Getting hassled about not betting the side bets
Roughly 90% of the other players I play with bet on all of the available side bets every hand (always hoping for that next big hit).
Having watched all of Mike's videos about blackjack, I have accepted his advice on this topic, and I never make these bets myself.
I also tend to refrain from commenting on how others play their hands at the table. However, every time I get a potentially winning side bet hand, I almost always get heckled by some other player (sometimes the dealer) about this with comments such as "Oh you don't play them" "You are getting so many of those hands but you don't play" "Why didn't you play" "You don't play" etc.
What should I say in response to these comments (if anything) from an etiquette standpoint?
Quote: AlecI like to play blackjack at local casinos in the Chicagoland area where I live.
Roughly 90% of the other players I play with bet on all of the available side bets every hand (always hoping for that next big hit).
Having watched all of Mike's videos about blackjack, I have accepted his advice on this topic, and I never make these bets myself.
I also tend to refrain from commenting on how others play their hands at the table. However, every time I get a potentially winning side bet hand, I almost always get heckled by some other player (sometimes the dealer) about this with comments such as "Oh you don't play them" "You are getting so many of those hands but you don't play" "Why didn't you play" "You don't play" etc.
What should I say in response to these comments (if anything) from an etiquette standpoint?
Over the long run, I have more chips in my stack by not playing it than by playing it.
Quote: ChumpChangeCall it a push and demand your money back.
What do you mean by this? I don’t quite understand.
Quote: rsactuaryOver the long run, I have more chips in my stack by not playing it than by playing it.
I like this one! Thank you.
"Oh, so you'll play it for me?"
"No."
"What? What do you mean?"
"Give me a dollar and I'll play it"
"And you'll just keep the winnings?"
"And your $1. Yes."
"Why would I do that?"
"Why wouldn't you?"
"What?"
"What?"
They usually stop commenting after that exchange.
Often I'll get a reply like, "But, you would have just won $x if you played it the last hand." My reply to that would be along the lines of "One hand doesn't prove anything. Nobody notices the many times it loses."
"My Chips: My Choice!"Quote: WizardMy response is "It's a sucker bet."
Quote: AlecI like to play blackjack at local casinos in the Chicagoland area where I live.
Roughly 90% of the other players I play with bet on all of the available side bets every hand (always hoping for that next big hit).
Having watched all of Mike's videos about blackjack, I have accepted his advice on this topic, and I never make these bets myself.
I also tend to refrain from commenting on how others play their hands at the table. However, every time I get a potentially winning side bet hand, I almost always get heckled by some other player (sometimes the dealer) about this with comments such as "Oh you don't play them" "You are getting so many of those hands but you don't play" "Why didn't you play" "You don't play" etc.
What should I say in response to these comments (if anything) from an etiquette standpoint?
Just tell them it’s your money and if they want to pay for you to make the bets, then you’re more than happy to play them.
Stickmen will often say things like "point is five, bet the 9," or "six came soft bet it hard."
The casinos know every bet on the table favors them.
Just say nothing. Pretend you didnt even hear the pitch from the dealer.
Quote: AlanMendelson
Stickmen will often say things like "six came soft bet it hard."
Or as one nephyte dealer when asked which way it had come relied "from that direction".
I often say "i dont speak English' or "its a sucker bet" but remember that sucker bets do slow the game down which means the house edge operates fewer times but comp rate stays the same.
Quote: WizardMy response is "It's a sucker bet."
Often I'll get a reply like, "But, you would have just won $x if you played it the last hand." My reply to that would be along the lines of "One hand doesn't prove anything. Nobody notices the many times it loses."
"It's a sucker bet" This was actually my response the last time I played blackjack!
I received a reply from that player along the lines of "It's not a sucker bet when it wins".
At the time, I decided to not engage in conversation any further as I felt it would be pointless.
I proceeded to watch this person buy in for ~$300 twice at a $25 table and leave with nothing after about 20 mins of play.
This is the point when a small part of me felt bad about my response and decided to see what others might have to say.
