Las Vegas Blackjack Rules

Depending upon whom one listens to, when it comes to casinos on the Las Vegas Strip, Bally’s is either “the center of the action” or “the blandest of the bland” [1]. The truth, of course, lurks somewhere in between. It’s a fact that Bally’s has a great location on Las Vegas Boulevard at the corner of Flamingo Road, smack in the middle of all the major properties. It’s also true that the décor and hotel rooms are a bit dated, with renovations underway but lagging behind those of nearby competitors. Fortunately for blackjack players, there’s still plenty of opportunity to be found within the resort’s 66,200 square feet of gaming space [2]. The casino floor boasts of “more than 65 Las Vegas table games, including four different kinds of casino blackjack” [3].

We also have a section of blackjack variants dealt in Las Vegas, and another with ones that have left the market in the last decade. Las Vegas Blackjack Survey Blog Posts. Best Las Vegas Blackjack Games. Worst Las Vegas Blackjack Games. Where to Play Stand on all 17 Blackjack Games in Las Vegas. Where to Play $3, $5 and $10 3:2 Blackjack in Las.

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Bally’s Tables & Games

But it’s a little more complex than that when it comes to winning. Really, the objective of blackjack is to beat the dealer’s hand in one of these two ways: 1) have a total that exceeds the dealer’s or 2) not exceeding 21 when the dealer does. This terrible rule started paying players 6:5 on a blackjack, as opposed to 3:2. This means that a $10 blackjack would pay $12 instead of $15. Once the casinos got away with this at single deck games, the 6:5 rule started infecting double deck and shoe games. Most single deck blackjack tables have disappeared from the Las Vegas Strip because of this. Despite the name, it has nothing to do with insuring your original bet and can be viewed as a side bet. If the dealer actually has a blackjack (Ace + 10), you win the bet and it pays 2-to-1. If the dealer does not have blackjack, you lose your side bet. Up to 50% of your original wager can be made on insurance. One “Identity Point” is awarded for every $20 wagered at the tables. That compares to one point for every $1.50 played at slots and one point for every $7.50 bet at video poker. However, according to the fine print in the Terms & Conditions, “Points may not be earned for blackjack play in high limit.

Blackjack

According to at least one study, the blackjack action at Bally’s rates in the lower half among Strip casinos, owing to an overall average House edge of 1.09% [4]. However, if one avoids the single-deck tables paying 6:5 for a natural blackjack, the percentages tip much more favorably in the player’s direction. With many table minimums starting at $5 and $10, virtually everyone can afford to play.

The best games in Bally’s main pit are the multi-deck versions played from a shoe. The dealer hits on soft 17, doubling down after splitting (DAS) is allowed and so is surrender, although re-splitting of Aces (RSA) is not. For the six-deck shoe the House edge is 0.55% and for the eight-deck one it is just a tinge higher at 0.57% [5]. A slightly less welcoming game is the double-deck version with a $25 minimum, which allows neither DAS nor surrender; its House edge is 0.60%. The maximum wager at almost all tables is $2,000, with the exception of a $25~$3,000 game or two, depending on how crowded the main pit becomes.

Vegas

One bank of tables on the casino floor has been designated as “Jarrod’s Party Pit,” which features a single small platform for a go-go dancer and otherwise resembles part of the main pit. Look for a couple of continuous shuffle machines in use in this area, along with two blackjack variants, namely a side bet called “21+3 Xtreme” offered on the basic games and one table set up for Blackjack Attack.

What’s Different

The availability of $5 blackjack played from an eight-deck shoe, coupled with the lack of a high-limit area, is a good indicator of Bally’s role among Strip casinos. It caters to a less moneyed crowd—the low rollers—many of whom are novices at the game [6]. As one of the older casinos in the area, its chairs, tables and felts tend to be a bit more used, although new carpeting was installed as recently as 2006. Players will discover that the tables are closer together than they are in the newer, higher-end casinos. Some have mentioned that smoke can be a factor at Bally’s too, owing in part to poor ventilation as well as a high percentage of smokers among players.

Total Rewards for Frequent Blackjack Players

“Total Rewards” is the players loyalty club at Bally’s Las Vegas—the same program offered by Harrah’s and some 40 other resorts and casinos around the world that are part of Caesars Entertainment Corporation [7]. “Reward Credits” are earned for frequent play, which can in turn be exchanged for entertainment, meals, merchandise and more. The credits also serve as “Tier Credits” to determine the player’s status within the program, from Gold to Platinum, Diamond and “Seven Stars.”

For every $5 played on reel machines, or $10 for video poker, one Tier/Reward Credit is earned. The program rules state, “For table play, be sure to hand your Total Rewards card to the dealer or pit supervisor as soon as you sit down to play and ask to be rated. Both Tier Credits and Reward Credits are earned based on length of play, average bet and type of game…. If you play slots and tables, all earned Reward Credits go into the same account that you can use for comps.” If free rooms, meals or show tickets are desired, quite a few hours at the blackjack table will be required.

