Best Blackjack Las Vegas

1. Best Las Vegas blackjack game Some high limit salons on the Las Vegas Strip offer a stand on all 17 double deck blackjack game. It allows double down before and after spitting, but aces may not be re-split. This game is typically $50 at Treasure Island, $100 at Aria, Bellagio, Mandalay Bay, Mirage and Park MGM and $200 at MGM Grand.
2. All other downtown Las Vegas blackjack games outside Circa's high limit hit soft 17. Circa is located on the former Las Vegas Club block. It is sports themed, carrying on the property's tradition. Circa's sportsbook is the largest in the world. Related: 2021 Las Vegas Blackjack Survey. Best downtown Las Vegas blackjack game.
3. Whether you're looking for twists on your favorite card game or the casino with the best atmosphere, MGM Resorts provides some of the best spots to play blackjack in Las Vegas.

• Best Blackjack Las Vegas
• Best Blackjack Las Vegas Strip

Blackjack Playing Strategy. The goal of every round of blackjack is to get as close as possible to 21, without going over. Here are some basic rules of how to play your cards, so you can start off with a consistent strategy and eventually develop your own feel for betting and changing the amount of chips you place on the table.

The great game of blackjack isn't what it used to be, especially if you're gambling in city of Las Vegas.

Casinos lining the beloved 'Strip' in Sin City have become increasingly dominated by corporate ownership. MGM Resorts operates nine venues on The Strip, while chief rival Caesars Entertainment oversees eight more.

Gone are the glory days of independent gambling halls run by actual players like Benny Binion at the Horseshoe in Downtown Las Vegas. Instead, corporatization of The Strip has managed to turn even blackjack – the ultimate skill-player's gambling game – into a money-making engine for the house.

Under the original gameplay setup for blackjack, players who were dealt a natural 21 – comprised of any ace paired with any 10-value (10, J, Q, or K) card – earned a premium payout of 3 to 2 on their wager. That meant folks betting the $5 standard minimum collected $7.50 on their blackjacks, while $100 high-rollers pocketed a sweet $150 score.

Eventually though, Las Vegas' new wave of corporate casino overlords decided to commit the cardinal sin – trying to fix what ain't broken. Put more accurately, the casinos broke blackjack.

By tweaking the payout on natural blackjacks downward – making it 6 to 5 on your bet instead of 3 to 2 – shrewd casino operators realized that they could squeeze out significant slices of additional equity on the game. With just a single deceptively simple change to the game's fundamental rules, blackjack suddenly became far less favorable to the player.

Blackjack in Vegas Today

Nowadays, playing blackjack on The Strip for anything other than high-stakes action means you'll only get 6 to 5 on the game's best hand. For $5 bettors, that lowers the payout from $7.50 to $6, while $100 per hand players see their premium cut down from $150 to $120.

There is an article by Forbes.com from 2018 that you can read if you're interested in the subject of the bastardization of blackjack.

As the article makes clear, casinos couldn't abide blackjack's 3 to 2 setup, which affords skilled players who wield advanced blackjack methods like basic strategy with a razor thin house edge of 0.40 percent in multiple-deck shoe games.

By overhauling their blackjack inventories to spread mostly 6 to 5 tables, casinos on The Strip multiplied their house edge all the way to 2 percent and higher (depending on other house rules).

Yep, you read that right… even if you play perfectly by applying basic strategy on every decision, 6 to 5 blackjack tables make the house edge against you skyrocketed by a multiple of 5x.

In the aforementioned profile of Las Vegas' blackjack scene published by Forbes, the link between 6 to 5 payouts and blackjack's declining popularity is laid out in agonizing detail:

'Proponents of 6:5 and the other edge-padding rule changes argue that the vast majority of customers don't know the difference.

Walking a casino floor and seeing 6:5 tables packed with smiling players, they might be right. But the numbers tell a different story.

