Ravings Table Game Conference, 2014

Do you think the table game contest in the Conference should separate the Main Games from the Side Bets? I thought so. Side bets are easier to understand in a short time so they have apparent advantages to score higher. Ravings should know all gaming commissions have different regulations for the Main and the side bets; casinos treat these two categories differently, etc. The Contest should separate them and may be offer trial placements to say top 2 games each category. I am hoping that Conference sponsors, casinos and exhibitors suggest the changes to Ravings.

That's an idea.

But I believe they [Raving] will look at it in terms of a "sharp concept" versus a "bland, mediocre" concept, regardless of side bet or main game status.

Some side bets are really sharp: War Blackjack, 21+3, but some main BJ variants faired poorly: SuperFun-21, which never really got over a critical limit of installs (even though it took the limits off of doubling down and hitting split aces), and Doubleback Blackjack, where you can subtract the next card after a bust card, which sadly but honestly bombed, though it seemed like a sharp idea. Aside from Blackjack side bets, on Pai Gow Poker and poker games like UTH and Heads Up Hold 'em, the side bets get globs of actions as seemingly separate or added games on top of a game.

The issue is really, "Is it a compelling table game idea?" - whether or not it is a side bet or main game.

I noticed Saratogo casino is Blackhawk is one of the 4 casinos that offer a floor space for the winner. That should be interesting.
Right after they took over, all the Blackjack games went to 6/5 and the party pit was replaced by Shfl pods of digital card games.
On my next visit Shfl was gone and so we're the blackjack tables. They were being moved to the 3rd floor players lounge, which
Used to be the free hot dog and drinks plus nickel 10 coin VP.

Gives me an excuse to go to Blackhawk next month or maybe Crystal Math can check it out before then.

Interesting idea. I've never been to Raving so I don't know how it all works. But maybe they should split it so there are two winners as the OP suggests, but then allow the field trial host casinos to decide which game (or both!) is most compelling, to put on their floor.

Note that since all the rules are probably already set in stone, the title of this thread should say 2015.

He's my reply from the other thread that you asked the same question...

Quote: Zcore13

I don't agree. 2013 was the first year a side bet won and that was probably because it was a weak showing for "carnival" games. The previous year it was High Card Flush. The Year before that it was Triple Attack Blackjack. The voters decide and there wasn't a game that stood out to them.

On a related note, I would not sponsor if it was for 2 games. I would think the host casinos for the winning game(s) would go to zero if it was a 2 game commitment.

ZCore13