Does anyone know about the Shuffle Master "Table Master" blackjack game?

[Ronnie]

I have heard that casinos in Pennsylvania will soon be bringing in a blackjack machine manufactured by Shuffle Master called "Table Master."

Pennsylvania does not presently allow conventional table games. However they are allowing the implementation of these "virtual table game" machines. They are considered to be slot machines.

My understanding is that there is a "virtual dealer" who is seen on a large screen and that five people sit at a table and play the game simultaneously against the dealer hand. Each player plays against the dealer: in other words, the players do not play against one another.

That's about all I know.

I am hoping that someone here who has seen the game and possibly played it can provide me and other interested parties with details.

Some of the questions I have are:

(1) What is the cost per hand?

(2) Is it a single-deck or multiple-deck game?

(3) Is the deck shuffled with each new hand?

(4) Does it pay 3-to-2 on blackjacks?

(5) Can you split and double down? If so, what are the restrictions in each case. (For instance, can you double down with any two cards> Can you double down after a split? Can you resplit aces? Are you restcited to a single card on each split ace?)

(6) Is insurance offered?

(7) Is the machine a "legitimate" blackjack game or does the machine rig the cards to assure the casino of a certain payoff?

(8) What are the house odds?

I know, there's a lot of questions here.

But if any of you are familiar with this game and answer any of the questions, I will be most grateful.

Apparently the game has been around for a while (though there is very little specific information on the web) so I am keeping my fingers crossed.

Thanks in advance.

Ronnie

 

[Kasi]

I have heard that casinos in Pennsylvania will soon be bringing in a blackjack machine manufactured by Shuffle Master called "Table Master."

Pennsylvania does not presently allow conventional table games. However they are allowing the implementation of these "virtual table game" machines. They are considered to be slot machines.

My understanding is that there is a "virtual dealer" who is seen on a large screen and that five people sit at a table and play the game simultaneously against the dealer hand. Each player plays against the dealer: in other words, the players do not play against one another.

That's about all I know.

I am hoping that someone here who has seen the game and possibly played it can provide me and other interested parties with details.

Some of the questions I have are:

(1) What is the cost per hand?

(2) Is it a single-deck or multiple-deck game?

(3) Is the deck shuffled with each new hand?

(4) Does it pay 3-to-2 on blackjacks?

(5) Can you split and double down? If so, what are the restrictions in each case. (For instance, can you double down with any two cards> Can you double down after a split? Can you resplit aces? Are you restcited to a single card on each split ace?)

(6) Is insurance offered?

(7) Is the machine a "legitimate" blackjack game or does the machine rig the cards to assure the casino of a certain payoff?

(8) What are the house odds?

I know, there's a lot of questions here.

But if any of you are familiar with this game and answer any of the questions, I will be most grateful.

Apparently the game has been around for a while (though there is very little specific information on the web) so I am keeping my fingers crossed.

Thanks in advance.

Ronnie

I'd like to know too but I doubt if anyone knows what rules will choose to be programmed. Since the idiot politicians never anticipated a table agme I'd gues sthey'd have to figure out what rules are allowed, if any.

Maybe they'll program dealer wins all ties and that's that. Like the BJ video poker machines.

Or maybe they'll just let whoever put in whatever rules they want as long as the cards are random.

We can only hope for reasonable rules. But the glass is never half-full for me.

I've gathered it could double the hands/hour rate.

Shuffling point - not a clue. How is it in Delaware?

So we can now maybe drive 15 minutes to play BJ against a computer but we're not allowed to do it from home. Don't get me started.

 

[21forme]

From what I've read, PA law requires no change in odds for a player as another player draws cards. To me, that means CSM or "infinite deck," both of which are unplayable.

 

[Marjan06]

In the casino in Rotterdam (Netherlands) we have one, though I'm not sure if it's the same brands. I'll answer your questions anyway, some things will be the same I suppose

(1) What is the cost per hand?

Here we can play from 1 euro to 33 euro's

(2) Is it a single-deck or multiple-deck game?

multiple

(3) Is the deck shuffled with each new hand?

yes

(4) Does it pay 3-to-2 on blackjacks?

yes

(5) Can you split and double down? If so, what are the restrictions in each case. (For instance, can you double down with any two cards> Can you double down after a split? Can you resplit aces? Are you restcited to a single card on each split ace?)

yes, not sure what the restrictions are, I think just the normal european blackjack restrictions for us

(6) Is insurance offered?

yes

(7) Is the machine a "legitimate" blackjack game or does the machine rig the cards to assure the casino of a certain payoff?

not sure, seems to be just as streaky as online casino's though (positive and negative)

(8) What are the house odds?

not sure either

 

[ihate17]

My understanding

Is that the odds on the game can be programed in but the cards, like video poker must work in this case as a shoe games cards do.
The odds change by the programming of double and split restrictions, blackjack percentage payout and things like this.
The game is shuffled every hand.
Basically, it is the same as playing against a CSM. You will be at a disadvantage that can not be overcome.

 

[geneticfreak]

The ones at Delaware Park state on the instruction signage that they use a six deck shoe that is shuffled after 2/3 is dealt out. But there is no indication of when that actually happens.

 

[Kasi]

From what I've read, PA law requires no change in odds for a player as another player draws cards. To me, that means CSM or "infinite deck," both of which are unplayable.

