjack,.I did however win $300 so the fact that it was a 6:5 table made no differance to my play and pay. Rex I kind of think you are like the Mike Tyson of the blogger world. You are a great fighter but your voice….
Written by Ted Newkirk on April 10, 2009 at 9:39 am
Rex, I have to agree with shoedogbob.
You sound like one of those guys who would argue DOS and LINUX and everything else in the computer geek world (instead of just using technology to make a buck… like the rest of the world). No wonder you don’t do a podcast, and seem to hate those who do it successfully.
How about you enjoy driving (it really is fun), get over the fact that we don’t have a good public transportation system here, quit taking candid pics of cocktail waitresses (and they will quit tossing drinks at you), and start to just have some fun!
Look… do your “business” (whatever it is that you do that has you in every drug infested area of Las Vegas), and then take the money you make from selling whatever you sell, and just go have a good time! Las Vegas isn’t the East Coast. Las Vegas is here for us to just enjoy it. And… Enjoy Life.
Don’t get me wrong: Call the resorts on the bad gaming and bad service. I do so also.
However… start relaxing (which is something we do often here in the West Coast/Pacific Time Zone). Your posts would even go farther and reach more people if you actually took people along for a fun ride. Not a bitter, upset “I want to change Las Vegas to be like New York, and I never have fun when I go out” attitude.
Best Regards.
Written by Dave on April 10, 2009 at 5:29 pm
You must not be reading the same blog I am because Rex has the only REAL Las Vegas blog on the Internet. I think he has the best blog of any kind on the Internet. He mixes lots of good with the bad and doesn’t just try to pimp whatever place he visits for kickbacks or ad revenue. What didn’t look fun about the Las Vegas sign trip or the First Friday party? It sounds like Rex has a much better time there than you do, and some of us actually like pictures of cocktail waitresses.
It’s obvious that you have a website or you are affiliated with one of those podcasts that Rex dislikes because all they do is read the Review Journal into a microphone and pretend to be Vegas experts. They are all fakers and pretenders which is something that everyone with a brain knows.
Rex probably doesn’t do a podcast because instead of sitting behind a microphone and talking Las Vegas, Rex is actually living Las Vegas. Unlike you and your podcast friends, he actually takes us along with him each and every day. This is more than I can say about the snoozefest of guys sitting around talking about how great Steve Wynn is for three months in a row. Everybody knows where to go if they want the standard rah rah Vegas is great bullshit. Everywhere else. All of the other Vegas websites are completely interchangeable.
Jealousy is a bitch but you and your friends better get over it because Rex owned you guys 2 years ago and most of us never looked back.
Now why don’t you go open itunes and listen to your buddies talk about carpet colors and reminisce about the trip they took to Las Vegas 3 months ago. Hey, maybe they’ll even go back to Vegas sometime. Wouldn’t that be a novel idea?
Written by LuvinLasVegas on April 10, 2009 at 5:57 pm
FYI, Ted Newkirk is the owner of a competing website that makes money solely by promoting Las Vegas and taking a cut when you book a room or a show ticket. Obviously Rex is getting under his skin. Can’t say I blame him.
Btw, Ted you’re telling Rex to be more like you? Please oh please Rex, never ever do this. The only reason I read and enjoy your sites regularly is b/c you are not like them. Everyone else sound like each other, you are the only unique one left. If I wanted to read another bobblehead, I’d have a million to choose from. Please continue being yourself and don’t let these idiots convince you otherwise.
Rex – I’m sorta defending you b/c I know that you won’t (hope you don’t mind), and b/c you don’t really give a shit what other people think. I read your other blog and forums regularly and have noticed other Las Vegas website owners posting uncalled for negative comments which just shows how desperate they are getting. They do this b/c you actually allow free speech and don’t delete anything that sounds negative toward you. Keep up your great work! Love your writing, photos, and videos!!
Written by a fan from the past on April 10, 2009 at 7:05 pm
Too bad you didn’t hear Rex’s vocals 20 years ago. A lot of people paid good money to hear him, along with his guitar playing. I’d love to hear him play again, too bad he retired so soon.
Written by hugitout on April 10, 2009 at 11:15 pm
Of course there’s a clear distinction between 2 to 1 and 2 for 1. I think the obvious problem here is that they are not making it obvious and to me this is deceptive, but why am I not surprised. Even the dealer seemed unsure in the video.
His voice?? I finally got to watch and listen to the video and I didn’t think Rex’s voice was anything like Mike Tyson’s, not even close. Poor analogy imo, but I guess shoedogbob (you must sound like James Earl Jones) was trying to be funny. I’ve seen some of Rex’s videocasts and I wish he would make more, I really enjoy them, but obviously he’s a busy guy. Too bad for his fans, but lucky for some of you that he doesn’t, b/c he would put your podcasts to shame.
Written by Not Howie on April 11, 2009 at 5:22 pm
Actually you sound like a less bassy Howard Stern. Really.
Howard’s voice is OK, he is not. You are.
Written by tully on April 11, 2009 at 7:25 pm
This is curious—-just last month, Rex did a post encouraging visitors to utilize LV owned and operated blogs and websites for trip bookings, rather than give business to non-residents passing themselves off as “insiders.” He even mentioned some sites to use, if one was interested..
Alas, I don’t see Ted’s site mentioned—-perhaps that’s why he is here taking a verbal dump in the “Comments” section? Or did Superfresh Homeboy just piss on his leg?
Hmmm…
Written by hugitout on April 11, 2009 at 8:03 pm
I think Ted’s site was included if he’s a local by default, and obviously Rex can’t list every locally owned Las Vegas site in his post. Maybe Ted felt like his was worth being mentioned by name? I think Rex was using examples to make a point, not write up an advertisement. If I wanted to read ads, I can go to other blogs for that, which I don’t b/c they annoy the hell out of me. I hate it when people try to disguise advertisements as legitimate articles. I don’t want to be told where I should go, what I should watch, where I should stay, and click on some link to purchase those tickets (so the writer can get a kickback) by a site that pretends to be a Las Vegas Blog. I’m sorry but I don’t know how that Pam Love lady has a blog here when many of her articles are clearly advertisements in disguise or just pointless nonsense. She doesn’t know a thing about gambling (when she writes for a gambling website) or even much about Las Vegas, where she claims to live. Seriously, I think most of us out of towners know more about Las Vegas than she does. Yes, I knew the Brooklyn Bridge was in front of NYNY, everyone who has been to Vegas or seen photos of it does, but she only realized this recently?? WTH?? Who is she writing for? People that lived in caves all their lives and only now discovered the internet?
Written by Dave on April 11, 2009 at 11:02 pm
I have read some of that lady’s blog b/c I was already here reading Rex’s but soon realized it wasn’t worth my time. She’s mediocre at best and her readers have very low expectations and are easily amused I suppose. I also read that other guy’s blog, Richard, and he had some decent info in his, but not sure what happened to him, haven’t seen anything on his blog in a long time. Either way, I only read Rex’s now b/c as I’ve stated before, no other vegas blog even comes close to his, he’s set the bar too high. Btw, I really enjoy your live reports Rex.
Written by Dennis on April 12, 2009 at 9:28 am
Ted, Anyone who doesn’t think 6:5 or 2 for 1 BJ shouldn’t be considered rape is part of the problem. Too many sheep who think “Gee, I’m so glad just to be here. Vegas can do no wrong!!!” We used to come out 2-3 times a year for 4-5 days per trip. When the service went south we’re lucky to make it out once a year. It’s just not that special anymore!!!
Written by Ted Newkirk on April 17, 2009 at 11:54 am
Damn… I brought out the “Rex Army” here!
Let’s start with the last post and work my way up:
Dennis, I’ve been a HUGE voice against the newer table game rules (like 6:5), not to mention the tighter slots. For years now. Not only that, I’ve regularly published reader feedback of the same mindset. Dating back several years now.
Hugitout, I’m coming up on 10 years of doing what could (arguably) be called the very first Las Vegas blog. Back then, there were no blogs. I started an email newsletter that was also posted online (in what would now be called a blog format). Plus, one of the biggest independent Las Vegas websites. Rex is not the competition. The Greenspuns are.
Tully, I’ll deal with my agreements with (and disagreements with) Rex in a moment. BTW, I don’t own a lapdog with a funny name. I leave that to Paris Hilton.
A Fan From The Past, co’mon… Kevin DuBrow is dead. You really want to tell me that Rex is a retired rock star, but chooses to live in the Crystal Meth (springs, whatever) apartments, monitors police frequencies, and visits bad neighborhoods on “business” when he’s actually a retired rock star?
Hell… at least I ran into Kevin DuBrow more times than I can count back in the day here.
LuvinLasVegas, no… I hope Rex doesn’t become more like me. I have been a Rex reader since the beginning. Amusing as hell. But… I will call Rex on his bullshit. He hates what the Californian’s have made of Las Vegas, but he wants Las Vegas to be more like New York.
Hey… how about we keep it like…. um… Las Vegas!
Dave… Rex may be keeping it real, but he seems to be a paid blogger by Casino Guide. I’m happy he’s making a buck. There is plenty of room for everybody who wants to write about Las Vegas. And… as someone who pioneered the concept of making money while writing about Las Vegas online, I only hope and wish it continues to treat all of us well.
I own my company and have made a full time living off of what I do (even when it includes bashing local gaming companies for their mistakes) since 1997. I’ve made a part-time living off of it since 1995. I moved here in 1993.
No one owns my ass. No one pays me but myself. I’m in the process of a major expansion of what I do with online tourism. Not only here, but in a number of markets nationwide.
