General Comments: This casino uses Microgaming Systems software and it has been an advertiser on my site. Relatively new, Grand Hotel Casino hasn't yet developed any sort of reputation and, unfortunately, in light of the recent Tropika, Golden Palace and Jim Redmond Casino debacles (see our Blacklist Page for more details), a player cannot automatically assume that a Microgaming-powered operation will always treat its customers right. However,"no news is good news" and we haven't heard of any complaints about the customer service here, so we are optimistic.

Recommendations: I don't have a lot to say here, because everything worked just fine for me.

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

Blackjack: Two different games are available, but they both use the same basic rules: the dealer stands on A-6, double only on 9, 10, 11, no double after split and both bets are lost when doubling or splitting against a dealer's 10 or Ace, should the dealer get a "blackjack". Pairs may be split only once, to form two hands and split Aces may be re-hit. The first game is dealt from a single deck and the casino's edge is 0.22%. The second game allows the player to bet up to 5 spots at a time, but it's dealt from 5 (!?) decks. The casino's edge is 0.70%. The cards are shuffled after every round in both games. Betting limits are $2 to $1000.

*Theoretical Return is the long-term return that a player who uses the proper playing strategy for this game may expect.

Comments: Most of the games have a double-up (and "half-double") feature. Two other games are available, and I do not have the software to analyze the payouts on them, but I'm certain they aren't over 100%. The first is called "Louisiana Double Up" This is an interesting game that is based upon 9/6 Jacks, but the payout for three-of-a-kind has been cut to 10 for 5. In return for that, a 53rd card has been added to the deck, but it's not a wild card. If it's a part of a "made" hand (Jacks or better), the payout on that hand is automatically doubled. Obviously, it's of no value in hands like Straights, Flushes, etc., but a 4K in this game pays 175, so it would pay 350 if the "double" card is in there. I really enjoyed playing this, but try it out in the fun-play mode first. It's available in $.25, $.50, $1, $2 and $5 denominations. The second game is "Supajax" and it's another game with a special, 53rd card added, plus it has a progressive jackpot. But, unlike most Video Poker games, the jackpot is paid when the player gets 4 Jacks and the Supajax card. This is available only in $1 format.

Craps: This game has the usual rules and only single odds are permitted. Betting limits are $1 to $100.

Roulette: A single-zero game is offered, but the 'en prison' or 'la partage' rule is not available, so the casino's edge is 2.70%. Limits vary according to the type of bet. For example, they are usually $1-$10 on a single number "straight up" and $1-$80 on an "outside" bet.

Baccarat: Because a single deck of cards is used in this game, the casino's edge is reduced a bit to where the Banker bet is just over 1%. Betting limits are $10 - $500.

Sic-Bo: While there are no great bets in any game of Sic-Bo, the casino's edge here is definitely more player-friendly than most. Betting limits are $1- $100.

Red Dog: This is a simple game where the player makes an 'ante', then two cards are chosen and you may raise your bet if you think a third card will fit in between the first two. There are some other opportunities, but the casino's edge is nearly 4%. Betting limits are $1- $50.

Cyberstud Poker: This is a version of Caribbean Stud with a slightly different payout schedule. They have lowered the pay on two-pair from 2 to 1 down to 1 to 1, but have increased the pay schedule for 'bigger' hands, so the net effect is to lower the casino's edge slightly. There is no $1 side bet for a progressive jackpot. Disconcertingly, the dealer shows only one card, then draws to other 4 after you've called. The dealer qualifies with A-K or higher. Betting limits are $1 to $50.

Slot Machines: 26 different games are available at this time. Of those, nine are "traditional" 3-reel games with one payline and no progressive jackpots. Another nine have various coin-in requirements and some have "wild" symbols. Denominations available are $.25, $.50, $1, $2 and $5. There also are three "bonus screen" slots. Each game varies, of course, but if the player collects a certain number of items, or if a special symbol comes up on the payline, the player is taken to another screen on the game and has a chance to win extra credits. All are 3-reel, 3-coin, 1 payline games and all are in $1 format only. In addition, Grand Hotel Casino has all of the very popular slots with progressive jackpots that are offered by Microgaming: Cash Splash, Lotsaloot, Fruit Fiesta and Wowpot.

Keno: This is some pretty good Keno because all of the payouts, except for the 1-spot, are in the 92-96% range. My favorite play, the 9-spot, has a return of just under 93%. Betting limits are $1- $10.

Scratch Cards: Much like the lottery version, this is simply a case of "scratching" some cards and praying for a winner. Betting limits are $2, $5 and $10.

Summary and Rating of Grand Hotel Casino: As I said earlier, this is a relatively new operation, so we need to see if they do a good job of paying on time, etc. There's no argument from me that the software is some of the best available and I think 99% of the gambling public will find a good deal here. Recognizing that it takes months, if not years, for a casino to develop a solid reputation, I still feel comfortable giving Grand Hotel Casino a rating of 87 points.