The Truth About Card Counting In Casinos

Pop culture has created a massive myth around the practice of counting cards at the blackjack table.


The reality of this famous blackjack strategy is far less glamorous and requires intense, grueling mental discipline.

Can You Go to Jail for Card Counting?

You cannot be criminally charged simply for being good at math and paying attention to the game.


However, while it isn't illegal, casinos are private businesses and they strongly detest advantage players.

Using a physical device or a smartphone app to count cards is strictly illegal and will lead to arrestCasinos share databases of known counters, meaning getting banned at one property might get you banned everywhereSecurity teams use advanced software to analyze betting patterns to catch suspected counters
How It Actually Works (The Hi-Lo System)

The most common system, the Hi-Lo, does not require photographic memory, just basic addition and subtraction.


A deck full of tens and Aces favors the player, so counters increase their bets when the count is high.

Running CountMeaningAction to TakeHigh Positive (e.g., +5)Deck is rich in 10s and AcesIncrease your bet size significantlyNegative (e.g. If you have any questions regarding where and ways to use casino, you could contact us at our web-page. , -3)Deck is full of low cardsBet the absolute table minimum

Ultimately, a perfect card counter only has about a 1% to 1.5% mathematical advantage over the house.