In case anybody is interested, I thought I would post this.
Please note that I have no connection with MGM Mirage or Aria.
In short, the new Aria casino is a strong baccarat venue!
The public tables, six minis in a horseshoe at the Asian games
pit on the way to the high limit blackjack and baccarat
areas, are set in a nice arrangement with very readable
scoreboards and a very friendly staff.
This is a very bright and visually appealing part of the
casino right on the way to the escalators to the new Elvis show
and the convention area.
As for the high limit baccarat room, it is amazing. One of my
baccarat associates, a Mainland Chinese named Mr. Zhuang,
sang its praises. To my Western eyes, it is an energetic space.
Again, the staff is very friendly. Unlike most high limit baccarat
rooms, the Aria's is open and inviting, it is good for our game.
Clearly, the Aria is showcasing the great game of baccarat!
And that's good business too, based on the big action I witnessed.
There are twelve midi tables and two big bacc tables
smartly arranged, the room is very Chinese but also very modern.
It is hard to describe, best to just come and see it and play in it.
I don't know about the viability of MGM Mirage and the overall
prospects of Las Vegas City Center and its Aria casino, but
as to baccarat, the designers of the Aria have set a new standard
of excellence in designing its baccarat spaces.
One cannot help but think this is great for our game!
Regards,
David

David - Just returned from weekend in LV. Visited Aria and was impressed with the overall gaming and baccarat in particular (spent several hours @ mini-bac, very popular tables). I agree with your impression - MGM Corp is trying hard to change the face of the Strip with the City Center. Time will tell ... Jim

Did anyone notice how many cards are taken out from the back of the shoe?
Did they count out 14 or 16 cards then place the yellow marker, or do the dealers just estimate a half deck or more?

Question, David?
Just curious about the table limits in the High End area? Is this like WLV where they are in the habit of upping the limits every time they sense or see that some action is coming?!
That is a difficult thing to take about WLV, as you probably know!