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Online or live, blackjack is the most popular casino game and is available at casino and racino venues in Pennsylvania. You’ll also find roulette, craps, baccarat, and casino poker games.
With the gambling expansion bill, residents and visitors of the KeystoneState have even more options to play blackjack.
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On this page, we cover live and online blackjack in Pennsylvania. You’ll find out where to enjoy free blackjack games and how to play for real money online. We also offer information on the variety of formats and rules, and sidebets with progressivejackpots.
Finally, we cover bonuses and rewards, discuss the PAlaws that govern online table games, and examine what games are available at PA online casinos.
Is blackjack legal in Pennsylvania?
You can legally play blackjack in Pennsylvania as long as you are 21 years or older at any one of the licensed brick-and-mortar casinos. Also, you can play online for real money at Pennsylvania-licensed online casinos.
The Pennsylvania Gambling Control Board (PGCB) requires casinos to offer fair rules for their blackjack tables. This means paying 3:2 for blackjack, generous splitting or doubling rules, and that the dealer stands on soft 17.
Playing online blackjack for free at PA online casinos
If you would like to check out the games before committing with real money, most online casinos in Pennsylvania offer a demomode. Many casinos will give you a no-deposit cash bonus to let you try out a game for real money.
Demo games are available only via the software-based blackjack games. You can view live dealer games, though you cannot place practice bets. If you are playing demo games, the software will not remember your wins and losses; you will start fresh each time the game loads.
Real money blackjack games
All PA online casinos offer one or more real money online blackjack tables. Many also offer generouswelcomebonus offers, including free play with no deposit needed.
The key factor when moving to real-money blackjack is to select the games with the lowesthouseedge, which is a percentage.
The edge shows the long-term outcome of your bets, and when the random draw of cards is accounted for. The best games have a smaller number of decks (singledeck is best), liberaldoubling and splitting rules (including the ability to double after a split) and have the dealer stand on a soft 17.
When moving to real-money blackjack, you’ll need to know basicstrategy. This shows the correct action for every combination of the dealer’s up-card and your two cards. If you play differently than this strategy, you’ll be handing money to the casino over time.
Online casinos have side bets. These add an element of excitement to the game, and big windfalls of cash are possible. Keep in mind that these bets are “expensive” in terms of the house edge.
To play online blackjack for real money at a regulated PA casino, you’ll need to make a deposit. There are many ways to do this safely and securely. Most importantly, you need to be inside PA state lines, and at least 21 years old to play.
Popular deposit options include Visa and Mastercard credit or debit cards and prepaidcards. Also, you can use different types of banktransfers. Old-fashioned wires are expensive, although ACH transfers and billpay make great alternatives.
In addition, you can use cash at the live casinocage (each online casino is licensed by one of the live venues) or use 7-Eleven and CVS stores with PayNearMe.
Finally, third-party payment systems are popular. Brands the casinos will hopefully use eventually include PayPal, Neteller, and Skrill.
Which PA casinos have real money blackjack online?
- SugarHouse Casinoand their partner Rush Street Interactive will deliver online blackjack, along with other casino games.
- Hollywood Casino Online has teamed with IGT to be one of the first to the online casino market.
- Unibet Casino has partnered with Meadowlands to bring online gaming including a variety of online blackjack games to the Commonwealth’s residents.
Types of blackjack
The game of blackjack has become so popular that hundreds of variations exist. Most of these are small changes to the basic game rules. For example, some blackjack games allow surrendering your hand, while others do not.
In Pennsylvania live casinos, the standard (US rules) game is available, usually with one of two different side bets.
Stadium (electronic console) blackjack is also available, which allows you to play against a virtual dealer sitting at electronic tables. Variations include Spanish 21 and (at Mohegan Sun) InterlockBlackjack.
Live blackjack rules in Pennsylvania
The PGCB ensures that live casinos have player-friendly rules for live blackjack games. With a return-to-player (for perfect play) percentage of just 96.6%, these rules are a world away from Vegas games.
