Resolved What are the table limits for blackjack in Macau?

[Westland Bowl]

I heard the table limits for blackjack in Macau is insanely high.... for the average American Joe. I have been reading that most blackjack tables there start at $200 minimum! Gawd! I know baccarat tables are the most popular but they do have blackjack tables. But it seems to be out of my league for the moment! Can anyone confirm that the lowest limit on blackjack tables in Macau is $200??

 

[rockycatt]

this is copied from a travel forum:

mrjustice
Chicago, Illinois

Re: Blackjack table minimum
Jan 19, 2013, 12:53 AM

Been to Macau twice in past 2 months to play Blackjack. Minimums at BJ Tables have gone up: Most Casinos start at 300 HKD, some at 500 HKD
Also had detailed communications with the following Casinos to clarify their Blackjack Rules:

VENETIAN; GALAXY; STARWORLD, GRAND LISBOA, WYNN*; MGM"
All of the following Casinos use the same Blackjack Rules (except where noted): CSM/6-deck (Continuous Shuffle Machine); DAS (Double after splits allowed); Split Pairs up to 4 hands*; Lose only original Bet after Dealer BJ; Dealer Stands on all 17's; ES10 (Early Surrender allowed before Dealer checks for BJ, except Dealer Ace).**

*WYNN and MGM also permit Re-Splitting of Aces up to 4 hands.

** Caution: Casinos differ on procedure as to timing/method of player Surrender -- some Casinos require this to be done prior to any player at the table being dealt additional cards; while others require it to be done at your turn. Ask their Rule; or best to simply signal surrender immediately to ensure not missed.

Note Also: All Casinos above (except Galaxy) serve complimentary alcoholic beverages to table players.

Finally, special note on City of Dreams Casino -- same rules as above (and service of alcoholic beverages including very good Australian Wine); EXCEPT only permit Players to Split Pairs up to 3 hands. However, per my suggestion, the Director of Operations is currently reconsidering rule with Exec. Mgt.

 

[Westland Bowl]

.......Been to Macau twice in past 2 months to play Blackjack. Minimums at BJ Tables have gone up: Most Casinos start at 300 HKD, some at 500 HKD ....

Ok, 300 HKD is about $38 and 500 HKD is about $64. Higher than the $25 norm for USA casinos but still within reasonable range. Reading Wizard of Macau's site doesn't say whether the table limits were in HKD.

....All of the following Casinos use the same Blackjack Rules (except where noted): CSM/6-deck (Continuous Shuffle Machine); DAS (Double after splits allowed); Split Pairs up to 4 hands*; Lose only original Bet after Dealer BJ; Dealer Stands on all 17's; ES10 (Early Surrender allowed before Dealer checks for BJ, except Dealer Ace)....

Seems like nice blackjack rules. But I'm not sure what they mean about losing only original bet after dealer blackjack. Are they implying that other Macau casinos require the better to pay $75 if they bet $50 losing to a dealer blackjack?

 

[petro]

But I'm not sure what they mean about losing only original bet after dealer blackjack. Are they implying that other Macau casinos require the better to pay $75 if they bet $50 losing to a dealer blackjack?

It means that the dealer peeks for blackjack. If the dealer peeks and finds that he/she has a blackjack the game stops there.
This is a good thing for the player because otherwise the player could lose money on doubles and/or splits.
It also allows for hole carding (seeing the dealer's hidden card.)