Is Card Counting in Blackjack Legal?

Card counting is a mathematical strategy which is used in blackjack games to determine what cards have been already dealt from a deck.

Basics

The principle behind card counting is that high cards, particularly tens and aces are better for the player, while low cards, especially the 4s, 5s and 6s are better for the dealer.

In contrast to the widely spread myth, card counters do not need special mental abilities in order to count cards, because they don't track and memorize specific cards. They assign a point score to each card they see that matches the value of the card, and then only the sum is tracked. The myth that card counters keep track of all cards is the result of the film Rain Man.

Devices

Several types of card counting devices exist, but they are illegal in most American casinos.

Countermeasures

Casinos have spent a lot of money and energy in trying to thwart card counters. Such a measure is, for example, that casino staff harass them. This can be as simple as engaging them in a talk in order to disturb their concentration. In some states it is possible to simply ban them from the casino, using photos and facial recognition systems.

Some jurisdictions, Nevada for example, do not restrict the countermeasures. The Nevada law allows the exclusion of casino card counters, because casinos are private properties and the owner of the casino can kick anyone off his property without explanation. However, Atlantic City and New Jersey limit the utilization of countermeasures. It was not uncommon in the past for some casinos to use physical force against card counters.

Is it legal?

This is the question raised by most casino players about card counting. In case the card counter only uses his brain to decide whether to hit or stand, card counting is not illegal. Use of any electronic device such as mobile phones or computers is prohibited, however.

What to do and what not?

In case the casino bans you for card counting: do not admit that you are counting cards, do not wait too much on the spot for your picture to be taken, do not argue or make a loud scene, do not go to the bar for a drink, do not show your ID and do not touch the casino staff. It is not an offence to count cards, however, touching the staff is.

Can you win by counting cards?

The answer to the question is yes. But it is not easy. There are professional card counters who make big money, but to reach a serious level for constant gain is hard. The only skill however that is needed for card counting is the ability to add and subtract.

Counting Cards Online

Regardless of how good someone at card counting is at the casino blackjack table, it is not worth trying counting cards online. Online casinos use software to run their games, which is very close to machine that shuffles after each deal. Any hands dealt before has no bearing on the next hand online. Professional card counters have no advantage in online casinos.

Counting Cards Online

Regardless of how good someone at card counting is at the casino blackjack table, it is not worth trying counting cards online. Online casinos use software to run their games, which is very close to machine that shuffles after each deal. Any hands dealt before has no bearing on the next hand online. Professional card counters have no advantage in online casinos.