As a subject matter expert in the field of gaming and casino regulations, I am well-versed in the nuances of different laws and practices surrounding card games, particularly blackjack. Card counting, a strategy used by players to gain an advantage in blackjack by tracking the ratio of high to low cards remaining in the deck, is a topic of much debate and interest.

In the United States, card counting is not illegal under federal law, nor is it illegal under the laws of most states. This is because it is considered a mental skill game, and players are not using any mechanical or electronic devices to assist in their counting. However, it is important to note that while it may not be illegal, it is certainly frowned upon by casinos. Casinos have the right to refuse service to anyone, and they often use their rights to ban players they suspect of card counting. This is because card counting can significantly affect the house edge, potentially turning the odds in favor of the player.

In the United Kingdom, the situation is similar. Card counting is not illegal under British law. However, casinos in the UK, much like their counterparts in the US, can take measures to prevent card counting. They may employ various tactics, such as shuffling the deck more frequently or using multiple decks to make counting more difficult. Additionally, they may also ban players who they suspect are engaging in card counting.

It is crucial for players to understand that while card counting itself may not be illegal, the methods used to detect and counteract it can be quite aggressive. Casinos invest in surveillance and employ personnel trained to identify card counters. Once identified, players may find themselves banned from the casino, and in some cases, even from all casinos within a particular chain.

The key takeaway here is that while card counting is not illegal, it is a practice that casinos actively work to prevent. Players who engage in card counting should be aware of the potential consequences, including being banned from casinos. It is also worth noting that the effectiveness of card counting can vary depending on the specific rules of the blackjack game being played, the number of decks used, and the skill level of the counter.

In conclusion, card counting is a legal but controversial strategy in the world of blackjack. While it does not break the law, it is a practice that casinos take measures to counter and can lead to players being banned. Players considering card counting should weigh the potential benefits against the risks and be prepared for the possibility of being identified and banned from casinos.

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Card counting is not illegal under British law, nor is it under federal, state, or local laws in the United States provided that no external card counting device or person assists the player in counting cards. Still, casinos object to the practice, and try to prevent it, banning players believed to be counters.read more >>