33. Card Counting Myths: What Works and What Doesn’t Online

Short version: Card counting isn’t possible in Internet blackjack that uses an RNG (random number generator) to deal cards. The “shoe” or deck is reshuffled by the software between every hand. Even in live dealer blackjack games that are streamed to players, the actual advantage to be gained from counting is minimal, infrequent, and temporary, since the shoe is reshuffled prematurely every time.

Introduction

One of the biggest rumours players hear is that blackjack can be beaten by card counting. If you’re playing a favourable game in a land-based casino, that’s true. But online blackjack is a much different beast. Take a random number generated (RNG) game for example. This is the most common form of online blackjack, and the problem is that the shoe is reshuffled after every game. This alone can kill any card counting strategy dead in its tracks. And whilst there’s a good chance you can find a live dealer version of blackjack, the casinos themselves like to use shoes holding a lot fewer packs of cards. This makes it nigh on impossible to gain a genuine advantage. What follows is a list of 33 misconceptions about blackjack, and the very few things that do work.

How card counting really works (simple primer)

Card counting is a way to track high and low cards in a finite shoe (a real stack of decks). You keep a running count by adding +1 for small cards and −1 for big cards (this is one simple method). You then divide by decks left to get the true count. A high true count means more tens and aces are left, which can help the player. Your bets go up when the true count is high, and go down when it is low. This only makes sense when cards are not reshuffled each hand and when the dealer does not shuffle too early.

Counting cards is perfectly legitimate. However, game operators, such as casinos and online platforms, have the right to refuse your play or restrict you. It's important to note that the use of software to help you is generally prohibited on gambling websites. I recommend reviewing the terms and conditions before utilizing these programs. Cameras pointing to the table (and apps) are also discussed in the legal context below.

33 myths about card counting online

1) “Card counting works in RNG blackjack.”

It does not. RNG blackjack deals from a “fresh” deck every hand. There is no memory in the deck. No count can build. See a detailed rules overview at Wizard of Odds.

Takeaway: RNG blackjack is not countable.

2) “Live dealer games always use deep shoes you can beat.”

Many live tables cut the shoe very early or shuffle often. This removes the main edge from counting. Some tables look good for a short time, but most are not.

Takeaway: Live dealer can be countable in theory, but most streams are not friendly.

3) “Continuous shuffling machines (CSM) are countable.”

Cards are being shuffled into the shoe constantly with a CSM. That “rich” or “poor” deck doesn’t exist very long. Keeping a count will be worthless. TLDR: Don’t play a CSM table if you plan to count.

Takeaway: Avoid CSM if you want to count.

4) “Any 6-deck shoe is countable online.”

Deck count alone does not matter. The key is penetration (how many cards are dealt before shuffle). Poor penetration kills your edge.

Martingale and other systems do not change the math. They only change risk. The house edge stays the same. Takeaway: Systems cannot beat RNG or bad rules.

5) “Betting systems replace counting.”

Counting cards and bots that make decisions are prohibited on most websites. You risk account suspension. Please check each company’s terms and conditions and gambling laws in your country of residence (UK Gambling Commission for rules and regulations). TLDR: don’t use counting or Robo advisors on licensed websites.

Takeaway: Systems cannot beat RNG or bad rules.

6) “Using software to count is allowed online.”

Key point: “No heat online” is not true. There is heat, it’s just a different kind of heat.

Takeaway: Do not use counting or bot tools with online platforms.

7) “Casinos cannot detect counters online.”

Bottom line: Stay within legal and site regulation requirements.

Takeaway: “No heat online” is a myth. It is just a different kind of heat.

8) “VPNs protect you from detection.”

Sites use KYC checks and other tools. A VPN does not hide play patterns and may break the rules. This can risk your funds.

Side counts in RNG are, at best, irrelevant. In l ive d ealer and shallow shoes, they are usually more trouble than they are worth Takeaway: a simple overall count, and attention to rules and game selection, are as much as you'll ever need for those skills.

9) “If a game pays 3:2, counting must work.”

With 8 decks it is not much better as far as penetration is concerned. You really need a deep deal to count, not just lots of decks. summary: It is not numbers of decks that affects EV. It is depth.

Takeaway: 3:2 is a base rule win, not a counting pass.

10) “Side counts are key online.”

In RNG, side counts mean nothing. In live dealer with shallow shoes, they rarely add much.

All bonuses will have wagering requirements and bonus contribution towards that requirement. Blackjack may offer 10% or 0% or it may not be included at all. Pay attention with every bonus. TL;DR) Check all deposit bonuses and minimum wagers first. And do your homework with the general advice provided by the American Gaming Association.

11) “All live dealers use eight decks—easy edge.”

