how does blackjack work?

jbenham, thank you! We have similar "bus rides" to the casinos as well around here. It works though, eh? No way would I sit at a casino for 4 hours and not spend money. The insanity of it all!

I used to play at the $2.00 tables in Reno, but never won a large amount.

Nowadays, it is difficult to find anything under a $10.00 table.

When I do go to a casino anymore, I stick to the slots with a pre-determined amount of money. Once that is gone, I leave. (Do not get in the habit of charging your gambling to your card - that leads many to unpleasant credit card bills at the end of the cruise. Use cash instead).

My best win was $1500 (in Reno on side-by-side machines); my worst loss (and much more common for me than winning) was $100. On ship my best win was about $500. My guess is that I am behind on that investment though

We have been on a lot of cruises and never once seen people in the casino smiling or looking like they are having fun.

My mom used to go to the Community Center and take the coach (Calling it a bus costs you $1.) They get a $20 token to spend at the casino, theory being that once you blow through that, you will spend your own money. She would play the nickel slots.

BDRebel, thank you! You definitely have a point. Now thinking about it, I think I have seen different stand on 16, 17 or 18 in various casinos. And then there's the minimum bet. I love me some $1 minimum bet tables! I don't think I could stomach the $5 minimum tables. Actually, I'm not really playing at all at blackjack tables. I'm ALWAYS looking at the dealer and other players and seeking advice on what to do! LOL! I will just stick to the slots. There's no thinking required there.

Thanks AuntiePinkie! So, what's your percentage of wins vs. losses? Ever taken home a nice loot?

I am fairly positive that the ships' casinos do not outright cheat (such as stacking the deck) at a card table, but there are many ways to increase the odds in favor of the house - such as number of decks used, payout on a blackjack, hit or stand on a soft 17, and various "sucker bets" that pay out bonus for next-to-impossible hands.

I consider the gambling as entertainment as well. I have a set amount to spend, when it is gone I'm done. I have had fun and don't begrudge the ship keeping that amount of money (or me taking home more than I put in). Have a great time and enjoy your adventure.

Thanks for the reply jbenham! I have heard the same thing, unfortunately. Wouldn't the odds be about the same everywhere with blackjack though? I mean, it can't really be rigged like a slot machine. That's why the boyfriend is choosing cards over something totally helpless like the slots. Correct me if I'm wrong though, please?! Maybe there's something I am not aware of even with blackjack/card gambling. You never know though, can't win unless you play, right?! The way I figure it, I go on a real vacation about once every 7 or 8 years or so, lol. I'm not gonna worry about losing a few bucks for a little entertainment It's a bust anyway with the free booze on this ship.

Simple. Get a drink. Find a table. Put your money on the table. Watch the dealer remove your money while you drink. I have heard that house odds on a ship are worse than the casinos you might go to on land.

You can either have a cash withdrawal from the card (not sure how to do that at the table, but easy enough at the casino cashier) or already have cash in hand.

I'm sure they will make it as easy as possible for you to donate your share!

If you are looking to gain the casino points, I have heard that the slots award points faster than the tables.