Is Card Counting in Blackjack Illegal? Everything You Need to Know

Everybody has heard of card counting. On-screen mavericks and gamblers use it all the time, and the technique holds a special place in popular culture, often viewed as a rebellious act designed to trick the casinos into defeat. However, one of the most common questions around card counting revolves around its legality. Is card counting legal? And if it isn’t, are there any repercussions? Join Genting Casino in the next part of our card-counting guide to find out more. 

The Laws Around Card Counting

Card counting is not illegal, but many top blackjack sites do not look upon the activity favourably. It is a legitimate strategy that people can use to gain an edge over the house. It is for this exact reason that casinos do not allow the practice. As much as casinos want to curb card counting, they have no legal right to arrest someone simply for a betting strategy.

The activity doesn’t involve anything nefarious, such as complex technology or hidden devices; it does not hurt anyone, nor does it cause any damage. All it takes is pure human skill that can tip the scales in the player’s favour, so there is absolutely no reason why card counting should be illegal. 

However, like many businesses, casinos reserve the right to refuse service to anyone, providing it is not based on a prejudiced bias. So, while there is no chance you will face criminal prosecution for card counting, you may find yourself removed from your favourite entertainment spot and most likely banned from returning.

Arguments Against Card Counting in Blackjack

While card counting is not illegal, it is not necessarily advised either, with many UK professional casinos opposing the act. Although casinos cannot arrest you, there are many other ways they can deter you and other card counters. These methods, along with other drawbacks associated with the technique, might deter someone from card counting.

What If I Get caught Card Counting?

As previously mentioned, card counting will likely get you ejected from the premises and possibly banned as a result. Your ejection may simply involve a quiet word asking you to leave; however, a casino may want to make an example of you for card counting by making the removal as public as possible, which could be embarrassing. If you are removed, you will not be able to cash in your chips, so all the card counting you’d completed up until that point will be fruitless.

How do Casinos Stop Card Counting? 

Casino countermeasures that can make card counting more difficult or less attractive include regularly shuffling the deck, using multiple decks in one shoe, and introducing betting limits. There are also devices known as continuous shuffling machines (CSMs) which take multiple decks of cards and constantly shuffle them as cards are taken and dealt. If a dealer is taking dealt cards after a few rounds and putting them back into the shoe, they are likely using a CSM. This will reintroduce cards into the collection of decks and make it harder to maintain a count. Casinos have received pushback from patrons when CSMs are introduced to high roller tables.

How Profitable is Card Counting? 

Card counting is not a foolproof method for winning every hand of blackjack. It is a way of gaining a small advantage over the house edge in the game.

Therefore, you should not expect to win thousands or millions of pounds, as depicted in films and TV shows. You are still relying on the luck of the draw, so during one session, your technique may work to benefit you, whereas on other nights, you will come up short.

Now matter how many blackjack innovative gameplay techniques you use, you can never guarantee a win in the game.

Gamble Responsibly

Ultimately, though, gambling is supposed to be fun and not a method for making a profit. Card counting can require a lot of mental work, potentially sucking all the fun out of playing blackjack.

While card counting is not illegal, it is definitely not a guaranteed path to success. Casinos use various methods to counteract and deter the technique. The practice is challenging and may not result in success. Players who card count should expect consequences such as restrictions, expulsions, and prohibition. These risks and the relative difficulty of card counting mean it is not a technique for every casino attendee. As such, you should never rely on the method for wins and should always play at responsible UK casinos to ensure you have the best time playing Blackjack online. 

FAQs

Can I learn card counting? 

Yes. It is possible for anyone to learn card counting. However, it is a difficult skill to master and will take a lot of time. 

Is card counting illegal? 

No. Contrary to popular belief, card counting is not illegal. However, it is frowned upon by casinos. 

Can I use card counting online? 

Card counting online is virtually impossible, even in live stream. Online casinos use random number generators and no fixed deck, which basically render card counting useless.