The key to this low-house edge is the following:
- Blackjack pays 3:2
- Doubledown any cards plus double after split
- Surrender available
- Dealer stands on soft 17
There are plenty of side bets available at live blackjack tables. Keep in mind that the house edge for these is veryhigh. If the jackpots get big enough, or maybe you enjoy the excitement of a possible windfall of money, then the following side bets are available:
- Blazing 777s (progressive)
- Lucky Ladies and KingsBounty
- RoyalMatch
- Match the dealer
- 21+3
Online blackjack variations
Online, casino sites must adhere to the same blackjack rules as brick and mortar casinos. There will be other variations though. The main distinction is between US and European blackjack.
- In the US game, the dealer will “peek” at his or her hidden card when the up-card is a 10 or ace. If he or she has a blackjack, the hand will not continue (players with blackjacks will tie and everyone else loses).
- In the European game, the dealer only getsone (visible) card. The second one is dealt once all the players have acted.
Live dealer blackjack is a popular alternative to the software-based format online.
It uses real dealers and a live video stream from a casino studio. Most games have seven seats, just like in a live casino. You drag and drop chips in order to bet, and pressbuttons to hit, stand, double, or split.
Live dealer games are hugely popular, adding a social element to online gambling.
There are many other blackjack formats that you can find at online casinos. Until all the PA brands are fully launched, we will not know exactly which games and side bets will be available.
Possible formats include:
- Spanish 21
- Blackjack Switch
- Free Bet Blackjack
- Pontoon
- Blackjack Burn
Blackjack casino bonuses & rewards
With competition between online casinos for new players, plenty of rewards and bonuses are available.
As well as smaller free bet bonuses, casinos will likely offer matchedbonuses on your first deposit and plenty of promotions including reloadbonusdeals.
One important factor for blackjack fans is that the playthroughrequirement for these bonuses is usually weighted. Since blackjack has a lower house edge (compared to online slots), you have to wager the bonus more times. Typical weightings are 10% of your bet count toward bonus clearance.
Good casinos (both live and online) will reward your play via a points collection system. Many casinos tie this system to their existing loyaltyprogram.
For example, SugarHouse PA uses the RushRewards program, and Harrah’s uses CaesarsRewards. As you play, you’ll unlock bigger and better bonuses. At live casinos, this can translate into free play, resort credit or comp hotel nights.
While the rewards for blackjack are not as generous as for slots, we do recommend you sign up for loyalty programs whenever possible. If you don’t, you’ll be missing out on free money.
Odds on blackjack
To understand the game, it’s a good idea to take a look at why it is so popular among casino players. The biggest draw is blackjack is not just a game of chance, but also a game of skill.
Players calculate odds on the fly to determine their next move. These odds can change depending on the number of decks being used in the game. Each blackjack variation can use a different number of decks, so it’s important to be aware of this before sitting down to a game.
Here is a look at how the number of decks used will influence the house edge of a blackjack game:
1 deck: 0.17 percent
2 decks: 0.46 percent
4 decks: 0.60 percent
6 decks: 0.64 percent
8 decks: 0.65 percent
Pennsylvania laws and blackjack games
Table games were added to live casinos in an expansion of the 2004 Gaming Act in January 2010. This set the tax rate at 16% for table games, which is much lower for slots. Under the PGCB rules, blackjack needs to be player-friendly, with a low house edge.
There was a gap between online blackjack games becoming legal and the first online casinos opening.
Gov. Tom Wolf signed the Gambling Expansion bill, Act 271, in October 2017. This set up a licensing process for online casinos, and the first sites went live in mid-2019.
Pennsylvania blackjack tables near you
You’ll find blackjack at all live casinos in the Keystone State. The games follow the player-friendly rules specified by the PCGB. The key difference between casinos is which side bets are available. These range from bets with fixed odds to those with progressive jackpot prizes.
Harrah’s Philadelphia Casino & Racetrack – 777 Harrah’s Blvd., Chester, PA 19013
Harrah’s PA Casino claims to have the most extensive collection of table games in the Philly area. Run by casino giant Caesars, Harrah’s has regular (PA rules) blackjack games, Spanish 21 and Dynasty Stadium blackjack. Located on the riverbank at Chester, this huge casino offers progressive jackpots via side bets on many games. Blackjack fans can enjoy the Lucky Ladies progressive side bet.
Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course – 777 Hollywood Blvd., Grantville, PA 17026
There are two blackjack table games, and two side bets available at this casino-racetrack. Hollywood Casino offers regular blackjack with either the Lucky Ladies or 21+3 side bets. Also, you can play the cut-deck variation: Spanish 21. Based near Grantville, Hollywood is a huge casino. It offers slots, a sportsbook, racebook, and thoroughbred racetrack.
Lady Luck Casino Nemacolin – 4067 National Pike, Farmington, PA 15437
With only 27 table games, Lady Luck Casino Nemacolin is a smaller casino than many PA venues. It has Blazing 7s blackjack, a progressive side bet. At the time of writing, the top prize was nearly $16,000. In addition, you’ll find games with the 21+3 side bet. This resort is a perfect place to mix gaming and leisure. It has an 18-hole golf course and the biggest wine cellar in Pennsylvania.
Meadows Racetrack & Casino – 210 Racetrack Road, Washington, PA 15301
Located close to Pittsburgh, the Meadows Racetrack & Casino is a big casino with plenty on offer, including 67 table games. Blackjack has the popular Lucky Ladies side bet, and one called “inbet.” Blackjack is one of the games available at its prestigious high-limit room. Add plenty of dining options, nightlife and a harness racetrack, and you can see why The Meadows is popular.
Mohegan Sun Pocono – 1280 PA-315, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
You’ll find a unique blackjack variation called Interlock Blackjack at Mohegan Sun Pocono. The dealer will identify his or her down-card as being small, medium or large before you act. There are also Blazing 777 side bets, 21+3 and Spanish 21. Electronic gaming terminals also let you enjoy blackjack without a dealer. Mohegan also offers plenty of slots and other table games.
Mount Airy Casino Resort – 312 Woodland Road, Mt. Pocono, PA 18344
Blackjack is available both on the regular casino floor and in the high-limit room at Mount Airy Casino. You can bet the “match the dealer” side bet and play two hands at once in some games. They also offer the popular Spanish 21 variant. Also, this casino provides you with the ability to enjoy blackjack in a nonsmoking environment.
Parx Casino and Racing – 2999 Street Road, Bensalem, PA 19020
With 199 casino tables, you’ll be hard-pressed to find more blackjack action than at Parx Casino and Racing. In addition, you can bet at electronic tables called “Fusion,” which allow bets on up to four live blackjack and roulette games at electronic terminals. Regular blackjack, along with a choice of side bets, is available in the high-limit room or on the casino floor.
Presque Isle Downs & Casino – 8199 Perry Highway, Erie, PA 16509
Located close to Lake Erie, Presque Isle Downs & Casino is a hybrid racetrack and casino. There are plenty of table games, including blackjack with the Blazing 777s side bet. This pays a progressive jackpot for three 7s of the same suit, with smaller prizes for other combinations of 7s. Unlike the other large PA live casinos, no Spanish 21 is at this venue.
Wind Creek Casino and Resort – 77 Wind Creek Blvd., Bethlehem, PA 18015
Formerly called Sands Bethlehem, Wind Creek is a big casino with a choice of more than 200 table games. Blackjack features many of them, with Free Bet Blackjack listed among the regular and high-limit games. Side bets offers include 21+3 Xtreme, which adds a touch of three-card poker in the form of a side bet. The Kings Bounty bet is also available.
Rivers Casino – 777 Casino Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Pittsburgh’s popular Rivers Casino has 100 table games to choose from along with many more electronic gaming terminals. It has blackjack with the Blazing 777s side bet. This is linked to a progressive jackpot, which pays when a player gets three 7s of the same suit. While there are no blackjack variants at this venue, you can enjoy blackjack in the high-limit room.
SugarHouse Casino – 1001 N. Delaware Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19125
Philadelphia’s SugarHouse Casino, built on the site of a sugar refinery, has blackjack and Spanish 21 and a choice of two popular side bets. Blazing 777s is linked to a progressive jackpot, which is (independently) used by many live casinos in the Keystone State. The other bet is Lucky Ladies, which involves hitting suited queens for big (non-progressive) prizes. Some games also have match-the-dealer bets.
