Fblack said:
Didn't know about resort fees, I will look out for that.
I'm keen to play some double deck games.
That's Ok lol, I'm sure we will find the nightspots alright!
Double deck blackjack... generally, to get that at MGM properties will require minimum bets of $25 or above. Aria and Mirage both have Double Deck where the dealer
stands on a soft 17 at $25 in the mornings.
If you want cheaper double deck, but don't mind if the dealer hits a soft 17, try the off-strip and locals properties. The M Resort is south of the Strip but has $10 H17 double deck in a swanky joint.
Print out all the strategy cards you'll need. Go here:
http://wizardofodds.com/blackjack
If you can't get double deck for cheap, consider switching to a shoe game. However, only play a shoe game if they allow doubling on any two cards, late surrender, and resplitting aces.
What's the tipping policy with dealers? Is it expected? In Australia we never tip for anything and I always feel awkward when I go on holidays to usa because I am never sure how much I am suppose to tip for things.
I'm an Australian too, so I know how you feel.
The accepted practice for tipping a dealer is to place a bet for the dealer. Just place a bet (of any size) down near your bet and say "bet for the dealer." Then play out the hand as usual.
My personal policy is that making 1 bet for the dealers at the end of every session you play at each casino you play at is perfectly fine. For instance, if I play 2 hours at Aria and 2 hours at Bellagio, at the end of each session I make a bet for the dealers (thus, I've made 2 bets for the dealers in total).
If you win big, increase the size of the bet for the dealers, or make more bets of the same size.
As for cocktail waitresses, a dollar-a-drink is a perfectly acceptable tip for main floor gamblers. My personal policy is one dollar when I place the order, and one dollar when I receive the drink, but I'm generous.