Many people gambling in Las Vegas likely wonder: Is counting cards illegal? Whether casinos like it or not, card counting is technically legal. There are no laws on the federal or state level that expressly prohibit counting cards or classify it as an offense. However, casinos are private companies that set their own rules. This means you can still get into legal trouble if you are caught counting cards in a Las Vegas casino.
Types of Crimes in Las Vegas Casinos
While law enforcement can’t detain you for counting cards in a casino, you can be charged with other crimes related to card counting, such as:
- Utilizing electronic devices to count cards – There’s nothing illegal about having an intellectual advantage. But if your advantage uses a mechanical or electrical device, you will have crossed the line into cheating and can be arrested.
- Cheating – You can also be arrested if you cheat by physically manipulating a card game. For example, altering the card deck or exchanging cards with other players is considered cheating.
- Trespassing – Most casinos have incredibly tight security since patrons who count cards or cheat at games cost the casino money. If you are discovered counting cards by casino security, you could be asked to step away from the table or leave the casino. Because casinos are private property, staff could call the police and have you arrested for trespassing if you don’t leave.
- Disorderly conduct – If you are asked to leave a casino and you refuse or make a scene, you could be arrested for disorderly conduct. Instead of reacting rudely, the best thing you can do when asked to leave is to comply.
- Physical assault – If you are caught counting cards and a casino employee or security guard detains you or orders you to leave, keep your cool and do not do anything rash. You can be detained if you physically assault or harass casino personnel. Even light pushing and shoving could get you arrested.
If you have been arrested in a Las Vegas casino, you have a right to legal representation. The criminal defense team at Adras & Altig, Attorneys at Law is standing by to help.
What Rights Do I Have in a Casino?
Casinos are private property. Their owners are free to operate their casinos however they choose within certain guidelines established by state and federal law. Casino staff can ask you to leave for any reason, including cheating and rowdy behavior.
If casino staff orders you to leave, you must do what they say or face legal consequences. The casino owner can also prohibit you from returning to the property again in the future if you resist.
Defend Your Rights in Las Vegas with a Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you were arrested at a casino and charged with a crime such as trespassing or disorderly conduct, contact a Las Vegas casino arrest defense attorney at Adras & Altig, Attorneys at Law as soon as possible. We are prepared to defend your rights fiercely and may be able to get your charges dropped or reduced. Reach out to our office for a consultation today.
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At Adras & Altig, we believe that every client we work with deserves a fresh start. Our dedicated Las Vegas criminal defense attorneys take the time to get to know you so we can understand the circumstances surrounding your arrest.