Blackjack in Macau
- Venetian Macau Blackjack Rules
- Wynn Macau Blackjack Rules Poker
- Wynn Macau Blackjack Rules Poker
- Wynn Macau Blackjack Rules For Dummies
In the early days of blackjack casino gambling in Macau, the rules of blackjack varied from casino to casino. This has begun to change as standardized rules are now found in almost every gaming establishment in Macau. The basic rules of Macau blackjack are as follows: Six decks are used in the game. The dealer stands on ALL 17’s (hard and soft). Classic blackjack games use four decks. At the Wynn, high rollers will find the benefits in the betting limits and will also benefit from 3:2 payouts as well as special payouts with games offering side bets. The house edge for blackjack games is just 0.09%. Address: No 203 Largo de Monte Carlo, Macao SAR, P.R.
Blackjack is a fairly popular casino game around the world. Naturally you can expect it to be available in Macau, since it is arguably the international center for gambling these days. And although this is true now, it wasn’t always the case since most western gambling games were only introduced to Macau in the 60’s – including Blackjack. Similar to the other casino games adopted, Blackjack had to slowly integrate itself. Now, it has become it’s own version.
It is inherently a fast game with easy-to-follow rules as well as straight-forward directions. So it comes as no surprise that the game is picked up quite quickly. Of course, as with most adaptations, certain elements or components have been altered to suite the local preferences. In this case there are only slight modifications.
Actually, to a seasoned gambler, it’s not that much different from playing in a number of casinos. Similar to that experience, it’s all about learning the varying customs of each one. In fact, you can even view the differences as a good way of catering to varying people and play styles.
Local Rules and Standards
One of the first things to note is that the house edge for Blackjack in Macau ranges from 0.20%, down to around 0.08%. Ultimately, this is dependent on the level of stakes you can afford. The higher the stakes, the better the odds the casino is willing to give you.
The minimum bet you can find will range between 50-500 Hong Kong Dollars (6-64 USD). Take note that all casinos here accept HKD as the preferred currency. Although, technically, they are all supposed to accept Macau Pataca as well (a lot of places also accept US Dollar). Nothing to worry about since in most cases you can exchange your cash at any of the casinos. If not there are a lot of surrounding banks or money changers, just ask around.
Although most of the game is kept standard there are some places that have particular variations. Some of these variations are favorable to the player. Like in MGM and Wynn where re-splitting of aces is permitted. Most casinos will allow early surrender in most cases. Other rules are geared more towards the benefit of the house like in Galaxy Entertainment casinos where you can only split up to three hands.
With all these slight differences, it’s important to be smart and play to your strength. Go to the casino that suits your play style and habits. Two things you automatically expect to be in Macau Blackjack would be that tables use six-decks and that dealers stand on soft 17.
Casinos that Offer Blackjack
There are over thirty (30) casinos in and around Macau and Taipa Island. Although most of them are dedicated to a generous amount of Baccarat tables you can expect the big names to carry a good amount of Blackjack tables. Casinos like City of Dreams, The Venetian, Wynn, Grand Lisboa, MGM, and Pharaoh’s Palace are a safe bet if you are looking to play. It’s also best to call ahead as sometimes the tables aren’t available for one reason or another.
Overall
Blackjack is an already established casino game worldwide. It is readily found in Macau and the local variant is easy to understand. However it’s best if you not only understand the game but know the local customs beforehand to improve your chances of winning.
Take note that the level of English proficiency varies from person to person, so communication may not always be clear. Luckily, for this game, you don’t really need a lot of words or talking. Good luck to you and have fun!
Macau features the biggest baccarat scene in the world. Some casinos in this Asian gambling mecca fill 80% of their floors with baccarat tables.
Of course, blackjack is no slouch in Macau either. This special administrative area of China actually offers the best blackjack odds anywhere in the world!
Even with these great odds, though, you’re still at a slight disadvantage to the house. Your only chance to win consistent profits is through card counting. But is card counting even possible in Macau?
After all, you never hear anybody talking about all the money they’ve won counting cards here. I’ll discuss this matter by covering more on Macau blackjack games and what the counting scene is like.
What Are the Typical Macau Blackjack Rules?
Again, this region boasts outstanding blackjack odds. Unlike most gambling destinations throughout the world, Macau isn’t afraid to offer great rules and a low house edge.
First, I’ll go over the rules for a standard blackjack table:
- Six decks
- 3:2 natural blackjack payout
- Early surrender on dealer’s 10 (but not ace)
- Dealer stands on soft 17
- Double down any two cards
- Double after splitting (DAS)
- Split up to four hands
- No re-splitting aces
These rules lead to a 0.16% house edge. I don’t currently know of any game, online or live, that can compare in terms of sheer odds.
