Why do casinos use mulitple deck shoes in blackjack 21?

Question

When I go to Las Vegas and play blackjack I notice that some casinos use multiple deck shoes (more than one deck combined) when dealing blackjack. Why do they do that? Is it only so they can deal more hands without having to stop and shuffle the cards? Does it improve the house edge? Thanks!

Answer 1

It is a ploy to increase the house's edge. How many non-face cards now, eh?

Answer 2

Yes, it improves the house's edge. Yes, it's to keep from having to shuffle after every hand. It also cuts down on a player's ability to count the cards. Also, some people don't like to play single deck, but the option is there if they do. Most shoe games have either 6 or 8 decks, but I've seen a few with 4.

Answer 3

The more decks the higher the advantage for the casino.  Single deck is the best game for the player 8 decks is the worst.  Most casinos that offer the "good" single deck game make it bad by only paying 6:5 on blackjack (never play this EVER!)  To get the best game in Vegas find a place that pays 3:2 on blackjack with the least amount of decks.  

The amount of decks has nothing to do with card counting.  Unless they are giving horrible penetration.

Answer 4

I believe it helps prevent people from counting cards.

Answer 5

it is to discourage card counting

and no a days many casinos will will use multiple shoes at each table and change shoes after 4 or 5 deals if there is a full table