You can watch for yourself to see for yourself.
Quote: AlanMendelsonThe same question comes up at casinos with craps. And I dont mean just craps games with Bonus Craps aka Small, Tall, All.
Stickmen will often say things like "point is five, bet the 9," or "six came soft bet it hard."
The casinos know every bet on the table favors them.
Just say nothing. Pretend you didnt even hear the pitch from the dealer.
You make a very good point about the dealers.
However, I can't recall a time where someone actually commented directly on my play at the craps table.
This only seems to happen for me at the blackjack table as well as other card-based table games I play (3 card, UTH, etc.)
Quote: AlanMendelsonI frequently watch one of the YouTube channels where an attractive gal plays blackjack (I'm sure you know who I'm talking about) and I'm amazed at how much she loses on these side bets at the El Cortez.
You can watch for yourself to see for yourself.
You must be referring to the slot lady!
Actually I watch her videos on a regular basis and I couldn't agree with you more.
I find her content to be quite entertaining but wow she does put out a lot of money onto those side bets!
In her specific case, she might be able to claim that "Side bets are part of the entertainment experience" since she claims providing YouTube content is her full-time job.
However, I have a feeling that is not why she is making those bets.
I definitely feel like there are plenty of good ones to use now just from this thread alone.
I appreciate it!
Quote: AlanMendelsonStickmen will often say things like "point is five, bet the 9," or "six came soft bet it hard."
I'm quite sure they are trained to say that, like somebody trying to get people to play a literal carnival game.
Quote: AlecYou must be referring to the slot lady!
Actually I watch her videos on a regular basis and I couldn't agree with you more.
I find her content to be quite entertaining but wow she does put out a lot of money onto those side bets!
In her specific case, she might be able to claim that "Side bets are part of the entertainment experience" since she claims providing YouTube content is her full-time job.
However, I have a feeling that is not why she is making those bets.
I suspect that part of her deal is to play certain games and make certain bets in exchange for permission which includes a private table.
But she has admitted to having overall losses, and says she receives no cash payments. However that statement doesn't include comps. I doubt she spends a dime out of her own purse.
If I told you she might get paid $200k or more PER MONTH by YouTube would you believe me?
Quote: AlanMendelsonI suspect that part of her deal is to play certain games and make certain bets in exchange for permission which includes a private table.
I could buy into this theory. Seems logical.
Quote: AlanMendelsonBut she has admitted to having overall losses, and says she receives no cash payments.
Well she does receive "super chats" aka YouTube Tips from viewers. These aren't cash payments?
Quote: AlanMendelsonHowever that statement doesn't include comps. I doubt she spends a dime out of her own purse.
Do you doubt she spends a dime out of her own purse on comp related items (hotel, food, etc)? Or on the actual bets themselves?
Quote: AlanMendelsonIf I told you she might get paid $200k or more PER MONTH by YouTube would you believe me?
This seems like a high dollar figure off the top of my head.
Do you have inside knowledge of this? How would YouTube be profiting from this deal? Just based on advertising income from her videos alone?
When I want to socialize, it isn't at a table full of strangers.
Quote: AlecI like to play blackjack at local casinos in the Chicagoland area where I live.
Roughly 90% of the other players I play with bet on all of the available side bets every hand (always hoping for that next big hit).
Having watched all of Mike's videos about blackjack, I have accepted his advice on this topic, and I never make these bets myself.
I also tend to refrain from commenting on how others play their hands at the table. However, every time I get a potentially winning side bet hand, I almost always get heckled by some other player (sometimes the dealer) about this with comments such as "Oh you don't play them" "You are getting so many of those hands but you don't play" "Why didn't you play" "You don't play" etc.
What should I say in response to these comments (if anything) from an etiquette standpoint?
I always just say that I am too poor to make those bets but if you want to give me some money I will play them. That usually shuts them up right away.
Quote: Alec
Well she does receive "super chats" aka YouTube Tips from viewers. These aren't cash payments?
