The past year has been tumultuous for blackjack in Las Vegas. Many casinos, especially on the Vegas Strip, are changing rules of the game in order to increase the house edge and generate more profit. The casino business is in flux right now and trying to find ways to earn more revenue, while making their games more appealing to younger customers. That’s not an easy task.
Truth be told many of the younger casino customers weren’t alive in the “glory days of blackjack” and aren’t familiar with optimal blackjack strategy and counting cards to the point where the player could turn the house edge in their favor. The youngest visitors to Las Vegas may never know that you were paid 3:2 when being dealt blackjack instead of 6:5. Sure, everyone wants a fair game but some people are just looking for a fun time with a little blackjack and a few drinks. Here are 10 of the best places to play blackjack in Las Vegas.
1. Golden Gate
The Golden Gate is a very small casino in Downtown Las Vegas. That small stature is what makes the blackjack games so much fun. The tight quarters, quick drink service, loud music and dancing dealers make this casino feel like it’s going to burst at the seams. The 3:2 blackjack games allow your money to a little longer so you can keep the party going.
2. Encore
Wynn Las Vegas has two towers and both offer fun blackjack games. The crowd at Encore tends to skew a little younger than Wynn. During the day the scene is relaxed but that changes at night when the nightclubs open and the party-goers descend on the property. Not everyone will play blackjack but you can feel a boost in energy on the casino floor. The different luxurious environments make this one of the best places to play blackjack.
3. El Cortez
If you’re looking for the best low rolling blackjack game in Las Vegas just head downtown to El Cortez. You’ll find a $5 single deck blackjack game with a house edge of only 0.19346%. This is a low roller blackjack game so don’t expect to break the bank. In case you need it, this game is a great excuse to take in one of the most old school casinos in Las Vegas.
4. Treasure Island
TI is home to some of the few 3:2 blackjack games that you’ll find on the Vegas Strip with minimums under $25. Head here if you’re on the Vegas Strip and just looking for a good blackjack game with reasonable limits.
5. Planet Hollywood
The Pleasure Pit at Planet Hollywood may or may not have been the first party pit in Las Vegas but it’s easily one of the best and most fun. This is not a blackjack game for serious players since they pay 6:5 and have a $25 minimum wager. This is a blackjack game for people that want to hang out, while listening to loud music, with dealers dressed in lingerie and go-go dancers behind them.
6. The D
Dancing dealers hit the casino floor at 6 p.m. and the party begins at The D in downtown Las Vegas. The music on the main casino floor almost doubles in volume at this time. Music is bumping, girls are dancing, drinks are flying and you have a good 3:2 blackjack game to enjoy. If you’re looking for a party atmosphere and low limits this is the casino for you.
7. Wynn
Customers at Wynn Las Vegas tend to be older and that makes for a more relaxed blackjack experience. You’ll often find older blackjack players to be more knowledgeable on the strategy which can make for a better experience than some of the low rolling games and party pits. Drinkers will notice that they’ll get some of the best drinks and drink service of any blackjack games on the Vegas Strip.
8. Linq
The Linq is right in the center of the Vegas Strip and often has a lot of people shuffling in and out of the casino. The property is marketed to younger customers but you’ll find people of all ages here. The vibe is laid back but fun. In fact, there’s really no specific vibe at The Linq and that allows people to be themselves. This makes for a low key but fun time at the blackjack tables.
9. The Palazzo
The Palazzo has massive and comfortable casino. Some might think the building is too large for their comfort but that’s what makes it a good place to play blackjack. Some of the excitement from the casino gets lost in the high ceilings. The tables are spaced wide enough apart so that you’re never back to back with someone. The table area is so long that you can almost always find a game. This is great for a larger group of people.
10. The Cosmopolitan
The Cosmo wasn’t built on people gambling. It’s one of the best properties for eating, drinking and clubbing. After opening, the Cosmo changed that up a little and opened the Bond blackjack pit just inside of the Vegas Strip entrances. There’s a DJ bumping jams, choreographed dancers in the middle of the games, shimmering tables and quick drink service. This is not subdued like the other blackjack games at the Cosmopolitan.
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Do you have a favorite place to play blackjack in Las Vegas? Join in the discussion and let us know.