Valley Forge Casino – 1160 First Ave., King of Prussia, PA 19406
While not the biggest Pennsylvania casino, Valley Forge Casino offers some interesting table game variations at its Merrion Township location. These include Super 4 Blackjack, which has a progressive jackpot side bet, and the cut-deck game Spanish 21. You will also find games with the match the dealer side bets.
The latest on Presque Isle Downs online gambling
The Pennsylvania Gambling Control Board (PGCB) conditionally approved Presque Isle’s interactive gambling applications at its Oct. 31, 2018 meeting. During the meeting, the casino’s parent company, Churchill Downs, said it will use the BetAmerica brand for its online gambling product. It also plans to launch an online casino in New Jersey through a partnership with Golden Nugget.
As expected, the casino is also pursuing sports betting. Presque Islesubmitted its application for the license on Dec. 7, 2018. There will be online wagering eventually, but don’t expect anything until the spring of 2019. It won’t get approved for a retail sportsbook any earlier than January. That needs to launch before the company gets cleared for any online betting.
| Casino | Online Casino? | Online Poker? | Online Sports Betting? | Partners |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Presque Isle | Yes, 2020 | No | Yes, Launching 2020 | Golden Nugget |
Presque Isle Downs online casino overview
Presque Isle Downs Casino has applied for licensure in Pennsylvania. However, the Erie-area property only applied for the online slots and online table games licenses.
It omitted an application for online poker.
Presque Isle is a newly-acquired property in Pennsylvania. Churchill Downs purchased the property earlier this year from Eldorado Resorts.
As such, Churchill Downs will partner with Golden Nugget to launch a New Jersey online sportsbook. Golden Nugget, in turn, brings developer SBTech to the table with it for a PA project. The two will work together on the casino’s sportsbook, both retail and mobile.
The Presque Isle Downs site is an SBTech production, operating under the brand BetAmerica.
Introduction to Presque Isle Downs Casino
Presque Isle Downs & Casino is a year-round gambling facility for casino and racetrack wagering. Presque Isle Downs & Casino is located in Erie, PA, 90 minutes east of Cleveland, 90 minutes west of Buffalo, and two hours north of Pittsburgh.
There is no hotel on the property itself, but several within a half mile of the hotel. While the combination of a casino, poker room, and racetrack offers plenty to do, guests who choose to stay overnight in a nearby hotel can combine a visit to the casino with other activities in the area. For example, Presque Isle Downs & Casino is conveniently located near the Millcreek Mall and the Station Dinner Theater. In addition, two water parks, Splash Lounge and Waldameer Park and Water World, along with the Erie Zoo and Presque Isle State Park, offer fun for the whole family.
Unlike the other five racinos currently operating in Pennsylvania, all of which existed as a racetrack first, with the casino added later, Presque Isle was a casino first. The casino opened on Feb. 28, 2007, and the thoroughbred racetrack with legal PA horse racing known as Presque Isle Downs did not open until September 2, 2007, replacing another previously existing unsuccessful racetrack nearby called Erie Downs. Initially, the casino contained slot machines only, but in 2010, following the legalization of table games in Pennsylvania casinos as well, table games were added.
Presque Isle Casino is a lot smaller than some of the other casinos, with less than 1,600 slot machines and only 42 table games. There is also a small poker room. Although it is the only casino in the Erie, PA area, it had been losing business in recent years due to competition from Ohio casinos.
In March 2018, Churchill Downs Inc. brokered a deal to buy Presque Isle Downs. It is the Kentucky-based company’s only Pennsylvania casino venture.
Casino amenities
Dining
Visitors to Presque Isle Downs & Casino can choose from several restaurants. However, the emphasis is definitely on casual rather than high-end dining.
LBV Steak & Pasta is a moderately priced restaurant open for dinner only Tuesday-Saturday. The other dining options, include the Backstretch Buffet, Brew Brothers (combining food, drinks, and entertainment), and an inexpensive eatery called the InCafe, which is open 24/7. The InCafe menu, depending on the time of day, is limited to breakfast or regular sandwiches, pizza, and snacks. Items generally cost is a few dollars.
