Maryland Now Allows Blackjack Dealers to Hit on Soft 17

Maryland state regulators made it easier for casinos to win players’ money.

A News4 I-Team review of state regulations revealed a quiet but important change in the rules in recent months.

Maryland now allows blackjack dealers to hit on soft 17, when the dealer shows an ace and one or more other cards totaling six. The dealer can’t go bust by taking an additional card on soft 17. Previously, dealers had to stand on that hand, which increased players’ odds of winning.

Thursday’s opening of the MGM National Harbor casino raised concerns about dwindling earnings at Maryland’s other five casinos. State records show blackjack earnings in particular dropped from $13.6 million in June 2015 to $12.1 million in June 2016 even with that new advantage for casinos.

Read more: http://www.nbcwashington.com/investigations/Maryland-Now-Allows-Blackjack-Dealers-to-Hit-on-Soft-17-405533496.html