Why Counting Cards at Casinos is a Bad Idea

James hall casinotopsonline
James Hall
Senior Author
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A lot of players think that if they could count cards, they’d be putting themselves in a position where they could win a whole ton of money from their gambling sessions. So why is it that not very many people actually try to learn it? 

Counting cards is most popular in blackjack, but it is also possible in other games such as Seven Card Stud poker. 

It is technically legal to count cards, so you’re at no real risk of punishment if you do decide to take it up. But realistically, these days it’s kind of a waste of time for a few reasons. And you’re about to find out what they are.

You Could Get Banned From the Casino

Sure, card counting isn’t actually against the law. But it will be against the policy of every brick-and-mortar casino you walk into. And if you get caught, you’re probably going to get banned for life

Think you can get away with it? Think again. Casinos have incredible CCTV these days, and you’re always going to have someone watching your eyes; that’s how intense the surveillance is. So, it will probably get you banned right off the bat. 

It’s Incredibly Hard to Learn

Learning how to count cards literally takes years. You’re going to have to dedicate many, many hours to even get close to a level where you’re actually able to win some money from it! 

At that point, you may as well learn how to get good at other casino games, such as slots

Plus, even if you get to a point where you’re super good at card counting, it’s never guaranteed. Card counting always carries an element of risk, no matter how much effort you put into it. 

It Takes the Fun Out of Gambling

Part of the whole fun of gambling at the casino is that it’s random and surprising. The adrenaline rush you get from waiting for the result of your spin or roll to come in is second to none. 

If you were to learn to count cards, that feeling would disappear as it would become a lot more mathematical. Therefore, it simply wouldn’t be as much fun! 

Sure, a lot of people are gamblers for a living. So if you can actually win some money from it, that fun could come back. But as we’ve already mentioned, it will be incredibly hard work (and many risks) to make it lucrative. 

You might as well continue to enjoy gambling in the passive way it was intended for and kick the card counting out of it. 

Last Thoughts on Card Counting

Suppose you are particularly mathematically minded and very, very sharp-eyed. In that case, there’s a possibility that you could get to a point where you could count cards in a way that would win you money, be fun and not noticeable. 

But for the vast majority of people, that would literally be impossible. We don’t think card counting is worth it for anyone, to be brutally honest. 

So good luck with your regular casino gaming, whether it be at an online casino or a brick-and-mortar one. You don’t need to count cards to have a good time!

And most importantly, remember to play safe.

James Hall

James Hall

Contributor & UK Market Expert

27 Articles
With great experience across the UK gambling market, James brings a great level of versatility and a deep understanding of the regulatory standards within the industry. His contributions give our users all the tips to maximise their iGaming experience. 
Expert On:
UK Online Casinos
Gambling Market for UK Players
Safe UK Gambling
UK Gambling Strategies

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