The Inside View

Comments left on bulletin boards by visitors tell quite a tale of how the gaming experience at Bally’s rates in the pecking order of Las Vegas casinos. One blogger writes [8], “Bally’s has no themes or attractions or diversions, nor are there hoity-toity shopping promenades or incredibly overpriced night clubs. What you get is a great value and tons of unpretentious fun.” Others have said that “it has the feel of a classic joint” and it is “old school Vegas on the Strip.” And perhaps the most telling comment: “Just good ‘ol fun. Nothing too fancy but if you need fancy… it’s connected to Paris”—just follow Le Boulevard south from the pit area.

Sources

  • [1] Checking Into The Most Boring Hotel In Las Vegas
  • [2] Casino City – Las Vegas Casinos
  • [3] Bally’s Las Vegas – Table Games
  • [4] Where To Find The Best Odds for Blackjack
  • [5] OnlineUnitedStatesCasinos – Las Vegas Blackjack Survey
  • [6] Low Rollin’ On The Strip
  • [7] Total Rewards
  • [8] VegasTripping – Bally’s Las Vegas

You can also make a profit playing online blackjack in the United States read our Safe USA Blackjack page.

While some gamblers write off cheap, low limit blackjack as a waste of time, many seek out opportunities to play a game that can stretch a bankroll. In addition to conserving money, blackjack games with a $1, $2, or $3 minimum bet can be a useful tool for new players who are learning the game. Others simply enjoy grinding a cheap table while accumulating free drinks.

Note that although cheap blackjack can be appealing, game rules are often less player-friendly than tables with higher minimums which amplifies the casino’s house edge. Most players don’t mind that though… after all, the house edge doesn’t sting as painfully when betting as little as $1 per hand.

We thought it would be helpful to put together a guide to help players seeking low limits find casinos offering the cheapest blackjack in Vegas.

Table game stakes are fluid and can change quickly. We’ll do our best to keep the list updated, but recommend calling ahead or checking the casino’s website to ensure low limit blackjack is being offered when you plan to stop in.

See Also:44 ideas and ways to save money while in Las Vegas.

Best Blackjack Casino In Vegas

Cheap Blackjack on (and near) the Las Vegas Strip

OYO: Offering the only live $1 blackjack game on (well, near) the Las Vegas Strip, OYO uses this low limit game to incentivize players staying at Strip resorts to stop in. At a mere 10-15 minute walk from resorts like MGM Grand and Tropicana, OYO should be on the to-do list of visitors seeking low limit blackjack.

TI: Although not a “traditional” blackjack game, TI offers cheap stadium blackjack at a $2 minimum bet on weekdays and $5 on the weekends.

$5 Blackjack on the Strip: Although not “ultra-cheap”, Strat, Excalibur, and Luxor all offer $5 minimum blackjack on the Strip. Venetian deals a $5 minimum stadium blackjack game as well.

$5 Blackjack Near the Strip: Take the short walk to Ellis Island, located behind Bally’s and you will find $5 minimum blackjack that pays 3:2.

Cheap Blackjack Downtown Las Vegas

Downtown Grand: Located just steps away from the Fremont Street Experience, Downtown Grand (formerly Lady Luck) offers $1 blackjack daily from 11 am – 3 am daily.

Fremont: Positioned in the center of the Fremont Street Experience, Fremont offers a $3 blackjack game which tends to be a popular draw.

California: Tucked back a block off of Fremont Street, The Cal deals a live $3 blackjack game.

Note that most downtown Las Vegas casinos also offer $5 blackjack games, especially at non-peak times.

Cheap Blackjack Away From the Strip

Las Vegas Blackjack Rules

Joker’s Wild: Located about 10 miles from the Strip in Henderson, Joker’s Wild offers players a $3 minimum blackjack game 7 days a week. Note: Joker’s Wild has temporarily closed their table game pit.

Planet Hollywood Las Vegas Blackjack Rules

Poker Palace Casino: Worth a mention, Poker Palace Casino, located in North Las Vegas offers a $2 blackjack game. A solid value for those looking for an inexpensive game.

Jerry’s Nugget: Located in North Las Vegas, Jerry’s Nugget deals a $3 minimum blackjack game daily.

Note that even if $1, $2, or $3 blackjack isn’t offered, most locals casinos do offer $5 minimum games.

Video Blackjack: Although the authentic feel of chips, cards, felt, and a live dealer are missing, bartop and electronic blackjack games often allow low minimum bets and are offered at most Vegas casinos. Like their live counterparts that also feature low minimums, rules for low limit electronic blackjack often amplify the house edge. Even with an exaggerated house advantage, a cheap bartop blackjack game can be a good way to string together a number of complimentary cocktails.

Blackjack Tables Vegas

While cheap blackjack is getting harder and harder to find in Vegas, we are encouraged by the fact there are still a few casinos offering minimum bets as low as $1. Hopefully, we were able to point you in the direction of a cheap game that will work for you!

When in doubt, just remember that the further you get from tourist centers like the Strip, and Fremont Street, the lower the minimum bets tend to get. Don’t be afraid to branch out and take an Uber to a locals casino for lower minimums and better player odds.

See Also:Where are the loosest slots in Vegas? We dig into Nevada Gaming Control data to find the answer.

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