Blackjack, poker, dice, baccarat, punto banco and American roulette – all names that conjure up images of glamour, intrigue, excitement and, for some, fear of the unknown and perceptions clouded by myth and mystery.
Montecasino Tables Manager, Adam MacIntyre, says “It’s all about understanding the rules and principles of these fast-paced and thrilling games; and once the uncertainty and misconceptions are out of the way, you can really enjoy yourself.”
“Remember that if you feel unclear of the rules at any time while playing at a table, you can always ask the dealer. These experienced gaming staff members are available to answer any questions or assist where needed. Montecasino’s dealers are amongst the most experienced in the world and are trained to give you the best advice possible,” continues MacIntyre.
So what are some of the superstitions and myths around tables’ games that might be deterring you from experiencing the sheer adrenalin rush of throwing caution to the wind and, more importantly, what are the facts?
Dealers get paid more if the guest loses so they won’t give sound advice
False. This is not the case as dealers get the same hourly rate whether guests win or lose. Ironically, they stand to earn a lot more if the player wins because their tips are likely to increase in relation to the guests’ winnings.
Dealers are able to spin sections (land the ball in certain areas of the wheel) in the game of roulette or hit empty numbers at will (land the ball in certain numbers)
False. The speed at which the wheel is spinning, the hazards (little bumps that force the ball to change direction) on the wheel, the slope of the hub (the middle of the wheel), the point of impact, the angle and speed at which the ball is spun all come into play in roulette – all make it a real game of chance. It is virtually impossible to determine where the ball will land. “Anyway why would a dealer want to do this, they are not incentivised by the house but by tips from customers,” says MacIntyre.
All roulette wheels are balanced to make sure they don’t tip from side to side
True. Certified maintenance staff service all roulette wheels on the Montecasino property monthly by cleaning and balancing them with a spirit level under camera coverage. The Gauteng Gaming Board, an approved independent external manufacturer, also checks the wheels are balanced twice a year.
The control room (surveillance) controls the roulette ball
False. Roulette balls are made of ‘ivorine’ – an artificial product resembling ivory in colour and texture – which allows for no magnetism. In addition, the only electronics in the wheel are in the reader head to be able to display the winning number. There is no connection from the wheel to surveillance. “Surveillance is there to protect you in the case of disputes as well as protect the casino’s assets. There is no way they can impact on your odds of winning,” says MacIntyre.
Craps dice are loaded
False. Dice are manufactured by precision equipment, sourced from Gauteng Gaming Board – approved independent external suppliers. They’re 100% balanced and made from a transparent material, so that you are able to see defects easily. New dice are used daily and the old dice are destroyed at the end of the gaming day; interestingly enough approximately 30 sets of dice are destroyed per month. Montecasino has the only dice table in South Africa and offers sessions every Saturday and Sunday at 12h00 to guests keen to learn how to play this fast-paced, high-action, high-adrenalin game.
Playing cards are marked
Plausible. There is always a risk that cards could be marked by people who are trying to defraud the casino. At Montecasino, however, the risk is minimised by issuing new cards daily on all game types. Before use, all cards are opened under camera coverage, then checked back and front, and are placed in a shoe with a lid and brush covering the back of the top card. This removes the possibility of a player benefiting from marked cards or anyone touching the cards. About 750 old decks of cards are shredded on a monthly basis to ensure they are not circulated. “At Montecasino we use continuous shuffling machines with five decks of cards at all times on our blackjack tables. Not only does this further reduce the risk of marked cards making an appearance, it also means our entertainment-seekers have an uninterrupted gaming experience,” says MacIntyre.
The dealer cannot affect the outcome of a game of blackjack.
True. Blackjack is widely recognised as being a game of skill and strategy which prevents some people from experiencing the thrill of this tactical game. The fact is that dealers draw cards according to a standard set rules and it is the players’ choices and betting decisions that affect the outcome of the game. Playing blackjack is about influencing your own fate and the amount you could win, by making smart decisions with the best odds (and a bit of luck).
“There are many more superstitions, myths and misconceptions out there, but the simple fact is that casino games were invented for the pure entertainment value of playing. It’s about the thrill, about valuing risk over regret, about feeling alive, and tables games go a long way in offering just that.”
For more information on the variety of thrilling games at Montecasino or details on how to make the most of your experience by joining Montecasino’s Club Festival loyalty programme, with its myriad array of rewards and benefits, visit www.montecasino.co.za.
ISSUED ON BEHALF OF MONTECASINO BY STRATEGIC PUBLIC RELATIONS. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT JENÉ GODFREY ON (011) 672-2037 OR jene@stratpr.co.za.
ABOUT MONTECASINO
Award-winning Montecasino - Gauteng’s number one entertainment destination - is ideally located in the heart of Fourways Johannesburg and is a spectacular 24-7 ‘World at Play’ development meticulously designed to replicate an authentic Tuscan Village. A casino, retail entertainment, corporate hospitality and events, three hotels on property and a luxury office park, is perfectly packaged to offer the very best in stylish entertainment to deliver a unique and memorable experience. Visitors to Montecasino are immediately captivated by our Italian communal theming and vibrant social and entertainment buzz – an atmosphere that keeps them returning again and again. Catering for both the leisure and business markets through our broad range of facilities, entertainment activities, abundant parking and convenient location just off the main commuter routes; it is clear to see why Montecasino attracts over 9.3 million visitors annually. For more information go to www.montecasino.co.za or join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/montecasino. Another Tsogo Sun Gaming Experience. Montecasino - We’ve got it!
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