The Mirage Hotel and Casino, opened in 1989 and the brainchild of entrepreneur Steve Wynn, was constructed at a cost of $630 million, making it the most expensive hotel-casino in history at the time. Real gold dust is used in the tinting procedure to achieve the distinctive gold hue of its windows. The Mirage is notable for its tropical theme, which includes a vast rainforest atrium, a 53-foot-long aquarium with 1,000 aquatic species, Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat, and a volcano simulation at the resort’s entrance. The casino’s 100,220 square feet of gaming space contains 144 gambling tables, 51 of which are blackjack-only.
Mirage Tables & Games
The Mirage provides blackjack players with a variety of options, including hand-dealt and shoe-dealt games, as well as varying table limits for players of all skill levels. At the tables with limits between $25 and $5,000, where the dealer stands on any count of 17, the odds are excellent. The six-deck game allows doubling down after splitting (DAS), re-splitting of Aces (RSA), and surrender for a house edge of 0.28%, whereas the two-deck game allows DAS, but neither RSA nor surrender, for a house edge of 0.27%.
At the $15–$2,500 double-deck tables, the dealer must strike soft 17. There is DAS, but neither RSA nor surrender, resulting in a 0.45% house advantage. At the $10–$5,000 six-deck tables, the dealer hits soft 17; DAS, RSA, and surrender are all permitted, resulting in a 0.48 percent house advantage. However, players should be aware that the majority of $10 tables pay 6:5 instead of the standard 3:2 for a natural blackjack. Except for the tables with continuous shuffling machines dealing $10–$2,500 Blackjack Switch, none of the tables offer side wagers.
What’s Unique?
The Mirage has been ranked among the top ten casinos on the Las Vegas Strip for offering the highest odds for blackjack, with an average House edge of 0.53% when all variations are considered. Those seeking VIP treatment in terms of both odds and service will want to visit the Mirage High Limit Lounge, a “exclusive enclave” with its own full-service bar, buffet, and private restrooms in “elegant surroundings.” Table minimums start a $100. On the slot floor, there are machines for low rollers, including IGT’s “Enchanted Blackjack,” which can accommodate up to six players.
M Lifestyle for Regular Blackjack Players
Due to its affiliation with MGM Resorts International, the Mirage offers the “M life” player’s club, which is also available at the MGM Grand, Excalibur, New York, New York, Aria, Bellagio, and Mandalay Bay. The loyalty program does not combine “points” gained on slot machines with credits earned at the tables. Blackjack players instead “are eligible to earn Express Comps and Tier Credits based on table games play… based on your average bet and time played.” The Express Comps may be redeemed at any M life destination for hotel accommodations, dining, entertainment, M life Moments, and more. As a player’s tier status increases from Sapphire to Pearl, Gold, Platinum, and NOIR, they are able to earn additional Express Comps for their play. Note, however, that there is a “minimum wagering requirement to be rated for Table Games; please see the pit supervisor at each participating M life resort for assistance.”
The Inside Perspective
In 2012, The Mirage was the first casino on the Las Vegas Strip to introduce “Free Bet Blackjack” by Geoff Hall. The player may double down and divide without increasing their wager. Offsetting the free doubles and splits is the rule “if the dealer gets a 22, all bets left standing push.” According to ShuffleMaster, the house advantage for this game is 0.79 percent. Today, the Mirage offers Free Bet Blackjack at two tables with bets ranging from $10 to $1,000.
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