Yes, I heard that for the last few days while we were in Las Vegas. “I thought you already moved to GA.”
Yes, we did move to Columbus, GA, in early January. But we did make a quick trip back to our old Vegas stomping grounds last week. The main reason was to attend the 24th annual Blackjack Ball, to which we were invited as special guests. Actually, we had attended this gathering of gamblers back in the late nineties, at the first 3 of these. But as we were switching from BJ to video poker as our primary game, this annual event was growing so large that the guest list had to be limited mainly to active BJ players. Although BJ is still the main “glue” of this get-together, many of those early expert players have retired or moved into or added other areas, like the stock market or cryptocurrency. And many have added new casino games, like VP or live poker, or look for good tournament plays in any game besides blackjack. And many players have also contributed to gambling education in the media, writing articles and books about BJ and other casino games. This is category in which I fit.
I will write more in future blogs about this Blackjack Ball and the rest of our activities in this 4-day stay in Las Vegas. I will probably surprise you with details about how much we played and what games we chose. I probably won’t surprise you with the details of our couponing and “burning comps.”
But right now I want to give you details about a promotion that is time-sensitive. Being among so many top-notch big-time successful gamblers at the BJ Ball once again emphasized to me how important it is to diversify your gambling choices, especially in this time of dwindling good opportunities. The big-money players are doing it – many are flying all over country – and some all over the world – to find advantage plays. And many wise “little” players are doing it also, albeit on a smaller scale.
So, I came across this up-coming BJ promotion at the Rampart Casino in Vegas that might interest some VP players who might want to step into and perhaps add the game of blackjack. And it is also another example that shows how important it is to check many resources. I got this information from Scot Krause’s Vegas Values. This is a weekly report that every Sunday gives you details on the best Las Vegas casino deals.
Rampart: National Blackjack Day March 2nd.
This fun day was created to bring attention to one of the most popular casino games – Blackjack. The day brings attention to not only the game, but the declining number of casinos who still offer a 3:2 payout – hence the day falling on March 2nd (3/2)! Guests can join the team at Rampart Casino who will be offering the following to celebrate National Blackjack Day:
Free Blackjack lessons throughout the day: 8 a.m., 10 a.m., Noon, 2 p.m., and 4 p.m.
The casino bars will boast the Jack in Black cocktail for $3.20 – a mix of Jack Daniels Old No. 7, coffee liqueur, and cola.
Clubhouse Deli will feature the Double Down Burger for $9.99 featuring two all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, and pickles on a toasted sesame seed bun. Served with French fries and a soft drink.
The 2020 Blackjack Bonus throughout the day (beginning at 10 a.m.), will reward any Blackjack player that hits a $10 Suited Blackjack (minimum $10 bet), a bonus $20 free bet. (Must be a Rampart Rewards club member.)
Glad to hear that you had an opportunity to get back to Vegas, I hope the return flight didn’t seem to tire you both out too much, especially if you didn’t get a direct flight. East coast return always seems like a whole day trip.
Thanks for the Black jack info.
Maureen
We were one of the above mentioned surprised that you were here. It was great to see you at the Palms and get a photo with you and Brad. Hope you enjoyed your stay.
I assume that the “$20 bonus free bet” is one of those chips that you bet and if you win, it’s replaced by a regular chip or chips, and if you lose, you lose the chip. Thus, its value is slightly less than $10.
1/4 of all blackjacks are suited. Depending on how many decks are in play, you get roughly one blackjack every 21 hands. Thus, it would take 84 hands to get the bonus on average. Assuming you stuck to a $10 bet, this would result in a 1.2% player advantage. Add that to the -0.65% with six decks and standard rules and you have a mildly positive game–a tad more than half of a percent. Worth about $3 an hour.
Love it! Keep on the good fight for 3:2 Blackjack!
Looking forward to hearing about your trip!! Thanks for the BJ tip.