That could be - guess I was hoping it just meant the cards would behave like a real deck of cards.

But either way, I'm not expecting a beatable card-counting game. I don't really care if they want to shuffle after every card or every hand. Low cost entertainment is fine with me.

Anyway, I gather West Virginia may have tables by November.

 

[ChefJJ]

From what I've read, PA law requires no change in odds for a player as another player draws cards. To me, that means CSM or "infinite deck," both of which are unplayable.

http://www.post-gazette.com/local/casino-news/2007/04/20/Gaming-board-approves-poker-blackjack-machines-at-state-s-casinos/stories/200704200323

From what this news article says, 21forme is right on. Infinite deck = crappy game.

I especially like the part in the article where the guy says that this will have a big impact on AC games because people visiting the Philly area casinos would save the drive. Anybody in the Philly area, including myself, who has a clue would rather drive the other 75 minutes to AC for BJ.

good luck

 

[shadroch]

http://www.post-gazette.com/local/casino-news/2007/04/20/Gaming-board-approves-poker-blackjack-machines-at-state-s-casinos/stories/200704200323

From what this news article says, 21forme is right on. Infinite deck = crappy game.

I especially like the part in the article where the guy says that this will have a big impact on AC games because people visiting the Philly area casinos would save the drive. Anybody in the Philly area, including myself, who has a clue would rather drive the other 75 minutes to AC for BJ.

good luck

You really think people will drive three hours round trip to play a game that to a non-counter is pretty much the same thing? Assuming those people even have access to a car in the first place?

 

[ChefJJ]

You really think people will drive three hours round trip to play a game that to a non-counter is pretty much the same thing? Assuming those people even have access to a car in the first place?

Why not? If there's only 5 seats per table and probably only a few tables in each casino...and there's what, a dozen or so casinos in AC with free booze???

No access to a car? Do you think that there is a different proportion of people who gamble that don't have ACCESS to a car than the general US population? That would be interesting to know, but I doubt it--this is Philly we're talking about, not NYC.

good luck

 

[Kasi]

Why not? If there's only 5 seats per table and probably only a few tables in each casino...and there's what, a dozen or so casinos in AC with free booze???

Not sure but I thought PA was offering free booze? No? Or is it just u can drink all night?

To me that would be like losing LS lol.

 

[Kasi]

The ones at Delaware Park state on the instruction signage that they use a six deck shoe that is shuffled after 2/3 is dealt out. But there is no indication of when that actually happens.

Do u know if Delaware has any rules by a gaming board or something that says just what they are allowed to do?

 

[Kasi]

You really think people will drive three hours round trip to play a game that to a non-counter is pretty much the same thing? Assuming those people even have access to a car in the first place?

No I don't think they would.

Philly is already killing AC in slot play depite the free booze difference if that is the case.

Most BJ players wouldn't know the effect of a rule anyway. Most aren't card-counters in any way whatsoever.

But time will tell!

 

[misterac]

Do u know if Delaware has any rules by a gaming board or something that says just what they are allowed to do?

The casinos in DE are run by the lottery commision, similar to the gaming commision in Jersey.

 

[ChefJJ]

Not sure but I thought PA was offering free booze? No? Or is it just u can drink all night?

To me that would be like losing LS lol.

I'm definitely not sure about free booze in PA slot parlors...I live here, but haven't gone. I'd rather go to AC, drive to Cinci (friends & fam there), or go to Mecca, er, Vegas.

Good points about non-counters probably not caring about the game...but I have friends that aren't counters, but would much rather go the extra distance to play "cards", shoot dice, jump from casino to casino, etc.

good luck

 

[shadroch]

With the price of gas and tolls,is it safe to say a trip from Philly to AC is about $20,or more?

 

[ChefJJ]

With the price of gas and tolls,is it safe to say a trip from Philly to AC is about $20,or more?

I'd say $25 round trip. Cost-prohibitive for some, probably...but think if there are 4 in a car, and especially if the 3 not driving want to drink.

Heck, crossing the Franklin or Whitman bridge costs almost as much money as the tolls on the Turnpike to AC.

But still...you're right, that is a big factor to many.

 

[21forme]

With the price of gas and tolls,is it safe to say a trip from Philly to AC is about $20,or more?

It's 55 miles, so that's ~2 gallons or ~$6 (NJ gas is cheaper than most - I paid $2.71 on the AC Expwy yesterday.)
There are 2 tolls on the AC Expwy, totalling $2.50.
It's $3 to cross one of the bridges from NJ back into PA around Phila (free going from PA into NJ.) If you take the I-95 bridge in the Trenton area, there's no toll.

 

[ChefJJ]

If you take the I-95 bridge in the Trenton area, there's no toll.

didn't know that....thanks.

 

[shadroch]

It's 55 miles, so that's ~2 gallons or ~$6 (NJ gas is cheaper than most - I paid $2.71 on the AC Expwy yesterday.)
There are 2 tolls on the AC Expwy, totalling $2.50.
It's $3 to cross one of the bridges from NJ back into PA around Phila (free going from PA into NJ.) If you take the I-95 bridge in the Trenton area, there's no toll.

I'm assuming you will be returning to Philly,as well.So double that,no?
Government figures it costs about 43 cents a mile to drive a car,at least thats what They reimbursed,the last time I did some work for them.