AC seems to have picked up some.

[kewljason]

Since I returned to the east coast last week, Atlantic City seems to be more crowded than its been since the end of last summer. Actually had to wait in line friday to get in the Taj buffet. Has any one else noticed this? wonder why? Rules haven't improved. Weather hasn't been anything special.

[callipygian]

Originally Posted by kewljason

Rules haven't improved.

It seems to be a common misconception that the general public even understands rule changes, much less understands their importance. Promotions might work (2:1 blackjack coupons, etc.), incentives might work (discounted rooms, etc.), but advertising that you're now S17 instead of H17 doesn't.

I actually got into a quasi-argument with one of my friends who really thought that all pat hands were the same, that the dealer gains nothing by hitting soft 17 and drawing 4, since his hand is "pat anyway" and that hitting soft 17 gives the dealer a "second chance to bust".

[shadroch]

It's called Spring Break/ Presidents Week.

[21forme]

It's also because they have fewer tables open (even in the buffets I've been to, sections have been closed.)

[FLASH1296]

Remember, the bulk of A.C. casino income is derived from their slot machines.

I suspect that if you bothered to look, you'd see many unoccupied slot machines;
due to competition from "video lottery terminals" (masquerading as slot machines)
in neighboring states, including N.Y., PA, Del, W.Va.

[kewljason]

I was referring to everything, not just the blackjack tables. The casino seemed more crowded, slot areas as well. The buffet was fully open and was half hour wait. Was even a line at the hotel checkin. Even the train seemed more crowded. I wasn't really there over presidents day weekend, I was still in vegas, but I hadn't thought about possible spring break as someone suggusted. still seems a stretch. I wasn't suggesting that it was as crowded as several years ago, before Pa and NY slots. just more crowded than I've seen in several months. Was just an observation.

[Kasi]

Originally Posted by callipygian

I actually got into a quasi-argument with one of my friends who really thought that all pat hands were the same, that the dealer gains nothing by hitting soft 17 and drawing 4, since his hand is "pat anyway" and that hitting soft 17 gives the dealer a "second chance to bust".

Maybe you both were right lol - the dealer will bust more often with H17 lol.

[shadroch]

It's not Video Poker. It's a video lottery machine. 92% is a heck of a lot better than the games people play in their local taverns. Broadway Poker, which is the only other video/slot machine that is readily available in NY has a top payout of 85%. Most bars keep the payouts at 75% or less. Unlike slot machines, Broadway poker machines can be reset at will. You can set it at 80% all week, but on Friday, when the Rubes come in flush with cash,flip a switch and its 55%.
The other thing with the VLMs is that an uneducated player with actually have a better chance on these than on the much more complicated Bonus poker games. I'm been learning Double Double Bonus and even after a month I'm still making many mistakes. A newbie would get killed playing this in a casino. Play a fake VP machine at Yonkers and you can't make a mistake. The machine corrects them for you.

[Blue Efficacy]

Can't you throw away quads and draw another set of quads?

[shadroch]

Originally Posted by Blue Efficacy

Can't you throw away quads and draw another set of quads?

Exactly. The game is mistake proof.
My last trip out west, I'm playing 100 play Jacks or Better, the guy next to me is playing Double Double Bonus. He is frequently drawing two pair- a hi pair and a lo pair and keeping them. In this game two pair pays the same as a hi pair so you break them up and go for the 4OAK bonus. At $25 a pop, I figure he was blowing about $5 every time this hand came up.
Many, many newbies will bust a pair of Jacks to chase a flush, even a straight. These VLMs fix all those dumb moves.