I need some help with a payout table on a video blackjack machine. The game is on the video poker machine and in the pay table for blackjack it says that blackjack is paid 2:1, split pairs, double down only on 10 and 11, describes normal payout for a push and finally it says that all other bets are paid 2:1. So I put in one dollar and I win due to a dealer bust. My bankroll is now digitally displayed as $2.00 and I feel that it should be $3.00 due to the verbiage on the pay table describing how all other bets are paid 2:1. I bring this to the attention of a few casino employees and the employees poke and prod the machine and proceed to tell me that the machine is working correctly and I don't under stand the meaning of 2:1. I tell them that the machine is paying 1:1. Around and around we go and then they finally tell me it is a slot machine and you loose your original bet. I ask if I can see the rule about your original bet being taken if you win. I was handed a complaint form. Thoughts? Comments?
When you play any slot machine your bet is immediately deducted from your bankroll. The payout schedules are always based on how much your bankroll is increased after deducting your bet. For example, if you play video poker (Jacks or better) and get a pair of Jacks, the payout schedule says it pays "1" unit. So that 1 unit is added to your bankroll which has your bet already deducted so you end up even. In video BJ the same principal applies. Your bet is deducted from you bankroll the instant the "deal" button is pressed then if you win you get paid 2 units but 1 of those units was you original bet. So you end up gaining 1 unit on a win. As you experienced, when the payout schedule says a BJ pays 2:1 in actuality it's paying you even money - same as a normal win. Lesson to be learned - DON'T PLAY VIDEO BJ. The odds are too great against you. You're better off playing a live BJ with a 6:5 BJ payout and we all know how bad that is.
The payout descriptions on every video blackjack game I have seen was accurate. They usually use phrases like "Blackjack pays 2 for 1", and "All other wins pay 2 for 1". The key is the word "for", instead of the word "to". Is this intentionally misleading? Probably. As toolman1 points out, this is typical of machine games.
Thanks I didn't understand the slot machine aspect of the game. I wish the game had been titled something other than blackjack, maybe "Slot Black JacK" or "Black Jack Slot." Blows me away that the only way to receive your original bet back is to push. The funny/sad thing about it is I started playing the machines because the casino started hitting soft 17's at the lower denomination tables. I thought the rules for video BJ were outstanding. I'm still in denial that the casino doesn't have to post a rule saying the machine will take your original bet in all cases outside of a push. I truly thought that I was playing BJ and had no idea about the slot thing.
Go look at the Craps tables As Ken said it is the difference in the words "For" or "To". Go look in the middle of a Craps table. The Hardways/One Roll bets can be paid in both ways like "8 for 1" or "7 to 1"...depending on the house...same payoff.
Are you saying that "8 for 1" and "7 to 1" are equal? I'm confused again. Tell me the difference between "for" and "to." I don't remember exactly what the machine pay table used. I always thought that the terms were interchangeable. Thanks!
Yes, "8 for 1" and "7 to 1" mean the same thing, that you'll net 7 units profit on a bet. Remember it this way... They'll give you 8 units "for", or "in exchange for" your 1 unit bet, which they'll collect. Or, they'll pay 7 units "to" your bet of 1 unit, and leave it in place.
I see said the blind man as he picked up his hammer and saw. Now I understand. Lesson learned. Thanks for the help.
