Summer in Las Vegas is unlike anywhere else. It can get incredibly hot but that’s offset by all the fun you can have in and around the pools. Some people just like to grab a drink and relax by the pool. Sports bettors aren't like those people. We need action. Technological advancements over the past few years have helped make the summer even better for bettors.
The popularity of sports wagering apps means that you never have to leave the pool to place a wager on a game. The popularity in mobile sports wagering should explode this year as MGM Resorts just released their mobile sports wagering app. You can now fund a sports wagering app at some of the biggest hotels and casinos in Las Vegas.
Rolling down the lazy river at MGM Grand might be the most fun and relaxing place in Las Vegas to place a wager in the pool. Then again, maybe you'd rather be partying at a dayclub and want to have some action that you can watch in your cabana. Even if you're just relaxing at a pool, there’s no reason to dry off, get dressed and head inside the casino to place your bets.
Sports wagering poolside may be kind of a new idea but the concept of gambling by a pool isn’t entirely new. Many casinos in Las Vegas have offered some kind of in-pool or poolside gambling during the summer months.
Casinos like Caesars Palace will have swim up blackjack where you actually play while in the pool. There are casinos that keep their blackjack just off to the side of the pools. Red Rock Resort has a handful of low-limit blackjack tables (sometimes $5 minimums) under shade next to the pool bar. You’ll even find a small (half sized) craps table poolside at the Flamingo.
According to Las Vegas Advisor, there are 11 hotel pools that will offer blackjack in their pool area this year: Caesars Palace, Encore, Flamingo, Golden Nugget, Hard Rock, Mandalay Bay, Plaza (opens July 2), Green Valley Ranch, SLS Las Vegas, Tropicana and Wynn. My eyes spied a 12th casino as poolside blackjack tables have returned to Red Rock Resort.
Playing blackjack at the pool might be fun but you usually won’t find the best games there. Consider these as recreational games for lower rolling tourists and not serious gamblers. Most of these games will pay 6:5 when you’re dealt blackjack instead of the traditional 3:2. Many of the games are meant for the recreational gambler with limits usually $10 or $15.
Some of the blackjack games can potentially have worse rules than you’ll find on the casino floor. Depending on the property, you may see strange splitting and double rules that can almost take away the fun of blowing a few bucks on an already bad game.
Check the rules or ask the dealer before you sit down and place a wager. You can’t beat these games in the long term even if you can count cards. Anything can happen in the short term but the long term EV is not in your favor.
When you’re playing blackjack by the pool you’re generally going for the experience of gambling outside that you won't find anywhere else. These are games designed to be enjoyed just because you're in Las Vegas and outside enjoying the beautiful weather, a few cold ones, great scenery and of course a little gambling action. Despite the rules and payouts this sounds like a perfect summer afternoon.
