1. To catch card-counting teams, they usually hire undercover private eyes or detectives dressed in plain clothes who roam the casino floor and look for the said behaviors that team players can use to.
2. And they’re going to want to talk your ear off. Anti-Card Counting Measures. The most common way to deal with card counters is to increase the number of decks in the blackjack shoe. Casinos have between 1 and 8 decks in the shoe, though 4-6 is more common than 1.
3. You’re probably aware that card counting in blackjack isn’t welcome in casinos. These advantage players are skilled enough to win profits off the house, which casinos hate. Of course, card counters don’t wear blinking cursors. Casinos must be adept at catching counters to avoid losing too much money.

• Do Casinos Ban Card Counters
• How Do Casinos Catch Card Counters Free
• How Do Casinos Catch You Counting Cards
• What Do Casinos Do To Card Counters
• How Do Casinos Detect Card Counters
• How Do Casinos Catch Card Counters

Surveillance maintains the lists of individuals that have been banned for counting cards. They also operate and observe the facial recognition software that is now used by many casinos. When a suspected card counter arrives at the casino, facial recognition can alert surveillance to their presence.

Counting cards is the stuff of casino legends. In fact, several high-profile Hollywood movies have been made based on the idea.

Have you seen 21? It’s actually based on a true story about a legendary team of mathematicians out of MIT who went on a card counting tear and took the casinos for millions of dollars.

Yet, like most legends, the real card counting is often confused with the fantasies people project onto it. It isn’t some magical way to trick the casino out of millions overnight, but a mathematical strategy to gain a very slight edge in the long run.

In this piece, I’m going to look at what card counting is, how casinos catch card counters, and how you can do it without getting caught.

What Is Card Counting and How Does It Work?

Put simply, card counting is a mathematical strategy which involves assigning a number value to each card which comes out of the shoe during a game of blackjack. The idea is to keep track of the cards and therefore know when it’s more probable that you’ll get 21, or close to it, which increases your chances of winning.

You don’t have to be a math wizard to card count, but you’ll need a few skills:

• You’ll need to have an expert-level understanding of blackjack and the rules of the game
• You’ll have to be able to add and subtract quickly as cards are dealt
• You’ll need to be perceptive enough to keep track of every card dealt at the table, not just your own
• You should be able to act cool under pressure. Dealers and pit bosses are trained to spot and catch card counters

The following table will act as a quick reference on how to assign values to cards:

Value	Card Rank
1	2, 3, 4, 5, 6
0	7, 8, 9
-1	10, J, Q, K, A

Naturally, the fewer low cards left in the deck, the higher your chances of getting blackjack. Thus, each time a low card comes out, that’s good for your chances of winning. That’s why you should add a point to the count.

Once you get your number, the next part involves dividing it by the number of decks left in the shoe. Some blackjack games involve six decks, while some involve eight. There are also single-deck variants.

Let’s say your count is four, and there are six decks left in the shoe. You get the final count by diving four by six, for a total of 0.66.

The higher the count, the more likely you are to win. It’s simple enough in theory, but it takes a fair degree of skill and practice to pull it off in real life where distractions are rife. One attractive person of the opposite sex walking by can distract you and cause you to lose count. There are many other potential distractions to contend with, too.

Of course, one of the toughest parts is knowing how many decks are left in the shoe. This is simple enough if you start playing at a “fresh” table which a dealer has just come to, but it can be tricky if you land up and things are already in full swing.

There’s no need to be too precise in this regard. Just estimate, and you’ll be close enough for card counting to work.

How Do Casinos Catch Card Counters and How Can You Avoid Getting Caught?

While the beat-downs and chopping off of fingers is the stuff of Hollywood fiction (thankfully), you definitely won’t get a warm reception if the casino catches you counting cards.

At best, you’ll be escorted from the premises, and the security team will be on the lookout for you in the future. At worst, they’ll scan your ID, take a photo of you, and send your image to every casino in town. They’ll also likely ban you for life. This will make it impossible for you to count cards in the future.

The key to avoiding getting caught is to understand what casino pit bosses are looking for and try your best not to display those particular patterns of behavior.