Alternatively, many players choose to eat at the Backstretch Buffet, which is open for extended hours daily. Prices for different meals vary:
- Sunday Breakfast Buffet (8-10 a.m.) – $9.99
- Friday and Saturday Late Night Buffet (11:30 p.m.-1 a.m.) – $9.99
- Sunday Champagne Brunch (11 a.m. to 9 p.m.) – $18.99
- Monday-Thursday lunch buffet is (11a.m. to 3 p.m.) – $14.99
- Monday-Thursday dinner buffet – $16.99
There are pricier special buffet Friday and Saturday. The Friday Seafood Festival costs $26.99, and the Saturday Land & Sea Dinner costs $19.99. One Club cardholders receive a discount on all buffets:
- $1 off with a Silver card
- $2 off with a Gold card
- $3 off with a President card
- $4 off with a Chairman card
Nightlife and entertainment
Brew Brothers offers casual food (such as burgers and pizza), a choice of 30 beers, and live entertainment. Sunday afternoons during football season, sports fans can watch the NFL action on big screens while enjoying various food and drink specials. On Friday and Saturday nights, there is live entertainment starting at 9 p.m., while Monday and Wednesday nights it’s the visitors’ time to showcase their talent.
Every Wednesday night between 8:30 p.m. and 11 p.m. is Karaoke Night. It’s when you get to choose from a playlist of over 150 songs to sing along to a live band.
Mondays are called Mish Mosh Mondays because every Monday, starting at 9 p.m., two “newbies” are given 30 minutes each to perform live for the audience. You never know, the casino might like your act enough to give you a paid gig there. If not, you still get a burger on the house!
Hotels
There are no hotels on the premises, but guests who wish to stay overnight in the area have multiple options:
Baymont Inn & Suites
Baymont Inn and Suites is a mid-scale, smoke-free hotel with rooms starting at $104 a night. The hotel is located less than half a mile from the casino. It offers all of the following amenities:
- Complimentary shuttle service to and from Presque Isle Downs and Casino 24/7
- Free parking
- Free continental breakfast
- Microwave and refrigerator in all rooms
- Free Wi-Fi and Internet access
- Free airport shuttle
Partner hotels
Another alternative is to stay at one of the racino’s partner hotels or motels in the area. When you make your reservations, be sure to mention that you are visiting Presque Isle Downs & Casino in order to get the best possible rate.
- Residence Inn and Suites*: An all-suite hotel with suites starting at $125
- Holiday Inn Express*: Rooms from $109
- Courtyard Marriott: Rates vary; check for best available
- Hilton Garden Inn: Rates vary; check for best available
- Home 2 Suites by Hilton: Rates vary; check for best available
- Comfort Inn & Suites*: Rooms from $87
- Days Inn*: Rooms from $79
- Quality Inn & Suites*: Rooms from $68
- Super 8: Rooms from $68
- Red Roof Inn: Casino visitors get 20 percent off best available rates plus a McDonald’s breakfast coupon
*Complimentary shuttle service is offered to and from Presque Isle Downs & Casino.
Residence Inn and Comfort Inn are located on Peach Street, about 2.8 miles from Presque Isle Downs & Casino. In addition to offering complimentary shuttle service, both hotels are connected to Splash Lagoon Indoor Water Park.
Casino overview
Who can play in the casino?
The minimum age to gamble in the State of Pennsylvania, as set by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB), is 21 for casino gambling and 18 for horse races. Accordingly, at Presque Isle Downs & Casino, no one under age 21 is permitted on the casino floor. Visitors of any age are permitted in the racetrack area, but only those age 18 and older are legally allowed to make horse racing wagers.
Security and fairness
The PGCB is the agency that is responsible for licensing and regulating all 12 currently operating legal brick and mortar casinos in Pennsylvania and making sure that each one abides by its rules. Presque Isle Downs & Casino, like all of the other facilities under the jurisdiction of the PGCB, must meet this agency’s strict standards for security and fairness.
Casino games
Although this casino is not as large as some Pennsylvania casinos, based on visitors’ comments on TripAdvisor and other sites, they find it to be a nice casino with a good mixture of games. Compared to lots of slots, there are only a few table games, however. The casino attracts many retirees who like to play the slots.
