You shouldn't assume they're rational - for example, the Borgata is partially owned by MGM which is run by Bobby Baldwin, who is notoriously coked out of his skull. That said, in this case it just doesn't make sense. MGM is walking away from Atlantic city anyways and has always been tolerant of large table game wins simply because it's smart policy. Nothing is going to happen.
Martingale seems a plausible reason to me. If the casino assessed him as a skilled player in terms of employing a known technique with genuine edge, then the pit boss could simply instruct the dealer to shuffle before dealing if he placed a significant bet, no? (I'm not au fait with AC rules, but that's what would happen years ago). And unless he's come up with an edge based on illegal use of technology, it must be very unlikely that a new math-based strategy has been divined.
..and yet, we don't hear about them very often. Would you mind naming 5 who have won big consequtively several times in the last few years??? I am not saying one can not make a decent living playing black jack, my point is that Johnson: 1. Was willing and able to bet big. For several good players playing big money can be an issue, either monetarily or psychologically. 2. He might have an unusual approach/skill.
I am not assuming rationality I am assuming that almost all C-level executives that sometimes do irrational things draw the line at murder. Anybody disagree with that?
I see you've never played craps before. A pass line bet is different from a pass line odds bet. The pass line bet has a 1.41% house edge, but the pass line odds bet pays even money and is therefore 0% house edge. The kicker is that you must make a pass line bet before making a pass line odds bet. So no, I am correct. A pass line odds bet alone is a 0% house edge.
Exactly. Peko watches too much TV , qoutes "Tony soprano" as an authority and generally Removed from reality in Much of his posts.
As an overall game, yes, blackjack provides the best odds for the player, provided the player plays perfect basic strategy. But on an individual bet basis, the pass line odds bet in craps is 0% and therefore the best single bet you can make in a casino.
Sure, they are all outstanding citizens. You probably missed my post about the Macao casinos and the family that disappeared after not paying the debts... To commit a crime successfully (give an order for a hit) all you need is to be far removed from the line of contacts, plausible deniability and lack of evidence. (you know, like the president) If it was one casino only, I could see that they can just write it off and lesson learnt, but Johnson's skill could threaten the whole fundation of their high stake black jack playing system... ---------------------- It is perfectly normal for 52 year olds to have a heart failure: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ken_Uston This was the Blackjack Man, directly responsible for the casinos introducing multiple decks.... Johnson could be the next Ken Uston, imagine how the casinos would like that. Oh yeah, you do have to read the article...