Card counting is a popular technique used by some players to increase their chances of winning in blackjack. The practice involves keeping track of the cards that have been dealt in the game to determine the probability of getting high or low-value cards.
But, is it illegal to card count in blackjack Let’s find out.
Exclusive BlackJack Casino Offers:
What is Card Counting
Card counting is a strategy used by some players to gain an advantage over the casino when playing blackjack. The technique involves keeping track of the cards that have been dealt and assigning them a value. Low-value cards like 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 are assigned a positive value while high-value cards like 10s, face cards and Aces are given a negative value.
The idea behind card counting is that if there are more high-value cards left in the deck, then the player has a better chance of hitting a blackjack or getting a hand close to it. Conversely, if there are more low-value cards left in the deck, then the dealer has an advantage as they have a better chance of making hands closer to 21.
Is Card Counting Illegal
The short answer is no, card counting itself is not illegal. However, casinos do not appreciate players using this technique and can take measures to prevent it from happening.
Casinos have the right to refuse service to anyone they suspect of using card counting strategies. They can also ask players who they believe are card counting to leave their establishment immediately. This means that if you’re caught card counting at a casino, you may be asked to leave and prohibited from returning again.
Why Do Casinos Dislike Card Counting
Casinos dislike card counting because it reduces their edge over the player. Blackjack is a game in which the casino has a built-in advantage over the player, known as the house edge. The house edge in blackjack can be anywhere from 0.5% to 2%, depending on the rules of the game and how well it is played.
Card counting can reduce this edge to as low as 0.2%, which means that players who use this technique can potentially make more money than those who don’t. This is not good for casinos as they rely on their edge to make a profit.
How Can Casinos Prevent Card Counting
Casinos can take several measures to prevent card counting from happening in their establishment. One of the most common methods is to use multiple decks of cards in the game. This makes it harder for players to keep track of which cards have already been dealt and which ones are still left in the deck.
Casinos can also employ trained personnel known as “pit bosses” who are responsible for monitoring the games and looking out for any signs of card counting. These personnel are trained to spot suspicious behaviour and will take action if they suspect someone is using card counting strategies.
The Bottom Line
Card counting is not illegal but it is frowned upon by casinos, and they will take measures to prevent players from using this technique. If you’re caught card counting at a casino, you may be asked to leave immediately, and you may not be allowed back again. It’s important to remember that blackjack is a game of chance, and while card counting may give you an advantage, it does not guarantee a win every time.
- Underline: Card counting
- Bold: Is It Illegal to Card Count in Blackjack, What is Card Counting, Is Card Counting Illegal, Why Do Casinos Dislike Card Counting, How Can Casinos Prevent Card Counting, The Bottom Line
- List: Low-value cards like 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 are assigned a positive value while high-value cards like 10s, face cards and Aces are given a negative value.
