I guess I should clarify. I worked at the tables at local clubs -- "play for fun" -- type environment. Gambling for profit is not legal in Texas. :) But we used Las Vegas quality tables, cards, chips, etc. That is how I learned to play the game. I've been hooked ever since. :cool:

Until they throw you out..
 

Blackjack player wins a lot, sometimes bets $100, other times Up to $1000 on two hands. First day gets comps, free meals and rooms. Floor calls surveilance. Tape is reviewed. Second day after presenting player card, about 30 minutes later suit comes us from behind: "Sir, May I have a word with you." Player: "Sure, what 's up?" Suit: "Sir, you can play any of the other games, but your blackjack game is a little too strong for us. You can't play blackjack here any more."
Don't think it doesn't happen.

It has happened to me. You don't have to be that great of a counter before many pit bosses will give you the boot. Even if you're just breaking even, you're no good to them -- especially if you're helping other players make better decisions.

They can bar you from playing for almost any reason...

They don't need a reason. They can bar you for any reason.

The only people I can think of that are absolutely prohibited from playing are the Nevada Gaming Commission staff and those that made the "Black Book".

Its happened to me a few times too. At the Mirage one night. Dealer
started making a few mistakes and I called him on it. Asked the pit for
some help. Next thing I know. I am out for counting.
Went back in a few months later. Lasted about 15 Mins before I was asked to leave. Something about a prior incident. They get your profile and if you swing your bets. They look you up. Its been a couple years since that.
Was worried that I would have issues at MGM when I play now that
the merger is complete. But no problems. Been at Venetian. When I start doing well at BJ. Pit will come over and start a long conversation and
try to get me distracted so I will move. They can tell when cash flow is
going out on a competitive player.

bltserv

bet spread will always get you in trouble at blackjack :D If you spread from 1-2 to 10-15 units, you will definitely get noticed. Sometimes it is best to try to look like a NON-advantage player... a few mistakes, insurance, and a inconsistent bet spread...... while these things might cost you a bit in edge, they can really help in your longevity at a property. [and will make you a lot more $ in the long run]

Also, if you ALWAYS limit your sessions to under 45 minutes [even if you are on a KILLER WINNING STREAK AND THE CARDS ARE "PERFECT"] it makes it very difficult for the pit to get a good enough picture of your play.

Another suggestion is to NOT just play blackjack.... a little bit of craps or baccarat [which are pretty low edge... I know... not as good as counting... but, then again, the odds are in your favor with perfect strategy and counting] make you look more like the average gambler and less like an advantage player.. once again, thinking longevity at a property for the long haul... I rather give up some of my "edge" than NOT be able to play at all.

now with Baccarat... no worries about bet spread... spreading from 1 unit to 100 units is NO problem... they don't even give it a second thought. :D

This is true. I never bet spread more than 3 units when I'm playing. I'm also not what one would consider a "whale" or big bettor. I do bet anywhere from $25 up to $100 per hand. Not a huge amount but again, not like I'm betting $5 then swinging the bet to $250 or something. I've never had any heat from any dealers or pit bosses. I strike up conversations, make sure I tip well and usually limit my play at a particular table to about an hour or two. Although I do have to admit, I usually stick to BlackJack. Occasionally I will play Craps, I have one number I always place a bet on one time per trip at Roulette but that is about it. I never, NEVER play the slots. :)

YES, and what a great feeling to hit a number straight up in Roulette ! :cool:

Actually, SINGLE ZERO Roulette with the "en-prison" rules and betting outside is NOT such a bad game after all.....

A couple years ago was with a customer at roulette at the Hilton.
Just got done playing some good BJ. Just threw a $ 25.00 chip on 21
while watching him play. I normally never play this game.
Yes. Great feeling nailing that.
"All Black Please" was my response.
Got up and left.
I play Pai Gow more these days. Its nice, more relaxing.
Can make some good money on occasion.
Dont have issues with bet spread here either.
It just seems like the hosts need that slot play too much these days.
I just cant do it. Seems so mindless to sit and play a machine.

Mindless AND bad payouts for the players. Great for the Casinos though.

Might as well just sit and play Keno. :cool:

Actually, KENO is much worse :D

But, OTOH, Video Poker, can have over 100% payouts, if you find the right machine, with the right payouts. Of course, more and more difficult on the strip. It has become sort of a treasure hunt to find the good Video Poker machines.

But, if you learn "almost" perfect strategy for a Video Poker game like 9/6 JoB (Jacks or Better) 96% to 98% payout is pretty common (of course, forget about anything at Harrahs...) --- and the Palms has some of the best paying Video Poker games in Vegas... but, I do agree, Video Poker is nowhere near as enjoyable as playing a table game. Also, comp credits for Video Poker accumulate at 1/2 of the rate of Reel Slots.

^ ^ EXCELLENT :D $15 is the most I ever hit on a number straight up....

I pretty much stick with red or black and high and low.

Though, throughout the day, I will often do a hit and run with green chips, just placing a bet for 1 spin, black.

Last time in San Juan, in December, I must of done this like 7 times, and won every time.... I was very lucky... of course, it is "basically" a 50/50 shot....

hehe. I know. I was being tongue in cheek. I actually can't even imagine sitting there playing Keno. I mean, whats the point? I can play the Lotto here if I were so inclined (which I'm not).

But I agree, table games are much more enjoyable. And I can usually make my play last at a BJ table for a good while.

SWWWEEEEEEETTTT!!!! :cool: