Virtual Blackjack Gambling Begins At Florida Pari-Mutuels

Florida pari-mutuels have been struggling since the Seminole Indian tribe expanded their gambling options to include live blackjack tables. Now, the pari-mutuels have responded by offering blackjack games of their own.

The games will not be played with a live dealer. Instead, Gulfstream Park Racing & Casino unveiled virtual blackjack on Friday. The game will be played with virtual dealers and live players.

In order to be legal, the machine must play randomly like a slot machine. The developer of the virtual blackjack tables made sure that the games were randomized. That opened the door for the pari-mutuels to start competing with the Seminoles.

The virtual blackjack game will not steal players from the Seminoles because most players enjoy a live dealer. The game will, however, give customers at the pari-mutuels a reason not to go to the Seminole casinos.

Gulfstream was the first to offer the game, but other pari-mutuel facilities will be offering the virtual blackjack before the end of the year. The one advantage these establishments will have over the Seminoles is that the blackjack can be played for $5 a hand.

The Seminoles have made a strong advertising push for their $10 blackjack tables, and it has paid off well. Rarely is there ever an empty seat on the blackjack tables at the Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood.

December 5, 2009
Posted By Terry Goodwin
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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