October 14, 2008
What's on the table? New twists on old games
Gannett New Jersey
ATLANTIC CITY -- When it comes to updating table games, it's more a case of adding side bets to existing games than introducing new games.
"It's kind of a trend in table games -- adding new twists (that are) optional for players," said Bob Guidice, director of table games at Showboat.
Borgata will add a pairs wager in both baccarat and mini baccarat in which players can bet whether the banker or a player will have a pair from the initial two cards. If so, it pays 11-to-1.
Mini baccarat also has a dragon bonus side bet. Players bet the difference between how bad the bank or the player wins or loses.
There are lots of blackjack side bets, such as Lucky Ladies, in which players bet that the first two cards add up to 20. The pay table differs depending on the two cards. A king and 10 of different suits pay a certain amount. Two kings of hearts are better. The ultimate payoff is two queens of hearts, which pays 125-to-1.
Showboat just added a second unit of Flop Poker. Borgata is adding the game as well.
Flop refers to the first three community cards delivered to the table by the dealer in Texas Hold 'Em. In Flop Poker, the player goes against the dealer hand, but can place a side bet with other players. Players use their three dealt cards and two of three community cards to build the strongest five-card hand.
"They can surrender the ante and still play against other players," said Chris Ford, director of table game operations at Borgata.
The ante bet pays even money, but the flop bet is based on varying odds.
"Ninety to 95 percent take part in that bet," Guidice said.
Shuffle Master is awaiting approval for a "Caribbean Stud Poker" power bonus based on a meter similar to a progressive slot. In the game, players receive seven cards and make two- and five-card hands. They can make an additional dollar bet, which goes into a meter. The entire meter amount is paid for a royal straight flush. Lesser hands receive a portion of the meter.
Another game undergoing testing is "Supreme Pai Gow," a variation that uses playing cards instead of traditional tiles.
The most exciting game in Atlantic City is Rapid Roulette, Guidice said. It's a hybrid electronic game with a regular roulette dealer spinning a real wheel.
"The beauty of a hybrid is that the equipment that determines the outcome is the same. It's for the player who wants the same action and randomness as regular roulette," he said.
But the player bets on the interface similar to a slot machine with a touch screen of a regular layout, which makes it a faster game with no chance of dealer error. It also allows for lower minimums.
He also sees hybrid opportunities in baccarat and craps, which would retain elements of live games.