An automatic shuffling device can be just that. A device the dealer will shuffle with between shoes instead of a hand shuffle. A continuous shuffling machine (CSM) is a machine that is constantly being fed cards throughout the course of play. This makes card counting impossible. Understand the difference and move on. Live dealer BJ games online already ruin your hopes of card counting.

Takeaway: Decks do not decide EV; depth does.

12) “Wonging in and out online is easy.”

Many streams do not let you join mid-shoe or limit seats. Latency and table rules also stop “wonging” tactics.

The fewer hands you play the longer it would take you to gain that edge. Also the same variance would hit harder with low hands/hours rate. Your takeaway from that is the "speed" is EV positive and there is no positive in playing slow.

13) “Card counting beats any bonus.”

When the action is online, the “heat” is more about data analytics. Even if you are watching a live stream, large increases in bet size can raise unwanted attention. Key Point: Track your tendencies and game rules of the online site.

Takeaway: Read bonus terms first. See general guidance from the American Gaming Association.

14) “Auto-shuffle equals continuous shuffle.”

Auto-shuffle can just mean the dealer uses a machine between shoes. A CSM mixes during play. Both can be bad for counting, but they are not the same.

Since you cannot count in RNG, insurance is an unwise wager. In live dealer, only take insurance when the actual count dictates is correct. It usually is not correct.

15) “Negative counts do not matter online.”

In RNG games, there is no count. In live games, negative counts matter a lot. They tell you to bet small or leave if allowed.

(S17 = dealer stands on soft 17; H17 = dealer hits soft 17; H17 increases house edge. Visit the Wizard of Odds calculators for specific details.) Lesson here: try to choose S17.

16) “Online tables are slow, so you get more data.”

Dealers paying 6:5 on a blackjack is a substantial advantage to the house. No amount of counting will overcome the long-term expected loss to an RNG blackjack game that automatically pays 6:5. At a live game 6:5 can be a deal-breaker at the point you finally manage to find a shoe with an appropriate edge. Do not play 6:5. Yeah the dealers are probably hot and the weather is great, but find a 3:2 game and play there.

Takeaway: Speed matters for realizing EV. Slow play is not a plus.

17) “There is no heat online.”

Takeaway: Stable, fast streams are better.

Takeaway: Be aware of patterns and site rules.

18) “Crypto sites will not care.”

Tl;dr: Get basic strategy. Here are the charts

Takeaway: Choose licensed sites with clear policies.

19) “Insurance is good if you count RNG.”

In RNG, counting does not work, so insurance is a bad bet. In live dealer, take insurance only if the true count says it is right. Most of the time, it is not.

Dealers and table shufflers cannot be exploited in a predictable, reliable manner online. Livestream interference is a problem. Don’t try this for a sustainable advantage.

20) “S17 vs H17 does not matter online.”

S17 means dealer stands on soft 17. H17 means dealer hits soft 17. H17 raises the house edge. See exact numbers at Wizard of Odds calculators.

RNG reshuffles, so other hands do not change your odds. In live dealer shoes, other hands matter, but only as part of the whole count.

21) “6:5 payout is fine if you count.”

6:5 on blackjack adds a big house edge. Counting cannot fix that in RNG. In live games, it makes a win much harder.

House advantage is high for most side bet. Counting doesn’t usually work. Play only for entertainment. House edge list on the Wizard of Odds site. Side bet type: Don’t make them if you’re care about house advantage.

22) “Latency does not affect EV.”

Counting, per se, is not cheating, while software use or ToS violation may be. Any advantage play may still be restricted by site.

Key takeaway: Know what is legal where you live. Research venue: UNLV Center for Gaming Research.

23) “Basic strategy is the same as counting.”

Apps can teach basic strategy. They can’t alter the house advantage or the rules of the site. No app can guarantee profitability. Takeaway: Use trainers to practice, not to “beat” the game.

Takeaway: Learn basic strategy first. Use a trusted chart like these charts.

24) “Tracking burn cards helps online.”

Takeaway: Your edge depends on rules and shoe depth, not session length.

Takeaway: Do not waste focus on burn cards online.

25) “You can read shuffle patterns on stream.”

Moral:Don’t just consider high limit because the sign says so, look at the rules.

Takeaway: Skip shuffle tracking online.

26) “Other players’ cards help you in RNG.”

RNG reshuffles, so other hands do not change your odds. In live dealer shoes, other hands matter, but only as part of the whole count.

Random number generators on online are uncountable. Online live dealer edges are few and far between, in many cases not sustainable. There is lots of variance, and you could be capped by a site. Conclusion: Online AP should just be thought of as a hobby. Don’t have great expectations.

