Gambling in Panama
Thank you for posting that fantastic article free of charge.
Would you suggest that (other than casinos) Panama is a good place for a family vacation? If that is the case, then I would most certainly visit there and would very much enjoy playing Blackjack at Crown after everyone goes to bed. I love small and quiet casinos. I speak just enough Spanish to get myself arrested, so maybe I can encourage the dealer to shoot the breeze with me a little bit.
I should also wonder about the price of hotels there, if you do not mind divulging. It does not appear that my franchise has any there (I checked), so it's going to be full price for me. I can probably sweet-talk the rate down, if I get someone who speaks English and can figure out the hotel is not selling out for the nights I want, but that'll save me 25%, tops.
Quote: Mission146Suggest that (other than casinos) Panama is a good place for a family vacation? If that is the case, then I would most certainly visit there and would very much enjoy playing Blackjack at Crown after everyone goes to bed. I love small and quiet casinos. I speak just enough Spanish to get myself arrested, so maybe I can encourage the dealer to shoot the breeze with me a little bit.
The Wizard wrote more details on his blog. Scroll back to last February and read those as well. He also has other articles on his Wizard of Odds site.
Quote: Sample wizard's blog #5Riande Continental, based on decent reviews on Travelocity and a competitive price. I had no idea of the quality of the area. I arrived late at night, checked in, and was given a room with a view of Via Veneto. It was perfectly obvious from my window that this minor street was in an adult-oriented part of the city, as evidenced by a lot of bars, taxis, and people milling about late at night.
The Continental looks like it has been upgraded since the Wizard stayed there (maybe he can confirm), and no longer part of the Riande 2 hotel chain. The advertise rates starting at $123 (although I think cheaper is available). Many guests warn about traffic noise if you are not poolside.
I went to Casino Veneto in Panama City In 2010 and everything the Wizard mentioned is SPOT-ON!
Just one thing I wanted to add is to be very careful drinking the local water while out in Panama. Three people in my group including myself got severely sick while in Panama. Although I only drank bottled water, I used regular ice (made from regular local water) and I believe that's what made me sick. I had severe stomach cramps, hot and cold flashes and was in bed for an entire 24 hour period on the 4 day trip. After my return home to the States; I had a 104 degree fever and had to go to the emergency room for antibiotics.
Do not drink local water (Ice included) in Panama!
Quote: Mission146Would you suggest that (other than casinos) Panama is a good place for a family vacation?
For families may I suggest the Gamboa Rain Forest resort. It is about 20 miles outside of town, and there is no gambling, but it is unique.
Quote: Mission146Would you suggest that (other than casinos) Panama is a good place for a family vacation?
Keep in mind that I never left Panama City. So all I'm qualified to say is that I do NOT recommend Panama City for a family vacation. The traffic is terrible and as far as I could tell there weren't many family-friendly things to do, other than watching ships pass through the canal.
I do know there are nice resorts further out of the city in the jungle that cater to fishing or just the beauty of the jungle. However, you don't need to travel that far to find that. Belize or Costa Rica would be where I would start looking for that.
Regarding the water, my policy in questionable places is to buy bottled water and avoid drinks with ice. You can't go wrong with beer. I also don't skimp on food and eat at decent-looking places. So I never had a problem with my health in Panama.
PacoMartin:
Thank you. I will read more of the Wizard's writings on Panama, though I doubt I would go. Good casino action is a VERY distant second to an excellent family atmosphere otherwise with plenty of stuff for the kids (one four-year old and one who is almost one) to do.
In fact, if I had a good lead on a great vacation destination for the family where I could get in and out at a good price, thee obviously wouldn't have to be a casino within 500 miles for me to jump all over that. The problem with this franchise is that we have very few hotels outside of N.A., with exception to a handful in Europe.
I also appreciate the link to the Gamboa place. I would have to say that I would not pay that amount of money for a room anywhere. No hotel could possibly be that good. It looks very nice, though, better for a honeymoon or couples vacation than a family thing, I might suggest.
Wizard
Thank you for the lack of a recommendation for a family vacation, or for not recommending a bad place, in any event. I will nevertheless read your other entries concerning Panama. I wish I could see that kind of Low Table Minimum action, here. That's really the only thing that keeps me from the Tables, even though my current gambling bankroll is at $786.00 (Mostly Carry-Over from last year + $25.00/month added) I am down $40.00 (discluding monthly additions) this year and I really hate putting up more than $50.00 in one night.
I will see if you have any blogs on Belize or Costa Rica. Perhaps I will get lucky and my franchise will have a hotel in one of those places.