Zeus 3 slot. Since 2000, the number of blackjack tables in the state of Nevada has fallen by over 31 percent. Yes, but the amount casinos win from blackjack is still the same, some might argue, so things aren't that bad.

Factoring in inflation, though, the amount Nevada casinos have won at blackjack has fallen by 46 percent.'

This has been the sad status quo in Las Vegas for the last two decades or so, and today, savvy gamblers who know their stuff largely avoid The Strip. They might visit the area's glitzy mega-resorts to shop or see a show, but sharp blackjack players wouldn't be caught dead doubling down in these money pits.

Instead, experienced blackjack players who prefer the game to be played as God intended take their bankrolls to any number of 'Off-Strip' casinos. These smaller, more intimate venues cater to locals and grinders who look for the best value, so they're happy to compete with corporations on The Strip by offering 3 to 2 blackjack tables and liberal house rules.

To help you find an Off-Strip casino during your next blackjack adventure in Sin City, check the list below for seven great options where 3 to 2 blackjack is still available.

1 – El Cortez Hotel & Casino in Downtown

Every year, intrepid gamblers head out into the brutal heat with one mission in mind – to survey Las Vegas' blackjack scene and identify the very best tables in town.

And every year, these surveys reveal the historic El Cortez Casino to be the very best place to play in the entire city. I'm not limiting that honor to Off-Strip joints only either… there's no better blackjack game in all of Las Vegas than the 3 to 2 tables at El Cortez.

Located in Downtown Las Vegas on Fremont Street, the El Cortez has been serving value-minded gamblers since 1941. When you sit down to play blackjack there, you'll feel that sense of history coming through in the traditional house rules.

The 11 tables at El Cortez which pay 3 to 2 also utilize the old single-deck design. That means you won't be playing with a shoe holding six or eight decks. Instead, the dealer will reshuffle the same 52 cards after a few hands have been dealt.

As you might imagine, single-deck blackjack in and of itself benefits the player immensely. After all, you don't have to be a savant-like card counter to make a basic judgment on whether more low or high cards have hit the felt.

Fruity burst slot. Even better, you don't have to bet bigger for the privilege of enjoying those great odds. Low-stakes players can get in on the fun for minimum bets of only $5, another holdover from Las Vegas' halcyon days where players mattered more than profits.

2 – M Resort in Henderson

El Cortez has the second-lowest house edge on blackjack, but the very lowest in all of Las Vegas can be found at the M Resort in Henderson.

Players at the M enjoy a miniscule 0.14 percent house edge at three different 3 to 2 tables. American dad games. These are double-deck games rather than single-deck, and the minimum bet stands at $25, so players on a limited bankroll should obviously start their journey at El Cortez instead.

The M also dozens of other 3 to 2 tables using slightly more house-friendly rules, but the house edge always stays at 0.56 percent or lower.

3 – Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Paradise Rd.

It isn't technically located along Las Vegas Boulevard, so the Hard Rock makes the cut, but it's only a few blocks from all the neon and nightlife.

You'll find six 3 to 2 tables in total here, four of which are six-deck games carrying a house edge of just 0.26 percent. That rate is created by having the dealer stand on soft 17, rather than hit, which benefits the player by about 0.2 percent on average. Silver affiliate programs.

Be prepared to bet big, however, as the Hard Rock's best blackjack tables call for a $100 minimum.

4 – The Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino on Flamingo Rd.

Best known as the home of World Series of Poker (WSOP) tournaments, the Rio is only a couple minutes westward from the heart of The Strip.

If you make the trip, you'll find six 3 to 2 tables using the same $100 minimum, dealer stands on soft 17, six-deck shoe, 0.26 percent house edge setup used by the Hard Rock.

5 – Westgate Resort & Casino on Paradise Rd.

The Westgate offers some sweet blackjack value only minutes from The Strip.

Two tables here carry a 0.26 percent house edge with 3 to 2 payouts, dealer stands, and six-deck shoes – all for a $50 minimum.

6 – Aliante Casino, Hotel, and Spa in North Las Vegas

Circling back to the ultimate value of $5 minimum bets, the Aliante is home to a whopping 15 double-deck tables with 3 to 2 payouts and a house edge of 0.35 percent.

If you head down to Aliante, be sure to check out their other tables games, too. As seen below, their website offers a variety of ways to gamble at this casino.

7 – Arizona Charlie's on Boulder Highway

Double-deck fans will find three tables at 0.35 percent house edge and $10 minimum bets at Arizona Charlie's along the 'Boulder Strip.'

Conclusion

Once you memorize and master basic strategy, game selection becomes the most essential skill used to level the playing field in blackjack. Just like sharp video poker players never waste money on machines that don't offer a 'full pay' table, blackjack enthusiasts should always avoid the inferior 6 to 5 tables.

When you're gambling on The Strip though, that's all but impossible, so take full advantage of the list above to guide your exploration of Las Vegas' invaluable collection of Off-Strip casinos.

Las Vegas offers numerous opportunities to enjoy blackjack. In fact, Sin City features hundreds of blackjack tables.

That said, you may be at a loss when it comes to choosing a table. Furthermore, you might just take the first available seat. However, you can boost your chances of winning greatly by putting some thought in the matter.

The following guide discusses what to consider when picking Vegas blackjack games. It also covers which casinos offer the best games regarding the house edge, favorable rules, and affordable stakes.

What Makes a Worthwhile Blackjack Game?

Best Blackjack Las Vegas

Unlike slot machines, blackjack actually gives you an opportunity to influence the house edge through skill. Therefore, you can improve your chances of winning by using strategy. Blackjack strategy isn't hard to learn, but it does take a little bit of work.

However, strategy only takes you so far with blackjack. You also need to look for a table with favorable rules so that you stand a better chance of winning.

The stakes should play a role in which table you choose as well—especially if you're a low roller. Below, you can check out how all of these aspects are helpful in picking a blackjack table.

Low House Edge

This house edge directly affects your long-term chances of winning. Simply put, a lower house gives you a better opportunity to win.

That said, you definitely want to choose Las Vegas blackjack games that feature low house advantages. Here are some of the top Sin City casinos in this regard:

• M Resort – 0.19%
• Aria – 0.26%
• Bellagio – 0.26%
• Mandalay Bay – 0.26%
• MGM Grand – 0.26%
• Mirage – 0.26%
• Park MGM – 0.26%
• Treasure Island – 0.26%
• Palace Station – 0.40%
• Palms – 0.40%
• Red Rock – 0.40%
• Silverton – 0.40%

Favorable Rules

Along with strategy, the rules play a huge part in the advantage for the house. You stand a better opportunity of making money when player-friendly rules are present.

Here are some important rules you need to be conscious of:

• 3:2 blackjack payouts reduces the house advantage by 1.39% (versus 6:5 payouts).
• Single-deck blackjack lowers the house edge by 0.58% (versus eight decks).
• Doubling down on any total lowers the house advantage by 0.25% (versus being restricted to 9 through 11).
• Dealer stands on a soft 17 lowers the house advantage by 0.2% (versus hitting).
• Doubling down after you split (DAS) lowers the house advantage by 0.17% (versus no DAS).

Others rules can affect the house advantage as well. However, the ones presented above are especially crucial.

Low Stakes

Any of the Vegas blackjack games with low house edges feature high stakes. This is perfectly fine if you don't mind risking $50 or $100 per hand. However, it takes a major toll when you don't have the funds to play high limits.

If you're a low roller, then you should seek tables that offer a combination of good rules and low stakes. Unlikely, Sin City provides a fair number of tables with this perfect combo.