Of course, a few blackjack games throughout Macau can differ slightly. Here are rule nuances that you may encounter in some casinos:
- Five decks (rather than six) – Lowers house edge by 0.1%
- Re-split aces – Lowers house edge by 0.08%
- Split up to three hands (split once) – Increases house edge by 0.01%
- Losing all wagers after splitting if the dealer has a natural blackjack – Increases house edge by 0.11%
None of these rules impact the house greatly one way or another. Nevertheless, you should still keep nuances in mind when playing in different Macau casinos.
Which Macau Casino Has the Best Blackjack?
The Wynn and MGM currently feature the best blackjack odds in Macau. Both of these casinos offer rules that create a 0.09% house edge.
Venetian Macau Blackjack Rules
I noted earlier how Macau has the best real money blackjack on the planet. Well, these two casinos are the best of the best.
The catch, though, is that both the MGM and Wynn require $50 stakes on most tables. You stand to lose more with these high stakes even with the tiny house advantage factored in.
Assuming you’re perfectly comfortable wagering $50 per hand, though, then you’ll definitely like what these casinos boast regarding the odds.
What Other Macau Casinos Feature Quality Blackjack Scenes?
Besides odds, you should also consider the quantity of tables when choosing a Macau blackjack casino. More tables give you extra options when looking for the perfect stakes.
Wynn Macau Blackjack Rules Poker
In all, Macau boasts over 30 casinos along with racinos as well. Here are some of the more popular blackjack hotspots:
- Altira Macau
- Casino Lisboa
- Casino Oceanus
- City of Dreams
- Galaxy Grand Waldo
- Galaxy StarWorld
- Greek Mythology Casino
- MGM Macau
- Ponte 16
- Wynn Macau
Will You Beat Macau Blackjack Through Card Counting?
Card counting is the most famous advantage gambling method in the world. It sees you track cards as they’re dealt and assign them point values.
You bet more money when the count is positive (i.e. more aces and 10s) and wager the table minimum if the count is zero or negative (i.e. more twos through sixes).
The goal is to capitalize on the times where you stand a better chance of getting natural blackjacks. If the count is positive, the dealer also has higher odds of busting when drawing to a hard 17.
You don’t need to pour a lot of time into learning card counting. Instead, you simply need the proper skills and conditions to successfully count cards. Unfortunately, Macau doesn’t have the right conditions in any capacity. Every table in the region features a continuous shuffling machine (CSM).
A CSM keeps shuffling cards as the dealer inserts decks into it. The croupier never has to stop the game to shuffle as a result. More importantly, they don’t need to go deep into the shoe either. This aspect is what makes Macau card counting impossible.
You need good “deck penetration,” which is the amount of decks dealt before the dealer shuffles, to properly count cards. After all, your count is unlikely to mean much after one to two decks of a six- to eight-deck shoe.
Macau tables don’t allow hardly any penetration due to the CSMs. Simply put, you can’t make guaranteed profits here.
Why Is Macau Staunchly Against Counting?
Macau is the only major international gambling destination that features a continuous shuffling machine at every table. But why?
Much of this situation has to do with the excellent rules. Macau games already give you a strong chance to win. Casinos would get absolutely drilled if they let you count cards on top of things.
As a skilled counter, you can gain between a 0.5% and 1.5% advantage over North American casinos. But these tables also feature house edges ranging from 1.0% to 2.0%.
With a Macau game, where you’re doing with a 0.16% house advantage, you might grab a 1.5% to 2.5% edge over casinos. They don’t want any chance of this happening. Therefore, every gambling establishment employs CSMs to ensure that you can’t get the upper hand.
Can You Still Win With Macau Blackjack?
You can’t become a professional blackjack player in Macau. However, you still stand a great chance of winning in any given session thanks to the low house edge.
You can quickly pick up these nuances just by looking up a Macau blackjack strategy chart. You merely need to search for this term and look in the Images area of whatever search engine you’re using.
Macau basic strategy charts are in demand due to the popularity of this gambling destination as a whole. Therefore, you’ll have no trouble finding one.
You should look over this chart for at least a few minutes before heading to the tables. After all, casinos don’t like you slowing down games by looking at your chart too often.
Assuming you play with perfect blackjack strategy, then you can achieve the aforementioned 0.16% house edge. This puts you at a near coinflip situation with the casinos.
Conclusion
Macau is no card counter’s paradise. In fact, it’s the worst place on earth to count cards due to all the CSM.
Wynn Macau Blackjack Rules Poker
That said, you should steer clear if you’re an advantage gambler. But if you’re a recreational gambler, then Macau is the perfect place to be!
Wynn Macau Blackjack Rules For Dummies
It offers better rules than any land-based or online casino. You’re looking at a 0.16% house advantage at the average table.
You can go even lower than this at 0.09% in the Wynn and MGM. Do note, though, that both of these casinos require higher minimum bets.