In mid-December, Aria Casino at City Center in Las Vegas made its grand debut. It wasn't until a couple of weeks later that I had the opportunity to pay it a visit. The hotel itself boasts a sleek and contemporary aesthetic, which may appeal to those who appreciate a modern atmosphere. However, I'm not here to discuss the ambiance of the resort. As a seasoned blackjack player, my primary concern lies in the caliber of the blackjack games available at Aria. Allow me to provide you with an in-depth review of Aria's blackjack offerings.

Aria Casino's Blackjack: The Upsides, Downsides, and Not-So-Pretty Aspects

When I first considered playing blackjack at Aria, I immediately perceived it as a venue that caters primarily to high-stakes players. This was fantastic news for me because it meant that I could place large bets without attracting too much attention. As a card counter, my priority isn't solely finding favorable blackjack rules and generous dealer penetration; I also seek out establishments where I can maximize my table action while keeping a low profile. In this regard, Aria proved to be quite satisfactory. I was pleasantly taken aback when I discovered that Aria's casino chips did not incorporate RFID technology, unlike some other casinos. For instance, if you visit Wynn Casino and examine a $25 chip, you'll notice a metallic circle near the top-center of the chip, which serves as a tracking mechanism. Although RFID technology primarily aims to prevent counterfeit chips, I am aware that it can also be utilized to detect a card counter's betting patterns. Hence, I express my gratitude to Aria for utilizing standard chips, similar to the majority of Las Vegas establishments.

Aria Blackjack Rules

At Aria, there are four distinct variations of blackjack that I am currently managing. Each of these games possesses its own unique set of rules and strategies. Familiarizing oneself with the disparities among these games is crucial to minimize the casino's advantage for an average blackjack player. However, for those skilled in card counting, comprehending these distinctions becomes even more vital as it allows them to amplify their advantage over the establishment. So, without further ado, let's delve into the intricacies of each game.

A playing deck of six cards is utilized, with a continuous shuffling feature. The game rules for this variant include the dealer standing on a soft 17, players having the option to double down after splitting, the ability to re-split aces, and the option for players to surrender their hand.

Aria has the absolute worst blackjack game, bar none. It's a complete disaster. The dealer, believe it or not, hits on Soft 17 (H17). It's mind-boggling! But that's not even the worst part. The cards, my friend, are constantly being shuffled after every single hand. It's a never-ending cycle of chaos. You can forget about trying to keep track of the cards in this game. It's like an impossible mission. On weekends, they have the audacity to set a minimum bet of $25, as if that's not already outrageous enough. But here's the kicker: on weekdays, it drops down to a measly $10. As a card counter, this is a nightmare scenario for me. Those continuous shuffling machines render these tables utterly unplayable. It's a lost cause, my friend.

Blackjack with 6 decks - (H17, DAS, RSA, Surrender) is an available option.

At Aria, there's a noticeable improvement when it comes to the 6 deck blackjack games dealt from a real shoe compared to the continuous shufflers. The penetration is around 4 ½ decks before shuffling, which is pretty much the standard for an MGM property. While the dealer hits on Soft 17 on these tables, you still have the advantage of being able to re-split Aces and Surrender. This feature is also available at other MGM properties like MGM, Bellagio, Mandalay Bay, and Mirage for their 6 deck shoe games. Granted, it may not be the absolute best 6 deck blackjack option in Vegas, but it's far from the worst. It's crucial to remember that the most important rule in blackjack is whether the dealer stands or hits on Soft 17, assuming you receive the full 3:2 payment on blackjack. At Aria, this varies among tables, with some dealers standing on Soft 17 and others not.

High Limit 6 Deck Blackjack with options such as S17, DAS, RSA, and Surrender.

In the high limit room at Aria, you'll come across a few 6 deck blackjack tables. These particular games are quite similar to the ones dealt on the main floor, but they come with more favorable rules. Notably, you'll find that the dealer stands on Soft 17 and you have the option to re-split Aces and Surrender. It's worth mentioning that this type of high limit 6 deck blackjack can also be found at several other MGM properties, as previously mentioned. Depending on the day of the week and the specific table, the table minimums are usually set at $25, $50, or $100. However, when it comes to the better games in Las Vegas, that's often the price you have to pay.

Dual-Level Blackjack - (S17, DAS, lacking RSA, absence of Surrender)

During my time at the table, I couldn't have been happier to walk away with some of Aria's cash. The double deck blackjack at Aria is truly top-notch. They adhere to the rule of standing on Soft 17, and they allow you to double after splitting. Although you won't find the option to re-split Aces or Surrender, this is a common limitation in all of Las Vegas for double deck games with dealers who stand on Soft 17. Only games where the dealer hits on Soft 17 will give you the opportunity to re-split Aces. Regardless of whether you're counting cards or not, this game is fantastic, and the dealer penetration is quite favorable. I must admit, it might just become one of my preferred games in all of Las Vegas! On weekends, be prepared for a minimum bet of $100, but during the weekdays, I observed that the minimum was reduced to $25, at least during daylight hours.

Now, let's examine the advantage the house has in these four blackjack choices...

Please note that the figures provided for the "house edge" are based on the assumption that you are consistently employing optimal basic strategy and not engaging in card counting. However, if you deviate from correct basic strategy, these unfavorable odds will only increase. On the other hand, if you possess the rare skill of being a proficient card counter and know how to effectively utilize card counting techniques, these unfavorable odds will diminish, and you will gain an advantage over the house. Now, let's turn our attention to the distribution of blackjack tables at Aria and the various games being dealt. While it is important to note that these figures are only approximations based on my observations during my time there, they should provide a general idea of the situation.

Aria Blackjack Review: Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

In the end, I was satisfied with my experience at Aria, and I anticipate spending a substantial amount of time there. While I don't enjoy the ambiance quite as much as I do at Bellagio, Wynn, and Encore, it still holds its own. If you have any additional insights regarding Aria's blackjack, I encourage you to share them as a comment below. If you're curious about the specific betting strategy, cover, and play deviations I employed at Aria, as well as the level of attention I received from the pit bosses, you'll need to reach out to me privately. Unfortunately, I can't delve too deeply into my personal encounters at casinos since I prefer to remain anonymous to the casino staff. Best of luck in your endeavors!