Las Vegas Blackjack Rules
While some gamblers write off cheap, low limit blackjack as a waste of time, many seek out opportunities to play a game that can stretch a bankroll. In addition to conserving money, blackjack games with a $1, $2, or $3 minimum bet can be a useful tool for new players who are learning the game. Others simply enjoy grinding a cheap table while accumulating free drinks.
25 Minimum at Treasure Island (House Edge = 0.26 Percent) Compared to the next two entries on. But it’s a little more complex than that when it comes to winning. Really, the objective of blackjack is to beat the dealer’s hand in one of these two ways: 1) have a total that exceeds the dealer’s or 2) not exceeding 21 when the dealer does. This terrible rule started paying players 6:5 on a blackjack, as opposed to 3:2. This means that a $10 blackjack would pay $12 instead of $15. Once the casinos got away with this at single deck games, the 6:5 rule started infecting double deck and shoe games. Most single deck blackjack tables have disappeared from the Las Vegas Strip because of this.
Note that although cheap blackjack can be appealing, game rules are often less player-friendly than tables with higher minimums which amplifies the casino’s house edge. Most players don’t mind that though… after all, the house edge doesn’t sting as painfully when betting as little as $1 per hand.
We thought it would be helpful to put together a guide to help players seeking low limits find casinos offering the cheapest blackjack in Vegas.
Table game stakes are fluid and can change quickly. We’ll do our best to keep the list updated, but recommend calling ahead or checking the casino’s website to ensure low limit blackjack is being offered when you plan to stop in.
See Also:44 ideas and ways to save money while in Las Vegas.
Cheap Blackjack on (and near) the Las Vegas Strip
OYO: Offering the only live $1 blackjack game on (well, near) the Las Vegas Strip, OYO uses this low limit game to incentivize players staying at Strip resorts to stop in. At a mere 10-15 minute walk from resorts like MGM Grand and Tropicana, OYO should be on the to-do list of visitors seeking low limit blackjack.
TI: Although not a “traditional” blackjack game, TI offers cheap stadium blackjack at a $2 minimum bet on weekdays and $5 on the weekends.
$5 Blackjack on the Strip: Although not “ultra-cheap”, Strat, Excalibur, and Luxor all offer $5 minimum blackjack on the Strip. Venetian deals a $5 minimum stadium blackjack game as well.
$5 Blackjack Near the Strip: Take the short walk to Ellis Island, located behind Bally’s and you will find $5 minimum blackjack that pays 3:2.
Cheap Blackjack Downtown Las Vegas
Downtown Grand: Located just steps away from the Fremont Street Experience, Downtown Grand (formerly Lady Luck) offers $1 blackjack daily from 11 am – 3 am daily.
Fremont: Positioned in the center of the Fremont Street Experience, Fremont offers a $3 blackjack game which tends to be a popular draw.
California: Tucked back a block off of Fremont Street, The Cal deals a live $3 blackjack game.
Note that most downtown Las Vegas casinos also offer $5 blackjack games, especially at non-peak times.
Cheap Blackjack Away From the Strip
Joker’s Wild: Located about 10 miles from the Strip in Henderson, Joker’s Wild offers players a $3 minimum blackjack game 7 days a week. Note: Joker’s Wild has temporarily closed their table game pit.
Poker Palace Casino: Worth a mention, Poker Palace Casino, located in North Las Vegas offers a $2 blackjack game. A solid value for those looking for an inexpensive game.
Jerry’s Nugget: Located in North Las Vegas, Jerry’s Nugget deals a $3 minimum blackjack game daily.
Note that even if $1, $2, or $3 blackjack isn’t offered, most locals casinos do offer $5 minimum games.
Video Blackjack: Although the authentic feel of chips, cards, felt, and a live dealer are missing, bartop and electronic blackjack games often allow low minimum bets and are offered at most Vegas casinos. Like their live counterparts that also feature low minimums, rules for low limit electronic blackjack often amplify the house edge. Even with an exaggerated house advantage, a cheap bartop blackjack game can be a good way to string together a number of complimentary cocktails.
While cheap blackjack is getting harder and harder to find in Vegas, we are encouraged by the fact there are still a few casinos offering minimum bets as low as $1. Hopefully, we were able to point you in the direction of a cheap game that will work for you!
When in doubt, just remember that the further you get from tourist centers like the Strip, and Fremont Street, the lower the minimum bets tend to get. Don’t be afraid to branch out and take an Uber to a locals casino for lower minimums and better player odds.
See Also:Where are the loosest slots in Vegas? We dig into Nevada Gaming Control data to find the answer.
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Blackjack is one of the most popular casino card games. It is played around the globe in live casinos, as well as online. If you are interested in getting in to blackjack put don’t know the rules you will find that it’s easy to learn how to play blackjack. Following are the basic rules of this popular card game.
Blackjack is played one-on-one against the dealer. Although there may be several players sitting at one table, each player is only in competition with the dealer. The objective of the game is to acquire a hand of cards that is worth a higher value than that of the dealer, without breaking a total of 21. Breaking 21 is known as “busting” and results in an immediate loss.
The value of a hand in blackjack is determined by adding together the values of the cards in the hand. Numbered cards are worth their face value (i.e. the 4 of Spades is worth 4 points); Aces are worth either 1 or 11 depending on the other cards in the hand; and 10s, Jacks, Queens and Kings are worth 10 points. A Jack (or other 10-valued card) and an Ace are worth a total of 21 together and this hand is known as “blackjack”, which is where the game gets its name.
Before a game of blackjack begins, players must place bets. If you are playing a free game of blackjack online then you can play with fun money. In a live casino or real money game of blackjack online you will bet real money. Always choose a table with limits that meet your bankroll and never bet more than you can afford to lose.
Once bets are placed the dealer gives each player two cards, face up on the table. The dealer takes two cards as well, but one is placed face down. Based on a player’s hand and the dealer’s face up card, the player has several options. The player may:
- “Stand” with his initial 2-card hand
- “Hit”, asking the dealer for more cards to increase the value of his hand
- “Double Down”, doubling his bet and taking only one more card
- “Split” his hand into two separate hands, provided his initial hand was a pair
It is important to note that rules regarding doubling down and splitting vary from casino to casino, so it’s important to double-check the rules before you begin playing.
Once the players are satisfied with their hands the dealer reveals his face down card. If his hand is worth 16 or less he must hit. Also, some casino blackjack rules require the dealer to hit on “soft 17” as well, which is a card made up of a 6 and an Ace valued at 11 points. Once the dealer has hit, if necessary, hands are compared and winners are determined.
Las Vegas Blackjack Rules
Again, it is important to note that more specific blackjack rules vary from casino to casino and blackjack variation to variation. Familiarize yourself with the particular rules of a specific game before you begin to play for real money.