27) “Side bets are beatable by counting online.”

Most side bets have a high house edge. Counting rarely helps. Treat them as fun only. See house edge guides at Wizard of Odds.

Takeaway: Avoid side bets if you care about edge.

28) “Card counting is cheating online.”

Counting is not cheating, but using software or breaking ToS can be. Sites may still limit any edge play.

To easily review and compare rule variations, live dealer shuffle policies and bonus restrictions side-byside, third-party industry sites such as Netent keep tables of available games, studios and offers, making it real quick to look through specific double-down and split rules while also checking out operator licensing and safety credentials.

29) “Trainer apps guarantee profit.”

Card counting simply requires you to do basic math. It is not considered cheating per se. However, many online casinos do not permit the use of any technique or system that is designed to give you prolonged advantage. They may restrict or close your account or withhold your payment if you are found to have violated their TOS. Obey your country's rules and the site's TOS. Play for pure entertainment purposes. Do not play with money you are not willing to lose.

Takeaway: Use trainers to learn, not to “beat” the game.

30) “Short sessions avoid detection and guarantee edge.”

The information in this article is brought to you by the basic rules of blackjack probability, as well as the analysis of live dealer casinos and terms and conditions from licensed online casino sites. To learn more about the probabilities, licensing and regulations, see: Wizard of Odds UKGC AGA UNLV – Center for Gaming Research GambleAware NCPG

Takeaway: Your edge depends on rules and shoe depth, not session length.

31) “VIP live tables are softer.”

VIP does not mean better rules or deeper shoes. Many VIP tables have the same or worse rules.

Takeaway: Always check the rule set, not the label.

32) “Licensing protects counters.”

Licenses protect fairness, payouts, and player safety. They do not force casinos to allow advantage play. Read site ToS and player policies.

Takeaway: A license is for safety, not for an edge. See standards at eCOGRA.

33) “You can live off online counting.”

Online RNG is not countable. Live dealer edge spots are rare and may not last. Variance is high, and sites can limit you.

Takeaway: Treat online play as entertainment. Keep goals modest.

What actually helps online

• Pick better rules: Choose 3:2 blackjack. Prefer S17 over H17. Double after split (DAS) is good. Late surrender helps. Avoid 6:5 and avoid CSM where possible. Rule impacts are detailed at Wizard of Odds rule variations.
• Perfect basic strategy: This is the biggest skill gain. Use a chart that matches the rules you play.
• Live dealer reality: Some tables deal a bit deeper. But many shuffle early. If the shoe looks short, do not expect a long-term edge.
• Bankroll and risk: Set a budget. Expect swings. Do not chase losses. Learn the idea of “risk of ruin.”
• Promotions: Read wagering rules, game weight, and max bet. Blackjack may not count much. Check fair terms guidance at the UKGC Consumer Hub.
• Responsible play: Set deposit and time limits. Use cool-offs. Help is available at BeGambleAware and NCPG.

How to check online casinos safely (and where to compare)

Use licensed sites with clear rules and audits. Look for:

• License: Check a respected body like the UKGC or your local authority.
• Audits: Look for testing labs such as iTech Labs or eCOGRA.
• Transparent rules: Clear note of 3:2 vs 6:5, S17/H17, DAS, surrender. If rules are hidden, avoid.
• Clear bonuses: Realistic wagering, fair game weight, published max bet.
• Payments and support: Fast withdrawals, helpful chat, and strong KYC.
• Responsible gambling tools: Limits, self-exclusion, and links to support.

Want a quick way to compare rule sets, live dealer shuffle habits, and bonus terms across brands? Independent resources like Netent publish guides to games, studios, and promos, so you can see rule details and safety info in one place.

Legal, ethical, and ToS note

Card counting is a mental skill, not cheating. But many platforms do not allow any tool or method that aims for an edge. They may limit, close, or hold accounts that break ToS. Always follow your local laws and site rules. Play for fun only. Never risk money you cannot afford to lose.

FAQs

Method and sources

This guide is based on standard blackjack math, live dealer table reviews, and public rules from licensed sites. For deeper math, see Wizard of Odds. For industry policy and player protection, see the UKGC and the AGA. For research context, visit the UNLV Center for Gaming Research. For help and safer play, see BeGambleAware and the NCPG.

Conclusion

RNG blackjack online cannot be beaten by card counting. Live dealer streams use real cards, but most shoes are too short, and shuffles are too frequent. The smart path is simple: pick better rules, use perfect basic strategy, manage your bankroll, and play on licensed sites with clear terms and strong safety tools.

Disclaimer: This article is for information only. It does not give legal or financial advice. Gambling is for adults only. If you feel harm, seek help at BeGambleAware or NCPG.