If you’re thinking about going to Las Vegas soon, you’re probably wondering if there’s any way to beat the system and maximize your wins.
The real answer is “no”—but that doesn’t stop people from sharing their gambling tips across the internet. Sometimes, these tips have less to do with winning and more with getting the most out of your experience. For example, there are many guides online on how to finagle as many free drinks as possible while gambling.
Often, however, guides simply warn gamblers what to look for and how they can be sure they’re at a winning table. This woman sat down at a losing table—then overheard the dealer say a phrase that made her think there was something else afoot.
What Happened At This Las Vegas Blackjack Table?
In a video with over 67,000 views, TikTok user Hannah Sturtevant (@hannahlarkins) says something strange happened while she was gambling at a blackjack table in Las Vegas.
“I was playing blackjack, and nobody was tipping the dealer,” she starts. “I tipped the dealer, and she loudly goes, ‘Oh, my gosh. That’s the first tip I’ve gotten from this table.’”
While Sturtevant describes the situation as “uncomfortable,” she says that she understood what was happening.
“Everybody was just, like, constantly losing. So typically when people are losing, they’re not gonna tip,” she explains.
Eventually, another person came to replace the original dealer. It was at this point that something strange happened.
“[The original dealer] leans into the [the new dealer], and she goes, ‘You know what to do,’” the TikToker recalls. “I don’t know what that means, but I thought that was very sus.”
What’s Going On Here?
Given how much money is at stake at a casino—and how superstitious some gamblers can be—Sturtevant’s suspicions are understandable.
That said, there’s no evidence of any foul play in this story alone. In fact, the TikToker’s story feels fairly normal for a casino.
For context, casino dealers generally deal for between 40 minutes and an hour before taking a 20-minute break.
During their working time, they typically receive tips, known in the industry as “tokes.” For blackjack, the Las Vegas Review Journal suggests tipping “a few dollars for every blackjack you’re dealt or for winning several hands in a row.” Tips are often higher when playing at a higher-limit table.
As dealers often expect tips, it’s not surprising that the dealer was elated to receive one—even if her reaction was a bit over the top.
Why Did The Dealer Say That?
Concerning the “You know what to do” message, it is a bit bizarre on the surface. Still, there’s nothing inherently wrong with what the dealer said.
For example, if the new dealer heard about the poor tipping behavior of the table, the dealer could simply be telling the new dealer to bring the energy up in hopes of getting tips.
It could also simply be a casino superstition. If players think the dealer is “cold”—as in, no one is winning at the table—swapping in a new dealer is thought to change players’ luck, even though the odds remain the same. The dealer could simply be referencing this idea or making a joke out of it.
Finally, it should be noted that any idea of the casino or dealer rigging the game can likely be discarded outright. While it’s technically possible, the casino already has an advantage in blackjack. The Las Vegas Review-Journal says that the house edge in 3:2 blackjack is 0.5%, while the house edge in 6:5 blackjack is 2%.
While these numbers may seem small, given enough time, gamblers, and money, things can quickly add up. According to data from the Nevada Gaming Control Board, blackjack tables on the Las Vegas Strip bring in around $2,500 on average per day.
Users Are Suspicious
In the comments section, users shared their suspicions about what Sturtevant overheard.
“Dealers also realize, if we keep losing, we cant tip lol,” a user wrote. “But ive tested it myself with 1 deck of cards. youd be surprised how many times i would get 21 as the dealer for myself, even after shuffling constantlly. they made this game specifically knowing that.”
“They’re taught how to Manipulate the cards,” declared another. “There are odds in everything in life, which includes cards. if you go by the odds, the dealer should not win every hand for a full straight 30 minutes and yet it happens.”
That said, others claimed any trickery or foul play was unlikely.
“He could’ve been New. I don’t know that’s weird. I used to deal blackjack at Caesars and the camera watch us so fricken closely, it’s actually creepy,” a user stated.
“It means that the new dealer is going to pick up the pace and deal faster. The more hands they push out the quicker you lose. It’s just math. No tip, no entertainment,” shared a second.
@hannahlarkins it was time to leave and get din din bc what did u just say #vegas
BroBible reached out to Sturtevant via email and Instagram direct message.