Dear Mark,
Wasn't there a study recently by Congress on the effects of casino gambling? Were they going to look into online gambling? Finally, is the study available anywhere on the Internet?
David M.
Shreveport, LA

Under legislation created by the 104th Congress through Public Law 104169, a Commission was formed and charged with conducting a comprehensive legal and factual study of the social and economic impacts of gambling on federal, state, local, and Native American tribal governments-and on communities and social institutions. All the information from that study can be found at the following web address (http://www.ngisc.gov/). The law outlined six specific areas that were studied. One was an assessment of the interstate and international effects of gambling by electronic means, including the use of interactive technologies and the Internet. A bill just failed in Congress that would have outlawed online gambling, though it may find its way back on the floor possibly again this year. I'll keep you apprised of its development.

Dear Mark,
What is the correct strategy for surrender in blackjack? Also, what is the difference between early and late surrender?
Dave A. Toronto,
CANADA

Some casinos offer you the ability to waive the white flag (surrender) after viewing your first two cards. You lose half your bet in return for not having to play a crummy hand. With early surrender, you get back half your bet even if the dealer has a blackjack. With late surrender you would lose (the whole bet as opposed to just half of it) if the dealer had blackjack. Follow these three simple rules, Jeb, with respect to surrender if your favorite casino offers it. 1) Surrender a hard 16 (but not 8-8) versus a 9, 10, ace. 2) Surrender a hard 15 against a 10. 3) Surrender a hard 15 opposite an ace.

Dear Mark,
Can you please explain the difference between betting the Pass Line versus betting the Don't Pass Line? I do appreciate when you help us new players.
Caroline F.
King of Prussia, PA

When the "shooter" rolls a 7 or 11 on the "Come-out" roll, it is called a "natural" and the Pass Line bettors automatically win. But if a 2, 3 or 12 rolls, it is called "craps", and all Pass Line bettors lose. Otherwise, if any other number rolls (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10), that number becomes your "point." You win if the point repeats before the 7 turns up, and you lose if the 7 shows before your point is made. Betting the Don't Pass Line is almost the exact opposite of betting the Pass Line." You lose on a natural-7 or 11-and win if a 2 or 3 rolls. There is a slight difference in that 12 is a "standoff" number on which no one wins. If the dice roll 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, or 10, that number becomes the point, and you win if 7 rolls before your point is repeated. But you lose if your point is made before the 7 rolls.

Dear Mark,
Greetings from the Lake Tahoe area. It's gorgeous here today! Anyway, do you still offer the Perfect Strategy Blackjack Cards? I seem to have misplaced mine. By the way, they do not seem to be keen on them in your old neck of the woods at the Tahoe Biltmore, whereas other casinos up here and in Reno don't seem to care. I guess this is a matter of individual casino policy. Please let me know where I mail a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Bruce D. Truckee,
California

Not only my old neighborhood, but also a casino I was once employed in when it was called the Nevada Club. Funny, I have given away easily over 200,000 strategy cards over the years, and fewer than five casinos have complained about their use at the table. I would hate to include an old employer of mine to the list. I hope it was just that the pit boss was having a day without sunshine. Your complaint is the first regarding the Biltmore. Be that as it may, just send a self-addressed stamped envelope to:
Deal Me In
ATTN: BJ Strategy Card
PO Box 1234
Traverse City, MI 49685

Gambling thought of the week: "No Victor believes in chance." -Friedrich Nietzsche