I definitely need to do my homework on these machines. But the sign does say $5 Blackjack 24/7.
Ok. I did a little more homework.
Went in on Friday night. Just looked. Had tried to get into the Bernie Sanders rally a few blocks away (thought it might be interesting entertainment), but it was too crowded so I went into the casino for a look and watch.
Saw the various $15 and one $5 tables, which had continuance shuffle machines. After a few hands in the discard, the dealers would place the cards in the csm.
Found at least a couple of $25 dollar tables. They dealt from a shoe, not a csm. They would place a fair amount of cards into the discard trays (3/4 of the shoe?), then take the discards, do some arranging with the remaining deck, take out a complete set from the asm, and put the discards in it.
So, if you want to count cards, you have to play at the $25 tables. So, as long as they don't kick you out for trying to count, this is fair. You just have to be able to bankroll a $25 set of hands, and then bankroll an increase in bets to at least $100. Even if they aren't kicking out card counters, I would suggest that you be hesitant to increase your bet to more than $100 too often. They could, if they wanted, to move up the shuffle.
At least all the tables are 3-2 blackjack. And, for what its worth, I understand what the difference between csm and asm are (although all csm's are asm's, but not all asm's are csm's).
I hope I don't get zinged too much now.
And the billboard still says $5 blackjack 24/7.
It depends on the rules, number of decks, and penetration. Using REKO 6 Deck Full, a 6 deck game, with S17 LS DAS DOA 3:2 and at least 75% pen will produce around (I don't remember the exact number off the top of my head) $20 hourly EV with a $25:$100 spread and "Wonging out" (just for you Don) at ODP according to the sims I have completed.
Last edited by Wave; 03-01-2020 at 08:50 AM.
That sounds about right. You can't really expect them to deal 90% of the shoe. But, to be candid, I'm not sure of the penetration. My rough eyeing it seemed to indicate about 3/4.
And, I understand that making $20 an hour is not the highest rate. But many years ago, using a lower bet, I remember reading that you would only make $10 (or less) an hour. It is a grind. But that is why you play it for some entertainment value. But, if you were to kick up your minimum bet to $100, you'd be making $80 an hour.
Last edited by dcdcdc181818; 03-04-2020 at 04:14 AM.
Massachusetts is curtailing casino hours due to an increase in Covid cases.
Starting this Friday, Nov 6, MGM Springfield will be open from 10AM to 9:30PM. The hotel and spa will be closed until further notice.
Also starting this Friday, Encore Boston Harbor will be open from noon to 9PM Monday to Friday and from 9AM to 9PM Saturday and Sunday. The hotel will close until at least Dec 15th.
Paymypush, are you still playing regularly? I haven't been back since February. I am getting rusty. I considered going back in September/October when the New England numbers were very low. I never did. Now it sounds like you might be risking your life just to play blackjack. What can you say in general about playing conditions at this time?
Probably a half dozen very short sessions since March. They have all been heads up which is difficult to find with less than six seats at the table. They don't open a lot of tables either. I had been cutting back anyway after 40 plus years at this. Don't get me started on the good old days. We never knew how good we had it. I'm in AC right now with an eye on a pretty good game. We'll see.
Were staying with friends in Brigantine until Sunday or Monday so I'll wait until then. Thankfully, blackjack has not been my main source of income for quite a while but it has gotten me most of what I have today.
I plan on playing at only one place if I like what I see. If not I'll do something else. At least I won't have to quarantine when I return home.
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