Times are Changing in Atlantic City

[samoas]

Samoas,

So, tell me, in AC, are most blackjack games dealt from Automatic/Continuous Shoes now? I know that NJ state law prohibits them from denying a skilled player on their tables but it does not prevent them from taking measures to ensure that those skills are meaningless on their games.

I have experienced the exact same thing with all the Harrah's properties. They beg me to come and I get mail 3 times a week on average from at least one Harrah's casino. They are definitely not getting the action they did a few years back because of the economy, the incredible proliferation of Indian casinos all over the US (Oklahoma taking untold millions from the riverboats of Shreveport and Bossier City, LA.) Just 60 miles or so from where I live is "Winstar World Casino." They claim to the the 4th largest casino in the world. It is convenient, however, their machines are so tight it is truly unbelievable. Their Video Poker is fair. To play blackjack, due to an OK state law, there is a required ante of $.50 - $1.00 to play a hand of blackjack depending on bet size. It amazes me how many people are willing to play under such conditions. I figure 5 shoes at 20 hands per shoe with avg ante of .75 per hand is $75. That is more than enough to cover gasoline costs to drive to Shreveport were a complimentary room always awaits. But the slots--which I also do not play at Winstar are so unbelievably tight. You simply do not see winners in this place.

Apparantly the North Texas market is tightening up on them as well. They send me free room invites for their "Resort Hotel" and I have been there twice in the past year playing moderate VP with minimal losses.

Hi Pmutts!

To answer your BJ question I believe yes, you are correct. It's my understanding that all Harrahs properties play an 8 deck shoe whereas other AC properties tend to use 6. I also believe that if you are playing at a higher limit table they opt to play a 6 shoe deck from what I have been told. $50 to $100 a hand is way out of my league. I usually only play to relax, have a cocktail or two and kill time when my VP funds seem to be dwindling.

I cannot believe you must "pay" to play! That is ludicrous! I share in your disgust.

Good article here explaining why table gamers are heading to PA instead of AC:
http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/n...cc4c002e0.html

Christine

[pmutts]

Hey, thanks for the info. AC has always been extremely tough for Blackjack. I imagine the continuous shoe is used at the majority of tables with limits below $50 - $100. Those limits are way above my means these days. I played in to bad conditions at high limits for too long... and that was mostly in Las Vegas.