Photo: Monarch Casino via Facebook
Blackjack is back in Colorado! Blackjack and other table games are back in Gilpin County Colorado. The games return for the first time since casinos closed to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Since reopening, the casinos in Black Hawk and Central City have only offered slot machines to guests.
“Now that we have tables back you can hear the chips, you can hear the cards, it is honestly a great feeling,” Steve Zlobin, manager of table games at Monarch Casino in Black Hawk told ABC Denver. He continued with an obvious statement saying “We are very very excited.”
Much like casinos all over the country, Monarch Casino is taking extra health and safety measures for blackjack games. The table games are socially distanced and players are not allowed to touch any cards.
Monarch Casino is also taking measures to keep the table games cleaner. Zlobin says “Every guest that sits down has to sanitize their hands. Our chips are sanitized daily. We replace cards every two hours on our carnival games and every four hours on our blackjack tables.”
Colorado Blackjack Rules
The blackjack rules in Colorado aren’t the worst in the US but they aren’t the best. Unfortunately, casinos in the state are allowed to deal 6:5 blackjack games. Here’s a look at the base rules for Colorado blackjack.
- Natural blackjack may pay 3:2 or 6:5
- Dealer may stand on Soft 17
- A player may double down on any two cards
- The player may double after splitting a pair
- Casinos must offer Surrender
Colorado blackjack rules are more likely to be acceptable by recreational than experienced gamblers. The rules aren’t the most player-friendly in the country. Additionally, the maximum bet is $100. That’s a bit low for some experienced blackjack players. Most professional gamblers look to spread larger amounts while playing blackjack.
Casinos That Could Offer Blackjack
Not all casinos in Colorado can offer blackjack at this time. Gilpin County casinos make up the majority of the gambling establishments in the state. Casinos in Black Hawk and Central City may now offer blackjack. Here are the casinos where you may find your next Colorado blackjack game:
Black Hawk
Ameristar Casino
The Isle of Capri Casino
Golden Gates Casino
Mardi Gras Casino
The Lodge Casino
Lady Luck Casino
Saratoga Casino
Central City
Century Casino
Johnny Z’s Casino
Reserve Casino
Gilpen County has entered the “Protect Our Neighbors” phase of coronavirus restrictions. The loosened COVID-19 restrictions aren’t in place in all Colorado counties.
There are a number of casinos in Cripple Creek that cannot offer blackjack just yet. Last week, Teller County where Cripple Creek is located submitted a request to reopen table games. Approval is pending.
