Blackjack is a beatable game when there are favorable rules. On the other hand, some casinos spread carnival rules that destroy any realistic chances of walking away a winner. These games generally pay 6-5 or worse on a blackjack, though that is not always the reason that the game is a terrible choice for players.
Golden Nugget – Bonus Spin Blackjack
Golden Nugget offers four Bonus Spin Blackjack tables near the front of the casino in a party pit. This game has a forced $1 side bet with a $5 minimum bet.
The rules of this real money blackjack game are like a typical 6-5 table. Players may double down before and after splitting. The house edge on this part of the game is 2%.
The problem lies in the forced $1 side bet. It has an estimated 23% house edge. The side bet usually has a house edge of about 8%. This version of it nearly triples the house edge in the Bonus Spin games listed here because an ace without a blackjack loses instead of receiving even money on the side bet.
On a $5 flat bet and $1 side bet, a player can expect to lose $0.33 per hand. That puts the house edge at 5.5%. This makes it the worst blackjack game in Las Vegas.
4 Queens – Bonus Spin Blackjack
4 Queens also spreads Bonus Spin Blackjack with a $5 minimum and forced $1 side bet. The difference is that it pays 3-2. A sign on the table proudly boasts this payout as it is one of only three 3-2 blackjack tables at 4 Queens.
A $5 player will theoretically lose $0.0325 each hand from the flat bet and $0.23 from the side bet. This gives it a house edge of 4.38%, making it the second-worst blackjack game in Las Vegas.
Luxor – 6-5 Zappit 21
Zappit 21 is a new blackjack variant that permits a player to discard a bad hand and draw two new cards. In exchange for this, the dealer pushes on 22. Most of these games in Las Vegas pay 3-2. Luxor only pays 6-5 on it. That makes the house edge 2.63%.
6-5 Free Bet Blackjack
Free Bet Blackjack with a 6-5 payout on a natural is spread at 15 casinos. The house edge for this game is 2.4% when using six decks and 2.42% when dealing eight decks. Always check the felt of the placard at the table to make sure it pays 3-2. Players that enjoy Free Bet Blackjack will find it with a 3-2 payout at The D, Golden Gate, Plaza, and Eastside Cannery.
Double Attack Blackjack
Double Attack Blackjack was originally included in this list due to a mistake I made in a rule change I was told about at the table. It now appears that it should not be listed in this article. I’m investigating the exact house edge of this game. It appears to be less than 1%.