Here are some Las Vegas casinos that offer player-friendly games with low stakes:

• Lucky Club – $1 minimum bet; 0.64%
• Poker Palace – $2 minimum bet; 0.41%
• Joker's Wild – $3 minimum bet; 0.78%
• Sam's Town – $3 minimum bet; 0.78%
• Aliante Casino – $5 minimum bet; 0.46%
• Arizona Charlie's: Decatur – $5 minimum bet; 0.46%
• California – $5 minimum bet; 0.60%
• Cannery – $5 minimum bet; 0.46%
• Club Fortune – $5 minimum bet; 0.46%
• Eastside Cannery – $5 minimum bet; 0.46%
• El Cortez – $5 minimum bet; 0.46%
• Fiesta Henderson – $5 minimum bet; 0.46%

Which Vegas Casinos Offer the Best Blackjack Action?

Your personal preferences will come into play when deciding which Las Vegas casinos offer the best real money blackjack action.

For example, you may value a low house more than anything. In this case, you should seek games with the lowest house advantages.

Assuming you're dealing with a rather limited bankroll, then you need to really consider the stakes as well. A low house edge is always nice, but it can still result in an expensive game if the minimum stakes are $50 or $100.

Las Vegas offers numerous opportunities to enjoy blackjack. In fact, Sin City features hundreds of blackjack tables.

That said, you may be at a loss when it comes to choosing a table. Furthermore, you might just take the first available seat. However, you can boost your chances of winning greatly by putting some thought in the matter.

The following guide discusses what to consider when picking Vegas blackjack games. It also covers which casinos offer the best games regarding the house edge, favorable rules, and affordable stakes.

What Makes a Worthwhile Blackjack Game?

Best Blackjack Las Vegas

Unlike slot machines, blackjack actually gives you an opportunity to influence the house edge through skill. Therefore, you can improve your chances of winning by using strategy. Blackjack strategy isn't hard to learn, but it does take a little bit of work.

However, strategy only takes you so far with blackjack. You also need to look for a table with favorable rules so that you stand a better chance of winning.

The stakes should play a role in which table you choose as well—especially if you're a low roller. Below, you can check out how all of these aspects are helpful in picking a blackjack table.

Low House Edge

This house edge directly affects your long-term chances of winning. Simply put, a lower house gives you a better opportunity to win.

That said, you definitely want to choose Las Vegas blackjack games that feature low house advantages. Here are some of the top Sin City casinos in this regard:

• M Resort – 0.19%
• Aria – 0.26%
• Bellagio – 0.26%
• Mandalay Bay – 0.26%
• MGM Grand – 0.26%
• Mirage – 0.26%
• Park MGM – 0.26%
• Treasure Island – 0.26%
• Palace Station – 0.40%
• Palms – 0.40%
• Red Rock – 0.40%
• Silverton – 0.40%

Favorable Rules

Along with strategy, the rules play a huge part in the advantage for the house. You stand a better opportunity of making money when player-friendly rules are present.

Here are some important rules you need to be conscious of:

• 3:2 blackjack payouts reduces the house advantage by 1.39% (versus 6:5 payouts).
• Single-deck blackjack lowers the house edge by 0.58% (versus eight decks).
• Doubling down on any total lowers the house advantage by 0.25% (versus being restricted to 9 through 11).
• Dealer stands on a soft 17 lowers the house advantage by 0.2% (versus hitting).
• Doubling down after you split (DAS) lowers the house advantage by 0.17% (versus no DAS).

Others rules can affect the house advantage as well. However, the ones presented above are especially crucial.

Low Stakes

Any of the Vegas blackjack games with low house edges feature high stakes. This is perfectly fine if you don't mind risking $50 or $100 per hand. However, it takes a major toll when you don't have the funds to play high limits.

If you're a low roller, then you should seek tables that offer a combination of good rules and low stakes. Unlikely, Sin City provides a fair number of tables with this perfect combo.

