jp: A possible good idea?

[jp]

I don't know if I should ask this here. Maybe it is better suited for one of the computer related forums. But anyway...

Has anyone thought about writing some software for PDAs and handheld computers? I would really like to take my PDA with me and be able to find out SCOREs, optimum departure information, etc. Another nice thing might be to have table conditions downloadable on a subscription basis. (Also make it so the data could not be transferred to another PDA.) I thought about doing this for myself. This way I wouldn't always have to carry around my books.

[jp]

If this does interest anybody, please post to the forum. I will not write any software unless I am given permission to due to copyright restrictions. Furthermore, it would not be available to anyone unless they had purchased a copy of Blackjack Attack. (Which, it would probably be reasonable to assume most of you have.)

If Don or RGE Publishing would rather that I don't consider doing it at all, I would comply with their wishes. I wouldn't want to step on anyone's toes. However, if there is a possibility I can help the AP blackjack community in any way, I would be more than happy to.

[Norm Wattenberger]

This is on my long term list. But, it would only be for Windows based PDAs, not Palms. Palms require too many compromises due to screen resolution. Still working out the compromises for Windows-based PDAs.

[Nycfudu]

If one was backroomed and a PDA device found with BJ software, could the "Using a Device" charge be used?

We could probably get our name cleared, but it's gonna be a pain.

[Norm Wattenberger]

NRS 465.075 Use of device for calculating probabilities.

It is unlawful for any person at a licensed gaming establishment to use, or possess with the intent to use, any device to assist:

1. In projecting the outcome of the game;

2. In keeping track of the cards played;

3. In analyzing the probability of the occurrence of an event relating to the game; or

4. In analyzing the strategy for playing or betting to be used in the game,

except as permitted by the commission.

[Parker]

My own observation is that the majority of card counters are not particularily computer-adept, which is why I established the "Computing for Counters" forum on the Parker Pages. Such software would definitely be a niche market within a niche market.

Additionally, as others have mentioned, such software in a PDA may put you in violation of Nevada's nebulous "device law," which many other states have used as a model.

Personally, I have fading eyesight and large hands, and thus have never had much use for PDA's, preferring to carry a laptop instead.

[jp]

> NRS 465.075 Use of device for calculating
> probabilities.

> It is unlawful for any person at a licensed
> gaming establishment to use, or possess with
> the intent to use, any device to assist:

------ begin snipping ------

------- end snipping -------

> 4. In analyzing the strategy for playing or
> betting to be used in the game,

> except as permitted by the commission.

Analyzing the strategy for playing?! This includes just having information? Even if this device was not on you while you were playing? Say that the pda holds the type of information I want to have on it, if I use it somewhere off the casino floor (such as in my car or hotel room) and then leave it behind before I go play, that is illegal? I cannot see how having a pda with bs deviation index tables or tables with other information useful to card counters could be illegal. What I want on my pda is software that does not do calculations for card counting or any kind of simulating. I would want to have software that allows me to simply enter some variables and get information such as SCOREs, optimum departure information for the playing conditions that I would be just about to face, deviation charts for the different games and rules, etc. IMO, this should simply equate to me taking my blackjack books with me and using the information in them, which I always do.

[Norm Wattenberger]

The law says 'at a licensed gaming establishment.' So using the device offsite is no problem. If the PDA tells you how to bet onsite, it is illegal. I think that's pretty clear. In any case, I wouldn't go near a casino with a PDA even if it only had phone numbers. I'm too old to be a test case

[Sun Runner]

> In any case, I wouldn't go
> near a casino with a PDA even if it only had
> phone numbers.

That's because you are not a 'playaugh.'



My thoughts all the way down this thread. The original poster has a good idea but I'd never go strolling in to a casino with a PDA in my pocket .. not in a million years.

[jp]

gambling law. It is good to know when on my once in a while visits to LV or Tahoe/Reno. However, I primarily go to AC. I am looking into it at http://www.gambling-law-us.com/State-Laws/. I will have to look at CT laws too before I head to Foxwoods.

[Cardkountr]

> gambling law. It is good to know when on my
> once in a while visits to LV or Tahoe/Reno.
> However, I primarily go to AC. I am looking
> into it at
> http://www.gambling-law-us.com/State-Laws/.
> I will have to look at CT laws too before I
> head to Foxwoods.

I can't speak about Foxwoods because once you enter tribal land it's as if you just entered a different country and they can make any law or rule they choose.

I can tell you without a doubt that in AC a PDA could be considered an illegal device and will cite the case of Ron Harris, a computer specialist who once worked for the NV Gaming Dept which was successfully arrested, prosecuted and convicted of using a laptop in his AC hotel room to predict the results of a Keno game which paid off 100K (the only time in history that all 10 numbers were hit on a keno ticket)

Bottom line is this; the Casinos can and do walk a fine line between what's legal and not but it's up to the player to defend himself, which can be costly, should the Casino wish to make an example of him.

I've had times in AC where I've been told I had to leave because I was sitting at the table and when I raised my bets they chose to reshuffle the cards on me and the constant reshuffling disturbed the other players. They went as far as placing me in handcuffs when I refused to leave.

How's that for logic?

Other times I was told I couldn't speak to my wife if she chose to play as they claimed I was circumventing the one hand restriction placed upon me and using her as my "alter ego". That didn't fly when I told the CCC that if they upheld the casinos position, I would sue them and the casino and let a jury decide if I had the constitutional right to speak to my wife.

Over the last 20 some odd years I have probably filed in excess of 15 formal complaints with the CCC for various reasons, and have never once had them rule in my favor. The closest I came several times was when the CCC gave me formal approval to "seek a private cause of action" meaning although they didn't rule one way or the other I
was free to have a lawyer litigate the matter. This type of approval is necessary from the CCC because they are the administrative body of the DGE and must be given the opportunity for a ruling under NJ law for any gaming complaint.

Having said all this, the short answer is you can carry a PDA but if the casino decides you are an "unprofitable player" to them.....god I love it when they call me that!....they can have you arrested and it will cost you many thousands of dollars to defend yourself and should you lose, you will be branded a felon and never be allowed to step foot inside a NJ casino again.

[jp]

I see...

I guess I am better off just taking my books with me.

[bfbagain]