Why would a casino have a 2:1 BJ promo?

[Dyepaintball12]

If a 2:1 promo on Blackjacks nets the player around a 2% advantage, why would a casino do this?

I can understand that they want to bring people in the doors but even the worst of players would still be playing with an edge. And if APs caught wind of it then they are in even worse trouble.


- Dye

 

[Cardcounter]

It is a promotion and only last for a very short period of time like one deck or one shoe. It is used to get players in the door. As a promotion it is one of the weaker promotions. I have gotten match plays that double your winnings if you win those are worth about 45%. I have gotten first card is an ace which can an increase your advantage by 45% on the hand! I have also gotten promo chips good for one bet but you can bet them anywhere. With those chips you should not play them on blackjack they are much better on an inside number in roulette.

 

[zengrifter]

I can understand that they want to bring people in the doors but even the worst of players would still be playing with an edge.

I disagree. It is a great promotion, though and we've seen them many times. zg

 

[StudiodeKadent]

Yeah, the 2:1 BJ promotion usually is a "coupon" form where you have to present the coupon to get a 2:1 payout on a BJ, and you only get it once.

So it is not as expensive as the effect on house edge would indicate.

 

[zengrifter]

Yeah, the 2:1 BJ promotion usually is a "coupon" form where you have to present the coupon to get a 2:1 payout on a BJ, and you only get it once.

We've seen many 2-1 promos that last up to an hour or more of play. zg

 

[Tarzan]

Back in the "good ol' days"

To see this is unheard of anymore but it was a common promotion in Vegas at one time. Certain days of the week, not just a few shoes, but all day all night there was a 2:1 payout on all blackjacks at certain casinos back in the 80's. "But how could they do this?" you ask... well, it's EASY! The casinos still raked it in during these promotions. You are assuming that everyone plays perfect strategy and counts to have an advantage? They did neither for the most part and the players lost overall as usual!

I used to be at Bob Stupak's Vegasworld every Wed. and Sun. for the 2:1 action along with a few other odd places that did the same promotion. It pulled in the players and the casinos made money like crazy; It was the first time and place for putting my counting system to the test with real money. Stupid players play stupid no matter what the circumstances, so you think an extra percentage point or two is going to make any difference to a really crazed gambler hell bent on slapping it out there and not thinking rationally? The casinos still made plenty of money with a 2:1 blackjack promotion back then.


Blackjack these days is so pathetic compared to back then and I haven't seen or heard of a 2:1 blackjack payout promotion for many years. I have a hard time even finding a game worth playing anymore. I stroll past 25 cent ante $1 tables that are packed in and I realize that to this day, stupid players play stupid no matter what the circumstances.

 

[bigplayer]

To see this is unheard of anymore but it was a common promotion in Vegas at one time. Certain days of the week, not just a few shoes, but all day all night there was a 2:1 payout on all blackjacks at certain casinos back in the 80's. "But how could they do this?" you ask... well, it's EASY! The casinos still raked it in during these promotions. You are assuming that everyone plays perfect strategy and counts to have an advantage? They did neither for the most part and the players lost overall as usual!

I used to be at Bob Stupak's Vegasworld every Wed. and Sun. for the 2:1 action along with a few other odd places that did the same promotion. It pulled in the players and the casinos made money like crazy; It was the first time and place for putting my counting system to the test with real money. Stupid players play stupid no matter what the circumstances, so you think an extra percentage point or two is going to make any difference to a really crazed gambler hell bent on slapping it out there and not thinking rationally? The casinos still made plenty of money with a 2:1 blackjack promotion back then.


Blackjack these days is so pathetic compared to back then and I haven't seen or heard of a 2:1 blackjack payout promotion for many years. I have a hard time even finding a game worth playing anymore. I stroll past 25 cent ante $1 tables that are packed in and I realize that to this day, stupid players play stupid no matter what the circumstances.

The promo does bring in lots of business. It should be a regular part of any casino's business plan.

 

[Blue Efficacy]

The problem is enough players nowadays play close enough to basic strategy (at least at places that cater to locals) that such a promotion would easily lose money.

Not hitting 12 vs 2 or 3 and not playing your soft 18s right will not overcome the disadvantage to the house by 2:1 BJ.

 

[NightStalker]

I think it is 3:1 now

1char

 

[Shoofly]

The problem is enough players nowadays play close enough to basic strategy (at least at places that cater to locals) that such a promotion would easily lose money. /QUOTE]

At the location I play (Midwest), very few play anywhere near BS. They will almost never hit A7 v 10 or 12 v 3, and complain loudly when I do. Splitting 10's will clear the table, (not a bad strategy in a high count.)

 

[creeping panther]

2.1

In Nov 2007 a large casino in the, UP, for the entire month had a 2.1, the rules were you must be betting $21 to win the promo, so for the entire month on DD or the great 6d they paid this 24-7.

Players camped out on either the fine dd or great 6d and flat bet $21 on 2 spots for the entire month.

CP

 

[moo321]

In Nov 2007 a large casino in the, UP, for the entire month had a 2.1, the rules were you must be betting $21 to win the promo, so for the entire month on DD or the great 6d they paid this 24-7.

Players camped out on either the fine dd or great 6d and flat bet $21 on 2 spots for the entire month.

CP

That's not bad. About $30 an hour, no heat.

 

[Blue Efficacy]

The problem is enough players nowadays play close enough to basic strategy (at least at places that cater to locals) that such a promotion would easily lose money. /QUOTE]

At the location I play (Midwest), very few play anywhere near BS. They will almost never hit A7 v 10 or 12 v 3, and complain loudly when I do. Splitting 10's will clear the table, (not a bad strategy in a high count.)

You're missing the point. Those are the plays everyone DOES screw up on. But most players know the basics (double on 10 or 11, don't hit vs bust cards, etc.) to the point where these errors would still have the house at an easy disadvantage for 2:1 BJ. The house just isn't given a huge addition to their edge by players misplaying 12 and soft 18.

 

[moo321]

You're missing the point. Those are the plays everyone DOES screw up on. But most players know the basics (double on 10 or 11, don't hit vs bust cards, etc.) to the point where these errors would still have the house at an easy disadvantage for 2:1 BJ. The house just isn't given a huge addition to their edge by players misplaying 12 and soft 18.

I dunno, the players in the UP are the worst I've ever seen by far. We're talking hitting out all stiffs even against bust cards, standing on 13 vs. A.

 

[Friendo]

I dunno, the players in the UP...

I'm guessing Upper Peninsula, but perhaps you mean Union Pacific? Do you play against engineers and brakemen when they're between shifts?

 

[alwayssplitaces]

In Nov 2007 a large casino in the, UP, for the entire month had a 2.1, the rules were you must be betting $21 to win the promo, so for the entire month on DD or the great 6d they paid this 24-7.

Players camped out on either the fine dd or great 6d and flat bet $21 on 2 spots for the entire month.

CP

Why would players only be betting $21? You would think they'd bet table max.

 

[moo321]

Why would players only be betting $21? You would think they'd bet table max.

Read the post again...

 

[alwayssplitaces]

Read the post again...

Whoops, I misread that and assumed at least $21.