Here are some Las Vegas casinos that offer player-friendly games with low stakes:

• Lucky Club – $1 minimum bet; 0.64%
• Poker Palace – $2 minimum bet; 0.41%
• Joker's Wild – $3 minimum bet; 0.78%
• Sam's Town – $3 minimum bet; 0.78%
• Aliante Casino – $5 minimum bet; 0.46%
• Arizona Charlie's: Decatur – $5 minimum bet; 0.46%
• California – $5 minimum bet; 0.60%
• Cannery – $5 minimum bet; 0.46%
• Club Fortune – $5 minimum bet; 0.46%
• Eastside Cannery – $5 minimum bet; 0.46%
• El Cortez – $5 minimum bet; 0.46%
• Fiesta Henderson – $5 minimum bet; 0.46%

Which Vegas Casinos Offer the Best Blackjack Action?

Your personal preferences will come into play when deciding which Las Vegas casinos offer the best real money blackjack action.

For example, you may value a low house more than anything. In this case, you should seek games with the lowest house advantages.

Assuming you're dealing with a rather limited bankroll, then you need to really consider the stakes as well. A low house edge is always nice, but it can still result in an expensive game if the minimum stakes are $50 or $100.

Here's a comparison between two games that illustrate this point:

• You play 100 hands.
• You place the minimum bet every time.
• The house advantage is 0.8%.
• 100 x 10 x 0.008 = $8 in theoretical losses

• You play 100 hands.
• You place the minimum bet each time.
• The house advantage is 0.4%.
• 100 x 50 x 0.004 = $20 in theoretical losses

As can be seen, the second game offers a more-favorable house edge. But its $50 minimum bet leads to more theoretical losses.

Of course, you may not be shackled by small bankroll and, thus, are willing to place higher bets. In this case, you may only care about the house advantage.

If you're like most players, though, you need to take the minimum wager into account. The goal in this scenario is to find casinos that feature both a low house edge and reasonable stakes. You can return to the previous section for recommendations in this regard.

Most of the Best Games Offer 2-6 Decks

Assuming you're searching for blackjack tables with the perfect mix of a small house edge, fair rules, and low stakes, then you'll find that most of these games feature between two and six decks.

Single-deck blackjack typically draws many blackjack players' attention. After all, you can't do any better in terms of decks.

However, the number of decks is only one aspect of the house edge. You also need to consider the other rules that make up a quality game.

When looking at Vegas, many of these games feature between two and six decks. For whatever reason, most casinos offer their best blackjack rules at two-, four-, and six-deck tables.

Of course, this isn't to say that you can't still locate good games with one or eight decks. Caesars palace slot finder. You just won't find them with as great of frequency.

Do You Want to Play on the Strip or Downtown?

Las Vegas is comprised of several sections, including the Strip, North Vegas, and downtown. The Strip is definitely the most-glamorous section of Sin City.

It offers some of the world's most-lavish casinos and impressive amenities. You can truly play blackjack in style at these venues.

The Strip also features plenty of blackjack tables with low house edges. The catch, though, is that you normally must bet between $25 and $200 to enjoy these games.

Assuming you don't want to risk this much just to play in Vegas' priciest street, then you can head to North Vegas or downtown.

Best Blackjack Las Vegas Strip

Both sections offer tables with below 0.50% house edges along with $5-$10 minimum bets. These are the perfect places to gamble as a low-stakes player.

The trade-off, though, is that you sacrifice amenities for better blackjack games. Downtown and North Vegas don't feature the same awe-inspiring resorts that the Strip does.

Of course, you can always stay somewhere else and still play at off-Strip casinos. You'll just need to find transportation to and from these establishments.

The other side of the coin is that you might feel perfectly comfortable staying off the Strip. If so, then you can enjoy excellent blackjack action at, or near, the same place you stay.

Conclusion

You won't be at a loss for finding blackjack action in Sin City. As explained above, though, you shouldn't just sit down to the first table you see.

Vegas blackjack games differ greatly regarding stakes and house edge. Your goal should be to find the best tables in terms of the house advantage and affordable bets.

Some casinos feature below a 0.3% house edge on certain tables! The best part is that you don't even need to wager $50-$100 to play on these tables when at the right casino. Be sure to consult this guide before heading out to play blackjack in Las Vegas.