Unraveling the Myth: Is Counting Cards Illegal in Casinos?

What happens to players when caught counting? Plus, find out whether counting cards online while playing RNG or live casino games is possible! (Photo by Javon Swaby Vaitkevich on Pexels)

As the allure of live casinos captivates blackjack table game players, the mystique of card counting has always been a point of intrigue.

This complex strategy, often portrayed in movies and literature as the ultimate gambler’s trick, is steeped in skill and controversy. However, what exactly is card counting, and is counting cards illegal?

For those wondering whether counting cards is illegal, this guide delves into card counting, separating fact from fiction to unravel the myths surrounding its legality.

Also, if you were wondering whether you can count cards playing online casino games on RNG blackjack or live casino blackjack tables,  we’ll cover this topic.

Extra info covering card counting: Livecasinocentral’s guide to playing Blackjack. Look for the section – ‘Card counting and is it worth it on live blackjack tables?‘ Not only will you find information about card counting, but you’ll also learn about all the rules of blackjack, such as when and how to double down, split, and surrender. On top of this, there is information on the different variations of the rules and how they affect the house edge (RTP – return to player).

Key Takeaways From This Guide

• Card counting is a strategic approach used by players to gain an advantage over the house, which is not illegal but can still lead to legal repercussions.
• Casinos employ various methods such as surveillance and facial recognition technology to detect card counting.
• Card counting has both potential rewards and risks associated with it. One should consider these before deciding whether or not to engage in this strategy.
• Card counting on virtual casino (RNG) games is impossible.
• It is possible to count cards playing live blackjack, but software providers have techniques to disrupt the flow.

Can you Card Count on Live Casino Games?

Yes. As long as you find a live blackjack game in which the dealer does not often shuffle the cards, then you have a chance to count cards.

Now you know the answer is yes, how simple is counting cards while playing live blackjack online?

Like land-based casinos, the table will have an eye in the sky. Also, algorithms record player habits—especially those players who often win large sums of money. If the live dealer studio suspects a card counter and records this player coming online again, and will use certain tactics to throw the card counter off. This applies to the many players out there attempting card counting on live dealer games.

• The key solution is simple: The dealer will regularly shuffle the deck. This is because card counting relies on the dealer not shuffling the cards to keep an accurate, true count of low versus high cards.

Live casino studios use similar tactics to land-based casinos when detecting card counting, which we will cover more in the section below: ‘How Casinos Detect Card Counting‘.

Can you count cards playing virtual blackjack? No, No, No, No!

Unequivocally no. The reason virtual blackjack is impossible to card count is because of the Random Number Generator (RNG), which uses what is called a constant shuffle. This applies to all games that use an RNG. Also, if you play at a Bitcoin casino, the Provably Fair algorithm uses random results that have no order to the deck of cards it uses for each round.

What is constant shuffle?

While you are deciding to hit or stand, the remaining cards not on the table are shuffling on the RNG. They only stop when you make your decision. It is a bit like an invisible skill stop game. The card deck resets itself as soon as the next betting round begins.

Why does this make card counting impossible on RNG games? The deck needs to remain the same to keep count of high cards versus low cards to gain a high true count that indicates that a card counter will start betting higher. I.e., no shuffling!

Card Counting and Its Legality

(Image by Fathromi Ramdlon from Pixabay)

Card counting is a strategic game employed by card players that involves the mental tracking of cards dealt to gain an upper hand over the casino. Despite being classed as illegal, this does not require any special equipment for it to be done. Hence, casinos view this with contempt, and those who attempt such methods are often caught in the act.

This process disadvantages gambling establishments since they lose their mathematically given edge against people playing at them.

Although there have been cases when casinos have tried to prosecute individuals trying out card counting measures, barring professional players permanently from casinos is the most possible outcome.

The Basic Premise of Card Counting

Card counting in Blackjack is a method of keeping track of the ratio between low and high cards, by assigning values to each card. By doing this, players can gain an advantage over other casinos when placing bets as it allows them to evaluate how favorable the deck is for larger stakes. This technique was introduced through Edward O Thorp’s book ‘Beat The Dealer’ back in 1962, which provided a mathematical view on counting cards for blackjack games.

Whilst most jurisdictions don’t consider card counting illegal, it still requires practice and skill if one wishes to become successful at implementing it within their game strategy – something that has proven difficult since many casinos have put measures into place such as using multiple decks or shuffling more often so they can detect any potential attempts of using Card Counting methods against them.

