Arguably one of the most popular casino table games, blackjack is loved by different generations and for various reasons. Not only is this classic card game easy to understand in terms of rules and gameplay, but it’s also known to have a relatively low house edge. The latter gives casino enthusiasts hope of potentially triumphing over the casino and winning big. After all, most people play casino games because of the thrill of a promising win.
Given its mass appeal, some people may find themselves wondering if casinos ever try to gain the upper hand over players. More specifically, do dealers ever cheat at blackjack? With both sides — casinos and players — looking to tip the scales in their favor, it makes sense to explore this question in more detail.
Is Blackjack at Casinos Rigged?
In the casino industry, there are strict regulations and guidelines in place devised to create a level playing field and to protect players from being taken advantage of by casinos or vice versa. But that’s not to say everybody always plays by the rules. Just as players may try to tip the balance in their favor by, say, reading the dealer’s upcard, casinos may well have their own ways of doing the same.
Cheating is frowned upon in any industry, including the casino industry and while the house edge may be higher in some games, that’s not a sign of cheating. In fact, blackjack is known to have a relatively low house edge, which adds to its widespread appeal. Although blackjack at casinos isn’t necessarily rigged, there are certain tactics and tricks dealers may turn to for the benefit of the casino.
Understanding the House Edge and Its Influence on the Game
Before playing any casino game, most players tend to want to know the house edge before proceeding because this gives them a good idea of their chances of winning. Typically stated as a percentage, the house edge indicates the advantage a casino has over players. The lower the house edge, the better the chances of a player winning.
However, it’s important to note that the house edge is more like an average which is determined over a certain period of time, meaning that it’s highly likely that there will be outliers that deviate from the expected outcome. Overall, while you may use the house edge to get a sense of your chances of winning, the outcome is, of course, also determined by the blackjack strategy you choose, how experienced you are, as well as your understanding of the rules of the game.
Why Cheating Customers Isn’t a Sustainable Business Model
Casinos that allow the house’s edge to have a greater statistical effect by encouraging the blackjack dealer to do certain things like dealing seconds, removing cards from the deck, hyper shuffling and selective shuffling aren’t unheard of. But this is not a sustainable business model. For starters, the reputational damage that could result from the public becoming aware of the fact that blackjack dealer rules aren’t being adhered to could ultimately lead to a casino’s demise. Secondly, should industry regulators find out about this or even get a hint that dealers may be cheating players, it could end badly. It could result in fines, penalties or the casino’s license being revoked. All in all, the casino industry is already competitive enough and if players realize they’re being cheated, they’ll likely switch to a casino that’s reputable, such as Borgata.
In a nutshell, a casino can’t rely on cheating tactics to get ahead and retain its players. Somewhere along the line, it will be discovered that the live dealer blackjack tables are being operated in a suspicious manner. The benefits of tactics such as selective shuffling and hyper shuffling are temporary for the casino, so it’s not worth the risk.
Selective Shuffling and Hyper Shuffling
As already noted, these are just two of several ways in which dealers can “cheat the system” in favor of the casino.
When more than half of the card deck has been used, dealers typically reshuffle the cards, but they may opt to do it when they see that a player is winning too many hands. This is called selective shuffling. It not only reduces the player’s chance of getting a better hand but also negatively impacts the house edge.
Hyper shuffling, on the other hand, is when the dealer shuffles the cards extremely fast so as to make it difficult for players to process the game, ultimately increasing the house edge. While high speed might be appreciated when spinning the reels at jackpot slots, blackjack requires a different pace so that players don’t get confused. Fortunately, it’s easy to identify a dealer who’s hyper shuffling, which makes it possible for you to simply ask him to slow the pace or for you to leave and play at another table.
Play Blackjack and More at the Online Casino
Evidently, there are various ways in which casinos and dealers may try to increase the house edge. While some of the chosen methods may be insignificant and neglectable, some dealers go the extra mile to ensure that players have a lower chance of winning. That being said, not all casinos practice foul play, which is why it’s recommended to play at licensed and reputable land-based and online casinos, like Borgata. Step into the virtual world to discover a variety of online slots, classic casino games and so much more. Register to gain unlimited access to top-rated online casino games.