You can plunk down $5 for the basic game. BUT you're also required to plunk down $5 more on "TriLux" - what JACK calls a side bet similar to three-card poker. It pays at least five to one if your two cards plus one of the dealer's makes a straight, flush or three of a kind.
At every other place where we've played blackjack, this side bet is optional. To make it mandatory seems at least misleading to us - and maybe more.
The Lord abhors dishonest scales, but accurate weights are his delight. - Proverbs 11:1
They don't weigh the chips in a casino - but do you see the principle here? It's about being truthful in conducting business. If you're going to put "$5" on your sign, charge five dollars. The Bible reinforces this:
Use honest scales and honest weights, an honest ephah and an honest hin. I am the Lord your God who brought you out of Egypt. - Leviticus 19:36
You can look up what an "ephah" and a "hin" are on your own time. Our point is being honest - mentioned four times in this single verse.
While the old phrase, "Honesty is the best policy," is not in the Bible, the concept certainly is. And ultimately, none of us can be dishonest before God. He sees it all (II Chronicles 16:9) - so with that in mind....
Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure.... if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think abut such things. - Philippians 4:8
Yes, that means truth at a poker table as well. Betting a bluff is part of the game, but you don't have to lie about your hand with your words. While some casinos may do things along those lines with their promotions, that doesn't mean you have to follow their example.
Oh yes - after Monday night's poker game, we took advantage of a newcomer "free bet" slip at that "$5 blackjack" table. TriLux turned into a diamond flush, and we beat the dealer for $35 on the first hand.
"That happens all the time here," the dealer said. Hopefully he was not offended when we took the money and left.
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