Casinos on the lookout for card-counting iPhones - Beth Gaston

Sign Up | Log In | What is SocialPicks?

Casinos on the lookout for card-counting iPhones
Feb 17, 2009 02:10 PM UTC

Beth Gaston

Return	Risk
+0.00%	N/A

Tracked Blogger

Profile & Performance

Subscribe to author

Symbol	Sentiment	Start	Return	Closed
TRMP	n/a
AAPL	n/a

Via BloggingStocks:

Filed under: Bad news, Apple Inc (AAPL), Scandals, iPhone

There are some people walking around Las Vegas and other gaming meccas with something illegal on their iPhones, and I don't mean the new Taylor Swift album pirated off the Internet. A new application, available for Apple's (NASDAQ: AAPL) iPhone and iTouch, works to count cards when its user is playing blackjack.

Obviously, this practice is frowned upon by casino officials (even when a mathematical savant is able to count cards mentally). Using an electronic device to help has been deemed even closer to "illegal," and Vegas pit bosses are said to be on the lookout. This sort of unscrupulous behavior is the last thing the gaming industry needs these days, amid reduced tourism and shrinking profits.

Reportedly, this new scam came to light at an Indian casino in California; iPhone users were apparently a little too successful and their efforts were reported to officials in neighboring Nevada.

This story raises two questions. First of all, the odds of getting away with such a scheme are slim to none, considering the aversion casinos already have to cellular phones. Second of all, who is downloading said application? Folks that actually intend on risking broken kneecaps in an effort to bring down the house? Or those who just want to abscond with their buddies' money at Friday's card game? The entire concept seems suspect to me.

Even Apple's own site is a tad apologetic, noting "By popular request, we've added a card counter. While card counting is not illegal, it may get you thrown out of a real casino."

Could this little program have contributed to the demise of Trump Resorts (NASDAQ: TRMP)? See my colleague Peter Cohan's thoughts on the matter.

Beth Gaston Moon works for WeSeed.com. The above comments are not intended as trading or investment advice.

ReadÂ |Â PermalinkÂ |Â Email thisÂ |Â LinkingÂ BlogsÂ |Â Comments

Read the rest of original post »

Add Comment

Be the first to comment on this story and earn 2 points.

Your Comment

IN THE PRESS

None of the information contained on SocialPicks.com constitutes a recommendation by SocialPicks or its users that any particular security, portfolio of securities, transaction, or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person. SocialPicks is not responsible for the posts, discussions, and recommendations of the users on the Site. SocialPicks does not provide investment advice. You must make your own independent decisions regarding any security, portfolio of securities, transaction, or investment strategy mentioned on the website. SocialPicks' users' past results are not necessarily indicative of future performance. Neither SocialPicks nor any of its users guarantees any specific outcome or profit, and you should be aware of the real risk of loss in following any strategy or investments discussed on the website. You understand and agree that you use the Site and Services at your own discretion and risk and that you will be solely responsible for any damages that arise from such use. Before acting on any information contained on the website, you should consider whether it is suitable for your particular circumstances and strongly consider seeking advice from your own financial or investment adviser.