Where to find the best cheap blackjack in Las Vegas

Finding cheap blackjack with player-friendly rules isn’t easy. Like with most cities with large cities, you’ll find cheaper prices the farther you are from the tourists. All near-strip locations are within 5-10 minutes.

Here are the casinos where you’ll be able to find blackjack games for $25 or less with player-friendly rules starting with at least a 3:2 payout for a natural blackjack. 

$10 games or lower with a 3:2 natural blackjack payout

$25 games or lower with a 3:2 natural blackjack payout

*when slow — think weekday morning and afternoon

Covers Expert Analysis

"There are different rules that can lower the house edge for some of the games. Vegas Advantage is my go-to for the most up to date info on Las Vegas casino games."

Marc Meltzer, Casino Writer

What to look for in Las Vegas blackjack games

The most important and easiest rule to look for is the payout for a natural blackjack. Try to always play a game that pays 3:2 for a natural blackjack. The house edge for a game that pays 6:5 for blackjack is 3x higher.

Being paid $15 for a $10 bet on a $10 3:2 blackjack game is only $3 more than a 6:5 game but it all adds up quickly. Why give the casino more of an advantage then it already has?

Casinos have changed the rules to increase their house edge. Here are some other things to look for:

• A game where the dealer hits on a soft 17 (Ace + 6) has a lower house edge than a game where the dealer stays.
• All players should know that fewer decks = lower house edge. If everything else is equal the house edge for a single-deck game will be lower than an eight-deck game.
• Surrender isn’t offered often but if it’s available this will lower the house edge.

Additionally, favorable splitting rules are important to keep the house edge low. Being able to split on all cards and double after splitting both lowers the house edge. The more times a player can split the lower the house edge. Being able to resplit Aces also contributes to a lower house edge.

Stretching your blackjack budget

One way to extend a gambling budget is to play games with low limits AND good rules and odds. Unfortunately, this combination isn’t available at every Las Vegas casino the way it was in the 1900’s.

The lower the house edge in a casino game, the longer someone can play. This doesn’t guarantee a win but the longer someone plays blackjack the greater the chance they hit a hot streak where they can walk away as a winner.

There are more blackjack games in Las Vegas casinos than any other. However, there are so many rules that even neighboring tables can have a different house edge.

The house edge in blackjack can range from less than 0.3% to 2% or more. Even the worst blackjack game in Las Vegas can have a better house edge than the others on the casino floor.

Playing smart blackjack

The house edge in blackjack is based on playing perfect basic strategy. Unless you’re counting cards (more on that in a bit) the house edge will move towards the casino with each wrong basic strategy move.

Learning how to play blackjack basic strategy correctly will go a long way and it's not too difficult. In fact, casinos will allow players to reference a physical blackjack strategy card at the table. Mobile devices cannot be used to reference a strategy card.

A player can find the game with the best rules but that’s useless if they don’t make the right plays.

Counting cards is the magic elixir of sorts for professional and the sharpest blackjack players. Having an appropriate bankroll and counting cards can flip the advantage from the casino to the player.

While card counting isn’t illegal, it’s frowned upon by casinos. Hiding card counting skills is almost as important as learning how to count cards.

Card counting isn’t for everyone. Players have to pay attention to every card in play. This probably means little to no socializing or drinking at the table.

No blackjack strategy is perfect. There are losing sessions regardless of knowing how to count cards or play perfect basic strategy. However, each will help lower the house's edge in the long run. Find which works best for you.

Free drinks at Vegas blackjack tables

Yes, you can get free drinks while playing blackjack at most Las Vegas casinos. This is a common perk offered to keep players at the tables longer. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Lower limits, slower service

  At lower-stakes tables, drink service may be slower compared to high-limit rooms, where players are betting more and tipping more generously.

• Active play required

  You usually need to be actively playing and placing bets to receive free drinks. Sitting idle won’t attract much attention from cocktail servers.

• Tip the servers

  While the drinks are free, it’s customary to tip the cocktail servers — typically $1-$2 per drink. This can also encourage faster service.

• Drink quality

  The drinks are often basic well liquors or domestic beers. If you want premium brands, you might have to request them specifically, and some casinos might limit those.

• Pace of service

  The speed of service can vary depending on how busy the casino is and how generous your tips are.