Although the Tropicana is credited with introducing swim-up blackjack, Las Vegas actually has a long history of in-pool gambling, dating all the way back to the summer of ’53. That’s when Al Freeman, the legendary publicist for the Sands, gained international notoriety by introducing floating blackjack, roulette, and craps, not to mention pool-side slot machines. The scene was famously captured on film by photographer Don English, who in 2002 recreated this classic Las Vegas publicity shot at the Stratosphere’s pool to commemorate the property’s $75 million expansion. Hotel guests, employees, and cast members from American Superstars were used to copy the poses of the original 1953 photograph. This picture is now on the wall of the Stratosphere’s vintage Vegas-themed Lucky’s Café.
Following Freeman’s short-lived publicity stunt, it wasn’t until 1985 that players could again enjoy the best of both casino and poolside worlds, when the Tropicana introduced two swim-up blackjack tables to its then-newly remodeled pool. The Hard Rock followed suit in 1999 with three swim-up tables at its poolside Palapa Lounge. Both properties’ tables are close to the pools’ edges and the water isn’t too deep, so it should be possible to transport your money without getting it wet. But if it does, don’t worry: They accept wet notes at these special waterproofed tables. Also, the Hard Rock will issue markers at their tables (which have betting limits of $10-$2,000), so you don’t have to carry your cash with you, while the Trop’s tables are equipped with special heated drop boxes to dry paper money. Both properties provide towels to keep players’ hands and chips dry at the tables.
