by Heidi Fendos
Gordon Robinson, Potawatomi Bingo Casino
An avid, 35-year player of table games, Gordon Robinson is the table games special projects coordinator for Potawatomi Bingo Casino in downtown Milwaukee, WI. Robinson joined the property in 1999 as a second career when he retired from the United States Postal Service. Today, he is responsible for training dealers and conducting group learning sessions about table games. He is also featured on Potawatomi Bingo Casino’s Paysbig.com website in a series of short, how-to-play videos that cover the basics of Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, Let it Ride Bonus Poker, and Three Card Poker. In addition, he is a regular contributor to Ante, the casino’s monthly magazine for guests, answering questions about table games, rules, and strategies, and he has written a number of how-to-play brochures pertaining to the table games available at Potawatomi Bingo Casino.
Here, Robinson takes time to discuss the ins and outs of the games with Midwest Meetings.
Midwest Meetings: What is currently the most popular card game in casinos?
Gordon Robinson: Without a doubt, Blackjack is the most popular casino card game in the US. However, Baccarat is quickly becoming the most popular table game in the world. For those not as familiar with casino table games, a variety of carnival games such as Three Card Poker, Four Card Poker, Ultimate Texas Hold ’Em, War, and Let it Ride are gaining in popularity.
MM: What is so appealing about these carnival games?
GR: They were designed to be more social and to remove the fear or stigma of table games for beginners who are trying to transition from slot machines. The decisions made while playing these games have little impact on the next person playing at the table, so that ultimately takes away any pressure or stress. That tends to makes these games more fun and enjoyable for a larger segment of beginners.
MM: Is poker still popular?
GR: The popularity of poker is really cyclical. In the ’70s, celebrities like Redd Foxx and Johnny Carson played the tables in Las Vegas. That contributed to the game’s popularity. In the late ’80s and early ’90s, we saw its popularity rapidly decline. In the late ’90s, thanks to online poker sites and TV shows like the World Series of Poker and World Poker Tour Tournaments, we saw a resurgence of poker. However, in recent years, poker has again been on the decline.
Some look at sitting down to play poker in a casino as intimidating. However, many at the table may look like they know what they are doing but play like novices themselves. So you really shouldn’t feel nervous about sitting down.
MM: If I’m a novice to gaming, what is the easiest table game to learn and play?
GR: Baccarat is an easy game to sit down to play. All moves are predetermined, so there aren’t many decisions to make. The rules of Blackjack are probably the simplest to understand, but just because certain table games are easy to learn, that doesn’t necessarily mean you will enjoy them.
I find there is always one signature game people gravitate to. For me, it’s Craps, but for others, it might be Roulette. Each table game offers a unique experience that appeals to different personality traits.
Craps, for example, draws people who like excitement because you are encouraged to scream and yell. It is very much a social game, where everyone is rooting for each other to win. It’s a rush.
MM: Which table games are best for group events?
GR: Again, like an individual, determining the best table game for a group really depends on the personalities of those involved and whether they are looking for the sheer excitement of the experience or a more social experience. A lot of it also depends on table availability. However, we find that most groups enjoy Baccarat as well as Blackjack.
At Potawatomi, we have the ability to set up table game training sessions for groups, then set aside certain table games based upon their preferences. Of course, this is always subject to availability and the day of the week that the group is meeting. Our staff is also available to do Q&As for groups, where we separate myth from reality when it comes to gaming. Our goal is to make gambling a fun experience for everyone. If people don’t enjoy it, they won’t come back.
MM: What words of advice can you share for beginners?
GR: Do your homework before you step into a casino. Every table game is based on mathematical probability, so if you learn these odds and the rules that are tied to them, you can greatly increase your chances of winning at a casino by playing a table game versus a slot machine.
There are some really great free websites that I regularly encourage beginners to visit to learn more about the basics. They include WizardofOdds.com, BJ21.com, and Potawatomi’s PaysBig.com, where I am featured on a series of videos that teach the basics of many popular table games.
MM: What other tips do you have in regard to the casino experience?
GR: Have a money management strategy in place before you start gambling, so you know your limit and when you will have to walk away from the table. This is how you will have the most positive casino experience.
There are also some basics things in a casino that novices need to be aware of. One is the difference between a poker chip and a cheque. Both are circular tokens, but a cheque will have a value printed on it, and it can be used just like cash throughout the gaming floor.
When you walk up to a table, the first thing you will need to purchase are cheques. To do this, you are required to set your money on the table. If you hand your cash to the dealer, they cannot take it, and they will tell you to set it on the table, which can be embarrassing. Also, be aware that your dealer will not be able to make change for you. If you put $100 down on the table, you will only be able to get $100 in cheques.
Another thing novices should be aware of: if you are playing a card game, all of your cards must stay in one hand, and this hand needs to stay over the gaming table. If you are playing Craps, you must shake your dice with one hand, not two.
I always tell beginners that if you are not sure of proper casino etiquette, please ask your dealer. Dealers are here to help you learn the rules because we are so highly regulated and have many procedures that we need to follow.
Finally, cell phones are not allowed at the gaming table. If you want to take a call or text, you’re required to take a few steps away from the table.
MM: Why do you like being a part of the casino industry?
