Where are the friendly blackjack dealers?

My husband and I returned to LV in November for the first time in 11 years, after being pretty regular visitors prior to that hiatus. We like to alternate between video poker and blackjack. We are what I would call educated recreational gamblers. We know basic strategy for blackjack, we know our video poker strategy - but when we go to Las Vegas, it's for a rare vacation and we like to have fun too. On this last trip, we played blackjack at Sun Coast, Rampart and South Point. We were stunned by the stoney-faced, silent dealers we ran into. The only exceptions were one woman who appeared to be a very experienced dealer at South Point who was at least pleasant, and a new hire at South Point who said she had previously been a dealer at Harrahs who was actually friendly. Another woman at South Point (I think from Bulgaria) at whose table we sat managed little more than a grunt, as did most of the other dealers we encountered. A smile was positively out of the question.

We're not looking to share life stories, but what ever happened to wishing a player good luck when they buy in and receive their chips? A little well-wishing on a double down? Some friendly table chatter? A smile and welcome to the table? Just sitting there grinding through cards is not the entertainment we're looking for. It made me wonder - is this is what is being mandated by casino management? Or taught in dealer's school? Because it was certainly a different experience than our many previous visits to Las Vegas.

Is there a casino that deals a decent blackjack game that still has pleasant, if not <gasp> friendly dealers? We're coming back again end of February and will be looking for other places to play.

Some / a portion of Vegas blackjack dealers, and other service-related providers, are overworked and strained via management practices. That likely applies to most of those who don't work the high limit rooms at the high end properties. I'd suggest 3:2 games at Boulder Station (off Strip on Boulder Hwy), Downtown Grand (downtown), and Treasure Island  (Strip). Those all offer reasonable rules at low / moderate minimums for 3:2 games. and I've never experienced a screaming, recalcitrant dealer at any of those based on sporadic play. Good hunting.

Thanks Nines. We used to really like playing at TI; the blackjack survey on the Wizard of Vegas site shows their lowest minimum at $15. Has that been your experience? We often play during off times - mid-week and mid-day. Haven't been to the Downtown Grand so we'll put that on the list too.

It was playing a $2 minimum table at TI on my first trip to Vegas that the dealer introduced the entire table to playing a betting progression that I still use on occassion - we had a great time! That's the kind of interaction I'd love to find again. And that gives you an idea how long ago my first trip was - try finding a $2 table on the strip now!

Here's the sad truth: many dealers are supervised by bosses who think that any of them will cheat, given the slightest opportunity. They feel that any dealer acting too friendly with the customers is getting ready to "dump" money.

An additional factor is that the lemmings, to even the casinos' surprise, are continuing to rush into Vegas and splatter themselves all over the pavement, despite the gouge, despite terrible customer service, and despite shitty gambling. So why bother to tell the dealers to be pleasant?

Here's my heartfelt suggestion. Quit Vegas. Go to Reno instead. The experience will be like night and day.

Yes, I don't think you can find better overall blackjack conditions on the Strip than TI under the discussed situation ( rules and minimums, etc.). I've seen consistent $10 minimums for 3:2 games ( multideck) on early weekday mornings ( up to about 10 AM) during several trips last year. Keep in mind these conditions / minimums can change at a moment's notice but it's been a fairly consistent situation I've personally experienced several times within the past year. Further, they grandfathered the $10 minimums for early players when newcomers were exposed to minimum hikes (still reasonable at $15/ hand).  No dealer ever spit / cussed at me here. They offer S17 games in high limit for $50/hand if interested.

More recent Vegas BJ info at the below link ( a free resource; there's also BJ21 but you'll have to pay for that):

https://vegasadvantage.com/vegas-best-advantage-awards/

Nothing that site says is even remotely correct!

Then don't use it, Buford. Is BJ21 worthless as well? Does your extensive / intensive Vegas blackjack insider info network have golden nuggets of insight to steer BJ players to the best games for all at all times? Do you call those insider people at night from Oregon and input BJ condition info on an Excel spread sheet so you can steer people in this forum when they ask simple questions? Your resources are also apparently bonafide experts in all table games and VP games as well which this article addressed. You ought to start charging for your info and expertise..put it all to productive good use.

To my knowledge, the husband and wife team that runs Vegas Advantage has some credibility, and that entire article is just an opinion piece on their site and they label it as such. He also states that minimums and rules can change without notice, which is extremely accurate. If you disagree, then simply don't use it...stick with your all-omnicient blackjack insider info group.

Go ahead and answer the OP's questions, too ..since you have all the answers to everything and every issue known to mankind including blackjack and everything beyond. Have at it. 

I played blackjack Downtown last month (Golden Gate, The D, Plaza, Circa, Downtown Grand) and the dealers seemed friendly enough, for the most part. All 3:2 games, mininum $15 or under.

BTW, there is still $1 blackjack in Vegas, but it only pays even money on a natural. Offered at Downtown Grand and, I think, Oyo.

See what happens when you run out of hemorrhoid cream? Let this be a warning to everyone!

"The table minimums and rules could be anything at any time" is indeed an accurate statement! Woo hoo!

And since you don't seem to be paying attention...I DID answer the OP's questions, which had much more to do with dealer courtesy than which casinos are still offering marvelous $15 minimum multideck blackjack, or $10 if it's 5 in the morning.

The thing is Kevin, neither you nor I or anyone else can predetermine where to avoid a surly blackjack dealer. They could theoretically present anywhere, though most encountered are reasonable enough or they likely don't have a job for long. I noticed that you didn't have a succinct answer for the OP's question regarding dealer courtesy and their location..because you don't know either.

The OP 's previous experience was at South Point and that's indicative of the type of game and minimums they're interested in. Further, you make light of $15 minimums as if it's a standard occurrence at Vegas blackjack tables with 3:2 odds. It's not, particularly on the Strip. I know you know that but you hypocritically insult it here as if it's meaningless. It's my guess that 'lower' minimums were important to the OP's inquiry. Further, I'm curious as to which info presented in the linked article you think "is not even remotely correct"; as stated, it was an opinion article based on the author's significant experience with rating Vegas casino table games ( and VP) based on house edge and minimums. In offering his opinions, his largest apparent mistake ( according to you) was not specifically seeking your counsel on it. It's as if all his past experiences at evaluating Vegas table games mean nothing...all those efforts have been a waste according to you. Once again, you don't possess that kind or level of power. Face it. 

When I do eventually develop hemorrhoids ( not as yet) I'll be sure to consult with you on how to treat it, which doctor to see, and how to sit on which ass cheek to alleviate the discomfort. Check your insider info on that and be ready for it.