Hi-Limit Game at Harrah's Gulf Coast

I haven't decided whether I'll post a trip report yet, but I had a great long weekend at Harrah's Gulf Coast, getting back last night. The reason I'm posting here is I went with some friends, one of whom likes to play for big money (at least it's big to me), and he got very favorable rules and fantastic hospitality. There are quite a few of you who look for a sweet game wherever it is, so I thought I'd tell you what I saw.

I did not want to put him on the spot making a lot of inquiries about his arrangements, but he had his independent host call ahead and set up the game (and the limo, and the suite, and the ooh-la-la; they were amazing). Harrah's put on a reserved table for him, limits $200-5000. I do not know if he counts; I chose not to ask him, or hang around long enough during any one session to try and detect it. However, his betting spread was between 1 hand at 200 (didn't always start there) and 3 hands at 2000-2000-1000 twice (not sure if that was table max or just how he was betting during that 15 minutes and he could have spread to 5000 each hand). They kept the table for him 24/7 and did not object to his spread that I know of. He played (I'm estimating) about 20 hours over 3 days, all hours of the day and night.

The table rules were:

6D. Penetration to 1D (83%). Hand shuffled. (I asked the dealer, didn't try to estimate it.)
DAS
RSA to 4x
S17
DOA (pretty sure I saw him double an 8; could be wrong and it might be 9-11 only, but at least that)
3:2
Insurance offered.

I did not see him surrender, so I don't know whether he could. I also don't know if he could hit split aces, but I think I saw him do it once. He did remark that he thought this was one of the best games in the country, specifically that he could re-split aces, and he plays everywhere, and gets the royal treatment wherever he is (a couple magnitudes better than I get, and I love how well they treat me). The Wiz's calculator, without favorable surrender or hitting aces (since I don't know) is still showing realistic HE at .36%, and either of those would improve it still further.

I did not survey the rest of the tables to see how their other BJ games compared (sorry; I meant to but the weekend went very fast). So I don't know whether they'd offer a comparable game without special arrangements, but it seems like some of you have the bankroll to play at that level, so I wanted to suggest you call whoever if you're interested.

That's a common rule in many casino's high limit room. Even some casinos have it on main floors like MGM properties.

The only great deal he got was on the 83% pen. But, that would only matter if he's a counter.

If he isn't a counter, there's a better game at M Resort @ Henderson in their high limit room which offers
DD
S17
DAS
RSA
DOA
3:2
No surrender

Which gives a HE of 0.14%
Min100 Max5000

1 table open, 2nd one opens up if 1 is full.

But, it's super heat. They will watch you like a hawk. But, if you aren't counting, it's one of the best BJ game in the country.

Not sure if they still have it there since I haven't gone there in such a long time.

Quote: JoeSnow

The only great deal he got was on the 83% pen. But, that would only matter if he's a counter.

And would probably be favorable for him only half the time anyway. Good Counters often end up with bad shoes anyway.

>there's a better game at M Resort @ Henderson in their high limit room which offers HEAT
Actually, I don't know if its there now or not, but their entertainment and food specials have improved enough that it is worth a visit. Anyone going to Vegas should be willing to drive "halfway to California" and find out what the ever changing M is offering only seven and a half miles from The Strip.

Last I heard they closed their poker room after having issued four written memos and one verbal promise to keep it open, but enough time has gone by that even that may have changed again.

A gambler in Immokalee, FL who does Poker as well as craps and blackjack in Atlantic City claims Harrah's favors slot players but anyone who has an independent host call them will get something good. Harrahs still wants whales its just that they will not over pay for them, each game will still favor the house and loss reimbursement is not likely. Time and Action commitments imposed.

Joe you said no insurance. Did you mean no surrender?

Quote: Hunterhill

Joe you said no insurance. Did you mean no surrender?

and did you really mean 'double an 8' ?

you' have to be expecting a good chance to get an Ace I think, perhaps it is something in card counting strategy?

Babs said doubling an 8. Doubling an 8 against a 5 or 6 is a close play. It's a play counters will make quite often. It's basic strategy in single deck.

Quote: Hunterhill

Joe you said no insurance. Did you mean no surrender?

err yeah, no surrender not no insurance. sorry for typo, will edit.