GR: Casinos are like a playground for adults. When you walk in the door, you can be anybody you want to be. Therefore, as an employee of a casino, I get to meet a lot of interesting people. Through the years, I’ve learned the phrase “you can’t judge a book by its cover” readily applies to gambling enthusiasts. Every day is unique and exciting in countless ways.
Heidi Fendos is a contributing writer for Midwest Meetings. Want to get in touch? Contact Heidi!
Midwest Meetings: What is currently the most popular card game in casinos?
Gordon Robinson: Without a doubt, Blackjack is the most popular casino card game in the US. However, Baccarat is quickly becoming the most popular table game in the world. For those not as familiar with casino table games, a variety of carnival games such as Three Card Poker, Four Card Poker, Ultimate Texas Hold ’Em, War, and Let it Ride are gaining in popularity.
MM: What is so appealing about these carnival games?
GR: They were designed to be more social and to remove the fear or stigma of table games for beginners who are trying to transition from slot machines. The decisions made while playing these games have little impact on the next person playing at the table, so that ultimately takes away any pressure or stress. That tends to makes these games more fun and enjoyable for a larger segment of beginners.
MM: Is poker still popular?
GR: The popularity of poker is really cyclical. In the ’70s, celebrities like Redd Foxx and Johnny Carson played the tables in Las Vegas. That contributed to the game’s popularity. In the late ’80s and early ’90s, we saw its popularity rapidly decline. In the late ’90s, thanks to online poker sites and TV shows like the World Series of Poker and World Poker Tour Tournaments, we saw a resurgence of poker. However, in recent years, poker has again been on the decline.
Some look at sitting down to play poker in a casino as intimidating. However, many at the table may look like they know what they are doing but play like novices themselves. So you really shouldn’t feel nervous about sitting down.
MM: If I’m a novice to gaming, what is the easiest table game to learn and play?
GR: Baccarat is an easy game to sit down to play. All moves are predetermined, so there aren’t many decisions to make. The rules of Blackjack are probably the simplest to understand, but just because certain table games are easy to learn, that doesn’t necessarily mean you will enjoy them.
I find there is always one signature game people gravitate to. For me, it’s Craps, but for others, it might be Roulette. Each table game offers a unique experience that appeals to different personality traits.
Craps, for example, draws people who like excitement because you are encouraged to scream and yell. It is very much a social game, where everyone is rooting for each other to win. It’s a rush.
MM: Which table games are best for group events?
GR: Again, like an individual, determining the best table game for a group really depends on the personalities of those involved and whether they are looking for the sheer excitement of the experience or a more social experience. A lot of it also depends on table availability. However, we find that most groups enjoy Baccarat as well as Blackjack.
At Potawatomi, we have the ability to set up table game training sessions for groups, then set aside certain table games based upon their preferences. Of course, this is always subject to availability and the day of the week that the group is meeting. Our staff is also available to do Q&As for groups, where we separate myth from reality when it comes to gaming. Our goal is to make gambling a fun experience for everyone. If people don’t enjoy it, they won’t come back.
MM: What words of advice can you share for beginners?
GR: Do your homework before you step into a casino. Every table game is based on mathematical probability, so if you learn these odds and the rules that are tied to them, you can greatly increase your chances of winning at a casino by playing a table game versus a slot machine.
There are some really great free websites that I regularly encourage beginners to visit to learn more about the basics. They include WizardofOdds.com, BJ21.com, and Potawatomi’s PaysBig.com, where I am featured on a series of videos that teach the basics of many popular table games.
MM: What other tips do you have in regard to the casino experience?
GR: Have a money management strategy in place before you start gambling, so you know your limit and when you will have to walk away from the table. This is how you will have the most positive casino experience.
There are also some basics things in a casino that novices need to be aware of. One is the difference between a poker chip and a cheque. Both are circular tokens, but a cheque will have a value printed on it, and it can be used just like cash throughout the gaming floor.
When you walk up to a table, the first thing you will need to purchase are cheques. To do this, you are required to set your money on the table. If you hand your cash to the dealer, they cannot take it, and they will tell you to set it on the table, which can be embarrassing. Also, be aware that your dealer will not be able to make change for you. If you put $100 down on the table, you will only be able to get $100 in cheques.
Another thing novices should be aware of: if you are playing a card game, all of your cards must stay in one hand, and this hand needs to stay over the gaming table. If you are playing Craps, you must shake your dice with one hand, not two.
I always tell beginners that if you are not sure of proper casino etiquette, please ask your dealer. Dealers are here to help you learn the rules because we are so highly regulated and have many procedures that we need to follow.
Finally, cell phones are not allowed at the gaming table. If you want to take a call or text, you’re required to take a few steps away from the table.
MM: Why do you like being a part of the casino industry?
GR: Casinos are like a playground for adults. When you walk in the door, you can be anybody you want to be. Therefore, as an employee of a casino, I get to meet a lot of interesting people. Through the years, I’ve learned the phrase “you can’t judge a book by its cover” readily applies to gambling enthusiasts. Every day is unique and exciting in countless ways.
Heidi Fendos is a contributing writer for Midwest Meetings. Want to get in touch? Contact Heidi!
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