Has the recent decline in travel created better blackjack conditions in the US? I'm not asking if the casinos are giving better penetration. But, are there more open tables, fewer players, better comps, or something else that could lead to more hands per hour or a better edge. The ticker on the bottom of CNN said that the casinos are having many layoffs, and occupancy is down 33%.
"Has the recent decline in travel created better blackjack conditions in the US?"
Yes, at least in Las Vegas. Last weekend I played heads-up for an extended period of time at a major downtown casino on Friday night!
Overheard conversation:
Dealer: "Sure is slow in here for a Friday night."
Pitboss: "Hell, it's slow for a Tuesday afternoon!"
The major strip casinos seemed to be hit the hardest, while most of the locals joints had near-normal crowds.
Minimums were down all over. I heard that one could find $10 double deck at TI on Saturday night.
If low minimums and uncrowded tables are your thing, now is the time to go.
Cause there aren't any customers at the tables. Other than that it is Shoe Heaven. The bigger the casino the worse they seem to be getting it. The smaller casinos seem to be closer to the old occupancy.
They are actually giving better pen. Every game in this town seems to have gotten a little bit better.
Cutter
Watch for an upcoming trip report on Green Chip in which I will describe playing blackjack at the Western in the wee hours with a table full of Hell's Angels.
A unique experience, to say the least. :-)
Parker,
You could've dressed up for the occasion and wore your leather, chains, and spikes.
My best cover (especially in places like Biloxi) is to put on a "white trash" act. I make myself look like someone who lives in a trailer park... Nascar and/or pro wrestling attire is the best way to exude the hillbilly look.
