Counter measures against barring
Barring skilled blackjack players in a casino has been tested in state courts and over the years. They have ruled casinos have the right to bar you from playing by using the old English law of “refusing service”. They can ask you to leave the blackjack table and can enforce that action by having you arrested, not for being a card counter, but for “trespassing”. As you become more skilled at the game you must work harder to prevent getting barred. Here are some suggestions:
- Don’t play for more than an hour in any one casino.
- Don’t jump your bets; wait till your bet wins then let it ride if the count is plus.
- Don’t move your lips while counting.
- Don’t move your head while following the cards as they are being dealt. Sit in a seat that gives you a direct view of the entire table.
- Don’t leave the betting square in front of you empty. Always have a bet in the square.
- At the start of a new shoe don’t always bet your minimum amount.
- Don’t hold up the game in any way.
- Dress and act like the other tourists.
- Try not to be the biggest bettor at the table.
- Don’t attract attention in any way.
- Tip the dealer by placing a wager for them. (most counters don’t tip)
- Don’t vary the size of your wager when pit personal are watching.
- Be alert when the pit bosses are nowhere in sight. Remember the eye in the sky is always watching.
- Don’t talk at the table unless necessary, and then be brief and polite.
- SMILE! Don’t look glum or serious while playing you may alert management.
- Don’t drink alcohol while you play, but have some kind of drink in front of you.
- Play with a companion of the opposite sex, it looks natural, but teach him/her basic strategy first.
- The main idea is to fit in with the typical crowd and not draw attention to yourself.
Keep in mind that scotch on the rocks may be your favorite drink at the bar, but if you want to keep your head clear stick to nonalcoholic drinks while you’re at the blackjack table. Save the scotch for when you finish playing.
