Gambling and playing live or online casino games is an activity that’s not for the faint-hearted. These much-loved games can result in considerable wins or substantial losses, so many players go out of their way to increase their chances of winning. Generally, players do this by exploring different casino table game strategies or trying to beat the odds at themed slots.
While there’s only so much that players can do to try to secure a win, considering that casino games are predominantly games of chance, some take it a step further. When players turn to advantage play and do something to try to affect the randomness of games, it’s frowned upon and not something that casino establishments take lightly. As a consequence, a casino may limit a player’s playing action and subsequently ban them if any other offenses occur. This is what has become known as getting “backed off” by a casino.
Why a Casino Will Decide Not to Take Any More Playing Action From a Gambler
Bearing in mind that the casino industry is a highly lucrative one, it comes as no surprise that casino operators take their business very seriously. Any player who jeopardizes the integrity of games — be it online slots or casino table games — will be dealt with accordingly. The most common reason why a casino might decide not to take any more playing action from a gambler is card counting. This is when players keep a mental tally of the cards in play.
Instead of taking the time to master tactics such as 3-betting or implementing casino tips and tricks from award-winning gamblers, some players may try dubious tactics. This puts the casino at a disadvantage by lowering the house edge, which any establishment tries to avoid. Others go as far as creating multiple accounts just to claim the same promotion more than once, which can be regarded as unethical play. Essentially, casinos like to have the upper hand and keep players coming back, and anything that impacts that will likely be combatted with a back-off.
Is Card Counting Legal?
Card counting isn’t illegal, despite popular belief; however, it is frowned upon. Players suspected of it will be closely monitored until the suspicions are confirmed or denied. If confirmed, the casino will not take it lightly and will act against the gambler.
Not even the rich and famous are immune to such repercussions. Renowned actor Ben Affleck made headlines after admitting to card counting in 2014 during a game of blackjack. The consequence? A ban by the Las Vegas casino establishment.
How to Avoid Being Backed Off by a Casino
The best way to avoid being backed off by a casino is to play ethically and not try to cut corners. A common strategy is raising and lowering the size of your bets. Casinos don’t have a problem with gamblers who have discovered a winning strategy or who appear to be on a winning streak; the problem is when it’s done in a questionable manner that puts the casino’s profits at risk. Explore different strategies and learn from successful players to find an approach that works for you. Do that, and casinos will have no reason to back you off.
Other Actions That Casinos Will Take Against a Card Counter
Card counters try to do so subtly and without attracting too much attention; they avoid signs or gestures that might incriminate them. So, casinos may take another approach to reprimanding them, apart from backing them off or banning them. A popular action is shuffling the card deck more regularly at live dealer casino games. Realistically speaking, players won’t be able to mentally track all the cards if they are constantly being shuffled.
Other casinos may make use of multiple card decks that are changed during games, meaning that a player will struggle to keep track of the cards. In some cases, they may introduce variations of the game and announce new rules to distract card counters.
It’s no gambling myth that casinos, both land-based and online, invest heavily in security and surveillance systems. One of the reasons for this is to quickly identify card counters. When it comes to online operations, developers integrate sophisticated reshuffling mechanisms and software for the same reason.
How Do People Abuse Online Casino Bonuses?
One of the main drawcards to online casinos is the bonuses or promotions that they offer. Some players may take it too far by abusing these offers by creating multiple accounts to cheat the system and claim the same offer time and time again by using different IP addresses to blindside online casinos. If you’re caught doing this, don’t be surprised if you find yourself being backed off. It’s tantamount to theft, after all.
What Should You Do if a Casino Backs You Off?
If you’ve been caught out, it’s advisable not to make a scene. The less dramatic or defensive you are, the better — after all, you don’t want to draw any more attention to yourself. It’s important to remain cool, calm, and collected. If you fight casino staff or become emotional, these responses could lead to a ban. It’s best to cooperate with the casino and accept defeat.
Of course, the best solution is simply not to do it. Regardless of how much you love your online blackjack live dealer games or other casino table games, the result of cheating the system is never good — rather, do things the right way.
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