The Orleans is a locals casino located about two miles west of the Las Vegas Strip on Tropicana Avenue. It is owned by Boyd Gaming. It is popular among Las Vegas locals and savvy tourists. The Orleans has a big advantage over its Las Vegas Strip counterparts. There are $5 and $10 games at The Orleans that pay 3-2 on a natural.
The Orleans Games and Tables
There are 30 blackjack tables at The Orleans. All blackjack games at The Orleans hit soft 17. All games have $5 to $1,000 limits although some higher volume times of the day will find many $10 tables open.
There are 22 double deck blackjack tables. No other Las Vegas locals casino offers more double deck blackjack games. The game is dealt as a pitch. Players may double down on any two cards and after splitting. Blackjack pays 3-2. The house edge is 0.4%.
There are four six-deck shoes. Double down before and after splitting is permitted. Continuous shuffle machines are used at all of these tables. Blackjack pays 3-2. The house edge is 0.65%.
There are three single deck blackjack tables. Players may double down before splitting but not after. Blackjack pays 6-5. The house edge is 1.6%.
There is one double deck Super Fun 21. Players may double down and surrender after any number of cards. Surrender is also permitted after a double down, even after splitting. This is known as double down rescue. A six-card Charlie always wins, as does a blackjack. A player that makes a 21 with five or more cards receives 2-1 immediately. Aces may be re-split, hit and doubled. Blackjack pays even money, except in diamonds, where it pays 2-1. Blackjack never pushes. It is paid instantly.
BConnected for Frequent Blackjack Players
The Orleans uses Boyd Gaming’s BConnected card. This players club is also used at The Cal, Fremont, Main Street Station, Gold Coast, Suncoast and Sam’s Town.
The Orleans takes great care of blackjack players. A $10 player that gives four hours of action can expect free rooms. Mailers for three free nights per month are common. While the BConnected card is accepted at several other Las Vegas locations under the Boyd Gaming brand, offers tend to be specific to the property where the action was given.
What’s Different?
The Orleans offers $5 double deck blackjack that allows double down before and after splitting. There are very few Las Vegas casinos that offer such a great deal like this. Caesars properties require a $25 minimum for double deck and do not allow double down after splitting. This game is typically $25 at MGM properties and $15 at other Las Vegas locals joints.
The Inside View
The double deck games at The Orleans are among my favorite in Las Vegas. Red chip action is welcome and there is little heat from the pit bosses. The deck is not cut too high. There is no reason to choose the shoe games since both have the same limits. The double deck game has nearly half the house edge of the shoe one. Avoid the single deck blackjack games and Super Fun 21 and you will get a great game. Make sure to play with a BConnected card for maximum value.
The Orleans is perfect for a family trip. Unlike many Las Vegas casinos, there is a family friendly pool. There is also a bowling alley on site. Kids Zone is happy to provide child care to gamblers. The only requirement is that parents stay on the property.