Slots
Presque Isle Casino is home to 1,580 slot machines. Frequent slot players will recognize many familiar favorites, but there are also newer slots for those who would like to try something different. In addition, there are lots of progressive slots, where some lucky players can win huge jackpots spending very small amounts of money. Some of the low-cost progressive jackpot slot machines at Presque Isle Casino include:
- One Cent Quick Hits Progressives
- Two Cent Hot Slots Progressives
- Five Cent Double Diamond Progressives
- $1 Double Dollars Progressives
- $1 Big Al’s Progressives
Denominations on the slot machines range from as little as a penny to as much as $100, so there are suitable games for all types of players. There is a separate high limit room for those wishing to play slots for large amounts.
Unfortunately, as much as players apparently like the variety of slot games at Presque Isle Casino, many of them dislike the smell of smoke, which at this place is described as everywhere, including the nonsmoking sections.
Slots payouts are tight
Another thing that Presque Isle slot players aren’t happy about is the payout rate. They complain that they can’t win because the slots are too tight. However, like the smoking problem, this type of complaint is neither new nor unique to Presque Isle Casino; it has been going on for some time at all of the Pennsylvania casinos.
According to the regulations set forth by the PGCB, as long as slot machines in the state have a return to the player (RTP) of at least 85 percent, they are in compliance. While recent data don’t show any Pennsylvania casino’s slot machines as returning the absolute minimum, the average RTP is only 88-90 percent. The bottom line for players is that it is tough to come out ahead playing slots at any casino in Pennsylvania.
One probable reason why the Pennsylvania slot machines don’t pay out more frequently is the 55 percent tax rate that casino operators have to pay on slots. Because of this high tax rate, it is understandable if they are tempted to hold back on what the machines return to the player.
Since there is no indication that the slot payouts in Pennsylvania are going to change for the better anytime soon, if you still want to play, you should do the following: only risk the amount of money you can afford, but avoid the penny machines, which have lower RTPs. Also, if you are lucky early on, keep in mind that the longer you stay at any machine, the more chance you are giving it to take back what you won and more.
Table games
There are only 42 table games at this casino, which means you are not going to have a choice of many different variations of the games being offered, but you can still find the most frequently played games. The table games at Presque Isle Casino include all of the following:
- Blackjack
- Roulette
- Craps
- Baccarat
- Casino Texas Hold ‘Em
- Three card poker
- Let It Ride
- Mississippi Stud
- Pai gow
- Spanish 21
All of the casino poker games offer a progressive jackpot. PA blackjack games and craps offer side bets in addition to your regular bet, and some of them, if you’re really lucky, can result in really big payouts too.
Table game players can choose from a wide range of betting limits, but if you are a small player, keep in mind that on weekends and holidays, the table minimums, particularly on blackjack, might be higher than what is in your comfort zone. During high traffic periods, high-end players should have no problem at all finding a suitable table. The same room that contains high limit slots also offers high limit table games.
Roulette
Players at Presque Isle Casino will have to be content with basic roulette. There are two forms of basic roulette: American roulette and European roulette. If this casino gives you both options, your best bet is European roulette, with just a single zero on the wheel and a house edge of 2.7 percent. If you play American roulette, there will be both a single and double zero on the wheel and it is tougher to overcome the 5.25 percent house edge.
Craps
If you love action and excitement, the Presque Isle Casino dice tables offer plenty. In addition to all of the usual craps bets, this casino offers four special bets:
The Fire Bet
You place Fire Bets just prior to a new shooter’s “come out” roll. The bet pays out based on how many different individual points a shooter rolls before they seven out.
All Small
The bet wins if the shooter rolls all of the numbers 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 in any order before rolling a seven.
All Tall
The bet wins if the shooter rolls all of the numbers 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 in any order before rolling a seven.
Make Them All
The bet wins if the shooter rolls all 10 possible numbers in any order before rolling a seven.
In order to win any of these bets, the player has to avoid the seven altogether, including on the come out roll.
