When I was in Lake Tahoe a couple of weeks ago I identified three vulnerabilities, not including the sportsbook, the obvious one of course, but amongst the casinos. One occurred when I noticed that blackjack was paying 6-5. Now I know they took on billions in debt, I know there’s bankruptcy, and I know things are tight on the floor, but blackjack paying 6-5? C’mon.
Then I noticed it was single deck blackjack. The casinos developed the multi-deck shoe as a defensive tactic against sharp players at one or two decks. There became this “aura” of single or even deck blackjack being better, easier to beat, even though the public has no clue why. They think it is just easier, not accounting for really sharp play.
So the casino now gives the inexperienced a single deck, drawing the crowd, who thinks it’s easier, but only pays 6-5 blackjack…unprecedented.
I even saw some older tables with shoes paying 3-2 on blackjack with empty seats while the crowded table pays 6-5. I spoke to Boss at length, we laughed together.
But here’s the vulnerability…in the high stakes section of one of the casino’s in south shore Lake Tahoe you can find a single deck blackjack table paying 3-2 blackjack. Minimum bet was $100 per hand.
In my opinion, the casino is exposed here. I’m sure they know it so play smart if you know what I mean.