Is profitable blackjack coming to an end?

[blakebcg]

I just started learning about the game 2 weeks ago. I've been running over basic strategy flashcards and playing casino verite whenever I have time. I have probably 95% of basic strategy memorized, so I'm atleast making progress. Now, since I'm learning I've been reading all the forum topics that I can and it seems to me like no one ever talks about a casino with a GOOD game in it. Just browsing the regional forums I can tell the state I live in (Florida) doesn't have any good games that have S17 or even 6D. I'm almost thinking about totally not learning how to count cards and just sticking with BS. From a new-comers perspective it sounds like almost all the casinos are tightening up their rules so much to totally eliminate counting or any other AP strategy. Do you guys think the game will still be worth playing in 10 years? 5 years?

[happyjack21]

I totally wanted to start a thread asking about 'Where you thought Blackjack would be in 5 and then 10 years.'

To answer your question I have no idea. I'm "recreational/part time" and only been around 18 months.
But I think the casinos opening in PA and Ohio should give other states more wiggle room to bring casinos to new states.
So perhaps more casinos and same/worse conditions? Perhaps more casinos and it breeds better conditions?

Answer unknown... Check back later.

[KJ]

People have thought profitable blackjack was coming to an end since what, 1961, when 'Beat the Dealer' was published. It is certainly true that in the last decade, BJ games were tighten in favor of the house, with h17, continuous shuffle machines, 6-5, more 6 and then 8 deck games and various other rules and conditions. Players that have been playing for years really complain about these changes. Some of us that only started playing in the last decade are not as bothered by this as it the only conditions we have known and played, so we tailored our approach for these conditions as best we could.

Now s17 is gone for good, most places (Pa being an exception) at all but the higher levels of play. I think if you better get used to h17. But where I live, Las Vegas, CSM and 6-5 blackjack have actually been on the (slight) decline in the 3 years that I have lived here. There are also more double deck games than there used to be. Double deck games and 6 deck games far outnumber 8 deck games. I know these trends aren't being seen everywhere.

5, 10 years? I am more concerned about technology, electronic games becoming more prevalent and taking over than I am about live games deteriorating further, but really, who knows what is going to happen in 10 years. All I can do is live for today and deal with what I have today.

[AussiePlayer]

no one ever talks about a casino with a GOOD game in it.

Usually because they don't want everyone else to turn up and ruin it.

[bjarg]

Usually because they don't want everyone else to turn up and ruin it.

Very true. I know at least 20 places where you can play with an advantage off the top. None of them in the US though... There are many places where blackjack conditions are still very very good.

[ZenMaster_Flash]

Note: A safe assumption: None of bjarg's referenced casinos will accept big action.

[bjarg]

Note: A safe assumption: None of bjarg's referenced casinos will accept big action.

True. The biggest limits I can play at is 25-600 (in US dollars) and 10-400 (in euros).

[bigplayer]

I think blackjack is almost as bad as it can get right now...and it's still profitable. I think the days of red chippers being able to go out and make a nice side income playing blackjack are over with. If you can't play green chips or higher (and in some places black chips and higher) you really won't find easily beatable games.

[Ouchez]

It is strictly a case of where you live and what is available. I am lucky to have very playable games at any denomination, $3.00, $5.00, $10.00, $25.00.

And don't even think for a minute that the $3.00 game is not a killa.

Ouchez

[Gamblor]

It is strictly a case of where you live and what is available. I am lucky to have very playable games at any denomination, $3.00, $5.00, $10.00, $25.00.

And don't even think for a minute that the $3.00 game is not a killa.

Ouchez

Have a $5 game around me. Did a 40x spread thinking they won't care about a $200 bet, but I learned my lesson Otherwise it is a thing of beauty to have such a low min bet coupled with a modestly decent sized top bet.

[Coyote]

I think blackjack is almost as bad as it can get right now...and it's still profitable. I think the days of red chippers being able to go out and make a nice side income playing blackjack are over with. If you can't play green chips or higher (and in some places black chips and higher) you really won't find easily beatable games.

Generally this is true. That is why if you are a red-chipper you need to have a good act in order to get in and out of shoes. Also, make some good friends that will help you along your journey.

[SystemsTrader]

It won't be long before electronic games take over that is the future of blackjack. Bill Zender said within 20 years all table games will probably be electronic. It is the goal of casinos like any business to reduce employees, eliminate salaries, benefits and dealing with unions. That's just the way of the world. The big casinos will also save a fortune on playing cards.

[bjarg]

It won't be long before electronic games take over that is the future of blackjack. Bill Zender said within 20 years all table games will probably be electronic. It is the goal of casinos like any business to reduce employees, eliminate salaries, benefits and dealing with unions. That's just the way of the world. The big casinos will also save a fortune on playing cards.

From a business stand point this couldnt be farther from the truth. Unless in 20 years the planet is inhabited only by robots, this will never happen.