Do you doubt she spends a dime out of her own purse on comp related items (hotel, food, etc)? Or on the actual bets themselves?
This seems like a high dollar figure off the top of my head.
Do you have inside knowledge of this? How would YouTube be profiting from this deal? Just based on advertising income from her videos alone?
Let me address these.
I'm talking about payments from the casino. She said the casino doesn't give her CASH and I believe that.
On the other hand, I'm sure she's fully comped. Until about 18 months ago when I stopped cold Turkey playing at Caesars I was fully comped. The only thing I paid out of my pocket was tips. And I often got "show up free play" of as much as $2500. And before Total Rewards I was RFB.
I am sure she is fully comped and she probably gets free play as well which we do not see on YouTube.
$200,000 per month for a YouTube channel with so many viewers is not out of the ordinary. There is a Youtuber called Meet Kevin who does political and real estate and Covid financial help news on his channel and last week he revealed on YouTube that he has been averaging $245k per month because of the pandemic. That's $245,000 from YouTube and does not include what he's selling on his Channel.
Quote: AlanMendelsonLet me address these.
I'm talking about payments from the casino. She said the casino doesn't give her CASH and I believe that.
On the other hand, I'm sure she's fully comped. Until about 18 months ago when I stopped cold Turkey playing at Caesars I was fully comped. The only thing I paid out of my pocket was tips. And I often got "show up free play" of as much as $2500. And before Total Rewards I was RFB.
Ah okay, I see what you are saying about slot lady's comps from the casino.
I have not achieved anywhere near this level of tier status as a player myself so I can only acknowledge your feedback as far as casino comps go.
Quote: AlanMendelson$200,000 per month for a YouTube channel with so many viewers is not out of the ordinary. There is a Youtuber called Meet Kevin who does political and real estate and Covid financial help news on his channel and last week he revealed on YouTube that he has been averaging $245k per month because of the pandemic. That's $245,000 from YouTube and does not include what he's selling on his Channel.
I find those kinds of dollar figures fascinating even with the viewership totals factored in.
However, it does makes sense that demand for YouTube content is high these days.
When another player asks why, I ask them "Do you think the casino put that side bet there for my benefit or for the casinos benefit?" They usually just nod their head up and down and agree with my thinking and continue to still make side bets.
Amazing!
You can bet the side bet on my spot if you like.
What about all the times it would have lost?
No habla inlges.
I love that one because of the weird looks I get since I’m a pasty-faced white guy.
The book says to avoid those bets. And I’m friends with the author.
Quote: AlecI like to play blackjack at local casinos in the Chicagoland area where I live.
Roughly 90% of the other players I play with bet on all of the available side bets every hand (always hoping for that next big hit).
Having watched all of Mike's videos about blackjack, I have accepted his advice on this topic, and I never make these bets myself.
I also tend to refrain from commenting on how others play their hands at the table. However, every time I get a potentially winning side bet hand, I almost always get heckled by some other player (sometimes the dealer) about this with comments such as "Oh you don't play them" "You are getting so many of those hands but you don't play" "Why didn't you play" "You don't play" etc.
What should I say in response to these comments (if anything) from an etiquette standpoint?
I only have problems with other players. The casino is actually always nice/doesn't heckle about such things. I don't know what kind of casinos you guys are going to.
on a side note, theres a guy who roams around wind creek and plays the 777 bet and has won the jackpot once and the 10% (i think) once in front of me. He always plays it so i believe that he hit the jackpot at one point because he cant stop playing it and wants it again.
Quote: absoluteI only have problems with other players. The casino is actually always nice/doesn't heckle about such things. I don't know what kind of casinos you guys are going to.
I get about equal flack from players and dealers about not making the side bets. I hate to sound racist and sexist, but it tends to be female Asian dealers that give me the hardest time about not making side bets.
At least I know it tends to be that way for the tie bet in Baccarat. Hence the mercenary interest of the dealers in advocating side bets.
Quote: AlanMendelsonI suspect that part of her deal is to play certain games and make certain bets in exchange for permission which includes a private table.
