QUESTION: I like playing blackjack on the video machines at the casino because I can take my time. However, I don't like losing all the time. Are my odds better at the table? Are the blackjack video machines just a random number generator programmed for, say, 90% payback? Or can they alter payout based on how the customer plays? — Raylon R.
ANSWER: All video blackjack machines use a random-number-generator software algorithm to determine the game's outcome. The RNG gives you a random shuffle, whereas your payback percentage is based on your overall play combined with the built-in rules of that particular machine.
Video blackjack is typically a one-deck game, and the deck is shuffled after each hand rather than playing to a virtual cut card, finishing the hand and then reshuffling.
The advantage of a video blackjack machine versus a live table game is the low bankroll needed to play. Plenty of 25-cent video blackjack games exist on the casino floor, some that even pay the full amount for a blackjack.
What could be affecting your losing all the time, Raylon, are video blackjack machines that don't pay you the true value of a blackjack (3 for 2). Most machines pay even money on natural 21s. Because you can expect a blackjack every 21 hands in live play, the loss of that bonus will cost you an additional 2.3%. Considering that a live blackjack game has a house advantage of less than 0.5% for the knowledgeable player, this one rule change is quite costly.
Also, some video blackjack machines round down on blackjack payoffs. If you happen to find a machine that pays the bonus for a blackjack, make wagers in even amounts so you can get the maximum value of a blackjack (a payoff of $3 for every $2 wagered). Otherwise, a dollar wagered will get you just a buck for your snapper. Always bet in two-unit increments.
Here are a few final tips to help turn your losing ways around.
Virtual Blackjack Online
Shuffle Master Gaming (Shufflemaster Inc.) is a company that was founded in 1992 by truck driver John Breeding. He had read about Atlantic City casinos' efforts to stop card counting, and in true entrepreneurial style, after finding this need, he came up with a plan to fill that need. Dec 25, 2014 If they aren't, its no different than dealing from a short deck or dealing seconds and these machines would certainly be illegal (assuming there is any kind of gaming regulation in florida). Of course these machines do use a RNG, but they are only used to shuffle and generate on order for the virtual deck(s) of cards.
■In addition to being less intimidating than a live game, video blackjack provides an opportunity for you to work on basic strategy. Basic strategy is nothing more than how you play your hand against the dealer's up card. If you play your hand correctly on a machine that pays in full for a blackjack, you can bring the house advantage to well under 1%.
■It is important to read and know all of the rules along with complementing playing strategies. For instance, I have seen a video blackjack game that stays on all 17s, which, by the way, decreases the house advantage by 0.22%. This same machine allows you to double after the split and split up to three hands and even allows you to surrender (usually on a single-deck game) half the bet after your first two cards. These are better playing conditions than most table blackjack games are offering these days.
■Finally, for the advanced player, most video blackjack machines operate using just one deck and shuffle after every round. If you happen upon one with multiple decks that shuffles when 50% of the cards have been used, it is possible to count cards.
Mark Pilarski is a contributing editor for numerous gambling publications. E-mail questions to pilarski@markpilarski.com.
Shufflemaster is one of the most common video blackjack machines. It seats five players and has two monitors. One displays the dealer and its hand, while the other shows the cards. These machines have been slowly phased out in Las Vegas, but are still common in other markets.
The most distinguishing feature of Shufflemaster video blackjack machines is the dealers. There is a rotation of female dealers dressed in skimpy outfits including lingerie and swimsuits. The backdrop is either a beach or casino. Early versions of this game included two male dealers that disappeared in newer releases. This may be due to the fact that the female dealers are better at drawing male players.
Different Versions of SHFL Blackjack Machines
All the previously mentioned slot types like 3D, video or classic are available on your demand.Canadian players like free online slots Canada just because they provide all the features that are implemented into a real money game. There is no risk to lose cash, the number of attempts is unlimited and all the winnings feel almost real when RNG is on your side. Free vegas slot games to play. It feels great to obtain pleasure and joy without any deposits and that is the main goal of any game as an entertaining tool.
SHFL machines offer several variations. Casinos may choose between a six-deck or single deck game. The six-deck game reshuffles after two-thirds of the shoe has been dealt. The game does not disclose the reshuffle point so counting is impossible. The single deck version reshuffles after each hand. Some casinos set single deck games to a 6-5 payout on natural blackjacks.
Blackjack Shoe Shuffle
All games offer double down on any two cards, double down after splitting, surrender and split once. The house may set whether the dealer hits or stays on a soft 17.
Side Bets
Some versions of Shufflemaster blackjack include side bets. The two most common are Bet the Set and Royal Match.
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Other Games Played
Shuffle Master Machine
Blackjack is not the only game available on these devices. There is software that spreads Ultimate Texas Hold’em, Let it Ride, Three Card Poker, Pai Gow Poker and Mississippi Stud Poker. Most of the machines still in service spread blackjack.
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