As the old saying goes, nobody likes a cheat. Depending on what the 'cheat' in question is doing, forms of gambling dishonesty can be theft, lying, or other unpleasant titles associated with the practice of cheating.

If this is so deceitful then why do people learn to count cards in blackjack, I hear you ask? The casinos consider this cheating so why do people consistently buy books on how to learn techniques like the Point Count System?

Moreover, if it is a 'crime' to count cards then why do so many people write books on how to learn to count effectively to give the reader the most advantageous playing time in a casino? If it really is cheating or perhaps even seen by the casinos as thieving, then why are the books allowed to appear on the shelves in the first place?

If you walk into a casino unprepared, the house will clearly have an advantage over you. Even though the casinos classify card-counters as cheaters, books on this very subject continue to appear because there is no crime in trying to increase your odds while playing.

If it was illegal, publishers wouldn't publish the books. You don't see books entitled 'How to Grab Granny's Handbag' or 'How to Steal from your Employer' do you? You don't see these titles because the activities described are unethical, not to mention illegal. It isn't unethical or illegal to count cards even if the casinos would have you believe it is.

Think about this: 'the largest snakes are always worried about who is going to strike first'. Make sure you read all you can and learn any systems that can give you an advantage. The trick is don't get caught because the casinos do not want you to have any advantage over them.