Among all the reasons that Las Vegas has become more expensive in recent years, one that sticks (pun intended) with gamblers the most is the 6:5 blackjack table.
Around the turn of the century, blackjack — a card game that once largely remained unchanged for hundreds of years –suddenly did not have enough house edge for gambling operators. So, Las Vegas casinos switched up the 3:2 standard payout to 6:5.
That was a subtle change that many nongamblers might not even really notice. But to your regular or professional player, the around 1.5% change in favor of the house considerably cuts into the profit of winning sessions. Today, 6:5 blackjack is the standard at most Las Vegas Strip casinos, and if you find 3:2, it’s only going to be at high-limit tables.
However, this week, one famous (and award-winning) Sin City casino, the Palms Las Vegas, has bucked that trend. It announced, effective immediately, that all of its blackjack tables will be returning to 3:2 payouts.
The Math
At 3:2, a $10 bet pays out $15 on a blackjack win for the player. At 6:5, the same win would pay out $12. This changes the house edge from 0.5% on 3:2 tables to 2% on 6:5 tables.
Other more recent changes to table games to further favor the house include not only 6:5 blackjack, but also craps-less craps, and double or even triple zero roulette. The latter change has a huge effect on advantage players, as it increases the odds of losing on low-risk bets like red-black.
Even the live dealers themselves haven’t been entirely safe from the cost-cutting, as some casinos switch over to hybrid live dealer table games, where bets and payouts are handled by a computer.
Despite these changes, the giant casinos of the Las Vegas Strip made less money in 2024 than they did in 2023. That is the first time this has happened in years.
Changing Palms
The Palms, just east of the Las Vegas Strip, may be taking the lead from downtown casinos in changing course on this front. Over 2024, Las Vegas saw more people visit than ever – but gambling revenues in the mega resort corridor were down year-on-year.
Meanwhile, Downtown Las Vegas, long seen as the more budget-friendly, low-rent alternative to the luxury of the Las Vegas Strip, has been doing quite well for itself. Its casinos gambling revenues were up 6% year-on-year.
Some have attributed this to the rising cost of visiting Las Vegas, and the ever-increasing house edge on table games.
The Palms is the only tribally operated casino in Las Vegas, having been owned by the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians of Southern California since 2021. The casino says table game minimums will not go up as a result of the change, and it will still offer a selection of 50 24-hour $5 blackjack and craps tables operating seven days a week.
“We are committed to delivering the best gaming experience for our guests, especially our local players,” said Palms’ VP of Gaming, Scott Hager.
“Enhancing and expanding our blackjack offerings reflects our dedication to providing top-tier table games and ensuring an exceptional experience for everyone who walks through our doors.”
David is an online casino expert who specializes in online slots and boasts over 10 years experience writing about iGaming. He has written for a wide range of notable publications, including eSports Insider and WordPlay Magazine.
David graduated Derby University with a BA Degree in English Literature and Creative Writing.
