Ethics question regarding dealer error

The debate on whether to correct a dealer error you see while playing has come up a few times. As I recall, the largely prevailing opinion is to never correct a mistake that's in another player's favor, and only correct a mistake in your favor if you think you'd rather pat yourself on the back than have the money. The seemingly unanimous opinion, of course, is to correct any mistake that is against you or any other player.

I pose a conundrum to you. You are playing on a full table of Pai Gow Poker. You have a flush down with AK up.

The dealer shows a royal flush with an additional 9 and a 2. Houseway is to play a King-high straight with A2 up, which you can beat. However the dealer erroneously plays a royal flush down with a 92 up.

You know what the other players have. You know that your hand will beat the straight/A2, but everyone else will lose if the dealer sets it that way. Everyone can push the royal/92.

What do you do?

In this situation, I keep my mouth shut. Here is my reasoning:
1. Assuming I've placed the same total bet out as everyone else, and not significantly more, it is not worth it for me to anger everyone else at the table for one bet. (However, if my bet covers everyone else at the table, I say something, then pay them out of my own pocket.)
2. I have profited from casino mistakes in the past, & I don't mind giving one back.
3. In a game like Pai Gow, there is a certain camaraderie amongst players. Everyone is looking to beat the dealer. I would prefer to keep that sentiment, and go for the greater good of the table. But then again, I'm only gambling for fun. I'm not a professional.

How much do I have down?

I am always watching MY bottom line. If I can correct a mistake and thereby put more chips in front of me, I do so.

That's a tough situation and answer isn't "one size fits all". Likely would come down to the attitudes of the other players prior to this hand. If the others are being jerks and rude, then I'll fix the mistake and screw them. If they're all being friendly and nice (or even neutral), then more likely to let it slip. I don't know much about PGP. But, if the difference is between me losing and me winning (instead of win vs push or push vs loss), I'd most likely fix the error. Then again, chances are I won't be finding myself at a PGP game, so I really don't know what I would do. (Kind of like some far-fetched scenario that's likely never going to happen and you can't have an answer unless you're in that situation.)

Quote: RS

That's a tough situation and answer isn't "one size fits all". Likely would come down to the attitudes of the other players prior to this hand. If the others are being jerks and rude, then I'll fix the mistake and screw them. If they're all being friendly and nice (or even neutral), then more likely to let it slip. I don't know much about PGP. But, if the difference is between me losing and me winning (instead of win vs push or push vs loss), I'd most likely fix the error. Then again, chances are I won't be finding myself at a PGP game, so I really don't know what I would do. (Kind of like some far-fetched scenario that's likely never going to happen and you can't have an answer unless you're in that situation.)

In PGP, an analogous situation happens almost every session unless you have a very experienced dealer. More often, it's them missing a straight or flush without a 2 pair rule in play. It's a very hard question, and I think it does matter how much money you have in play. I can't say I have a consistent answer, myself. Usually, if I am going to win money I should not win, and certainly if I'm going to lose money I should not lose, I will question the set.

HOWEVER, if I'm going to push, or in situations where I'm minbetting and there's a big gun on the table, I will keep my mouth shut unless the big gun is going to lose/push with the incorrect set and gets a better result with a correct one. Then I might speak up if the big gun doesn't see it either. If the result is better for the big money, then it's the house's lookout. I would agree it's not always my business, and I do keep my mouth shut more often than not, but there are cases where it's got to be challenged.

You can sweep the table with your winnings but you are not expected to sweep the floor with a broom.

If a dealer fumbles on a deal that is one thing, but missetting a hand is not to be corrected, its attentivelness not skill.

He is supposed to know the rules and follow them.

You don't have to wander around a casino with a halo on your head, you just have to play fairly and frankly.