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Baccarat Bigger Than Blackjack In Vegas

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Baccarat is, officially, more popular than blackjack in Las Vegas. I believe I read this last year, but there are actually numbers to back this up now.

“For us to make money in gaming today without baccarat is almost impossible,” said Debra Nutton, senior vice president of casino operations at the MGM Grand hotel-casino. “We need the big whales to make money.”

…Nevada figures show that during the 12 months ending Nov. 30, casinos statewide won $1.27 billion from baccarat players, with the game offered at 258 total tables in 24 casinos. Blackjack, meanwhile, pulled in just $1.03 billion — even though it was offered across 2,810 tables in 151 casinos.

Baccarat’s popularity along with the popularity of food and beverage in Vegas in the past year may give an answer as to why comps for medium to low rollers are drying up. There may be more people playing blackjack or video poker, but they are not the gamblers that can make the casino’s bottom line in a given quarter.

Ultimately casinos, and all businesses, are going to cater to the people that make them the most money. It seems as if, today, that is the baccarat player more than the other gamblers.

My only experience playing mini baccarat in Atlantic City was pretty awful (I’ll share another day) and I (probably) won’t play the game again. Maybe we can get some tips on how to play Baccarat from Baccarat Guy someday.

Photo: Vegas Buzz

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2 Comments

  1. JMP
    January 26, 2012,

    Mini-baccarat seems so boring though, as long as you realize you should always bet on the banker. Blackjack or VP with basic strategy at least forces you to make a decision on each hand.

    • Marc
      January 29, 2012,

      Bacc (mini or big) isn’t boring if you’re making money and/or enjoying some drinks. 🙂

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