The March to 6:5: Strip Blackjack Conditions Deteriorate
Finding a playable game of blackjack on the Las Vegas Strip has become an exercise in extreme persistence. The proliferation of 6:5 payout ratios on blackjacks has systematically eroded player value, increasing the house edge by approximately 1.39% per hand.
The Math Behind the Payout
A standard 3:2 blackjack payout yields $15 on a $10 bet. A 6:5 payout yields only $12. Over the course of 100 hands (roughly one hour of play at a full table), a player betting $10 will lose an average of $30 more at a 6:5 table simply due to this rule change, assuming basic strategy.
| Rule Variation | Impact on House Edge |
|---|---|
| Blackjack pays 6:5 (instead of 3:2) | +1.39% |
| Dealer Hits Soft 17 (H17) | +0.22% |
| No Surrender allowed | +0.08% |
| Double After Split (DAS) permitted | -0.14% |
Where to Find 3:2 on the Strip (Low Limits)
As of late 2023, finding a 3:2 table with a minimum bet under $50 is rare. Best options include:
- Treasure Island (TI): Historically maintains a few $15 or $25 3:2 tables, often Double Deck.
- Tropicana (Until closure): Occasionally offered $15 3:2 games.
- Off-Strip / Downtown: Properties like El Cortez (Downtown) and South Point (South Blvd) remain bastions of playable limits, frequently offering $10 or $15 3:2 Double Deck games.
FAQ: Navigating the Pits
Why did casinos switch to 6:5?
Simple economics. Tourists unaware of the mathematical impact continue to play 6:5 games, allowing casinos to increase hold percentages without raising table minimums, which scares away casual players.
Should I play a $15 6:5 game or a $50 3:2 game?
If you are strictly playing for lowest expected loss (theo), a $15 6:5 table actually has a lower absolute loss per hour than a $50 3:2 table, simply because you are risking less capital. However, if your bankroll supports $50 bets, the 3:2 game is vastly superior in terms of fairness/edge.