Manners and reminders

5 January 2016

By Frank Scoblete

FROM KENNETH: Yesterday I was playing in the high-limit table game area. There were only two blackjack tables open and each had one player (one being me!!). At the other table was a well-dressed man betting anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000 per hand.

He was not doing well, and it seemed like every other word out of his mouth was an F-bomb! This was embarrassing since the dealers and the pit boss were all female. This is at least the third time I have seen this individual, and the same actions have taken place each time. I assume the casino puts up with this because he is a high roller (and loser).

My question is, should I get up and reproach this guy for his reprehensible behavior? I am always inclined to do so, but then I realize it is the casino's responsibility, and leave it to them to handle (which, again, they seem to let it go and reap the winnings).

FRANK RESPONDS: Stay out of it. The casino must police its own games. Even though this guy is obviously a (well-off) lowlife, you are right that his money makes him somewhat immune from normal social mores.

I have seen this kind of behavior before. Once at the Golden Nugget in downtown Vegas a high-roller tried to throw over the entire blackjack table. The guy was going berserk. Luckily the pit was able to calm him down.

And guess what? This out-of-control man was a heart surgeon! Right there is enough to give you a heart attack.


FROM BELLA: I note that in your book Slots Conquest you recommend playing only one coin on all regular machines and you tell people never to bother playing those multi-linked progressives. What gives? You seem to be violating the rules of how to play the slots?

FRANK RESPONDS: Yes, the amount of payback for full coin versus one coin on traditional machines is so small that it is not worth playing for more money. Those increased jackpots on full coin do not make up for the fact that you have to bet three times more to have a chance at the full jackpot. So stick to one coin.

You have two-thirds less of an expense by playing one coin and that will reduce your expected losses by almost the same two-thirds.

As for progressives, the house edge on these machines is usually over 12%. That’s a lot of potential losses. I think sticking with the more or less traditional slots is the way to go.


Frank's new books are "I Am a Dice Controller: Inside the World of Advantage-Play Craps" and "I Am a Card Counter: Inside the World of Advantage-Play Blackjack." Both available on Amazon.com, Kindle, Barnes and Noble, and at bookstores.