Is Card Counting Illegal in the US?

By Jerry Smith Staff Writer Updated: 05/23/2023

Jerry Smith Staff Writer See Full Bio

Jerry’s greatest advantage is his extensive experience on the casino floor. His time as a casino manager taught him everything about what makes a player tick. Besides being a skilled poker player, he has deep knowledge of all live table games and gambling regulations in the US.

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Is Card Counting Illegal

• Counting Cards: Is it Illegal?
• Counting Cards Blackjack: A Brief Introduction
• The History of Counting Cards
• The Legality of Counting Cards In the US
• Global Card Counting Laws
• Ethics Surrounding Card Counting
• How to Count Cards
• What Blackjack Games Can You Count Cards On?
• Frequently Asked Questions

Explore the enigmatic world of card counting in blackjack through this blog post. We’ll unravel its legality, delve into its history, examine the ethical debates, and uncover techniques and suitable games for card counting enthusiasts. Join us on this exciting journey into the intriguing domain of card counting.

Counting Cards: Is it Illegal?

Is counting cards illegal? This comprehensive blog post investigates the legality, history, and ethical debates surrounding card counting in blackjack. Moreover, it discusses effective techniques and compatible blackjack games, providing an insightful and engaging overview of this controversial topic for both novices and experienced players alike.

Counting Cards in Blackjack: A Brief Introduction

Before delving deeper into the world of counting cards in blackjack, it’s crucial to grasp the fundamentals. Counting cards is a strategic method employed in blackjack to predict the likelihood of upcoming cards, allowing players to make informed decisions regarding their bets and gameplay.

Despite its notoriety and the question of why is counting cards illegal, this practice remains popular among skilled players. In this blog post, we will examine the intricacies of counting cards in blackjack and its various aspects. If you’re looking for the best sites to play blackjack be sure to check out our recommended sites.

The History of Counting Cards

The origins of card counting can be traced back to the early 1960s when mathematician Edward Thorp developed the groundbreaking “Ten-Count” system. Thorp’s technique revolutionized the world of blackjack, as he demonstrated that players could gain an edge over the house by tracking the cards dealt.

His findings were published in the seminal book, “Beat the Dealer,” which became a bestseller and inspired a generation of card counters.

One notable figure in card counting history is Ken Uston, a skilled player and author who led a successful team of counters in the 1970s. Uston’s team used advanced strategies and their prowess to win millions in casinos worldwide. This era saw the rise of other famous counters like Stanford Wong and the MIT Blackjack Team, who used their mathematical skills and teamwork to beat the house consistently.

Casinos took notice of the growing threat card counters posed and implemented various countermeasures, such as increasing the number of decks, frequent shuffling, and banning skilled players. In response, card counters evolved their strategies, utilizing team play and technologies like hidden cameras and online tools to continue gaining an edge.

The Legality of Counting Cards in the US

Is card counting illegal? The answer may surprise you. In the United States, card counting is not illegal under federal law, nor is it in most state laws. Using one’s brain to keep track of the cards and make informed decisions is not a crime, but the perception that it is stems from the negative portrayal in popular media.

However, casinos are private establishments and reserve the right to refuse service to anyone, including card counters. They can ban players they suspect of counting cards, as they view it as a threat to their profits. Some jurisdictions, like Nevada, allow casinos to take legal action against card counters for trespassing if they return after being banned.

While not illegal, card counting becomes a crime when players use devices or outside help to gain an advantage. Using hidden cameras, electronic devices, or a card counter online to assist with counting cards in blackjack is strictly prohibited and can result in criminal charges.

It’s also worth remembering that you can’t count cards while playing online blackjack, unless you’re playing live dealer blackjack.

Global Card Counting Laws

Card counting laws and regulations vary significantly outside the United States, with each country having its own rules and policies regarding this practice. It’s essential for players to understand the legal landscape of their chosen gambling destination before attempting to count cards.

