Blackjack CSM

[zdgp]

On my five cruises, blackjack was dealt from an eight deck shoe. I read somewhere that some cruise lines are starting to use continuous shuffling machines (CSM) at their blackjack tables. I would be interested in any comments that any of you BJ players, that have played at a CSM BJ table, might have on the pros and cons of CSM vs. the traditional shoe.

Since there is no break in the play to shuffle, I would think that the continuous play would be more tiring on the players and the dealer.

[Russell in MD]

I read somewhere that CSM's were tried but given the boot.

I cant recall hearing of any ship currently using them.

R

[DonD]

We just got off the Monarch of the Seas this morning and they used continuous shuffling machines.

[Russell in MD]

Originally Posted by DonD

We just got off the Monarch of the Seas this morning and they used continuous shuffling machines.

Well that completley blows.

Now I'll have to spend all my time drinking my smuggled booze instead of playing blackjack.

R

[hilbily]

I was on the miracle in September and they had them on some tables. They still had the ruegualr shoe on some tables also. I don't remember the ratio of how many tables of each.

[zdgp]

Originally Posted by hilbily

I was on the miracle in September and they had them on some tables. They still had the ruegualr shoe on some tables also. I don't remember the ratio of how many tables of each.

It looks like they are giving the CSM's a trial run to judge the players' response. Unless you enjoy playing faster, there is only one reason to choose a CSM game over a shoe game: a CSM containing four to six decks has a smaller house advantage than an eight deck shoe. However, the difference is more than offset by the faster play.

[Kuki]

Just returned from the Carnival Liberty. All the blackjack tables used the shuffling machines... 6 decks.. all cards in play every hand.

This changes the odds significantly. Plus more hands per hour, equals more losses per hour.

The dealers hate them too. No breaks to shuffle the cards, move about a bit, and chat. And the same continuous motion over and over and over again for an entire shift.

[pm54]

I was seeing a lot of shuffling machines onboard a couple of years ago, but on my last two cruises there were none in sight.

As others have noted, casinos like shuffling machines because they increase the number of hands per hour and therefore the casino's expected take. The continuous machines also essentially negate the advantage of card-counters.

But from what I've read, shuffling machines have had such a negative reception from players -- largely because people mistrust shuffling that's happening invisibly, inside a black box -- that patrons avoid such tables, negating the advantage to the casinos.