Blackjack
Blackjack is a popular choice at Presque Isle Casino, and understandably so. As many casino players have come to realize, this is a game where not just luck, but also their own skill, can have a big say in the likelihood of winning. In addition, when using proper basic strategy, the house edge is much smaller than on many other casino games.
Different rules exist for blackjack, which vary from casino to casino. This can alter the house edge either way. But fortunately for Pennsylvania players, the rules set by the PGCB for blackjack are very liberal. The same rules apply across the board at all Pennsylvania casinos, so you don’t need to concern yourself that one casino’s rules might be better than another’s, which is not the case.
Blackjack is still a form of gambling, so even when playing perfectly and given the best rules, winning isn’t guaranteed. But you can maximize your chances by mastering basic strategy, which will reduce the house edge all the way down to .40 percent. When played according to basic strategy, the Pennsylvania blackjack game is one of the best in the country. Here is a summary of the rules:
- Blackjack pays 3:2
- Dealer stands on soft 17
- Doubling down permitted on any two cards
- Doubling down after splits
- Splits up to three hands (except aces)
- Late surrender (As long as the dealer does not have a blackjack, players who don’t like their hand can surrender it and give up half their bet.)
Side bets
In addition to the required regular bet at the start of each hand (which must be at least the table minimum), Presque Isle Casino offers blackjack players four optional side bets. All of these bets are good for the house rather than the player due to a higher house edge than simply making standard bets using correct basic strategy. So keep that in mind, and if you make these side bets at all, do so for minimal stakes and only occasionally:
In BETween
This bet is called In BETween because it wins anytime the value of the dealer’s upcard falls in between the player’s first two cards. For example, if your two cards are 4 and 8 and the dealer’s upcard is a 6, you win your bet. The amount won depends on the card spread. But the payout is even higher when all three cards are the same value, which is called a triple match. On all other hands, the bet is a loser. These are the payouts:
- Any in-bet: 1 to1
- Three card spread: 4 to1
- Two card spread: 6 to1
- One card spread: 10 to1
- Triple match: 30 to 1
21+3
Your first two cards and the dealer’s upcard make up your three-card hand for this bet, which you hope will be a strong poker hand. All winners pay 9 to 1. The possible winning hands are:
Erie Casinos Presque Isle
- Flush
- Straight
- Three of a kind
- Straight flush
It should be noted that some other casinos offer a variation of the 21+3 bet called 21+3 Xtreme, with different payouts for the winning hands ranging from 5 to 1 (flush) to 30 to 1 (straight flush). However, according to experts, 21+3 Xtreme is by far the worseof the two.
Lucky Ladies
A Lucky Ladies bet wins when the player’s first two cards add up to 20 (which will probably already be a winner) and loses with any other two card total. The payouts for certain combinations of cards are higher, as indicated below:
- Any 20 vs. any dealer upcard: 4 to 1
- Suited 20 vs. any dealer upcard: 10 to 1
- Matched 20 (two identical cards) 25 to
- Two queens of hearts vs. any dealer upcard 200 to 1
- Two queens of hearts vs. a dealer blackjack 1,000 to 1
Blazing 7s
The Blazing 7s bet is an optional $5 side bet in blackjack which features a shot at a progressive jackpot. In order to win, at least one of the first three cards dealt to you needs to be a seven. But two sevens pay more than one and three pay even more. Furthermore, if you get three sevens that are all the same color, you win a piece of the jackpot, and if you’re lucky enough to get three sevens of the same suit, you win the entire jackpot!
If you take a third card and bust, you lose your regular bet, but it doesn’t affect the outcome of your Blazing 7s bet. So the correct strategy for Blazing 7s is never to stand with your first two cards if one or both is a seven, which in some cases will be contrary to basic strategy. Always hit, double, or with a pair of sevens, hit or split, in the hope that your third card will also be a seven. The Blazing 7 payouts are as follows:
- Three suited sevens 100 percent of jackpot
- Three colored sevens 10 percent of jackpot
- Any three sevens: 200 for 1
- Two sevens: 25 for 1
- One seven: 2 for 1
Poker
Besides the usual limit and no-limit hold ‘em and Omaha cash games, there are lots of other activity packed into this small poker room, which offers everything form deep stack tournaments to special high hand and splash pot promotions. During the splash pot promotional periods, every 90 minutes a randomly selected table gets $50 added to the pot.
