Usually, it's Apple who
has the problem with a
potential app. Now, it's The Man taking issue with one that Cupertino deemed fit for distribution. Nevada gaming officials have been tipped off a card counting application that can be installed on the iPhone and iPod touch, which would obviously give Blackjack gamers an upper-hand over the system. According to control board member Randy Sayre, using a device to "aid in the counting of cards is considered a felony under Nevada laws governing cheating," and considering that the program can even be used in "stealth mode," it could be easy to miss unless you're really on the lookout. Of course, it's up to individual casinos to determine their policies on cellphones, but if you were planning to counter this recession by racking up on ten straight 21s this weekend, you might want to seriously consider the consequences first.
[Via
TUAW]
posted Feb 17th 2009 4:47PM
they allow a cheating application but not south park app! c'mon
...and a fart app. lol
IDEA....
unlocked iPhone + wifi enabled probability device + vibration mode on iphone with program for text messages from probabality device = $$$$
If by "frowned upon" you mean "arrest you and charge you with a felony", then I guess you could call this "frowned upon".
Not in jersey, the most they can do is kick u out...
yeppers... felony in NV.
well, depends. Card counting itself is *NOT* illegal in Vegas, but they still will chuck you out if they catch you. But, having an electronic device that helps you count cards *IS* illegal.
I think what is meant by "frowned upon" in Vegas is Sal, Vito and Carmine escorting you out in the alleyway behind the kitchen and displacing your teeth from your face.
Finally a use for the iPhone and we can't use it... ironic
And yes its illegal in NJ and Conn. - If you dont believe me, go try it yourself, and let me know how it goes.
Depending on how motivated you are, it is not that difficult to remember which cards have come out of a deck in Blackjack, assuming you're sitting at a single deck table. It is when you begin to use any form of aid -- electronic or paper -- to help you keep track that you cross the line. This, of course, only applies to counting cards. I was at the Wynn in Vegas once and a lady was sitting there with a probability table/chart right on the table. The dealer even helped her determine what she should do with some of the hands.
Those comments are fake. You aren't allowed to use a cellphone or any electronic device while at a table.
And it's not illegal to count cards but if they catch you doing it it's not illegal for a casino to black list you and never let you back in.
that's right RK,
no casino will let you sit at the table while you're holding your cell phone. the comments are fake, and the app is a waste of time and money
true, but they only let you have one hand on the table, so you have the other in your pocket, pressing one button or the other for count on the phone.
Of course, this demands both a vibration notification somehow of the current count, and you not messing up where you press on the touchscreen. I didn't read anything about a counter other than by looking at it.
So yeah, it seems like a crappy app.
Wrong!!! I use my iPhone in ac all the time at the tables so...
FAIL..
Get it facts straight..
the article is entitled "... in Vegas".
Read for comprehension, failboy.
Mike Kurasz got pwnd by coffee.
Mike Kurasz = FAIL
@coffee
I think they are more scared of people learning how to count cards then anything. Yeah if there is a vibration of 1, 2, or 3 quick buzzes then you could do this in a pocket if you know where the keys are (or just cut out plastic to make the landscape of the app). But this app will end up more for a household app then anything
The app is not designed to be used while at a casino, it merely teaches you the system of counting cards. At the Cas, you can count by stacking chips or, if you're good enough, in your head. Nowhere does it say you need to run the app while playing.
I just bought it, going to give it a go now.
My bad, seems there's a couple of different counters out there. The one pictured is just for training, it doesn't have a 'stealth' mode. It's actually quite fun, despite the very loud voice whenever you switch from 'study' to 'play' etc. STUDY UP!, LET'S GET STARTED!
no u fail, he said NO casino.... i was in a casino in AC last week... u my friend are ultimate fail...
i was replying to his comment not the article artard... FAIL
Its very easy to prove your counting cards, they will record it on video and watch your play strategy. Its not that hard to pick up, and most card counters work in teams. Watch the movie '21'.
1. Everyone is very confused on this subject. Its not illegal, but you can get kicked out and never allowed into the casino once you are caught. Plus you risk getting your ass handed to you.
2. You cannot use your cell phone at a casino table - while you can get away with sneaking it quickly, if you do get caught they will warn you. This is true in all casinos.
While card counting is illegal in many US gaming jurisdictions, it's not illegal all over the world.
Also, just because it isn't illegal all over the world, doesn't mean the casino won't take you out back and beat you up over it either! Just try card counting in Macau, China!
That's what I was thinking. All I can remember is that scene in "Casino" when they threaten to break the guy's fingers with a hammer.
card counting isn't illegal, just the use of a device to assist is...if you can manage to do it in your head, then there is nothing they can do (legally that is) but kick you out
@aj-
Correction, they DID bust his hand with a hammer. Not threaten.
