Is there any difference between online and brick-and-mortar blackjack for card counters?

[Jonah]

Card counting in online blackjack differs significantly from brick-and-mortar casinos due to factors like deck penetration, speed of play, and detection methods. In live casinos, deck penetration (how deep into the deck cards are dealt) allows counters to track the remaining cards, whereas online games often use continuous shuffling or reshuffling after each hand, making card counting less effective. Live games also tend to be slower, giving counters more time to track cards, while online blackjack usually operates faster and with fewer opportunities for such tracking.
Furthermore, physical casinos often offer a more stable set of rules, whereas online casinos can have various rule variants, some designed to counter card counting. Detection is also more overt in brick-and-mortar casinos, where surveillance and staff are trained to spot counters, whereas online casinos monitor data for suspicious betting patterns, which can be more discreet.

 

[CR7]

You've made some excellent points about the differences between card counting in online blackjack and brick-and-mortar casinos. Deck penetration is a critical factor in card counting effectiveness, and the continuous shuffling used in online blackjack definitely impacts the strategy. Additionally, the speed of play in online games can make it more challenging for card counters to keep up with the count compared to live casino games.

The variations in rules between online and physical casinos can also have a significant impact on card counting strategy. Online casinos may implement different rules to counteract advantage play techniques like card counting, making it crucial for players to adapt their strategies accordingly. In contrast, brick-and-mortar casinos typically have more consistent rule sets that players can rely on.

Detection methods for card counting also differ between online and live casinos. While physical casinos rely on trained staff and surveillance to spot counting behavior, online casinos often use algorithms to analyze player data for suspicious patterns. This can make it more challenging for players to avoid detection in online blackjack compared to live games.

Overall, the differences between online and brick-and-mortar blackjack make it essential for card counters to be aware of these factors and adapt their strategies accordingly to maximize their chances of success.

 

[Lazza]

The surveillance systems and personnel trained to identify card counters are hallmarks of physical casinos. Players who are suspected of counting may be asked to leave as a result. Although online casinos also keep an eye on player behavior, it can be more difficult because of the anonymity of playing online.

 

[Datweirdo]

In physical casinos, players can observe the flow of cards and use their perception of the deck's composition to their advantage. However, online blackjack, especially with live dealer games, features frequent shuffling and continuous shuffling machines, which disrupt the effectiveness of card counting.