Quote: Mission146Thank you. I will read more of the Wizard's writings on Panama, though I doubt I would go. Good casino action is a VERY distant second to an excellent family atmosphere otherwise with plenty of stuff for the kids (one four-year old and one who is almost one) to do. In fact, if I had a good lead on a great vacation destination for the family where I could get in and out at a good price, thee obviously wouldn't have to be a casino within 500 miles for me to jump all over that. The problem with this franchise is that we have very few hotels outside of N.A., with exception to a handful in Europe.
While the USA went from 76.2 million in 1900 to 281 million in 2000, Latin America went from 60.1 million to 520.0 million. In most countries one city is primary, and hence the cities are very crowded and busy. Panama city is struggling with Manhattan levels of traffic.
However, Mexicans in particular are very family oriented. I think it is a great place to take children.
Quote: CrapsForeverI used regular ice (made from regular local water)
oh, wow, this is such a common blunder
Quote: articleHit a two-card 9 but double a three-card 9 against a 2.
According to the chart, you should always hit a 9 against a 2, and the above instructions would apply to a 9 against a 3.
Quote: articleNormally when the dealer hits a soft 17, the player should double 9 against a 2.
This is not true, usually you should hit a 9 against a 2, unless you are playing double or single deck.
Quote: AcesAndEightsHey Wiz, a couple questions about your Panama blackjack strategy. They're either mistakes or I'm misreading the chart/text.
According to the chart, you should always hit a 9 against a 2, and the above instructions would apply to a 9 against a 3.
This is not true, usually you should hit a 9 against a 2, unless you are playing double or single deck.
You're misreading my advice, perhaps because I stated it badly.
First, in Panama the dealer hits a soft 17. The general rule there is to double 9 against 2.
Second, in Panama the player may double on three cards. So, it pays to hit a 2-card 9 against a 2, hoping to draw another 2, to do a more powerful double with 11.
Third, my D3 code for 9 vs. 3 means to hit with a 2-card 9, and double with a 3-card 9. Same reason -- with a 2-card 9 you're hoping to get a 2, to double on 11.
Quote: WizardFirst, in Panama the dealer hits a soft 17. The general rule there is to double 9 against 2.
I think AcesAndEights is referring to your WoO basic strategy for 4 or more decks at this link, where it says to hit (not double) 9 vs. 2, regardless of whether the dealer hits or stands on soft 17.
Quote: DocI think AcesAndEights is referring to your WoO basic strategy for 4 or more decks at this link, where it says to hit (not double) 9 vs. 2, regardless of whether the dealer hits or stands on soft 17.
Well, that is certainly embarrassing. Yes, the right play is to hit 9 vs. 2. Sorry about that. I deserve to be punished for that one. Father, if you're reading this, what is my penance?
Quote: WizardQuote: DocI think AcesAndEights is referring to your WoO basic strategy for 4 or more decks at this link, where it says to hit (not double) 9 vs. 2, regardless of whether the dealer hits or stands on soft 17.
Well, that is certainly embarrassing. Yes, the right play is to hit 9 vs. 2. Sorry about that. I deserve to be punished for that one. Father, if you're reading this, what is my penance?
Okay, now we're getting somewhere. So is the following correct for Panama rules?
1) 9 vs 2 - always hit
2) 9 vs 3 - Hit if your hand is 2 cards, double if your hand is 3 or more cards
This is consistent with the chart and I think is correct based on this conversation. The text in the article is still confusing though.
Quote: WizardWell, that is certainly embarrassing. Yes, the right play is to hit 9 vs. 2. Sorry about that. I deserve to be punished for that one. Father, if you're reading this, what is my penance?
You've already been punished. Casino Player magazine declined to pay for or publish the article. Perhaps because they saw this error? ;-)
Quote: AcesAndEightsOkay, now we're getting somewhere. So is the following correct for Panama rules?
1) 9 vs 2 - always hit
2) 9 vs 3 - Hit if your hand is 2 cards, double if your hand is 3 or more cards
This is consistent with the chart and I think is correct based on this conversation. The text in the article is still confusing though.
Yes, except double on 9 vs. 3 with exactly three cards only. You can't double on 4 or more.
I decided to just get rid of the talk about the basic strategy changes after the basic strategy.
Yes, in retrospect it was a good thing they didn't publish it with that error. They pay so little that the lost money doesn't matter much.
Quote: Wizard
Well, that is certainly embarrassing.
Because your game Mulligan Poker is called Gilligan Poker
in Central America? Nobody knows what a Mulligan is, but
everybody in the world knows Gilligan.
Quote: EvenBobBecause your game Mulligan Poker is called Gilligan Poker
in Central America? Nobody knows what a Mulligan is, but
everybody in the world knows Gilligan.
