How do casinos spot card counters?
The days when getting marked as a card counter in a casino meant getting a taste of a knuckle sandwich in a back room are long gone. Blackjack movies like 21 have dramatized the casino’s reaction to handling card counters. But it sure makes for great blockbusters. Read more about how casinos go about spotting card counters.
While card counting is not illegal, it is still frowned upon. Yet, no federal law prohibits players from using their math skills to understand their probability of winning a hand based on information available to all players. In other words, using your brain is not a criminal offense in any state or casino in America.
So how do casinos spot card counters? And what happens if you get tagged as a player that wins “too much” on blackjack? The paragraphs that follow will answer these questions.
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Spotting card counters – Pick your seat carefully
If you play in a land-based casino, you’ll want to pick your seat carefully. This is because other players comment like “you’re doing well” or “how do you win so much?” Could entice the Pit Boss to pay special attention to you. Naturally, this is not something you want. As the saying goes, loose lips sink ships.
How do you pick a good seat at a table besides looking at the rules?
First, you’ll want to stay clear of tables where players are drinking too much. Playing with intoxicated players will not only throw your concentration off. But it’s likely that the more they drink, the more they’ll lose as they deplete their bankroll. Losing players are more likely to become frustrated as you win. Frustrated players always attract the attention of the house. But do keep in mind that if you play live casino blackjack in an online casino, this is unlikely to happen.
Spotting card counters – The dealer
Contrary to popular belief, getting spotted card counting by a dealer is not that common. But it could happen. And in some cases, if the dealer sees you win “too much,” the casino may ask you to leave. The dealer could also spot that you’re a card counter by noticing variations in your bets.
So, how do you keep the dealer on your side?
Well, remember to tip them ever so often. A good dealer tip at a blackjack table is around 5% to 10% of a large win.
A recent survey indicated that low stake players get a “back off” once every 76 hours of play on average. For high stake blackjack players, it’s a bit more common. Indeed, high rollers are asked to leave on average once every 25 hours of playtime.
Spotting card counters – The Pit Boss
Suppose the Pit Boss stands next to you with its arm crossed and looks at how you play every hand. Then it might be time to consider moving on.
What’s more, if the Pit Boss looks through the discounted card pile and has a conversation with the dealer, then you know they’re applying heat on you. And you might want to return to this casino another day or after a shift change.
Remember, it’s the Pit Boss’ job to alert surveillance if they suspect card counting. But not all of them have the authority to ask you to leave. So often, when a casino thinks you are card counting. They’ll ask the dealer to cut the shoe in half or shuffle on you when you raise your bets.
Surveillance and facial recognition
Suppose you’re a renowned card counter. Casinos can legally share surveillance footage with other casinos to stop you from buying in at the table. In this case, there isn’t much you can do other than try your luck playing online.
To conclude
One thing to remember, if the casino asks you to leave for card counting, it’s best not to argue with the house. Instead, leave the casino discretely and take the chips with you. You can always come back another day to cash out and reap the rewards of your excellent play.
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