Understanding the House Edge and the Potential of Card Counting in Blackjack

Casinos think they can stop skilled gamblers from eking out a tiny edge at blackjack. Is that a losing bet? Zachary Crockett doubles down.

• SOURCES:
  • "Ben," former professional card counter.
  • Bill Zender, co-founder of Bill Zender and Associates casino consulting firm.

• RESOURCES:
  • "Blackjack Player Sues Ameristar Casino, City of Black Hawk Over Alleged Detainment for Card Counting," by Megan Ulu-Lani Boyanton (The Denver Post, 2023).
  • "Why Does the House Always Win? A Look at Casino Profitability," by J. B. Maverick (Investopedia, 2023).
  • "Counting the Cost," by Bill Zender (GGB News, 2022).
  • "Nevada Supreme Court Orders Casino To Pay Card Counter," by I. Nelson Rose (Gambling and the Law, 2017).
  • "Counting Cards Is Legal, But ..." by Mark Pilarski (Detroit Free Press, 2016).
  • "Card Counter Sues Planet Hollywood Over Detention, Confiscated Casino Chips," by Carri Geer Thevenot (Las Vegas Review-Journal, 2015).
  • "Real People Behind Story of '21' Discuss Film's Facts," by Ed Symkus (The State Journal-Register, 2008).
  • Blackbelt in Blackjack: Playing 21 as a Martial Art, by Arnold Snyder (1997).

• EXTRAS:
  • "How to Make Your Own Luck," by Freakonomics Radio (2020).
  • "The Economics of Sports Gambling (Replay)," by Freakonomics Radio (2020).
  • "Could the Next Brooklyn Be … Las Vegas?!" by Freakonomics Radio (2015).
  • 21, film by Robert Luketic (2008).