Well, I'm not sure what that has to do with it, but thanks anyway for the suggestion. As a true fan of the show, you never know if I'll appropriate your idea.
Quote: WizardYes, except double on 9 vs. 3 with exactly three cards only. You can't double on 4 or more.
I decided to just get rid of the talk about the basic strategy changes after the basic strategy.
Yes, in retrospect it was a good thing they didn't publish it with that error. They pay so little that the lost money doesn't matter much.
Wiz, sorry to keep hassling you about the article, but I think that some explanation of the "D3" in the 9 vs. 3 column is appropriate. It's not a normal rule or a normal entry to see in a BS chart, so I think the explanation was warranted.
Quote: AcesAndEightsWiz, sorry to keep hassling you about the article, but I think that some explanation of the "D3" in the 9 vs. 3 column is appropriate. It's not a normal rule or a normal entry to see in a BS chart, so I think the explanation was warranted.
Oh, boy. I thought that my additional explanation was confusing, so I got rid of it. You can see the key says "D3 = Double on 3 cards only." Since I mention the rule about doubling on 3 cards I'm hoping the reader can deduce the reason.
Quote: WizardOh, boy. I thought that my additional explanation was confusing, so I got rid of it. You can see the key says "D3 = Double on 3 cards only." Since I mention the rule about doubling on 3 cards I'm hoping the reader can deduce the reason.
Aha! I missed the key. I agree that with that there, it's fine now.
Quote: winmonkeyspit3Very well written and informative. If I ever get the chance to travel to these parts of the world this information will be very helpful!
Live large, pay small in Panama City
By Gabriel O'Rorke, for CNN updated 2:45 AM EDT, Fri May 17, 2013
Discussed are:
Hotels
Waldorf Astoria Panama
Casa del Horno
Tantalo Hotel
Canal House
Restaurants
Restaurante Angel
Manolo Caracol
Barlovento
Attractions
Panama Viejo
Panama Canal
Quote: Wizard
Thanks Wizard for updating Casino Holdem® in your Gambling in Panama.
Mathematical Analysis = Wizard of Odds (House Edge: 2.16%)
Casino Holdem® / Play Casino Hold’em® for Free
It was a dollar for playing the whole night with one card.
Prizes were mostly tupperware boxes ;).
There were many many games played.
NOTE: As to tupperware boxes, I would assume that they are rather valuable for food storage in places with lots of flies, unreliable electricity to operate refrigerators, etc.
but to play hours and hours on one card for only one dollar .... that must be the Hell Cortez of Bingo.
bingo cards are five by five.
Quote: FleaStiff
but to play hours and hours on one card for only one dollar .... that must be the Hell Cortez of Bingo.
I've been further informed by the adventurous young lady that it was not even a casino, just a casual gathering of middle aged women running the games on a plaza under a statute of Jesus, not a casino at all.
The rules of the game are as the Wizard has described them. At least at the two casinos I played in, the limits were a $3 minimum and a $100 maximum bet and many players were playing $3 bets - I never saw anyone bet more than $25.
The key information missing from the descriptions is that there is a 5.5% "Retencion" taken from your chips when you go to cash them in. So if you have a $100 worth of chips and you take them to the cashier they will give you only $94.50.
This tax, which I believe has been in place for all games of chance in Panama since sometime in 2015 clearly impacts the odds and strategy. For instance, you never buy in big at the table. Also, if you will be coming back to the casino during the trip, you hang on to your remaining chips and bring them with you the next time you are there.
The rule about dealer not taking a hole card can lead to player disappointment. I saw one player split her Aces opposite dealer's 10 and draw a face card on each. When dealer then dealt herself an Ace for a blackjack, dealer did return the extra bet to the player, but took her initial bet as a loss since she held a pair of aces vs. a blackjack and thus had a losing hand.
How are things at Venato?
Partly due to my limited Spanish, a lot of reliance is put on hand signals. I was used to using a palms down flat hand to indicate "stay", however, in Panama you swish your hand towards the dealer like you are swatting a fly to "stay away". To split a pair, you place your stack of chips next to your other chips. However, to double down, your stack of chips is placed behind the original set of chips. To "surrender", you move your finger back and forth left to right behind your chips (never quite got used to this one - always said "surrender" when I did it).
The quality of play was pretty awful. Many players would always surrender rather than take a chance drawing holding any "bust" hand - e.g. a 12, 13, or 14 opposite a 9 or 10. They would never split pairs of nines opposite a low card, would double down with almost all soft hands opposite low cards - e.g. A2 vs a 4, and would stand with a soft 17 opposite a 10.
Strange. Do you have any notions as to why that might be? Was play in American dollars?Quote: PiegowThe quality of play was pretty awful.
