By Alisa Barladyan.

One thing casinos have in common is that since day one they are hosted for people who place their fate in luck and the house usually takes it all. Yet there are a lot of gamers who want to seize the advantage against casinos with sophisticated strategies such as counting cards in blackjack games. At Banger Casino Live, for instance, the thrill of real-time gaming is unmatched. With daily casino bonuses and free spins there’s simply no reason for counting cards. Card counting is not against the law, but it can get you permanently banned from casinos. When caught counting cards, the punishment can range anywhere from being asked to leave for a while or you might get permanently banned.

Understanding Card Counting

Card counting is a legal strategy in playing blackjack that counts high and low cards already played with the objective of knowing how many higher or lower cards are yet to play, increasing your chances. Doing so allows a player to make smarter bets and improve their playing decisions.  Card counting, done properly, will decrease the house edge or even in some situations give you a small advantage over the casino.

It is very important to highlight that card counting, in contrast with cheating or using any kind of devices aimed at changing the result of a game, is entirely legal. It’s just a mental technique where the player keeps track of specific cards as they are dealt.  Nevertheless, as it can provide players an edge in some instances, casinos are not fond of card counters.

How Casinos Catch Card Counters

There are multiple ways casinos can detect card counters. “The eye in the sky” — surveillance cameras are one of the most prevalent. The cameras also permit the security teams to track whether or not players are counting cards provided they know more about it, as for instance a player that chooses an untypical strategy (e.g., suddenly increasing their bet) may appear irregular.  Card counters often exhibit precisely these types of behaviors.

On top of surveillance, casinos also teach their dealers and pit bosses ways to recognize a card counter. They are instructed how to spot the tells: players that appear overly paying attention, hardly drink or invest a great deal of time socializing with various other gamers. High powered casinos could also utilize computer systems that detect and analyze betting patterns that reflect a swing of the game in a players favor.

What Happens If You’re Caught Counting Cards?

When a casino has reason to believe that you are counting cards, what happens next will depend on the circumstances and whatever rules govern your specific joint. Following are the common steps they can follow.

1. Changing the Rules

Perhaps one of the most insidious ways a casino could hinder a card counter is to change the rules. For example, they can shuffle the deck more frequently, use multiple decks or change a few rules of payouts. The purpose of these changes is to reduce the benefit of card counting and/or to manipulate the edge back into favor of the house.

2. Warning the Player

Most often if a casino suspects you are counting cards, they may give you an elegant tap on the shoulder. If security or a pit boss sees you do it, they might come and tell you that your actions have been detected. They may ask you to stop counting or switch games.

3. Asking You to Leave

The best casinos will likely just ask you to leave if they catch you counting cards. This may be an embarrassing feeling but we need to remember that casinos are private facilities and can choose who they serve. Usually the casino will just throw you out, and unless it is not busy you are allowed to go back or try your luck at another casino in their group.

4. Banning You from the Casino

In the worst case, if you have been caught counting at the same time with other well-known counters, a casino might even go so far as to ban you from returning indefinitely. Which means you’re now legally barred from entering that casino and if they are caught seeking to return, then there could be serious legal consequences for trespassing. Some even have the potential to be shared with other casinos, which means you might not be welcome in an associated casino.

5. Legal Consequences

And even though card counting isn’t a crime per se, getting caught and trying to go back in with that banned status certainly can be. Also, if a player is caught counting cards with the help of any devices or outside assistance that would be cheating—and in most jurisdictions (and definitely all casinos) illegal and could lead to you being arrested as well prosecuted.¹⁾EDITOR NOTE: Of course, in the USA, if a casino harasses you and has you arrested for simply card counting or doing something that is obviously legal, they may open themselves up for a lawsuit!

How to Avoid Getting Caught

Still, if someone is adamant about card counting, measures can be taken to reduce the risk of getting caught. It is the bait that most psychopaths fall for — and in one of three ways, so long as you mix up your bets to not be suspicious.  For instance, in place of drastically expanding your wager when the count is higher, you could blend it over two hands. Alternatively, playing at less busy tables or during quieter times when there is little surveillance from casino staff can work.

It is a good idea to avoid drawing attention. Having a conversation with the dealer and other players, taking short breaks to stand away from the table, not locking eyes for long periods of time can make you look less like an advantage player (AP).

The Ethical Considerations

Although card counting is not illegal, it is heavily frowned upon and may be considered unethical by some.²⁾EDITOR NOTE: Unethical?  Seriously?  Those who think card counting is unethical are saying that players should not use their brain and think while playing — while at the same time allow the casino a built-in advantage. There are agreed-upon rules of the game in casinos, both by the players and on behalf of the house. To use card counting, a player is trying to find a way to beat the house edge that some would say is unfair. Card counters, on the other hand, say that it is just a strategy like any others and if they have perfected their skills then they should be able to use them accordingly.

In the end, whether or not you decide to count cards is really your choice; but just know what these potential consequences could bring.

Conclusion: The Risks and Rewards

For those skilled enough, counting cards can prove to be a fruitful gambling strategy but it is not without its dangers. Card counters have to be hyper-aware of casino security, and if caught are usually escorted off the premises or banned from playing altogether. The risks generally outweigh the rewards for most players, and as such, attempting to beat the house may be better left alone while you figure out a way to enjoy your game.

If you decide to count cards you do so at your own risk as casinos have the right to take action if they suspect that this is what you are doing. It does not matter if you are a casual gambler or an aggressive player.  The biggest reason the majority of players are playing is to have fun.  Card counting, on the other hand, is not fun and can quickly become hard work.

IMAGE CREDIT: Pexels.com
RELATED: Avoiding Detection While Card Counting at Blackjack

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