Gaming Guru

Why Are Table Minimums So High in Atlantic City?

Dear Frank:

Can you can answer for me why the table minimums are higher in Atlantic City than Las Vegas? Is this due to the "cut" that the State of New Jersey requires from the casinos as opposed to Nevada or is it just the casino operators?

When I play in AC, it's all slots and maybe some roulette. In Vegas I play many more tables than in AC especially downtown where I can play Pai Gow in plenty of places for $5. Even on the Strip I can find $10 tables. In AC you're lucky if the Pai Gow is $15 but mostly they jack it to $25, I can't play at that level so I stick to slots there.

Do you have any Info on this?

Tom

Dear Tom:

First, even at $25 you will lose less at Pai Gow poker than you will on your average 25-cent and dollar slot machines. Given about 40 decisions against a 2.6 percent house edge in Pai Gow poker, your expected loss for one hour of play is about $26. At 12 spins per minute on a 25-cent slot machine using three coins (75 cents), you play $540 through the machine in an hour and your expected loss, given a 10 percent house edge, which is about what AC charges, is about $54 per hour.

Now as to why Atlantic City casinos have higher minimums, you have to look at many factors. There are not as many casinos in Atlantic City as there are in Las Vegas. Atlantic City has a dozen; Vegas has about 90. There are low, medium and high-roller casinos in Vegas so just about every pocketbook can find games to its liking. Atlantic City is more or less a medium to high-roller city. Also Vegas makes far more money from shopping and shows than does AC.

Out-of-town players tend to stay in Vegas about four days. There are also many more "locals" in Vegas than in AC. Atlantic City players are day-trippers or people who spend a maximum of two nights.

Atlantic City's state and local taxes are higher as are salaries and renovation/building costs.

Yes, Vegas is far more economical to go to than is Atlantic City, if you have the time.

For your letter I am giving you a free 30-day subscription to my private, members-only web site at www.goldentouchcraps.com. We have over 5,000 members on this site and I think you will enjoy the discussions on our message boards.

All the best in and out of the casinos!

Frank Scoblete