How Does Online Blackjack Prevent Card Counting?

Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games in the world, and it’s not hard to see why. With a low house edge and simple rules, it’s a game that’s easy to learn and play.

However, one thing that can make playing blackjack more difficult is card counting. Card counting is a strategy that gives players an advantage over the casino by keeping track of which cards have been played and which are still in the deck. Online casinos have taken steps to prevent card counting, and in this article, we’ll explore how they do it.

The Basics of Card Counting:

Before we dive into how online casinos prevent card counting, let’s first understand what it is. Card counting is a technique used by skilled blackjack players to gain an edge over the casino. The basic idea behind card counting is to keep track of which cards have been dealt so that you can make better decisions when playing your hand.

The most common way to count cards is to assign a point value to each card. For example, in the Hi-Lo system, cards 2-6 are worth +1 point, cards 7-9 are worth 0 points, and cards 10-Ace are worth -1 point.

As each card is dealt from the deck, you add or subtract its point value from your running count. When the count is high (i.e., there are more high-value cards left in the deck), you increase your bet size because you’re more likely to get a good hand.

How Online Casinos Prevent Card Counting:

Online casinos have taken steps to prevent players from using card counting techniques by using several methods:

1) Continuous Shuffling Machines (CSMs):

One of the most effective ways online casinos prevent card counting is by using Continuous Shuffling Machines (CSMs). CSMs automatically shuffle the deck after each hand so that the count is constantly reset. This means that even if you’re counting cards, it’s much harder to get an edge over the casino because the deck is constantly being shuffled.

2) Increased Deck Sizes:

Another way online casinos prevent card counting is by using larger deck sizes. In traditional blackjack games, there are typically six decks of cards in play. However, online casinos often use eight or even ten decks of cards, making it much harder to keep track of which cards have been played.

3) Limited Table Time:

Online casinos also limit the amount of time players can spend at a blackjack table. This means that even if you’re able to count cards successfully, you won’t be able to do so for very long before being forced to switch tables.

4) Random Shuffle Generator (RSG):

Some online casinos use a Random Shuffle Generator (RSG). This software randomly shuffles the deck after each hand, making it impossible to predict which cards will be dealt next.

The Impact of Preventing Card Counting:

While card counting can give players an edge over the casino, preventing it has several benefits for both players and casinos:

1) Fairness:

By preventing card counting, online casinos ensure that all players have an equal chance of winning. This makes the game more fair and enjoyable for everyone involved.

2) Increased Revenue:

Preventing card counting also benefits the casino by increasing revenue. When players can’t count cards, they’re more likely to make mistakes and lose money, which ultimately benefits the casino’s bottom line.

In conclusion, while card counting is a legitimate strategy used by many skilled blackjack players, online casinos have taken steps to prevent it from being effective. By using techniques such as CSMs and increased deck sizes, as well as limiting table time and using RSGs, online casinos ensure that all players have an equal chance of winning. While some may argue that preventing card counting takes away from the skill aspect of the game, it ultimately benefits both players and casinos by making the game more fair and increasing revenue.