Servers, valets, bartenders, housekeepers — you’re already familiar with tipping many of the service personnel you encounter on a daily basis. But dealers are unique to the casino world, so tipping can pose a dilemma to the gambling novice. When do you tip? How much do you give? How exactly does the money change hands? This section helps pare down when tipping your dealer is appropriate and how to tip correctly.
High rollers may want to ignore my warning aboutthe dangers of casino credit. But if you’re a serious gambler (bankroll of $20,000 or higher), you may, in fact, have several good reasons to obtain a line of credit ratherthan play with cash.
The main advantage of credit is safety. Traveling to and from casinos with pockets full of C-notes can be a risky proposition. Also, when you gamble with markers, the casino can track your action more easily. As a result, you qualify for higher levels of comps and make the A-list for special casino events and functions.
Most casinos around the world comp high rollers to room, food, and beverage (RFB), but that’s only the beginning. Other perks may include taking a free limo from the airport and skipping those long, tedious lines at check-in or at restaurants and showrooms. And frequently casinos comp airfare for their biggest bettors.
For exceptionally high rollers, comps can be truly over the top. I’ve been flown to big ball games, and my friend Mike Aponte (one of the most successful players on the MIT blackjack team) was whisked off to Vail for some skiing, followed by a jet to the Caribbean for sand and sun. These perks are certainly appealing and just may entice you to step up to the big leagues.
But remember, for most players, the more they gamble, the more they lose. And just because you have money to burn doesn’t mean you should. Bill Gates is, without question, one of the richest men on the planet. But whenever he plays poker in Las Vegas, Billionaire Bill sticks to the $3 to $6 tables, which is probably a good life lesson for everyone else. So play free online blackjack!
Blackjack has undergone many revisions and changes over the years. Some of these variations have stuck, and others have disappeared. My advice: Steer clear of the hybrids and stick to plain, old, basic blackjack. One of the more popular hybrid games is called 6-5 blackjack. It may look like a normal game, but, because it pays only 6 to 5 on blackjacks ($12for every $10
bet), this variation doesn’t provide the return that a traditional game offers. Stay clear of it.
Other more-common new breeds of blackjack are Spanish 21, Super Fun 21, and Double Exposure. If you’re ever unsure of the rules at your favorite casino, just ask, because games and rules often change - know them before you’ll play black jack.
