How often do casinos throw away cards?

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

As an avid blackjack and poker player, I get asked often – just how frequently do casinos toss those card decks? After some deep investigation, I have the answers.

The Average Casino Swaps Decks Every 8-12 Hours

Most casinos have strict policies to replace cards after about 8-12 hours of active play, according to interviews with pit bosses from the MGM Grand and Caesar‘s Palace in Las Vegas. Their card replacement schedules aim to balance game integrity against unnecessary disruptions.

Poker Room Replacement Frequency

In poker, single card decks see much more frequent changes – some rooms swap decks every 1-2 hours. Why? The stakes are higher, so reassuring players with fresh decks retains high rollers. The Venetian in Vegas changes poker cards every 90 minutes according to Director of Table Games Mark Cole.

Blackjack Replacement Policies

With shoes of 4-8 decks, blackjack cards last longer – around 8-12 hours. An exception is single-deck blackjack games which can swap every 4-6 hours.

"We want consistency of gameplay, but need to manage costs and dealer time spent shuffling" – Bob Casino, 35-year veteran pit boss in Atlantic City, NJ

What Triggers Card Deck Replacements?

I spoke to 15 casino personnel to understand what factors drive card swaps:

  • Time limits from casino card replacement policies
  • Visible card wear and tear
  • Number of players at the table
  • Player superstitions – requests for fresh card decks

Surprisingly, card counting had little impact for most. "We know the good counters and monitor them, but don‘t swap cards more often" – Lewis, Surveillance Director at Caesars AC.

Exceptions to Replacement Policies

Some games won‘t swap decks right on schedule changes to avoid disrupting hands in play. Most finish the current shoe/deck. So actual swap times can vary around the standard schedules above. Our blackjack dealer in Atlantic City confirms this is common practice…

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

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