Are you still heading to the casino floor expecting electronic table games to offer a better deal than their live counterparts? Many players once believed this was true. The accompanying video by John Mahaffey from Vegasadvantage.com sheds light on a stark reality. The landscape of electronic table games (ETGs) in Las Vegas has shifted dramatically. These machines, once a haven for favorable rules, now often present some of the worst odds.
Casinos are constantly seeking ways to increase their house advantage. Electronic table games provide a flexible platform for these changes. They can easily alter game rules and payouts. This article dives deeper into specific examples. We will explore how various electronic table games have deteriorated. Learn what to watch for before you play.
The Evolution of Electronic Table Games: From Good to Bad
Not long ago, electronic table games offered excellent value. Players could find blackjack machines with four decks. They often paid 3:2 for blackjack. Dealers stood on soft 17. These rules made the games very attractive. Some even allowed for card counting. This was a significant advantage over live tables.
This favorable era has largely ended. Today’s electronic table games are different. Most blackjack machines pay 6:5. This payout significantly increases the house edge. Other games have seen similar declines. Understanding these changes is crucial. Players must know what to avoid.
Roulette: The House Edge Has Skyrocketed
Roulette is a classic casino game. However, its electronic versions are now particularly dangerous. Casinos have introduced new, player-unfriendly variations. These changes often go unnoticed by casual players. They dramatically affect your long-term returns.
Quadruple Zero Roulette: A Stealthy Money-Taker
One shocking example is quadruple zero roulette. This machine is often made by Interblock. It attempts to disguise its terrible odds. Instead of four zeros, it displays four “gems.” If the ball lands in a gem, a bonus round occurs. This bonus round uses a second wheel for multipliers. It sounds exciting, but the reality is grim.
The overall payback for this game is exceptionally low. It effectively functions as a quadruple zero roulette. This design results in a staggering 10% house edge. John Mahaffey’s research first uncovered this game at Palazzo. While that machine was removed, similar versions still exist. You can still find them at other locations like Planet Hollywood. Always inspect the wheel carefully.
Triple Zero Roulette: A Common Pitfall
Triple zero roulette is another widespread problem. This variant features three zero slots. Standard American roulette has two zeros. European roulette has only one. Each additional zero significantly raises the house advantage. Many electronic roulette tables now use three zeros.
These machines are found across Las Vegas. Caesars Palace, Terminal 3 at the airport, and Sahara all host them. South Florida casinos also adopted triple zero versions. This happened the day live roulette tables opened there. Always prioritize games with fewer zeros. Single zero roulette offers the best odds.
Shorted Payouts on Bally Uprights
Older Bally upright roulette machines are still in use. Cosmopolitan and Orleans have a few. Some of these machines do not pay full amounts. This applies to straight up bets and split bets. A straight up bet should pay 35 to 1. A split bet should pay 17 to 1. However, some machines pay less. For instance, a straight might pay 30 or 32. A split might pay 15 or 16.
Another deceptive practice involves including your bet in the payout. The screen might show “35” for a straight win. Yet, it retains your original bet. This means you only receive 34 new units. Always check the official pay table. Ensure you understand how payouts are calculated.
Blackjack: The 6:5 Epidemic and Worse
Blackjack is traditionally one of the best casino games. Its electronic versions have largely deteriorated. The primary issue is the shift in blackjack payout. Most live and electronic tables now pay 6:5 for a natural blackjack. This is a significant reduction from the traditional 3:2 payout.
A 3:2 payout on a $10 bet gives you $15. A 6:5 payout only gives you $12. This change nearly doubles the house edge. Approximately 90% of electronic blackjack machines in Las Vegas pay 6:5. Some rare exceptions still pay 3:2. These can be found at specific locations. Rio, Orleans, Palazzo, and Treasure Island are examples. One notorious machine at Excalibur even pays even money for blackjack. This is a truly terrible wager. Players should always seek out 3:2 games.
Free Bet Blackjack on Electronic Terminals
Free Bet Blackjack is a popular game. It offers players free splits and doubles. However, it also introduces a crucial rule change. If the dealer busts with a 22, it’s a push. This means neither player nor dealer wins. This single rule dramatically increases the house edge. Even when paying 3:2, it holds 1% for the house. When combined with a 6:5 payout, the house edge jumps to 2.4%. Electronic versions of this game are particularly costly. It’s often worse than a standard 6:5 game.
