Counting cards in Blackjack

[BrandonR]

Hi, recently I have been learning about card counting in blackjack in my statistics class, and it is unclear to me whether or not this would be sinful to do (assuming you aren’t using a computer of somesort). It is not illegal to do, but I can see the argument both ways, you simply use math to help decide whether you want to hit, stay, bet high, etc. At the same time the casinos dont like when people do it. Additionally, no casinos that i looked at mentioned counting cards in their rules and in a video we watched, they did NOT use the words “cheating” and “couning cards” interchangeably. I would like to hear your opinions on it.

Thank you

 

[Spirithound]

I recall hearing that while the Vegas casinos have always been against it, for a while, at least, and possibly up to and including the present, the Atlantic City casinos allow it (and actually advertised it, which worked in their favour)…

I don’t think it is immoral to count cards. It gives blackjack more of a skill element (which is why the AC casinos loved it, because most people were terrible at it).

 

[Ponyguy]

I’ve heard about people getting the “bum’s rush” out of a casino for “counting cards;” but frankly, just like in poker, it’s a way to estimate and calculate your your odds, and is simply part of the game, if you’re playing for serious money… (which, in my case, is any amount in excess of a quarter. )

 

[_Locke]

One of my favorite quotes from Reverend Lovejoy of The Simpsons:

“Marge, just about everything is a sin.”
[holds up a Bible]
“You ever sat down and read this thing? Technically we’re not supposed to go to the bathroom”

 

[Non_Serviam]

It isn’t necessarily a question of legality-no one has a right to gamble in a casino-it is a private place of business. Casinos have decided not to extend the privelege of using their facilities to individuals who are known to count cards.

 

[Inwe86]

Hi, recently I have been learning about card counting in blackjack in my statistics class, and it is unclear to me whether or not this would be sinful to do (assuming you aren’t using a computer of somesort). It is not illegal to do, but I can see the argument both ways, you simply use math to help decide whether you want to hit, stay, bet high, etc. At the same time the casinos dont like when people do it. Additionally, no casinos that i looked at mentioned counting cards in their rules and in a video we watched, they did NOT use the words “cheating” and “couning cards” interchangeably. I would like to hear your opinions on it.

Thank you

Hmm, don’t know much about that, but I’m guessing that the only reason casinos don’t like that is because people can win that way lol. Since it isn’t illegal, I say don’t worry about it

 

[Jermosh]

If you are not useing a device, then its not illegal. But most casinos who catch you, will usually kick you out and have you blacklisted. Which is within their right entirely.

 

[Stylites]

Since it isn’t illegal, I say don’t worry about it

Which isn’t to imply that breaking laws equates to immorality or that laws are an arbiter of right and wrong. Indeed there are laws which are a sin to adhere to, just as there’s perfectly legal things people can do which are mortal sins.

.

 

[Newbie2]

I don’t think this is morally much different than playing Euchre, and keeping track of which cards have already been played (which I am terrible at doing, and usually get owned in the Euchre tournaments in which I am occasionally forced to participate ).

The only difference is that Blackjack is most times involving or potentially involving larger sums of money being gambled.

It’s still a game of chance, although the Casinos would rather have the chance in their favor, and that happens when you don’t remember or can’t figure out which cards have already been played.

 

[OraLabora]

Shouldn’t the question here rather be the morality of gambling?

I suppose it is like drinking, if done moderately. But I have to admit I have never been a big fan of gambling. I’ve been to a casino exactly once in my life, in Macau. I lost $40HK, about the equivalent or eight US bucks. That was enough for me. I don’t buy lottery tickets either. I know people who spend at least $10 a week on lottery tickets. Well, $10 per week, invested conservatively at 5% a year, for 30 years, is over $36,000. A nice little pad to a retirement account. I suppose these days the stock market is a form of gambling anyway, but it does have a long track record of gains while casinos… exactly the opposite for most folks.

A tax on those who failed math I’m afraid.

From a family point of view, would it not be more moral to save and invest the money for retirement or a child’s education, than waste it on a casino?

 

[Spirithound]

Shouldn’t the question here rather be the morality of gambling?

I suppose it is like drinking, if done moderately. I know people who spend at least $10 a week on lottery tickets. Well, $10 per week, invested conservatively at 5% a year, for 30 years, is over $36,000. A nice little pad to a retirement account.

A tax on those who failed math I’m afraid.

From a family point of view, would it not be more moral to save and invest the money for retirement or a child’s education, than waste it on a casino?

I can see how gambling can take on a moral question, but only in the context of spending too much. For some people, gambling is a form of entertainment. Other people prefer to spend $12 on a movie ticket and $10 on snacks, and spend their Friday nights that way.

I certainly agree with you that parents have an obligation to provide for their families, but I would say that there is usually a certain amount of discretionary spending allowed.

 

[OraLabora]

I can see how gambling can take on a moral question, but only in the context of spending too much. For some people, gambling is a form of entertainment. Other people prefer to spend $12 on a movie ticket and $10 on snacks, and spend their Friday nights that way.

I certainly agree with you that parents have an obligation to provide for their families, but I would say that there is usually a certain amount of discretionary spending allowed.

Well my hobbies are aviation and cycling. I do have the discretionary income to pay for them. Neither though, are addictive except in a good way (more exercise is a good thing).

I think casinos can be an occasion of sin in more ways than one: the company one keeps, the ease by which one can get into heavy drinking, the addictive nature of gambling itself.

But with my hobbies, I can take my kids up for a plane ride. Drinking and flying don’t mix. I have spent some quality time with my wife and my oldest son, on the road (both are good cyclists). When I was a kid, my dad was into model trains, and it was an activity he enjoyed and that could be done together.

True to a certain extent having a hobby that is time apart from our routine (including family time) is not necessarily a bad thing. But some hobbies are healthier than others.

Not to say all gamblers are being immoral. Just trying to foster debate

 

[Spirithound]

Ah! You have some excellent hobbies. Gambling is definitely not a family activity