In the United Kingdom, card counting is not considered illegal, and players cannot be prosecuted for employing this strategy. However, British casinos, like their American counterparts, are private establishments that reserve the right to refuse service to players they suspect of card counting.

The UK Gambling Commission does not explicitly prohibit card counting but acknowledges that casinos can take measures to protect their interests, including monitoring gameplay and removing players engaging in advantage play.

In Canada, card counting laws vary between provinces, with some jurisdictions having no specific regulations on the practice. Canadian casinos often implement similar countermeasures as those in the US and UK to deter card counters, such as banning players and employing continuous shuffling machines.

In Macau, card counting is not illegal, but casinos are known to be particularly vigilant in identifying and banning suspected card counters. Macau’s casinos often employ facial recognition technology, extensive surveillance systems, and dealer training to detect and deter card counting attempts.

In Australia, card counting is not considered illegal, but casinos are permitted to take various measures to prevent it. This includes banning players, changing table rules, and increasing the number of decks used in games. The Australian casino industry has adopted a proactive approach to combating card counting, and players should be cautious if attempting to use these strategies.

In other European countries, the legality and tolerance of card counting can vary widely. In general, card counting is not illegal across Europe, but individual casinos may have their own policies and countermeasures in place.

For example, in France, card counting is not illegal, but players caught employing the technique can be banned from casinos. In Germany, casinos are allowed to refuse service to card counters, but the practice itself is not explicitly prohibited by law.

Ethics Surrounding Card Counting

The ethical debate around card counting is a contentious one. Advocates argue that it’s a legitimate strategy that levels the playing field between players and the house, which already has a built-in advantage. They claim that counting cards is simply using one’s intellect and skill to improve their chances of winning.

Detractors, however, argue that card counting is dishonest and unfair, as it violates the spirit of the game. They maintain that casinos should be allowed to protect their interests and maintain a fair environment for all players.

Some people view card counting as a form of advantage play, akin to professional sports betting, where skilled individuals can make informed decisions and capitalize on their knowledge. Others see it as a breach of the social contract between players and casinos, with card counters essentially “cheating” the system.

In the end, the ethical debate surrounding card counting largely depends on one’s perspective. It’s essential for players to consider their own values and beliefs when deciding whether to engage in card counting.

How to Count Cards

Card counting involves tracking the ratio of high to low-value cards in a deck, enabling players to adjust their bets and playing decisions accordingly. The most popular card counting system is the Hi-Lo method, which assigns point values to cards as follows: 2-6 = +1, 7-9 = 0, and 10-Ace = -1.

To start, players begin with a count of zero and add or subtract points based on the values of the cards dealt. This running count helps determine the deck’s composition, indicating whether it’s rich in high or low-value cards. A positive count suggests that there are more high-value cards remaining, favoring the player, while a negative count implies that the house has the advantage.

To account for multiple decks and normalize the count, players can use a true count, calculated by dividing the running count by the estimated number of remaining decks. This true count guides betting and playing decisions, with higher counts justifying larger bets and more aggressive plays.

Learning to count cards takes practice, and becoming proficient requires dedication and patience. However, mastering card counting can offer a significant advantage to skilled players.

What Blackjack Games Can You Count Cards On?

Not all blackjack games are suitable for card counting. Here’s a comparison of the most common blackjack varieties and their suitability for card counting:

Single and double-deck games are ideal for card counting, as fewer cards make it easier to maintain an accurate count. However, these games are becoming increasingly rare due to their vulnerability to counters.

Shoe games with 4-8 decks are more challenging for card counting but still viable. In these games, players must adjust their strategy to account for the additional decks and be wary of casino countermeasures, such as frequent shuffling.

Continuous shuffling machines (CSMs) render card counting virtually impossible, as they continuously shuffle cards, preventing the establishment of a meaningful count. For this reason, card counters avoid tables utilizing CSMs.