Signs of card counting include those listed below.

Making Larger Bets When the Count Turns Favorable

Casinos have figured out that the best way to counteract card counters is to count cards themselves. They have complex software which does this for them, and when the count is favorable, the dealers know.

If you suddenly start making much larger bets when the count turns favorable, you can expect a tap on the shoulder from the pit boss. This is a dead giveaway since it’s rare for players to deviate from their average bet size at the best of times, let alone when the count suddenly turns to their advantage.

The best way to avoid being detected in this way is to either increase the size of your bets slowly or don’t change them at all. You could also vary them throughout gameplay, so you’re less predictable, for example by making a few larger bets when the count isn’t as favorable to throw them off the scent.

The Sudden Arrival of Big Bettors

In the same way that the casino looks out for sudden increases in bet size, they also keep an eye out for the sudden arrival of large bettors. This could be a sign that a team is working together and a player at the table has been watching and has now sent a signal to another team member to roll in and bet big.

If you are working as part of a card counting team, it’s best to keep things subtle. If the count turns favorable, perhaps it’s best for the big bettor to hang back for a while, perhaps he or she doesn’t have to bet so big as to raise suspicions, or perhaps they could join the table earlier in anticipation of the change in count – for example, when you’re getting close to a favorable count.

If a high roller is playing and betting big at another table and then switches, this might be enough to muddy the waters. That way, casino security won’t find anything suspicious about them betting big, as it will have been their behavioral pattern throughout the night.

However, this comes with its own risks. Can your bankroll support them betting big at a less favorable table for long enough? Can you then make back enough to cover those potential losses? These things must be considered before using a “big bettor” as part of your team.

Suspicious Communicating and Signaling

For any card counting team to be successful, there has to be a way to communicate with other team members. Any messages sent between parties, no matter how subtle, present a chance for the casino to catch you card counting.

For Example

You might cough, roll up your left sleeve, or use some sort of device to communicate with a team member at another table to signal that the count has turned.

Casino security crews are far from stupid. They didn’t get to be in charge of safeguarding millions of dollars by being vacant between the ears. They are trained and know every move in the book. Even the most subtle things will be picked up on, and they won’t wait around to find out if they’re right.

If you must communicate, keep it to a minimum. Also, pick responsible team members who know how to be subtle, stay sober, and play their part just like they would on a set.

Tips for Evading Detection While Counting Cards

While the above behaviors should be avoided as they are dead giveaways to casino pit bosses, there are also some things which you should proactively do to increase your chances of staying under the radar.

Follow these card counting tips to avoid being escorted out and having your name/photo spread all over town:

• Keep it secret. During World War II, there was a famous poster which read “Loose Lips Sink Ships.” This was incredibly effective and easy to remember. It applies to card counting, too. Word spreads fast, especially in our web-connected world. If you tell someone about your card counting activities, you can be sure they know someone who knows someone who works in casino security. Expect the word to get out quickly.
• Don’t be greedy. Greed has brought down kings and empires, and it can bring down your card counting gig, too. The more money you win, the more suspicious the casino will become, and the closer they’ll watch you. If you start showing up often and win every time, you can be sure you’ll soon have your card marked.
• Camouflage is key. One of the best ways to avoid detection is to deliberately lose a few hands when the count is favorable. In fact, it’s best to visit the same casino you’ve won at sometimes and lose altogether. If you win every time, you’ll soon be caught. Walk away from favorable counts, lose a few hands here and there, and sometimes play without counting. All of this makes it harder for the casino security to spot suspicious patterns in your behavior.
• Pocket your chips. There’s nothing that will draw suspicion quicker than an ever-growing mountain of casino chips on the table. Casino workers know the odds and will grow suspicious when you keep beating them. While they’ll take note if you’re winning anyway, the pile of chips is an extra visual reminder that might prompt the dealer to alert security.
• Practice makes perfect. Card counting is extremely hard work mentally. Try it and see for yourself. It’s not easy to keep track of the cards, let alone pay attention to your own behavior, too. Like everything, practice makes perfect. The more you do this, the better you’ll get. Eventually, these counter-tracking behaviors will become subconscious, and you can focus on the cards.
• Pick casinos carefully. You’re much less likely to get caught at a mom-and-pop casino in the country than you are at the Bellagio in Vegas. Why? Resources! You can be sure that world-famous casinos have cutting-edge security gear, larger teams, and better access to information. While I’m on this point, I’d also advise you to play at different casinos each time. Don’t show up at the same place more than a few times a year.
• Spread the wealth. Everybody loves a tip, and casino workers are no exception. Tip the dealer, tip staff who bring you drink, and spread some of the money you’re winning back into the casino. In fact, if you just want to count cards to bankroll a high-rolling night at the tables and a private suite afterwards, the casino might care a lot less about what you’re doing, since you’re giving most of it back anyway!

