Venetian / Palazzo 6/5 Blackjack Games

I just got back from a weekend trip to Vegas. We stayed at Palazzo which is pretty common for me as I have a good host there. I exclusively play blackjack - typically $50 minimum tables.

This was my first trip back there since November, and I was horrified that they have converted all Blackjack tables, with the exception of double deck and high limit salon games, to 6/5 payout on BJs.... This is an abortion of the game if you ask me - especially in a hotel of this stature - especially on $25 and higher tables. I get it on low limit tables, and I even get it on single deck, but lowering the BJ payout on full value shoe games is terrible.

I wanted to share what we did, successfully, all weekend long. When we sat down at any of the regular $25 shoe games - we would ask the pit boss to bump the table minimum to $50, and we would request traditional 3/2 BJ payouts. They typically would call and approve it with the floor supervisor on duty, but we were NEVER denied our request. They said they have a new policy in place that if you request $50 minimum at 3/2 - they change the table to "reserved" status, and are willing to change the payout to 3/2. We were told by several dealers and multiple pit bosses that this is a new policy & we should "spread the word" because they are not allowed to offer it, but can do it if players request it.... YMMV, but I wanted to share that policy here on the boards. I think this is a short sided play on their part and may actually affect how I feel about staying there in the future, but I thought this was good information to pass along. Good luck to all!

 

Thanks for the heads up. Really disappointing.

 

I know that I have taken V/P off of my list of potential hotel choices because of the 6/5 Blackjack. I am a $25 minimum player using a progressive system that could push my bets up over $50 or $100 and I would not be happy collecting 6/5 Blackjacks as I move up in my progression.

Also, if I am in a casino and see that they are offering 6/5 BJ instead of the proper 3/2 at anything higher than $10 minimum, I will profess loudly to my friends and hopefully anyone within earshot that I won't play here because the 6/5 payout triples the house advantage.

 

I make it a point to ask the dealer at a 6/5 table (when there is a break in the action) If there are any 3/2 tables open? Loud enough for the players to hear and hopefully a player will then question the dealer about what a 3/2 table means...I believe 75% of the players do not know the difference? In my experience at the Rio tables anyway..

 

Walk out of V/P, cross the bridge and head over to Wynncore. They offer 3:2 BJ there, friendly dealers and overall nice vibe. That's what DH and I did 2 weeks ago, and we had a great time!

 

You're not playing at one right? Just leaning in as a bystander, right?
I've done this too. I am not as militant about combating the 6/5 like I was because it is a lost cause. But still..

Be sure to tell the players that ask, that playing 6/5 costs them one bet more, for every hour they play, than at a 3/2 table. That usually gets their attention.

 

Yes Big Tip,I only do that walking around..It does get the attention of the other players and I know someone at the table will question the dealer of why/what did I just ask? Works even better when the dealer has to ask the pit boss and he comes over..Yes it's probably all for naught,but WTH

 

I have noticed that the tables don't advertise what there blackjack pays so is it safe to assume that they are 6/5?

 

Ask before you sit down. There might be a little sign posted, or it might be on the felt, or maybe it isn't posted at all. Whatever the case, you need to know and need to avoid playing even one hand of 6:5 BJ.

Nice to know the new policy. V/P BJ has been good to me, but $50 is out of my comfort zone with the up-and-down nature of the game.

 

Good information, but it's likely easier to just stay and play elsewhere. They've also downgraded their bartop $1 DDB to 7/5 from 8/5. The message; "gamblers, you don't concern us".

 

I don't think that's the message. I think the message is "we don't cater to informed gamblers... only the casual gamblers that are playing for recreation."

I think business-minded people will think it's a smart move. I think informed gamblers don't like the move. But if you look at the tables, casual gamblers are still packing the tables and the Venetian bringing in more money as a result.

In addition, they probably don't have to worry about card counters as much as 6/5 will likely steer card counters away. Win-win for them... lose-lose for the rest of us.

I don't think 3/2 is going away, just be prepared to endure 6/5 at lower limits in the nicer, luxury resorts.