Is Counting Cards Illegal? Facts Every Player Should Know
Card counting in blackjack isn’t always accurately represented in films and TV. For instance, it’s much easier and less profitable than they make out.
There is something that the best card-counting movies get right, though, and that’s the legality and ethics of this practice. Card counting can get you thrown out of a casino but can’t get you arrested.
Confused? You’re not alone, and one of the biggest questions concerning this practice is, “Is card counting illegal?”. Let’s find out.
Is Counting Cards Illegal?
Card counting is not illegal in most instances.
There are exceptions if you use tools or devices to help you, but if you keep a running count in your head, you’re just using skill and strategy and can’t be penalized.
It’s the whole point of the game, after all.
However, casinos can still throw you out, and that’s where the confusion lies.
Why is Counting Cards Illegal?
The prevalence of questions like “Is counting cards illegal?” and “Why is counting cards illegal?” suggests the general public is adamant that card counting is illegal.
As noted above, it’s not, but casinos are private businesses that can throw you out and ban you at will.
A casino can kick a card counter out for the same reason they can ban someone who argues against a result, shouts at a dealer, or generally causes problems. It’s their business and their rules.
They may ask you to leave if they determine that you’re counting cards.
Does Counting Cards Work?
Can you count cards in baccarat? You can, but it won’t do you much good. The same applies to poker, where the cards are shuffled after every hand. You can effectively count cards in blackjack, though, and it will give you an edge, but it is by no means a guarantee.
Card counters often use basic blackjack strategy in combination with card counting. This strategy uses probability to advise on the most effective outcome for every hand. They also work in teams, with multiple players working multiple tables and then calling their colleagues over when the count is good.
The player can then sit down and bet big, which will not raise as much suspicion as betting lots of small stakes and then suddenly jumping to a big bet and winning.
Is Card Counting Hard?
You don’t need to be a savant to count cards. Contrary to what you may have seen on the silver screen, it’s not about memorizing every card. Instead, card counters simply add or subtract single digits based on the number of high and low cards.
Look at it this way: high cards are valuable, and if more are left in the shoe, you have a higher chance of getting big scores like 20 and 21. If you’re at a table with six other players and they all draw two cards of 6 or less, you know there are 12 fewer low cards left in the shoe. So, if you add a point every time you see one of these cards and subtract one for a high card, you can bet big when the count is high.
It’s not an easy technique to follow in the hustle and bustle of a casino, but it’s certainly not as complicated as some believe. You can adequately prepare with plenty of blackjack card counting practice at virtual and real tables.
Conclusion: Is Card Counting Illegal?
So, is counting cards illegal? No. It’s a legal practice across the US. However, a casino has the right to ask players to leave and ban whomever they want, so it’s seriously frowned upon.
More Games Common Queries
Can you get in trouble for counting cards?
You can’t get in legal trouble but can be removed from the casino.
Can casinos kick you out for counting cards?
Yes. Casinos are entitled to ask you to leave if they think you have been counting cards.
How difficult is it to count cards?
It’s much easier than many think, as it’s simply a case of adding/subtracting single digits for every card on the table. The player can then wait for optimal conditions before increasing their bet.
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