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There has been some controversy lately about cheating when it comes to online and live blackjack. It seems that the actual cases of players being caught and accused of cheating are rare when you realize how many hands of blackjack are played throughout the world every day. Still, it does happen. As long as there have been games for gambling there have been individuals that try to figure out how to cheat on them. Some of these efforts are successful. Most fail. Here are 4 ways that players have tried to cheat at online and live blackjack.
1 – Software Hacks for Online Blackjack
If you have been following the news lately you know that some online poker rooms have come under fire for cheating scandals. These scandals appear to have involved a software hack that allows players to enter a type of “God mode” when they are playing cards online for real money. In the hack players are able to see the hole cards of other players. In the case of online blackjack they would be able to see the hole card of the dealer. As you might conclude, this is a big advantage for the player. It could help them make decisions about whether to stand, hit, split, or double down their hand.
There are now measures being taken by online casinos which will eliminate this type of cheating. You should only play at online casinos which are regulated and licensed by a legitimate gaming commission.
2 – Past Posting
In the case of live blackjack a popular form of cheating at blackjack is called past posting. This is the act of adding chips to the player’s original bet once the hand has already been decided. It may sound impossible to pull off, but shady gamblers have been attempting it for years with varying degrees of success.
At a high level, past posting is about trying to change a wager after the outcome is known (or effectively known) and hoping it isn’t noticed in the moment—something casinos treat as serious fraud. Many measures have been taken today to prevent past posting, and players should also remember that they are being watched by the eye in the sky at a live casino. Getting caught will likely lead to harsh criminal penalties.
3 – Trying to Mark Playing Cards
Another way that some blackjack players try to cheat when they are playing live is to mark the playing cards that are being used in the game. This was far more common in the days when single or double deck blackjack was the standard for live games. Today, most live blackjack games are conducted from a shoe which can hold 6-8 decks. The players are not allowed to touch the cards in this type of play.
Phil Ivey, the famous poker player, made big headlines for engaging in something known as edge sorting while playing baccarat. In edge sorting the player looks for anomalies in how the playing cards are printed. This information is then used to identify certain cards that are not visible to the player. Ivey was ultimately caught and charged with cheating for his efforts. He has managed to evade any jail time for his cheating but has been forced to repay the casinos much of the money he won using this technique. Games where players are allowed to handle the cards are becoming more and more rare.
We suppose there is still a possibility of marking cards in this scenario. Dealers are better trained today and will be able to spot most of the marking attempts by blackjack cheats.
4 – Counting Cards? Not So Fast
One of the most frequent questions that we are asked at Counting Edge involves the legality of card counting. Is it illegal to count cards in a live or an online casino? Is it cheating to count cards at blackjack? The answer to both questions is no. The casinos may not like card counting. They may even be able to kick you out of the casino if you are suspected of being a counter. But card counting has survived many challenges in the legal system of the United States and in other courts around the world.
You have to keep in mind that live casinos are essentially private clubs. The casino can allow you to come in or it can ban you at its discretion. If this happens there will be little that you can do to change the situation.
The bottom line? Don’t get caught counting cards at blackjack. Our own view is that cheating at online blackjack or in a live casino is not worth it. Our entire website exists to show you that blackjack is a game which can be beaten. If that is the case, why would you want to take the risk of cheating?
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FAQ
Is card counting cheating in blackjack?
No. Card counting is a skill-based approach that relies on observation and memory. Casinos may still back off or ban suspected counters, but counting itself is generally not treated as “cheating” in the same way as manipulating bets or using devices.
What’s the difference between cheating and advantage play?
Cheating involves dishonest actions that change the natural outcome of the game (for example, altering bets after the fact, using devices, or collusion). Advantage play focuses on legal, skill-based decisions within the normal rules of the game (like basic strategy and disciplined play).
Why is past posting treated so seriously?
Because it attempts to change a wager after the result is already known. Casinos view this as fraud, and it can lead to bans, forfeiture of winnings, and criminal charges.
Can players cheat in online blackjack?
It’s much harder at reputable sites because wagers are logged and game outcomes are handled by audited systems. However, playing at licensed, regulated online casinos is still the best way to reduce risk from shady operators.
How can I protect myself and play fair blackjack?
Stick to reputable casinos (online or live), learn basic blackjack strategy, manage your bankroll responsibly, and avoid anything that could be considered dishonest or illegal.