"look what they did to my hand man!"
Card counting is not illegal in the states. However, gambling establishments can black list people who count cards. Two totally different things.
After you get caught, you can use another app to find the proper names of all your broken bones.
In fact, there's an app for just about anything.
And that's when the MRI scan app comes into play.
Need to organize your funeral? We've got an app for that...
You still can't be thrown out of NJ casinos for counting cards, as far as I know, so it's time to hit the App Store and then head down to Atlantic City!
I'm frowning upon that guy's six updates. What is he waiting for?
Yeah, seriously, blindly updaing your software is always a good idea. They never have bugs or wonderful new 'features' that 'replace' old ones.
This is a good oppertunity to rant about Kinwits. I'm going to do an impression of the developer:
"Ok, we just released this game, Kinwits, and it's free! Come get it!"
Then, several weeks later,
"Remember that game, Kinwits? Sorry it's no longer free. You're going to have to buy it now. But you still have the free version. POOF!! It's a demo now! Have fun!"
How the heck can anyone stealthy use iPhone while sitting at the card table? :)
that's what I've been wondering! I haven't been to Vegas in like 3 or 4 years, but even back then you couldn't have a cell phone out when you were at the table.
I just thought of something - I know the casinos tell you off for using a phone at the table but who is to say you have to use this when you're at the table? Walk around any casino in Vegas, and the chances that a seat at a $25 table is free is pretty good. Stand back, watch a few suckers play a few hands from a new shoe, count cards either with your phone or in your head (you're not playing yet), then, when the deck is in your favour, jump onto a seat and play some hands. I wonder whether it's illegal to use a card counter if you're actually not playing yet.
Every casino I've been in immediately takes away your phone and gives you a card to claim it, or makes you put it away if you even try to use it.
wow, you must go to some underground mafia casinos or something, cause i've never heard of that
You don't need an app. Just count to yourself, it's only plus1 and minus1, and probably only 3 or 4 hands being played at your table. Don't forget the dealer's cards, and catch the other player's discards, too, if you can. Some people actually keep track with their chips, moving the certain number of chips from one pile to the other as they count.
If you go minus5 on any one deal, go low next deal. If you go plus5 or more on any one deal, go big next hand (using hi-lo). Don't bet too much either way, just work your way up. Keep track as long as you want, from one hand to many, start over at shuffle. Don't worry about huge bets or trying to remake '21' or anything. Don't get impatient, don't get drunk, take your time.
If you REALLY want to go big, maybe you ran it up to about -15, stand up and stretch and say "last one" and bet all your chips on the hand, they'll think you're just dumping.
yeah, basic strategy plus low-hi can help you out, but with 8 decks in the shoe, and them changing the shoe after about 200 cards, it's still in the house's favor even if you assume a randomly even distribution of cards after the shuffle and manage to count all the cards on the table.
I'll just take my chances at the craps table...
Real men play poker.
Wow now this is a speculation. Card counting app...ultimate cheat no? Good thing casinos regularly check these things....but for those sneaky people, real dirty.
actually, no, it's even debateable as to whether it's cheating at all
It's not just sneaky, do it in Nevada and you'll get a trip to the county jail. It's a felony to count cards in Nevada using an electronic device.
Vegas can 'frown' upon this all they want.
Fact is that if you can effectively card-count in your head, without any external aid or help from anyone...then card-counting is 100% legal. You're simply using information that is made available on the table to strategically place bets. Vegas has lost court cases numerous times over this.
The only thing they can do is make it harder by using multiple decks, shuffling often and using distracting techniques (like having drink girls bothering you). Very few people can effectively card-count and many wannabe's end up losing big thinking they can...so Vegas welcomes counters in a round-about way.
In a worst case scenario (if you're winning big) they can just ask you to leave since they're a private business. But they don't like to go that far because of the bad publicity this gets. However, government-run casinos can't ask you to leave for no reason. They're quasi-public places!
So count away, if you can!
Sounds like a great app to "stick it to the man" with.
As far as card counting goes, how can a casino prove that you were counting cards?
Is it not possible to have a streak of luck?
I mean, someone would have to be counting out loud or on their fingers for anyone to notice if they were actually counting cards.
And I'm referring to real card counting, not using your iPhone at the table.
And of course, repeat offenders are obvious, but let's say I learned how to count cards, then bet my life savings on a sure shot one night.
How could anyone prove I was counting cards?
They don't need to *prove* anything...they'll just break some stuff....like your bones.
counting cards is legal, a device to help is illegal. they can throw you out for no reason at any time though
How can an iphone count cards?? does it use camera or what?