Tournaments vary in structure and cost. Buy-ins and entry fees range from $35+$10+$5 and $50+$10+$5 for the 8,000 starting chips, 20-minute blinds tournaments to $200+$20+$10 for the Super Saturday Tournament with 15,000 starting chips and 30-minute blinds. Starting times for these tournaments is 12:30 p.m., but those who register by 12 noon receive bonus chips. You can check the poker room calendar at the start of each month for that month’s tournament and special promotion offerings and schedule.
Racing
The Presque Downs live racing season runs from late May to early October. Races run Sunday through Thursday. Unlike most thoroughbred racetracks in the U.S., Presque Downs has its live races in the evening rather than in the afternoon, and post time for the first race is at 5:25 p.m. In addition to the live races, the track offer dailysimulcast racing.
Sunday and Wednesday nights between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. are Family Night at the Races featuring $2 cheeseburgers, two hot dogs for $2, and $1 french fries.
One Club Loyalty rewards program
Presque Isle Downs & Casino has a loyalty rewards program called the One Club. Membership is free, and you can pick up your card, if you don’t already have one, at the players club booth at the casino. All of your play counts towards earning points towards rewards, so be sure to insert your card into the machine when playing slots and present it when playing table games or placing horse racing bets.
Your can redeem your accumulated points for food and beverages at any Presque Isle Downs & Casino restaurant or for merchandise at the gift shop or for free play. Reward dollars are valid for 12 months after they are earned.
One Club tier levels
Tier points are also awarded based on play, which are used to determine each person’s tier placement. The five tiers are:
- Bronze
- Silver
- Gold
- President
- Chairman
Presque Isle Downs Casino Reviews
Players at all levels earn reward dollars and receive offers in the mail based on play. Starting at the Silver level, additional benefits include:
- Tier-based promotions
- Bonus entries into drawings
- Discounts for the buffet and for purchases at the gift shop
Presque Isle Casino Poker Schedule
Players at the Gold, Producer, and Chairman levels also receive:
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- One, two, or three complimentary beverages daily, respectively
- Free valet service
- Free racing program
- Invitations to special events.
Additional perks for players in the two highest tiers, President and Chairman, include a personal casino host and priority lines for guest services and the buffet. Chairman level players also receive:
- Complimentary dinner for two at LBV Steak & Pasta every three months
- Daily complimentary lunch buffet for two or dinner buffet for one
- Priority parking
- Hotel suite upgrades
Presque Isle Casino Promotions
Summary
Presque Isle Downs & Casino, like all of the Pennsylvania casinos, is a hubbub of activity for anyone who enjoys gambling. But it isn’t perfect, so along with all of the great features, there are some that are not are not so great.
Although it is not as large as some Pennsylvania casinos, that should not deter you. The 1,500+ slots should be more than enough to find the kinds of games that would appeal to you, and despite the small number of table games, what this casino lacks in quantity, it makes up for in quality. Presque Isle Downs is also a fun place to visit for anyone who enjoys racing.
Visitors’ complaints about Presque Isle Downs & Casino on sites like TripAdvisor and Yelp are very similar to those for other Pennsylvania casinos. What players don’t like are:
- Tight slots
- Lack of low limit table games on weekends
- Difficulty getting table games play comps
- Smell of smoke
- Quality of the buffet
The smokiness of the casino is not only annoying to many people, but also poses a health risk, so it needs to be addressed. However, in response to one player’s complaint of having to walk through the smoking area to reach the nonsmoking area, the casino’s response was that the nonsmoking area on the west side of the building could be accessed directly from the west entrance.
There is no hotel on the premises. However, there are many affordable places to stay nearby, some of which offer shuttle service. The food at Presque Isle Downs is simple and casual rather than gourmet, and the evening entertainment is also low key. This is not the place to go for either top of the line entertainment or late night partying.
The best features of this facility, apart from the games themselves, are the friendly staff and fun promotions.
Presque Isle Downs & Casino
8199 Perry Highway
Erie, PA 26509
1-866-374-3386
1-814-860-8999