5 Ways To Tell If The Blackjack Table Is Hot Or Not

Bryan Fulton | World Renowned Casino Dealer

Want An Insider Tip That Could Be Worth Tons-O-Cash? 

When you step into a casino the bells are ringing, lights are flashing and you can feel the energy in the air. You have a fist full of dollars and a mission - to win big at a casino table.

As you walk around the casino tables circling your prey like a hungry jungle cast, you start to get more and more confused, now you are dizzy and just need to sit. 

Problem is that table is ice cold. Five minutes later you are broke and left what the heck happened? Well you have just fell victim to one of the many techniques the casino uses to get your money (overwhelming you). 

To make sure you stay focused and this does not happen to you here are 5 quick ways to see if a casino table is hot or not.

#1 Jam Packed - 

Look for a casino table that is crowded. A full casino table is usually a casino table full of winners. The energy is good and people are waiting in line to get a seat at this hot table. * Just make sure it is not because it is the $5.00 casino table, some people are just plain cheap!

#2 Pearly Whites - 

Look for smiles at that crowded casino table. It could be crowded just because the casino is busy that night, maybe the association of car wash executives is in town and there is not a seat left in the whole casino. Smiles indicate a good time and winning is definitely a good time. Even if the smiles are because people are having fun and not striking it rich, you are going to feel a lot better when you are playing (it is called the gaming industry after all)!

#3 Stacks of Checks - 

Look at the casino dealers tip stack. If they are giving the money away there should be a pretty healthy pile of chips over behind the discard rack. Usually the casino makes them color up the tokes so that people can not use this tip to their advantage, but most casino dealers will wait until told to this (because it is not their money, so they want you to win)!

#4 Nice Rack - 

Look at the casino dealers rack of chips in front of them. If it is empty and the chips are in front of the smiling faced crowded casino table customers, chances are you want to grab a seat and plant some roots. This is also a great way to see if the casino table is hot, if the casino dealer has been told to start coloring up and dropping his tips this could be another strong indicator. Empty racks are a great sign of a hot casino table!

#5 Mr. Pit Boss - 

Look to see if there are a lot of managers around. This is an awesome tip to know because if the casino table is hot, the casino table dealer has been told to drop their tips, the smiling people at the crowded casino table are hiding their stacks (some people do not like advertising a hot table), and security just brought a fill so the rack is no longer empty you would not think to sit at this casino table. If there are a couple of extra floor men watching the casino table though you might want to pull up a chair and order a drink because this is going to be a hot casino table!

So you see there are a lot of factors that come into play when looking for a seat at a casino table. Fight the urge to just sit anywhere because it is overwhelming. A little research plus a healthy knowledge of what signs to look for, could have you sitting smack dab in the middle of a heater!

Author: Bryan Fulton | Bryan Fulton comes from a family full of casino industry professionals, from casino managers, and dealers to special event planners, and slot host organizers. He has worked at many different styles of casinos from the old world era riverboats of South Carolina to the luxurious mega resorts of fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada! Bryan has years of experience in all the casino table games, he has dealt over a million hands (and counting) of blackjack, roulette, craps and the carnival games. His skills have landed him highly paid jobs in some of the busiest casinos around. Bryan Fulton has been featured on the Travel Channel’s Vegas Dealers II in which he is seen demonstrating various dealing techniques. He has been called upon to train many of the new hires that casinos bring up through the ranks internally. Bryan Fulton has personally coached thousands of customers on effective playing strategies as well as his secret winning strategies.

Stop Gambling With These 5 Emotions!

Bryan Fulton | World Renowned Casino Dealer

I Get So Emotional Baby! 

Its Called Gaming For A Reason, Its FUN!

Whether you want to have a good time or take down the house, casino gambling can go from fun to frustrating in 0-60. 

So in order to be in control you have to be able to recognize where the edge is. Casinos will take you to that edge, and past it.

Get A Grip On These 5 Emotions:

#1 Fear - 

The newbies can relate to this one. You talk about winning, you dress to impress, and when you belly up to the table you freeze in complete terror. You start to sweat, people are staring at you because it is your turn to roll, or hit, or bet. The way to get past fear, is familiarize yourself with the games and the casino. Go through and just watch a couple of games, do not feel pressured to sit at first. If the game has no players ask the dealer how to play. Get comfortable before you start.

#2 Greed - 

This is for everyone and probably should have been number one. You have to set a limit and stick to it. You will not beat the house. Their pockets are too deep. Brace yourself and pace yourself. Know when it is time to get up. Do not go overboard when betting. Greed is a hard beast to tame, employ time limits to keep yourself out of trouble.

#3 Anger - 

When you play too long and way out of your means, greed can quickly turn into rage. You can not lose your cool in a casino. No one wants to see you slamming the table and screaming at the dealers or waitresses. It makes it uncomfortable for everyone around you. If you are losing, just get up. You can go back but just remove yourself from the situation. You are probably a nice person under different circumstances, fight the urge to turn into the hulk!