I doubt they had a formal contract for her to play certain games, certain bets, and certain amounts. I'm sure the El Cortez loves her action and in return gave her permission to video. Here in Vegas, business is often more about relationships.
Quote:If I told you she might get paid $200k or more PER MONTH by YouTube would you believe me?
No. Nowhere near that.
Quote: Wizard
No. Nowhere near that.
Her videos average 28,000 views in the first 24 hours.
There are several Youtubers who are set up at EC and they welcome the vloggers. It doesn't have to be a formal contract... just a conversation will do.
I've had "conversations" when I shot videos in casinos for my TV show. No formal contract.
What's your estimate of her earnings?
I found this about Meet Kevin
https://naibuzz.com/how-much-money-meet-kevin-makes-on-youtube-net-worth/#:~:text=The%20channel%20has%20over%201,that%20appear%20on%20the%20videos.
About his YouTube traffic and revenue:
"It is able to get an average of 350,000 views per day from different sources. This should generate an estimated revenue of $1,800 per day ($660,000 a year) from the ads that appear on the videos."
This report precedes his big spike in traffic from his Covid and Stimulus videos.
Quote: WizardHere is an article for you, Even YouTube Stars With 1.4 Million Monthly Viewers Earn Less Than $17,000 a Year, Research Shows from Inc.com.
I wish I knew who was right, but Meet Kevin did a YouTube video about his earnings showing the growth and I think YouTube would have removed it if it weren't true.
Your article is from 2018. Anything more recent?
Quote: rsactuaryLady Luck HQ has a video on her channel talking about how much she's made. Her most viewed video has earned her about $9000 over its lifetime, and had been posted about a year and half ( I think ?) when she made the video. She has about 75K subscribers. The quarter mill a month sounds overblown.
Slot Lady has 149,000 subscribers.
Meet Kevin has 732,000 subscribers.
I found this site that tracks YouTube "stars" and it shows slot lady is not a big YouTube earner:
https://socialblade.com/youtube/c/slotlady
This same site also says Meet Kevin earns less than what he claims.
https://socialblade.com/youtube/user/kevinpaffrath
I wouldn't bet a career on doing YouTube, but Meet Kevin seems to be hitting the jackpot. He has a bunch of videos earning him nearly $10,000 each and he's up a million dollars real quick.
*******************
Watching a rerun of Martin from Nov. 1996 and some well dressed dudes entered bringing gifts including a Playstation, and a Rolex. A favor is being returned. It's probably that African prince everybody's been talking about since.
so why reist temptation...go for it. the comp rate continues, the camaraderie continues, the corona virus risk ..ah I think i'll just shut u about that.
Quote: AlanMendelsonSlot Lady has 149,000 subscribers.
Meet Kevin has 732,000 subscribers.
I found this site that tracks YouTube "stars" and it shows slot lady is not a big YouTube earner:
https://socialblade.com/youtube/c/slotlady
This same site also says Meet Kevin earns less than what he claims.
https://socialblade.com/youtube/user/kevinpaffrath
Monthly earnings from $731-$11,700? They do a pretty good job narrowing that down. lol. I get it, though...even how Youtube pays is variable based on many factors that nobody (content creators included) seems fully sure of, at least, that's what they seem to like to tell people.
Quote: absoluteI only have problems with other players. The casino is actually always nice/doesn't heckle about such things. I don't know what kind of casinos you guys are going to.
So the event in question happened while I was playing at the Rivers Casino in Des Plaines, IL (near O'Hare Airport).
Dealers don't typically ask me about why I don't play the side bets, but it does happen on occasion.
In their defense (unlike the players), they are likely just trying to promote something that is profitable for the house.
This particular casino has a popular side bet there called "Top 3" that pays as follows:
3 of a kind: 90 to 1
Straight Flush: 180 to 1
3 of a kind suited: 270 to 1
Practically anytime I get a hand that would have won on any of those, I hear about it.
On another occasion, one player even went as far to shake me in my seat (this was after their covid reopening too!)