When considering different approaches used to Card Counting, there are three popular card counting systems among professional gamblers: High/Low – KO (Knock Out) & Hi Opt count systems. The High Low system is fairly straightforward compared to other systems using a true count model, while both KO and HiOpt systems include an ace side counter for increased accuracy within numerical results generated during play sessions.

Why Card Counting Is Not Illegal

Card counting is often misjudged as against the law. It in reality isn’t prohibited. The legal distinction lies on the idea that card counting does not incorporate cheating or conspiring with casino employees. Rather, this method necessitates mental skill and knowledge of playing strategy to count cards dealt during a particular game, at any given casino.

The law’s acceptance implies its recognition of small advantage to players utilizing their ability to track down hand arrangements correctly instead of relying solely on luck throughout gameplay. Though certain practices related to card counting may still be restricted by local laws or policies such as using electronic devices or collaborating with other players to effectively do so, there are also potential implications when indulging in activities relevant to obtaining such an advantage within casinos’ walls without abiding by all rules established beforehand.

The Casino’s Stance on Card Counters

(Photo by Ben Lambert on Unsplash)

Casinos regard card counting as a detriment to their revenues. As owners of private businesses, they are allowed the right to reject services from anyone and this extends even beyond the owners of private businesses.

By demanding patrons suspected of doing card counting considered illegal no-counting activities exit or quit playing the specified game at that particular table in the casino itself.

To discourage this practice, casinos utilize tactics such as CSMs (Continuous Shuffling Machines), multiple decks of cards for playtime, recruiting known counters into action and deploying surveillance cameras along with plainclothes security patrols around gaming areas.

How Casinos Detect Card Counting

Casinos employ various technologies and techniques to identify card counters to stay ahead while playing casino games.

• Advanced surveillance cameras
• Dealer observation
• Facial recognition software
• Behaviour analysis
• AI analyse betting patterns and the distribution of cards in real-time.

They also pay attention to any possible telltale signs by players, such as focusing on the cards excessively or displaying increased nervousness when placing bets with precise accuracy and abiding by set betting formulas, which may point towards counting tactics being employed at play.

Consequences of Being Identified as a Card Counter

Card counters may be liable to serious consequences once recognised in a casino. Such bans include denying professional card counters and counting players access to blackjack games while allowing them to participate in other activities.

If banned players persist with playing at the casino, they can potentially face legal action, including trespassing and breaching any terms and conditions set by the establishment. Should these individuals return after being barred entry, trespass charges could follow suit.

The Fine Line Between Strategy and Cheating

(Image by Dieter from Pixabay)

Knowing the card-counting strategy is essential, yet it’s necessary to understand how close this method stands to cheating. Card counting involves using mental acuity to calculate dealt cards based on open information available for all players. In contrast, cheating involves utilizing underhand techniques and devices that offer a massive advantage.

According to legal regulations, gambling activities like ‘cheating at gambling’ or helping others cheat are forbidden practices which can be considered unfair manipulation to change outcomes in a game. In contrast, card counting isn’t considered cheating by law because its thought process should not be considered dishonesty or taking advantage without authorization from other parties involved.

When Counting Cards Becomes Cheating

When it comes to card counting, certain cases can be considered cheating. This includes utilizing illicit methods such as hand-held calculation instruments or small mirrors/concealed cameras that provide an unfair advantage by allowing players to see the cards drawn. So-called ‘team counting’ also falls under this category, when multiple individuals collude with one another to gain control over game odds through strategic tracking, successful card counters, and manipulation of the count results.

Legal Ramifications of Cheating in Casinos

In Las Vegas, Nevada, participating in fraudulent activities at a casino is illegal. Such wrongdoings may consist of fraud above a certain amount, holding stolen property above the specified value limit and cheating on bets made while playing games. If caught breaking these laws, individuals could receive bans from multiple casinos and be criminally charged with imprisonment of up to six months or fines not exceeding $1 000. They will be responsible for compensating the case due to losses experienced by their actions.

Navigating Different Jurisdictions

In many countries where gambling is legal, card counting is accepted as a legitimate strategy by numerous casinos. Players should learn about the local laws before engaging in any activity related to card counting if they don’t want to break them while using this technique. It may even be seen as dishonest in some regions, but not everywhere. Some places accept its use without negative judgment.

Card Counting Laws in Las Vegas

Las Vegas doesn’t have any specific law that declares card counting illegal. Although the practice of external card counting devices itself isn’t prohibited, casinos may take measures to prevent it from occurring. Using electronic devices for this purpose is against the law and can result in serious repercussions, such as getting banned from gambling sites or facing legal consequences.

