GameMaster Rating: 87 points (of 100)

General Comments: This casino has been around for some time (December, 1996) which is always a good indicator regarding the integrity of an operation. Acropolis Casino is a very attractive place and it's easy to find most of the information one needs to gamble there. They claim that the algorithms which control their games have been verified as random by "XXCAL" (which, I assume is at www.ntstech.com) The games play well and the graphics are attractive. My play at Acropolis was for 'fun' and no betting of actual $$$ was done. This method of play is operated off the hard drive only, so actual play via the Internet may vary. Like many other on-line casinos, there is no mention of the minimum amount required to open an account, but they are quick to mention that they charge a 'nominal' $1.00 for each cash-out request. I've never seen a charge for 'normal' cash outs before.

Recommendations: This is a nice place and I wish they had a bigger selection of games. It would also be nice if their non-betting play was run off their actual server to give the potential player a good 'feel' for their games, but I understand the bandwidth problems involved. They most certainly should list the minimum amount required to open an account on the web site. Their $1.00 charge for each cash-out request is tacky and should be eliminated.

Games Analysis (All this information was correct on the date listed above)

Blackjack: The rules menu in the Lobby (found in the downloaded software) state that this is a six-deck game which is shuffled after one-third of the shoe is dealt, so card counters can get a bit of help from their skill. The software notifies the player when the shuffle is being done. The rules are six decks, double on any first two cards, double after split, resplit pairs, the dealer stands on A-6, and insurance is available. Only 'like' cards may be split. (You can't split J,K for example.) Split Aces receive only one card and I do not know if they may be resplit (I assume not). A player may also spread out to two hands at any time. The betting limits are $5-$100 per hand (higher limits are available), so an effective spread of $5 to $200 can be attained by going to two hands. This game has excellent graphics and is very, very fast, at least in the 'play-money' mode. The casino's edge is approximately 0.4%

Blackjack playing tips: With just 33% penetration, you won't see a lot of high counts, but at least you'll get some help on common hands like 16 vs.10 and 12 vs. 4, etc. assuming you're a counter. If $$$ is no object, it would be interesting to see what a spread of $5-$200 (actually a bit less than that, due to the co-variance of the 2 hands) could do against this game.

* The theoretical return is the long-term payback a player who is using the correct strategy may expect. The return is lower for 1-coin play because the Royal Flush pays less when fewer than 5 coins are played.

Video Poker Playing Tips: Don't.

Roulette: Both 'American' (double-zero) and European (single-zero) wheels are available. The minimum bet is $5 on the 'outside' and/or a total of $5 on the 'inside' (which means you may bet $1 on five different numbers). The maximum bet is $25 inside and $500 outside. A board keeps track of the last 10 or so numbers which hit. The 'en prison' rule does not apply.

Roulette playing tips: Regardless of your country of origin, you should play the European wheel only, since the casino's edge in that game is 2.70% against an edge of 5.26% on the double-zero wheel. The game plays very well; you can just sit there and click away the family farm.

Pai-Gow Poker: This is an interesting version of the game, because it's the first I've seen where the player may act as Banker, though the 5% commission is still charged on any winning hand. The minimum bet is $5 and the maximum is $500. The casino's edge is something under 3% if you act as Banker whenever possible. The 'dealer' sets the hand in a conventional, conservative manner.

Pai-Gow poker playing tips: Be sure to read the rules of the game and act as Banker whenever possible, because it gives you a win in the event of a 'copy'. The player may play 2 hands at a time.

Baccarat: This is one of the best Baccarat games I've seen online. When you begin, you may cut the cards, one card is exposed and, depending upon the value of that card, an equivalent number of cards are 'burned'. The minimum bet on Player or Banker is $5 and the maximum is $500. Ties pay 9:1; the minimum bet is $1 and the maximum is $125. You may bet just 'tie', but then a $5 bet is required. No indication is given regarding the number of decks used, but during my play, I averaged 18 hands before the shuffle. An automatic score card is provided. The casino's edge on a Banker bet is 1.06% and it's 1.23% on a player bet. The tie is 4.84% (a lot better than the 14+% offered by games which pay 81; and, yes, the layout says 9 TO 1, not 9 FOR 1.)

Baccarat playing tips: Avoid the tie bet.

Summary and Rating of the Acropolis Casino: This is a very attractive place, but don't forget that all the fancy stuff is just computer graphics. The Blackjack game is decent, if not exceptional, and it does give counters a little help because of the 33% penetration. The Pai-Gow is exceptional, as is the Baccarat and Roulette. So, if you're into those games, you may be very happy at Acropolis Casino; it's certainly not a place for the serious Video Poker player, though. All-in-all I enjoyed my play here and, in light of their good features and nearly 3 years on the 'Net, I'm happy to give Acropolis Casino a rating of 87 points.