This is a very common question with a very simple answer: yes. Card counting is legal because you are using information that is available to everyone at the table, processing it in your brain, and making legal moves that give you the advantage. You cannot get arrested counting cards. You never have to give back money won counting cards. Counting Cards without the use of a foreign device is 100% legal.
To say that counting cards is illegal is to say that using your brain is illegal. Using a foreign device to help you keep track of cards or do mathematical conversions in your head is illegal, but the math that card counters need to use is so simple you don’t need anything but your brain and a fifth grade aptitude.
Many people get confused about this issue because casinos will ask you to stop playing blackjack if they suspect you as a card counter. Some casinos will go as far as trespassing you from their property and some will use scare tactics such as bringing you into a back room to ask you questions and take your picture. You never have to go into a backroom at a casino against your will. Just tell them that you will leave.
Casinos can do these things because it is their business and their private property. They have the right to refuse service to anyone. Since card counters take from their bottom line and beat them at their own game they decide to refuse service to you. This is their right. Some argue that it is not fair to discriminate based on playing ability. But they do discriminate.
Casinos are on private property so they can ask you to leave. If they do this just say “I’m sorry you need to make this decision” and leave the property. It is very rare for a casino to do this because they still want you to play the games you can’t beat: (craps, slots, roulette). So they usually ask you to stop playing blacjack but allow you to play anything else and even use the comps you have acquired while playing blackjack.
Sometimes you will find that casinos themselves do not understand that card counting is fair and completely legal. Some casinos and casino personnel act as if card counting is the abominable sin. As a card counter you need to understand your rights and play it cool.
[...] are using information that is available to everyone at the table, processing it in your brain, …http://www.blackjackapprenticeship.com/blog/2008/01/15/is-card-counting-legal/Is Spooking Legal? Blackjack Hole-Card Play: Techniques and the Law… hole-card play techniques, [...]
I looked for blackjack trainer on Google and found Counting Legal? at. I want to say thanks for the really interesting and cool post!
You mention that roulette is unbeatable, while, infact, it is beatable if you have time and patience.
Roulette is 100% chance. Some people think you can do a progressive betting strategy but anyone with a brain and access to wikipedia know that progressive betting units do not reduce risk or give you the edge.
I found your site on technorati and read a few of your other posts. Keep up the good work. I just added your RSS feed to my Google News Reader. Looking forward to reading more from you down the road!
Aren’t those “scare tactics” you mentioned illegal? Wouldn’t that be considered being held against your will?