What is a back off in a casino?

  (photo credit: INGIMAGE)
(photo credit: INGIMAGE)

The vast majority of casino ads you see on the internet show you a limited type of games you can play there. And win something of course. Most likely it's a slot machine or craps table or roulette table. Casinos love the players of these games for one simple reason - players can do almost nothing to increase their chances of winning such games. Increasing the chance of winning only increases the number of bets, which automatically increases the casino's chances of earning these bets.

What is advertised much less often is blackjack or video poker. The main reason for this, you guessed it, is that players can greatly increase their chances of winning by counting cards. And at this point, the pit bosses can apply such an instrument of influence as casino backoff.

What Happens When You Get Backed Off?

Real money blackjack players are most vulnerable to such restrictions. The specifics of the game allow using mathematical models to predict the possibility of winning - to count cards. For example, predict that there are more 10s and aces left in the deck than usual. In this way, you can get a "natural", which is equal to the winnings.

Such predictions will allow placing bigger bets, much higher than the initial ones.

At such moments, the security of the casino will pay attention to you. And at some point, you will be backed off. How exactly will this happen? There are two options.

You will be banned from playing blackjack and asked to switch to another game. This means that any bets in the current game will not be accepted from you.

Another option - is you will be asked to leave the casino.

In any case - it is better not to argue with the security, so it will be better for you.

Back off restrictions may apply for one day, one week, or any other period. Even forever, if the casino decides so. The latter option is rare, as the casinos are not very willing to get rid of their customers.

What Can Be Done to Avoid Getting Caught?

The security monitors players whose range of bets varies widely. For example, from 10 dollars to 100. This happens when the card counters understand that they can raise the bet at this time. When the card count shows an unfavorable situation, the bet is lowered again. Don't make that mistake.

To avoid being caught and backed off, reduce your betting range. Let it be between 10 and 40 dollars, this range is acceptable. Also you can switch to online, pick among the best Swiss online casinos and try your luck out of the live casino hall. 

There is another tactic - camouflage your mathematical edge. Experienced card counters can afford to make "bad" bets and lose from time to time. So the player will be considered a rookie, not an advantage one. Make sure you know how to do it, as this can easily lead to serious financial losses. That is how gambling works.

Other non-gaming tactics advise doing the following:

  • Сome to the casino at different times. You will be more likely not to meet the same pit boss.
  • Wear different clothes, you do not want to be remembered, especially when you've been backed off once.
  • Go online casino games with your friends. Teamwork gives more chances to win.

Your Actions if You Get Backed Off

Do not try to argue with the security otherwise, there is a high possibility of getting banned. First of all, you don’t know exactly how they want to limit you. Secondly, they have already decided to back off a card counter, and it won’t be possible to appeal it. The rules of each casino allow security guards to ask you to leave the place without appeal.

The best thing, in this case, would be to leave quickly. So your face will not be remembered and will not be able to take photos or videos.

Take all your chips from the blackjack table with you. Now is not the best time to cash them out. Do this later when you come to the casino next time. Or ask someone you trust.

The worst thing that can happen is you will be banned. This is worse than backoff, as the path to this casino will be closed to you.

Back Off in Online Casinos

Online casinos have other mechanics that you can use to your advantage. Free spins or bonuses that players receive when registering.

This scheme is outdated but still works in some cases - video poker or other card games. By registering and depositing $200, the user receives a bonus of $100. Then the user makes a lot of bets for $50 - some of them will win. Who does not like to play the lottery, especially with bonuses? In any case, the player's account will have at least $250, which he will successfully cash out.

This tactic looks more straightforward than card counting, so most online casinos have imposed restrictions. To withdraw money from the account you need to place bets in the amount of 10 or 30 times more than the first deposit. In other cases the casino backs you off.

Conclusion

So we have two ways not to fall out of favor with the casino.

Choose games that are not strictly controlled. Still, there is a chance to hit the jackpot, although you can only hope for luck. Fortunately, regular and online casinos have a wide selection of games to play - from Monopoly to Roulette.

If this option is not for you and you want adventure and to show off - follow the rules of safe play. You can even read specialized books about this if this article is not enough.

Bonus option - be proud that you played riskily and got backed off.

This article was written in cooperation with Scarlett Hobler