New York racetrack casinos are now permitted to spread video blackjack and other version of popular table games that require skill. The exception is racinos in western New York that are too close to existing tribal casinos that have an exclusivity agreement.
The change is allowed due to a budget law passed by the state legislature earlier this year. The state’s qualifying racinos were already permitted to spread table games that did not require skill. Video craps, roulette and baccarat were already live at these rasinos. The new law allows video blackjack and poker related games like Three Card Poker, Let it Ride and Ultimate Texas Hold’em.
Most of the new games are distributed by SHFL. They are on the Table Master platform. This is the second generation of multi player video table games that feature female dealers displayed on a large monitor. The dealers are just for show. They have no interaction of effect on the actual game play.
The Resorts World Casino began rolling these games out this past weekend. The minimum video blackjack bet was $25 on some of these games. Players can double down on any two cards and after splitting. Surrender is available on these video blackjack machines. Pairs may only be split once. The machines can be programmed to hit or stand on soft 17.
There are currently 60 video table games. That number will move up to 300 by the end of the year.
The arrival of video blackjack at Resorts World in New York City is certain to keep some players from driving to New Jersey Casinos to play the live version of the game. The racinos further north in the state look to take action away from Pennsylvania and tribal casinos near Buffalo.
