Stupid or Overly Generous

[Paul Cheng]

I was playing BJ at a casino in Joliet, Illinois, recently. They had new dealers who obviously had just gotten out of school. The player to my right had $100 down on his had, which by the cards, he had lost the hand. The dealer made a mistake and paid him instead of taking his money. No one said a thing at the table. Later, the pit boss informed the player that they had seen the mistake on tape and asked for the money back. The player to my horror complied. I'm just curious to know:
1) what if the player had refused
2) what should that player have done
I personally would have said no, but I'm curious as to what you all think.

 

[The Mayor]

Correct

The player was correct, he risks being barred from the casino for money that was not properly gained. Of course, once the mistake is made, he properly accepted the gratuity, but once caught, he correctly gave it back.

A good game is worth more than a sloppy $100. Preserving the game is where it's at.

--Mayor

 

[Coug Fan]

I would have asked to see the tape.

I would have politely but sternly requested to see the tape where this "alleged" mistake occurred. I doubt they would let you in to the surveilance room, so they would either have to set up a TV and VCR somewhere that the player is allowed, or they would have to demand their money without offering any proof. These are reasonable requests, but neither option is very attractive for the casino.

Actually, while I was at it, I would probably ask to see the tapes from the entire session (and maybe some past sessions as well) to make sure there were no offsetting "errors" that went the other way - "you know, I could have sworn that the dealer actually busted last Thursday night when I had a $100 bet out, but he picked up the cards too fast. Lets check that one as well". These are all things that the casino would have to prove in a court of law in order to get their money back (assuming we are not in Nevada where the casino's get to make up the laws). Bottom line is that I can't imagine that even the little mini casinos in my local area would want to make a big scene out of this for a measly $100, so that is the choice that I would try to give them.

Of course, there are alot of decent games in my area and competition between the casinos is fairly intense, which means that I can probably get away with more than some others. If I was in an area where this was one of only a few good games, then I would not make a big deal out of it, as Mayor suggests.

 

[learning to count]

Re: I would have asked to see the tape.

If confronted and you knew it was a mistake. Give it back and see thee PC's reaction. If the mistake happens and there is no instant realization then maybe it is time to go and eat lunch...in the next state prefferably. Better to be safe than sorry. I have alwasy been honest when confronted and have recieved better treatment and less heat. If you are a jerk you will be treated like one. On the other hand I have the spirit of the grifter in me. SO dinner may be ready and I have to leave. Just dont do anything that will be blamed on you. If it is the dealers fault then it is just that. His mistake.