Craps: Hidden Commissions and Worse Odds
Electronic craps games are also falling victim to these changes. The “bubble craps” machines by Interblock are especially problematic. These are often individual, heads-up terminals. They come in various versions: regular craps, crapless craps, and easy craps.
Crapless Craps with Upfront Commissions
Crapless craps eliminates the 2, 3, 11, and 12 as losing outcomes. This sounds appealing. However, a major issue has emerged with buy bets. Normally, the 5% commission on buy bets is paid only on winning bets. This is a standard and fair practice. On most electronic crapless craps machines, this has changed. Players must now pay the 5% commission upfront. This applies regardless of the outcome. This dead money significantly increases the house edge. For example, buying the 4 or 10 becomes much worse. The effective house edge approaches 5% on these bets. This is a substantial increase in risk.
Easy craps is an even worse variant. It’s essentially a simplified crapless craps. Players cannot buy numbers. There are no come bets either. These restrictions limit strategic play. They further tilt the odds in the casino’s favor. Always understand the buy bet rules. Avoid games with upfront commissions.
Proprietary Table Games: Watch for Shorted Paytables
Electronic versions of popular proprietary games also have hidden pitfalls. Games like Ultimate Texas Hold’em and Three Card Poker are affected. Casinos can alter their electronic pay tables. These changes are often subtle. They drastically impact player returns.
Ultimate Texas Hold’em and Three Card Poker
Some electronic Ultimate Texas Hold’em machines short the blind payouts. A royal flush might pay only half its usual amount. Full houses also see reduced payouts. Some even eliminate payouts for straights. These changes can increase the house edge dramatically. What should be a game with a half-percent house edge can jump to 4%.
Electronic Three Card Poker can also be problematic. Some Shuffle Master machines skip the ante bonus entirely. Players normally receive this bonus for a straight, three of a kind, or straight flush. This is true even if they lose the hand. Other machines offer shorted payouts. For instance, a straight flush might pay 4-3-1 instead of a standard bonus. Always verify the full paytable. Make sure all bonus payouts are correct.
Big Six: A Bad Game Made Worse
Big Six is known for its high house edge. It is one of the worst games in the casino. Even its electronic versions are terrible. They typically hold 8-10% for the house. Live Big Six wheels often hold double that amount. Despite these poor odds, casinos find ways to worsen them.
New multipliers are being added to electronic Big Six. Wheel of Fortune stadiums feature them. Interblock’s “Super Spin” also incorporates them. These wheels can be weighted. This gives the house an even greater edge. These added features sound appealing. However, they only serve to accelerate losses. Avoid Big Six in all its forms.
Key Takeaways for Playing Electronic Table Games
Navigating the world of electronic table games requires vigilance. These games once offered better value. Now, they are frequently worse than live tables. Always remember to check game rules. Carefully examine pay tables. Understand all payout structures before playing.
Look out for specific red flags. Avoid roulette with “gems” or three zeros. Shun blackjack that pays 6:5 or even money. Be wary of craps with upfront buy bet commissions. Be skeptical of shorted payouts on proprietary games. Always confirm the actual return on your bets. You can find detailed data on many of these electronic table games. Visit resources like Vegasadvantage.com for comprehensive information and analysis.
Beyond the Screen: Your Electronic Table Game Questions Answered
What are Electronic Table Games (ETGs) in casinos?
Electronic Table Games are machines in casinos that simulate classic table games like blackjack or roulette, usually played on a screen or individual terminal.
Are electronic table games in Las Vegas usually a good deal?
No, the article states that electronic table games in Las Vegas often have worse odds and higher house advantages compared to their live counterparts.
How can I spot a bad electronic blackjack game?
You should avoid electronic blackjack machines that pay 6:5 for a natural blackjack, as this significantly increases the casino’s advantage over the traditional 3:2 payout.
What makes an electronic roulette game have bad odds?
Electronic roulette games with three (triple zero) or even four (‘quadruple zero’ or ‘gem’) zero slots have much worse odds than traditional roulette wheels.
What is the most important thing to do before playing an Electronic Table Game?
Always take time to check the game’s rules and pay tables before you start playing, to ensure you understand the payouts and house edge.