#4 Jealousy - 

You want to know why that person hit the jackpot? They played the right machine at the right time. Wondering why this person gets those coupons? They acquired them through extensive play or signed up at the players reward zone. Casinos are not trying to leave you out. They want you to feel as comfortable as possible so you let your guard down. There is no conspiracy, just ask how you can start to enjoy the perks you see others have. Do not assume, be proactive.

#5 Arrogance - 

There is a lot to be said about high rollers not wanting to play with others. They want to be in as much control of their money as possible. That being said if you are not a high roller and are not playing in the high limit salon or pit, then do not think you own the casino. Do not tell other players how to play their hands. Do not tell them where to sit and not to talk to you. Do not be a jerk. If you want to play big money get a private table, if you can not afford it then do not act as if you rule the world. 

All in all casino gambling can be a lot of fun. The atmosphere is energetic, the people are excited and there is a buzz in the air (no it is not oxygen pumped into the casino). Losing or winning money is definitely emotional. Just do not let it get the best of you!

Author: Bryan Fulton | Bryan Fulton comes from a family full of casino industry professionals, from casino managers, and dealers to special event planners, and slot host organizers. He has worked at many different styles of casinos from the old world era riverboats of South Carolina to the luxurious mega resorts of fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada! Bryan has years of experience in all the casino table games, he has dealt over a million hands (and counting) of blackjack, roulette, craps and the carnival games. His skills have landed him highly paid jobs in some of the busiest casinos around. Bryan Fulton has been featured on the Travel Channel’s Vegas Dealers II in which he is seen demonstrating various dealing techniques. He has been called upon to train many of the new hires that casinos bring up through the ranks internally. Bryan Fulton has personally coached thousands of customers on effective playing strategies as well as his secret winning strategies.

5 Quick Tips To Taking Control Of A Blackjack Table

Bryan Fulton | World Renowned Casino Dealer

Take Control Of The Casino Action!

As a blackjack dealer your job is to protect the game, follow procedures and make the casino the most money you can by dealing as many hands as possible while at the blackjack table.

More hands per hour means more chances at winning your money for the house.

Here are 5 ways to take back control of your money and the game of blackjack:

#1 Contemplate - 

Take your time playing your hand, once the cards have been dealt you can act as if you are not sure what you would like to do. Should I split my fives (NO NEVER!) should I double, should I double after I split. You can not control how fast the blackjack dealer removes the cards from the shoe but you do have control of how long it takes you to play your hand. * Do not be unreasonable with your actions but definitely contemplate your next move.

#2 Change it up - 

Ask for change for bigger chips. This will give you a chance to slow down the blackjack dealer and let the dust settle for a minute. Coloring up works too, although most casinos will ask you to wait until the shoe is over if you try to color up too many times during the shoe.

#3 Bet the Rainbow - 

Place wagers in different denominations using different color chips (highest valued chips on the bottom). This is one of the best strategies to take control back because no one can say anything to you and it really does slow down the game and increase your control. * Bonus if you are lucky enough to get a blackjack sit back and watch as the dealer breaks down your checks (another word for casino chips) and sweats the payout.

#4 Go Valdez on Them - 

Spilling a drink on the layout will demand immediate attention from the casino pit staff and it brings the game to a screeching halt! Since the floorman or pit clerk will have to come over and mop up the mess with a bunch of paper towels or a rag, action ceases until the spill is cleaned up (most likely they will have to change out some cards too). This technique is to be used in extreme cases, say the table is just ice cold and the blackjack dealer is a jerk and no one is having fun. * Since it is kind of a hassle make sure you only use this one time, maybe two tops but after that you will most likely be asked to leave.

#5 Gratuity is  Added - 

You would be absolutely amazed at how simple tipping the blackjack dealer and asking them to slow down can be. Most blackjack dealers work on tips or tokes and they do not realize that they might be running you over on the blackjack table. Nine times out of ten they will slow down if you ask, and hey if you are betting the rainbow bet, a little $2.50 bet for the dealers is a great touch!

So if you arm yourself with helpful hints and quick tips on how to lower your chances of getting clobbered right out of the gate, you will find that playing blackjack is a lot of fun and could lead to winning some loot! Just make sure you use some of these techniques to help you take back control at the blackjack table. Slow the game down and enjoy your casino experience.

Do you have any other ideas leading to money management in the casino? Please share them below in the comments section!

Author: Bryan Fulton | Bryan Fulton comes from a family full of casino industry professionals, from casino managers, and dealers to special event planners, and slot host organizers. He has worked at many different styles of casinos from the old world era riverboats of South Carolina to the luxurious mega resorts of fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada! Bryan has years of experience in all the casino table games, he has dealt over a million hands (and counting) of blackjack, roulette, craps and the carnival games. His skills have landed him highly paid jobs in some of the busiest casinos around. Bryan Fulton has been featured on the Travel Channel’s Vegas Dealers II in which he is seen demonstrating various dealing techniques. He has been called upon to train many of the new hires that casinos bring up through the ranks internally. Bryan Fulton has personally coached thousands of customers on effective playing strategies as well as his secret winning strategies.