Palms is an off-Strip casino in Las Vegas. It is on Flamingo Road about one mile west of the Strip. It is across the street from Gold Coast and within walking distance of Rio. Palms is owned by TPG Capital, among other investors. There are 702 hotel rooms at Palms. There is also a separate tower called Palms Place located on an adjoining property. This is a tower that includes some privately owned condos among the casino’s rentals.
Palms was once known as a vibrant casino that catered to younger crowds. There were numerous nightclubs, including the exclusive Playboy Club. Those days are over. Palms is now a cross between a locals casino and a place for tourists to take families.
Palms Tables and Games
There are 14 blackjack tables on the main casino floor at Palms. The dealer hits soft 17 at all of these tables.
There is one single deck table that is dealt as a pitch. Players may double before but not after splitting. Blackjack pays 6-5. Bet limits are $10 to $1,000. The house edge is 1.6%.
There is one double deck blackjack table. It is also dealt as a pitch. Players can double down before splitting but not after. Blackjack pays 3-2. Bet limits are $10 to $3,000. The house edge is 0.4%.
There are 11 six-deck shoe tables. Players may double down before and after splitting. Blackjack pays 3-2. Bet limits are $5 to $1,000. The house edge is 0.65%.
There is one Blackjack Switch table. Its bet limits are $10 to $1,000. This game requires two bets to be placed on the same hand so the minimum to get into a hand is actually $20. Players can switch cards between two dealt hands. The dealer pushes all hands that did not bust when 22 is drawn.
There is a $3 to $500 Dealers Angel video blackjack machine. The game permits double down before and after splitting. Surrender is also available. The dealer hits soft 17. The house edge is 0.55%.
There is a high limit area at Palms. It has been closed for years due to a lack of interest as the property declined. It reopens upon request. The limits are $100 to $3,000. The game is a six-deck shoe that stands on all 17’s. Players may double down on any two cards and after splitting. Surrender and re-split aces are permitted. The house edge is 0.27%, should you find it open.
Club Palms for Frequent Blackjack Players
Club Palms is not very generous for blackjack players. It will take green chip action that does not conform to basic strategy to get noticed. Blackjack players are not generally taken seriously at Palms. Slots and video poker players receive far more benefits.
What’s Different?
Palms is a classy place for a $5 blackjack game. Players cannot surrender or re-split aces though, which makes the rules not as friendly as they could be. At least it pays 3-2 on a natural. The $10 double deck game is a decent deal for players.
The Inside View
Palms no longer has its high limit room open. That is because the dealers mostly stood around and did nothing. Palms also saw its reputation damaged when it backed off UFC president Dana White for counting cards. If you plan on giving black chip action, make sure to ask if it can be opened. You may want to give them some notice to make sure a dealer is available.
Palms has become a sweaty blackjack joint. Comps are not as great as they once were. Players report getting backed off. It just is not a place for serious blackjack players anymore. On the other hand, you will find decent $5 and $10 games there.