Card Counting – Your Questions Answered

Q. Is card counting illegal?

Do Casinos Ban Card Counters

A. No, card counting isn’t illegal. It is against most casinos’ terms of service, though, and they have the right to eject you and refuse you service in the future.

However, you could be tossed out onto the street and banned from gambling at that casino (or any other gambling establishments by the same owner).

Q. Should I wear a disguise when card counting?

A. You may, but it’s unnecessary if you follow the tips above. Don’t play at the same casino too often, and a disguise should be unnecessary.

If you do decide to wear a disguise, you should keep it subtle. Hair dye, a change of hairstyle, and false facial hair should be more than enough.

Q. Can I count cards at online casinos?

A. It’s possible in some live dealer blackjack games which don’t make use of continuous shuffling machines (CSMs).

If these machines are used, it will render your attempts to count cards ineffective.

Q. What’s the best piece of advice you have for a beginner card counter?

You’re probably aware that card counting in blackjack isn’t welcome in casinos. These advantage players are skilled enough to win profits off the house, which casinos hate.

Of course, card counters don’t wear blinking cursors. Casinos must be adept at catching counters to avoid losing too much money.

Various employees work together to make this happen. Dealers, surveillance, and floormen can all play a role in thwarting counters.

But while it takes a team effort, pit bosses often receive the most attention in this matter. They preside over the table games section, which is why they’re often feared by counters.

What exactly is their role in rooting out card counters? I’ll answer this question by discussing their day-to-day duties as well as how they help catch advantage players.

The Normal Duties of a Pit Boss

As their name implies, a pit boss is in charge of many aspects relating to casino pits. First off, they need to manage the employees running the table games, including floormen and dealers.

The floormen also lend a helping hand by managing several tables. They can even handle minor disputes or problems that arise.

However, the pit boss deals with any serious issues. If a croupier severely misdeals a hand and players grumble, the pit leader will have to sort out the dilemma.

The pit boss also has to complete paperwork regarding inventory. For example, they might have to go through various tables and make sure that the inventory numbers add up.

They’re tasked with rating players too. Anytime a gambler wishes to be comped, the pit boss will be called over to rate their play.

Obviously a pit boss can’t watch the same gambler hand after hand. So they watch a gambler for several hands every hour and use this info to determine comps.

Pit Bosses Don’t Have Time to Fixate on Card Counters

You can see from the above that pit bosses don’t have time to play cat-and-mouse with potential advantage gamblers all day.

Of course, pit bosses aren’t inept when it comes to watching for card counters and other types advantage players. They need to thoroughly understand all of the table games, from blackjack to roulette.

Such insight gives them the tools to catch counters when the need arises. But the key point is that they don’t walk around for 10 hours with counters on their mind.

What Does a Pit Boss Do When There’s a Suspected Counter?

Considering their multitude of tasks, the pit boss isn’t usually the first employee to observe a potential card counter. Instead, dealers, floormen, and/or surveillance are the first line of defense.

These employees have more time to observe counters at their respective tables and can get a good read on the situation. The pit boss may then be discreetly notified of the potential counting action.

They can use several tactics to determine if counting is indeed happening and proceed accordingly. Here are some of the actions that they take to both catch and deal with advantage players.

Back Off the Counter

One of the first things that a pit boss may do is “back off” a counter. Backing off refers to various tactics that are used to better judge the player in question and/or pressure them.