Although there’s no criminal offence related to team card counting in Las Vegas since they don’t exist within its laws—casinos retain authority over who enters their premises and could ask a group of counter cards to leave if necessary.

Atlantic City’s Unique Position on Card Counters

Atlantic City stands out from Las Vegas when it comes to card counting, due to a legal ruling by the New Jersey Supreme Court.

This court decreed that Atlantic City gambling establishments must not refuse admission for players who count cards in blackjack games. Casinos are legally bound by this law and obliged to allow these counters at their tables. To avoid being affected by card counting techniques Gaming institutions can resort to certain strategies such as flat-betting or continuously shuffling decks during play.

They may also make use of specialised house devices which monitor/track low-valued cards dealt so countermeasures become more effective against any form of counter activity used onsite. Thus gamers should be extra mindful of house rules and the appearance of lower value cards if they intend to avoid these scenarios altogether while playing in an Atlantic City casino setting.

Which live casino software providers operate in Atlantic City? Ezugi was the first live dealer brand to enter the US, and it did so through New Jersey in Atlantic City. Evolution and Playtech have since opened live dealer studios in the state too.

Tales of the Trade: Famous Card Counting Stories

From the renowned MIT Card Counting Team down to accomplished individual players who left their mark on history, these stories give us a peek into how high-stakes such betting activities can be.

The MIT Team Legacy

The MIT Blackjack Team, the most renowned card counting group assembled and composed of students from notable universities, employed a masterful strategy to gain an advantage over casinos. They are believed to have earned about $5 million each during their time together playing strategies, with total estimated winnings amounting to around $57 million. Their strategy has been preserved in pop culture by Ben Mezrich’s ‘Bringing Down the House and 21 movie releases based on it.

Individual Triumphs and Downfalls

Card counting is a well-known practice amongst teams and individuals, including renowned names such as Edward Thorp, the Four Horseman, Ken Uston, Tommy Hyland, and Stanford Wong. Keith Taft or James Grosjean – one of them even making off with $5.8 million over just 12 hours! But card counting can be more than financial losses when luck turns bad or casino security steps up their game. It has been known to lead to severe psychological distress, too – reminding us all that this isn’t always easy money.

The Risks vs. Rewards of Card Counting

Card counting may present a great opportunity to turn the tables and gain an edge over the house at blackjack, but it comes with considerable risk. It is not necessarily assured that one will walk away from playing blackjack with financial gains, as all the risks associated with gambling must also be factored in for card counting.

Players who practice this strategy can attempt to use it to win and take advantage of potential rewards while being aware of any consequences. They should understand that there are no guarantees concerning outcomes when they play blackjack or count cards.

Assessing the Financial Upside

The house edge, the deck’s composition, and the game’s speed are all factors in measuring what level of rewards card counting can reap. On average, if done correctly, an inexperienced counter should expect around 1.5 times more money for their bet each hour when playing through accurate measurement and a mindful approach to dealing cards. Any player has a chance to make a return from mastering this strategic art form known as card counting!

Considering the Personal and Professional Costs

When considering engaging in card-caught counting cards at blackjack tables, the potential rewards should be weighed up against personal and professional risks. Psychologically speaking, it can trigger flight or fight reactions without giving an outlet to expend that energy, resulting in negative emotions as well as difficulty managing one’s finances. Legally, there could also be repercussions such as being banned from casinos altogether, impeding any opportunities within the gambling industry while diminishing one’s reputation.

Consequently, before deciding to count cards, individuals need to evaluate these factors carefully with all associated costs considered fully beforehand.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is counting cards, and why is it illegal?

Card counting is a form of cheating in gambling, a casino game that involves keeping track of and calculating the value of high- or low-valued cards that have been dealt out. Although it isn’t criminalized, all casinos forbid this practice due to its deceptive nature.

What happens if you get caught card counting?

If you get caught card counting, casino establishments can refuse service and potentially call the authorities to charge you with trespassing or fraud.

How do casinos know if you’re counting cards?

Casinos maintain records of suspected card counters, which they use to dispatch staff members known as counter-catchers for closer observation to catch anyone who is engaging in the act of counting cards.

What is card counting?

Card counting is a technique that necessitates tracking the cards dealt in order to give its user an edge over the house. It relies only on one’s mental capacity and does not include any outside gadgets or tools for assistance while counting cards.