As a professional in the field of gaming and gambling laws, I can provide an in-depth explanation of card counting and its legal status.
Card counting is a casino card game strategy used primarily in blackjack to determine whether the next hand is likely to give a probable advantage to the player or to the dealer. Players keep a mental tally of high and low-value cards to form an estimate of the ratio of remaining high cards to low cards, an essential factor in the game's odds. The practice is based on the principle that the probability of certain events changes as the composition of the remaining cards in the deck changes.
The reason card counting is often misunderstood as illegal is due to its portrayal in popular culture and the casinos' reactions to it. In reality, card counting itself is not illegal in most jurisdictions. It is a game of skill and memory, and it does not involve any form of cheating or manipulation of the game's rules. However, it is frowned upon by casinos because it can significantly reduce the house edge, which is the advantage that casinos have over players.
The statement that "Card counting isn't considered illegal" is correct. However, it is important to note that while it is not illegal, casinos have the right to refuse service to anyone. If a casino identifies a player as a card counter, they may choose to deny them the opportunity to play blackjack, as it is not in the casino's best interest to allow a player to have an advantage over the house.
It is also worth mentioning that card counting is not "cheating" in the traditional sense. Cheating would involve dishonest actions such as marking cards, using devices to gain an unfair advantage, or colluding with other players to manipulate the game's outcome. Card counting, on the other hand, is a legitimate strategy that relies on the player's ability to track and analyze the cards that have been played.
In conclusion, card counting is a legal but controversial strategy in the world of casino gambling. While it is not illegal, it is a practice that casinos actively try to prevent due to its potential to erode their profit margins. Players who are adept at card counting can gain an edge over the casino, but they must be prepared to face the possibility of being identified and banned from play.
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