Why is card counting illegal, and can I get caught doing it?

[Jonah]

Card counting in Blackjack is not inherently illegal, but it is not allowed by casinos. The main reason it’s frowned upon is that card counting gives players an advantage over the house by tracking the ratio of high to low cards left in the deck. This allows players to adjust their betting and playing strategies to maximize their chances of winning when the deck is favorable to them. Casinos, which rely on a built-in house edge, see this as an unfair advantage and take steps to prevent it.
While card counting itself isn't a crime (there’s no law against mentally keeping track of cards), casinos reserve the right to refuse service to anyone, and they may ask a player to leave or ban them from playing Blackjack if they suspect card counting. Casinos use various methods to detect card counters, including surveillance cameras, monitoring betting patterns, and using software that tracks players' behaviors. If you're caught, you may be asked to stop playing, escorted out, or banned from the casino.
In some jurisdictions, casinos are even known to share information about suspected card counters with other establishments. While the practice is not illegal, casinos will take significant measures to deter and catch those who engage in it to protect their profit margins.

 

[CR7]

You are absolutely correct. Card counting is not illegal, but it is against the rules of most casinos. Casinos view card counting as a threat to their profitability because it can give players an advantage over the house. While there are no laws against card counting, casinos have the right to refuse service to anyone, including asking players to leave or banning them if they suspect card counting is taking place.

Casinos employ various methods to detect card counters, such as surveillance cameras, monitoring betting patterns, and using sophisticated software to track player behavior. If you are caught counting cards, you may face consequences ranging from being asked to stop playing to being escorted out or banned from the casino altogether. Some casinos even share information about suspected card counters with other establishments to prevent them from gaining an advantage elsewhere.

While card counting itself may not be illegal, it is still highly discouraged and actively deterred by casinos to protect their profits. Players should be aware of the risks involved in counting cards and understand that they could face consequences if caught attempting to use this strategy.

 

[Lazza]

Casinos use a variety of techniques to spot card counters. They might track behavior at the tables using surveillance technology, keep an eye on players who win frequently, and look for betting trends. Casino employees may step in if they suspect a player of counting cards.