Gambling tips

[barbyma]

How bad are the pay tables on Video Poker? I assume that they're not 9/6 on Jacks or Better?

 

Certainly not 9/6. I play Deuces Wild usually and, while I don't remember the whole payout table, I do remember that just about every hand paid lower than the usual 98-101% tables. If I had to guess, I'd say the payback was maybe 87%.

 

For those of you who say the dealer matters or that there is a way, mathematically, to win at roulette, this is not true. Every spin is completely independent from the previous spin (patterns are normal in randomness), the payoffs do not match the risk, and there is absolutely nothing the dealer can do to influence where the ball lands. The only hope you have of finding a "system" in roulette is a broken wheel. There's no skill that will keep you from losing in the long run. This, however, does not mean you can't win big in the short run -- but the odds are against you.

 

Barb

[Krazy4Kruisin']

I have had several dealers at different hotels (Vegas and Biloxi) say that 3 card poker is actually the best odds for the players. And I must say, I have done rather well at this mindless game, but not on cruises.

 

I am usually a craps player, but on the ships, it is always only single or double odds on the pass line. That is not very much, considering most Vegas hotels are now at least 5x odds. That's where you make your money. I also have always thought that most craps players are very friendly and I never mind explaining the game to a new player, or one trying to learn the game. Just don't come up to me while I am shooting, or I may shoot you. :D

 

As for blackjack, I have found that most players on cruises have no earthly idea how to play at all. Although they have 1 or 2 $25 tables, on our last cruise, (Carnival) they were never open. People tend to be slightly better players when they are potentially throwing away $25 per hand. Another thing, on RRCL, if you consistenly play $25 hands, the casino will comp your drinks, as in Vegas. You can also get the casino host to raise the maximum bet if he sees you consistently playing at that level. I don't know if they will do this on every RCCL ship, just know they did it on Serenade to Alaska last summer. As for one of the craziest thing we witnessed, one lady playing BJ next to me all week actually lost $10,000 playing. I guess she had more money than brains. LOL

 

I have never learned to play roulette or bacarrat. Too many other games available, ready to take my money. And I never play slots. Don't like games where a machine decides if I win or not.

 

That's my .02 worth on casinos.

[pfleer]

Anyone know if cruise ships allow you to play only Pair Plus on 3-card poker? I've heard that you can't do this in cruise casinos.

[winncove]

No Pair Plus alone..at least not on Mariner last Fall or CC Glory in Feb.. another edge for the ship! Gotta place 2 bets!

[rockster]

Do you bring cash for the casino, or do you use the "seapass" to buy chips. I was only planning on bringing some cash for tips and souvenirs at the ports, but I would definitely like to go to the casino.

 

 

This is a dumb question, but is the casino on the ship like a regular casino, with hosts, and pit bosses, and "eye in the sky", and like a Player's card to earn points and comp dollars?

 

is the casino 24 hours on the RC?

[barbyma]

Do you bring cash for the casino, or do you use the "seapass" to buy chips. I was only planning on bringing some cash for tips and souvenirs at the ports, but I would definitely like to go to the casino.

 

 

This is a dumb question, but is the casino on the ship like a regular casino, with hosts, and pit bosses, and "eye in the sky", and like a Player's card to earn points and comp dollars?

 

is the casino 24 hours on the RC?

 

I use the Sea Pass. It's just easier. We can go to the casino whenever without having to go back to the room for cash.

 

Not a dumb question -- it's MOSTLY like the usual casino. A little loose on the rules, a little tight on the payoffs. They do have the "eye in the sky", but no Player's card. I imagine they use their judgement to find the whales.

 

Don't really know about the hours; I can't think of any time that it was closed except in port.

 

Barb

[winncove]

Hi. A/o last fall the casino hrs on the Mariner were:Slots-9a.m.-"late" and tables 1p.m.-late, always only @ sea as stated earlier. I've been there @ 2 a.m. and still open but think they like to get out soon after that! Their casino is relatively small for that size ship and I had a hard time getting on the one 3Card table all wk. [Lucky for me!] I understand some of the older, sl. smaller ships have larger casinos..for whatever reason. I even asked about opening another table but no! Definitely no 9/6 VP. that's hard enuf to find in land, regulated casinos, which these are not.

LOL and loved the "don't enter the room" and 2 "bucket" theories.

Just always keep in mind it's entertainment and don't expect to pay for your cruise w/your winnings! I've tried 1st & last day theories too & never come out ahead!

Good luck and have fun!

[Merion_Mom]

Barbyma:

 

From your previous posts and "conversation" on this board, I must say that I was surprised and shocked (:D) that you are apparently a Professional Gambler! LOL!

 

Carol

[barbyma]

Barbyma:

 

From your previous posts and "conversation" on this board, I must say that I was surprised and shocked (:D) that you are apparently a Professional Gambler! LOL!

 

Carol

 

Well, I'm hardly that, but I do like to roll the dice. As a scientist/statistician, I also like to know EXACTLY what I'm in for, so I've done the research & odds calculations.

 

 

But I have to know... what have I said that would make you surprised I like to gamble? 'Cause I'm so into my kids? I'm truly curious. Methinks I may have been misrepresenting myself......:rolleyes:

 

Barb

[barbyma]

Carol? I really want to know...

 

Barb

[Merion_Mom]

You just seemed so, so, so...............sweet, and maternal, and down-to-earth.........not a hard-boiled, lay 'em down , read 'em and weep card player! ;) hee hee hee

[barbyma]

You just seemed so, so, so...............sweet, and maternal, and down-to-earth.........not a hard-boiled, lay 'em down , read 'em and weep card player! ;) hee hee hee

 

Yeah, that's me:rolleyes: I am pretty maternal & down-to-earth, but I can also be quite a know-it-all blow-hard (not my words) at times!

 

AND I NEVER joke about gambling!:D

 

Barb

[smrtypnts]

It is the basic same for black jack except you get a set amount of play chips (2,000 I think) and you play 7 hands at a table with 6 others trying to beat the dealer like normal. After the same 50 -55 minutes the top 7 go to the playoff and again the top 3 win.

 

Can you tell me any more about this. When I go to Vegas, blackjack is always the game I play. I'd like to know (generally) how much is it to join such a competition and is the competition generally on a sea day?

 

Also, (generally) what are the table minimums for blackjack and what time is the casino open?

 

Thanks for all the help.