Can I Be Arrested for Counting Cards in Las Vegas?

No, you cannot be arrested solely for counting cards in Las Vegas. Card counting is legal because it does not involve cheating or altering a game. However, if a casino catches you counting cards and asks you to leave, you could face misdemeanor trespass charges if you refuse or return to the casino.

Are you worried about getting arrested for counting cards in Las Vegas? While card counting is legal, a trespassing charge could lead to serious trouble. If you face charges related to counting cards in Nevada, the defense lawyers at Adras & Altig can help. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation to learn more about what we can do to protect your rights.

What Is Card Counting?

Card counting is a strategy that some players use to keep track of the cards that have already been dealt in games like blackjack. By making mental notes of these cards, players try to estimate the likelihood of certain cards being dealt next. This can help them make better betting decisions. Card counting relies on memory and basic math, not on cheating devices or tricks.

For example, in blackjack, players might assign values to cards to keep a running count. Low cards, like twos through sixes, might add to the count, while high cards, like tens and aces, subtract from it. A high count suggests that more high cards are left in the deck, which can increase the player’s chances of winning. Importantly, card counting does not guarantee a win. It simply gives players a better idea of when to bet more or less.

Is Counting Cards Illegal in Las Vegas?

Though card counting requires focus and skill, it does not involve tampering with the game or breaking any laws. As a result, counting cards is not illegal in Las Vegas. Nevada law defines cheating as altering the elements of chance, the method of selection, or the criteria that determine the result of a game. Card counting does not change the game in any way. It is a mental strategy based on observing which cards have already been played.

However, casinos do not welcome card counters, regardless of the legality of their methods. As private businesses, casinos can ask players to leave if they suspect them of counting cards. If a player refuses to leave, they risk being charged with misdemeanor trespassing. Penalties for trespassing in Nevada can include up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.

Casinos can also ban or “blacklist” players for suspected card counting. The length of these bans can vary. Some players might be banned for a few months, while others could face lifetime bans. In some cases, defense lawyers can negotiate with casinos to have players removed from blacklists.

Can a Casino Have You Arrested for Card Counting?

No. A casino cannot have you arrested for counting cards because card counting is legal in Las Vegas. Nevada law defines cheating as altering the outcome of a game, and card counting does not meet this definition. It involves mentally keeping track of which cards have been played, which does not change the game or break any laws.

However, casinos can ask you to leave if they suspect you of counting cards. Casinos are private businesses, and they have the right to refuse service to anyone. If you refuse to leave when asked, the casino can call the police. At that point, you could face misdemeanor trespass charges.

While casinos cannot arrest you for counting cards, they can take legal action if you violate their rules by refusing to leave or returning after you’ve been trespassed from a casino. It is important to leave promptly and stay away if a casino asks you to do so.

What Happens If You’re Caught Counting Cards?

If a casino suspects you of counting cards, security might approach you and ask you to stop playing or to leave the property. Casinos can take this step because they are private businesses and can choose whom they allow on their premises.

In some cases, a casino might also ban you temporarily or permanently. The length of the ban depends on the casino’s policies. Some bans last a few months, while others can last for life. If you try to return after being banned, you could face criminal charges.

Casinos also share information about suspected card counters. This can lead to multiple casinos banning the same person. However, defense lawyers can sometimes negotiate with casino management to have a person’s name removed from these blacklists.

While card counting itself is legal, refusing to leave a casino when asked or returning after a ban can lead to legal trouble. The safest option is to comply with any requests the casino makes.

What to Do If You Face Legal Trouble in a Casino

If you face legal trouble in a casino, stay calm and avoid arguing with security or staff. If they ask you to leave, comply right away. Refusing to leave could lead to a trespass charge. Do not return to the casino if you have been banned, as this could result in more legal issues.

If the police arrive, remain polite but avoid making statements. Anything you say could be used against you, so it’s best to exercise your right to remain silent and to request a lawyer. Do not answer questions about your actions until you have discussed your situation with legal counsel.

If you receive a citation or get arrested, contact a defense lawyer as soon as possible. Your attorney can review the details of your case and advise you on your next steps. They can also negotiate with the casino if necessary.

Contact Our Las Vegas Casino Fraud Attorneys to Learn More

If you face legal trouble after a casino visit, don’t wait to get help. The defense lawyers at Adras & Altig know how to handle these cases and can guide you through the legal process. Contact our team today for a free initial consultation to learn how we can protect your rights.