Bottom Line:
There is plenty of room for everybody in this business. I often feed bloggers info that isn’t cut out for my audience. (One is breaking a story soon that is a pretty big financial story). I enjoy all the various Las Vegas podcasts, from Steve and Miles to Vegas Gang, to Tim and Michelle, to The Vegas Tourist.
I love that Rex is calling gaming companies on the carpet for lousy odds and lousy service. I do the same. I hope he keeps it up. I will also, and I’ve been doing so (calling the bad with the good) since before Rex even got to town.
Side Note: Funny… none of my corporate sponsors have ever told me what to do or say. They just care about the numbers of people I reach who see their ads.
Why did I call Rex on the carpet? This is for Rex:
Hey Rex… quit trying to be the news. Just report it. If a security guard asks you who you are, what is wrong with saying “I’m Rex from CasinoGuide.com” instead of acting weird enough to make sure they worry you are a psycho.
How about you do what you are now doing… taking pics of chicks with their permission… instead of trying to get candid pics of the piece-of-ass Venetian cocktail babes (and getting something thrown at you).
How about you quit wanting Las Vegas to be like New York/DC/Boston. If you want better public transportation, write a check to the RTC and fund it yourself.
And finally…
BE HAPPY! Holy shit… I walk up and down The Boulevard and see people having the time of their lives. I love that! I live for hat! In the past year, I’ve had readers of mine actually write me and suggest I tone down the negative stuff, because they just want to come here and be happy.
There is honestly no place on earth where you can walk along a major street and see as many excited, happy people who are just putting out such a fun vibe. Who can’t wait to see what is around the next corner. Who come here from all over the globe and (once they get home), count the days until they can return.
Oh… one more thing: Instead of poking fun at other podcasts (and having your readers claim that I’m connected to any current Las Vegas podcasts… I’m not), go ahead and do one.
I dare you. You da’ man. Superfresh Rex. Co’mon… a former rock star like you should have the equipment. (If you don’t, I’ll loan it to you ). Let’s hear it. Do it. Punk every other podcast with the “real” Las Vegas podcast.
Lead, follow, or get the fuck out of the way.
Written by Gary Stein on April 17, 2009 at 3:05 pm
Hey Ted, if you’ve been around for so long, why aren’t you the best in town? I don’t even know who the hell you are, and honestly, I I don’t care to? You are strong evidence of, how long you do something doesn’t translate to how well you do it. You seem to have pioneered the “click here to book a room so I can get a commission” scheme in Las Vegas, and that doesn’t make you the best, but it obviously makes you proud. I personally avoid those sites, another reason why I enjoy reading Vegasrex. I don’t read Rex’s blogs as news, I read them b/c I enjoy his humour, writing style, and perspective on a city that I enjoy visiting, and sometimes I actually learn something new. He has never stated that he was a news reporter, and I was never led to believe that he was one. He writes about everything there, not just the good, bad, negative, or positive, but everything in between as well. I consider it a health dosage and a well rounded take on Vegas. You seem to live in a vacuum and have such strong opinions on things that you have no idea about, b/c your comments prove your ignorance. You make a lot of assumptions, and state them as fact. You are assuming he is a wealthy retired rockstar. Has he claimed to be one? Considering his age, I would put him in the grunge scene, so he was probably neither wealthy or into rock, but that’s my guess. I don’t claim something as fact, when I don’t know, which you seem to do a lot of.
Lead, follow, or get the fuck out of the way? Rex has been leading all your asses for the last couple of years and continues to. He probably doesn’t even know who the hell you are or cares, and yet you follow him like a whiny dog looking for a bone, and desperately want any response and attention you can get. How about get off you fat ass and do something productive instead of following Rex around online, whom you claim to feel is beneath you, and yet not low enough for you to spend so much time criticizing. If he was of no consequence to you, why are you here?
Hey Rex, this guy dared you to do a podcast, now you’re going to have to do one just to show him, after all, he did dare you. Shit, is this fucking grade school? How old are you Ted? I dare you? What are you going to dare Rex to do next, eat at the Imperial Palace buffet? Grow the fuck up man.
Written by Rex on April 17, 2009 at 3:44 pm
Come on, guys. Martin Luther King didn’t die for our sins so that we would bicker like this.
Everybody’s opinions are equally valid and I don’t want to discourage anyone from making them known.
I appreciate everyone taking the time to provide feedback. I am an active supporter of local websites/businesses, and I would encourage everyone else to also support the local community.
Diversity of thought and opinion is a positive thing.
Written by huddler on April 18, 2009 at 7:08 pm
Ted,
So, you consider yourself THE OG? You invented the Las Vegas Blog concept? If you are the Al Gore of Vegas blogging, why are you here harrassing Rex? Why do you give a shit what he does and what he writes about? Do you feel so threatened that you must come here and denigrate what he writes about and then make juvenile challenges? Whats next, you going to ask Rex to meet you by the bike rack after school? Your rather petty attacks on Rex seem so pathetic and unwarranted. Why do you even bother with the “little people” and “Johnny Come Lately’s” when you are such a giant in the field?