For example, the pit leader may watch a gambler closely, stand behind them while they’re playing, or even chat with them.

The pit boss doesn’t want to creep out the player. They don’t yet know if the gambler has done anything wrong.

They merely want to see how the gambler reacts to the situation. A friendly conversation won’t rattle a non-counter, but it can make an advantage player nervous.

A backed-off card counter may stop what they’re doing and leave the casino altogether.

Switch Dealers

Counting cards isn’t the only way to beat casinos. Players can also use techniques, such as hole carding.

How Do Casinos Catch Card Counters Free

In any case, pit bosses will sometimes switch dealers to thwart this very technique. This is the perfect way to stop a hole carder.

Switching dealers doesn’t technically do anything to disrupt a card counter. After all, the count will be the same after the new dealer takes over. But it can serve as another method of backing off counters.

Have the Dealer Shuffle the Shoe

Card counters need to have sufficient deck penetration in order to confidently raise their bets. A big positive count means little if the first deck of an eight-deck shoe is still being dealt.

Re-shuffling the shoe eliminates all of the progress that a counter has made. This is exactly why pit bosses will sometimes come over and tell the dealer to shuffle earlier than usual.

Offer to Rate a Player

Most advantage gamblers avoid being rated, because they don’t want their information on file. Such info can help a casino more easily identify card counters and eventually ban them.

Pit bosses normally ask any gambler with a big chip stack if they’d like to be rated. The casino gets a chance to win all of these chips if they can lure the player back.

Asking a gambler if they want to be rated accomplishes the dual goal of determining if they’re a counter. An advantage player will often refuse the invitation.

Offer the Gambler Comps

Offering casino comps to a possible card counter is a bit different than extending an invitation to be rated. This tactic is used to draw the player’s attention away from the game for a short while.

When done long enough, such conversations can break the player’s concentration and make them lose track of the count.

Back Count

Being a professional card counter isn’t automatic prerequisite for becoming a pit boss. However, these employees are usually somewhat adept at counting.

They can count off to the side of a table and see if a player raises their bets during positive counts. If so, then the gambler in question may very well be a counter.

Call Security

Assuming the pit boss is indeed sure that they’re dealing with a card counter, they’ll like call security to escort the player out.

Contrary to what the general public believes, security doesn’t take these gamblers out back and rough them up. However, they will ask the player to leave nicely and follow them to the door, no matter how much they’re gambling in blackjack. This applies to every gambler.

Conclusion

Counting cards is already a difficult task when considering all the conditions that you must deal with. You need to keep up with the dealer’s speed, know when to raise bets, and camouflage your counting efforts.

How Do Casinos Catch You Counting Cards

Counting becomes infinity harder when considering that employees like the pit boss are out to get you. Unfortunately, you can’t just ignore their existence when playing with an advantage.

You should know various things about the pit boss’ job as it relates to catching card counters. The best place to start is with how little time they have to monitor players themselves.

A pit boss is one of the busiest people in the casino. They need to manage pit employees, fill out lots of paperwork, rate gamblers, and settle major disputes.

They’re not typically the ones who first suspect card counting, because they don’t have time to stare at individual tables.

Once the pit boss is alerted to the situation, they can use a variety of techniques. Here’s a recap of what they’ll do:

• Back off counters
• Switch dealers
• Ask the dealer to shuffle the shoe
• Ask a player if they want to be rated
• Offer comps
• Back count
• Call security

What Do Casinos Do To Card Counters

The pit boss likes to verify that card counting is indeed taking place before they take any drastic actions. That said, backing off a player is usually their first resort.

They may also watch the suspected counter from a distance, then call for the shoe to be reshuffled. This action not only throws off card counters, but also lets them know that there’s cause for concern.

A pit boss can gauge a player’s reaction by asking them if they want to be rated. Most normal players will say yes.

How Do Casinos Detect Card Counters

Offering comps can also help determine a normal gambler versus card counter. The latter crowd will at least be distracted by the conversation.

How Do Casinos Catch Card Counters

Knowing the various ways that a pit boss spots card counters doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll be in the clear. However, this knowledge will give you some indication of when the casino is on to you.