GameMaster Rating: 86 points (of 100)

General Comments: This casino uses Playtech software, which is a newcomer to the industry, but as you'll see, they've made a good start. Because they're so new, it's hard to judge them on the "reliability" factors that are so crucial to an operation, such as the fairness of their games, how quickly they pay winning players, etc. but I'm hopeful and from what I saw, everything is on the up-and-up. I must mention, however, that I played here only in the play-money mode, so the usual caveats for a new casino apply here. Nonetheless, I'm impressed by what I found and if these guys will treat the players right, I predict that this casino and the software behind it are going to find their fair share of success in this industry. As for the games offered, nothing is going to jump out at you as being super-special, but the overall odds of their games are good, they function very smoothly and are fun to play. Now it's up to them to make loyal players out of all of you by giving outstanding service and adding more games to their selection.

Recommendations: The Help section needs to be expanded. Nowhere could I find the number of decks used in the Blackjack game, for example and, while they talk about "COMP points" for the players, no actual specifics other than some confusing comments are to be found on the casino's Website. In one place it says that one point is generated for each $.25 bet, yet in another part of the site, they say it's one point per $1 bet. They intimate that it's a cash-back program, but don't give us the formula. This is "growing pains" type of stuff, but a good company pays attention to the details and I think this is a good company. Only time will tell if I'm right or wrong.

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

Blackjack: This is a multi-deck game (probably six) where the dealer stands on A-6 and you may double on any first two cards, including after splitting pairs. Split Aces receive only one card. A modified "European Hole Card" rule is in effect. What that means is that the dealer does not "peek" under 10s and Aces, but they do say that doubles or splits against a dealer's 10 lose only one bet if the dealer has a "natural". If you split or double against an Ace, both bets are lost if the dealer has blackjack. The casino's edge is 0.47% if six decks are used. Table limits are $1-$300.

*Theoretical Return is the long-term return that a player who uses the proper playing strategy for this game may expect. Comments: This is a 9/6 version of the game with a double-up (and "half-double") feature.

Craps: 3x odds are offered here, but there doesn't appear to be a way to make the odds "work" on a come-out roll. While it's true that most craps games automatically take the odds "off" at that stage of the game, I like to have mine working, since there is no mathematical justification for them to not be. Beyond that, this is a nice game. Table limits are $1-$300.

Roulette This is a single-zero wheel, but the 'partage' or 'enprison' rule doesn't apply, so the casino's edge is 2.70% on all bets. Table limits are $1-$300.

Baccarat The casino uses the standard rules of play, so their edge is 1.06% on a Banker bet and 1.23% on a Player bet. Ties pay 8 to 1. Table limits are $1-$300.

Slot Machines: One is available at this time. It's a "traditional" 3-reel game with one payline. Denominations available are $.25, $1 and $5.

Summary and Rating of City Club Casino: It's certainly not a big place, but the software looks and works great, the casino's edge isn't outrageous and everything I tried functioned very well. So, as I said earlier, it all adds up to a good start. Now we need to see how the customer gets treated when s/he plays for 'real' $$$. If they can do that with honesty and integrity, these guys may be on the road to success. They're new, so they have to "earn their stripes", but I'm happy to give them an intial rating of 86 points.