Palms Casino Reinstates Player-Friendly Blackjack Payouts

In a rare move that favors gamblers over the house, Palms Casino Resort has announced a return to the more generous 3:2 payout for blackjack across all of its tables. The change took effect on February 14, replacing the less favorable 6:5 payout structure that has become increasingly common across Las Vegas.

The shift, which includes both the main gaming floor and high-limit areas, stands in contrast to the prevailing trend among many Las Vegas casinos—particularly those on the Strip—that have adopted more house-favorable rules in recent years.

Reversal Amid Industry-Wide Shift

Over the last decade, 6:5 blackjack has become the norm in many high-traffic casinos. This rule reduces a player’s winnings on a natural blackjack—from $15 on a $10 bet under the traditional 3:2 system, to $12 under 6:5. The result is a higher house edge and lower long-term player returns.

Palms Casino is reversing that trajectory. According to Scott Hager, the resort’s vice president of gaming, the decision reflects a broader strategy to improve guest satisfaction, particularly among local patrons.

“We are committed to delivering the best gaming experience for our guests, especially our local players,” Hager said. “Enhancing and expanding our blackjack offerings reflects our dedication to providing top-tier table games and ensuring an exceptional experience for everyone who walks through our doors.”

The differences between 3:2 and 6:5 blackjack payouts are more than cosmetic—they significantly affect player odds. 3:2 Blackjack: Yields a $15 return on a $10 bet for a natural blackjack. When combined with other standard rules and basic strategy, the house edge typically remains around 0.5%.

6:5 Blackjack: Pays only $12 on a $10 bet. This change raises the house edge to about 1.85%, nearly quadrupling the expected loss for players over time. While the difference might appear minor over a few hands, it compounds over longer sessions. For regular players, the shift to 3:2 can preserve hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars over time.

Lower Minimums, Higher Value

Despite the more favorable odds, Palms has confirmed it will not raise minimum table bets. $5 blackjack and $5 craps remain available around the clock—another rarity in the current Las Vegas market, where low-stakes tables are vanishing in favor of higher-margin games.

This approach aligns with the property's post-pandemic repositioning under new ownership. The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians acquired the Palms from Station Casinos in 2021 for $650 million. Since reopening, the resort has focused on re-establishing itself as a locals-friendly alternative to the Strip’s premium pricing and house-heavy rules.

 

We are committed to delivering the best gaming experience for our guests, especially our local players.

A Calculated Gamble

Palms’ return to 3:2 blackjack could serve as a test case for other off-Strip casinos weighing the benefits of player trust and repeat business against the short-term profit margins of tighter rules.

In a gaming market where higher house edges have become the norm, Palms is positioning itself differently—offering better odds without increasing the cost of entry. Whether this approach will prompt similar moves across the city remains to be seen. For now, Palms is sending a clear signal: in this corner of Las Vegas, the house edge is a little less steep—and blackjack just got a little better.