If you have thought about counting cards when playing blackjack online, you might think twice after reading this blog post. We'll be going through what card counting is, if it's possible at an online casino, whether it is legal, and if it is worth it.
Is It Possible To Count Cards at an Online Casino?
Let's begin by defining what card counting is in blackjack. Counting cards is a technique that some players use when playing blackjack. It is where you keep track of how many high and low cards the dealer has dealt so far and how many remain in the deck. If you were to master this successfully, the idea is that you would raise your bet when the odds are in your favour so that you have a higher chance of winning.
Many UK online slots casinos have software that shuffles the cards every time a new hand is dealt. This makes counting cards almost impossible.
Specific safeguarding measures and practices are implemented so players can't cheat or abuse the game. For example, one of the measures to prevent card counting and shuffle monitoring includes using a Continuous Shuffling Machine.
While it is technically possible to count cards at an online casino, it isn't worth it!
Is Card Counting Illegal?
In short, no, card counting is not illegal in UK casinos online. However, card counting can get you into trouble.
Although you won't get in trouble with the law by card counting, you may encounter trouble with the casino. By card counting, you may be breaching the online casino's terms and conditions you agreed to when you registered with them.
If this happens, you could potentially get sued by the casino. However, it is more likely that you will be immediately banned from the casino, and your account will be suspended. This applies to both online and brick-and-mortar casinos.
How Do Online Casinos Know If You're Counting Cards?
As we mentioned above, casinos are aware of when players are counting cards and have specific measures in place to prevent this.
One of those measures is tracking a player's betting patterns for suspicious behaviour. An online casino may also use multiple decks in blackjack to deter people from counting cards. They may also have a live dealer that deals cards up to a point from one shoe while another shuffles a new multi-deck shoe at the same time, making it impossible for players to count cards.
The most common measure online casinos put in place to prevent counting cards is using an automatic shuffler every time a new hand is dealt. This is called a Continuous Shuffling Machine.
A Continuous Shuffling Machine is a machine used in blackjack that stops any chance of counting cards. It works by the dealer placing the cards into the machine. This machine quickly and randomly mixes the cards up, much faster than a dealer could. The Continuous Shuffling Machine can shuffle 3-5 decks at once.
Can Online Casinos Ban You For Counting Cards?
While there are no laws against counting cards, it is prohibited by the majority of casinos. Card counting goes against the terms and conditions of many casinos.
As you agree to the terms and conditions when you join a casino, if you break any of their rules, you will most likely be banned. This includes card counting. If a casino discovers that you have been counting cards, you may be banned from the casino and have your account suspended.
How To Win At Blackjack Without Counting Cards
When playing blackjack online, you can't guarantee that you will win, even with card counting. This is because blackjack is a game of chance with the casino in favour of winning.
When choosing a blackjack casino game to play, it may be best to pick blackjack casino games with a lower house edge. The classic blackjack variation typically has the lowest house edge of 0.5% - 1.5%.
To better your chances of beating the house edge, it's a good idea to be knowledgeable about the game's rules and learn basic blackjack strategies. Lots of practice is also a good idea, as newer players tend to make mistakes which can increase the house edge. With some knowledge and experience, you are giving yourself a better chance.
However, it is worth remembering that it is a game of chance, and nothing is guaranteed.