Everyone I know wants an Apple iPod. The latest member of the big family, the iPod Touch is perhaps the most wanted version. Different people have different reasons for wanting one. For one, it is cool to have an iPod Touch. After all, image is everything to some. Another common reason is the convenience of having all your media in one tiny thing. Then again, some people want it for another reason. Here’s why, courtesy of SF Gate:

Nevada gambling regulators have warned casinos in the state about a card-counting program that works on Apple Inc.’s iPhone and iPod Touch that illegally helps players beat the house in blackjack.

Card counting itself is not illegal under Nevada gambling laws, but it is considered a felony to use devices to help count cards. The Nevada Gaming Control Board sent a memo to casinos last week warning them of the program.

In blackjack, certain card counting techniques help players determine when they are likely to win a hand and adjust their bets accordingly.
Nevada learned of the program from gambling regulators in California, where officials at an Indian casino found customers using it and tipped state authorities.

Let me set things straight – I am not against card counting per se. I believe that if you can master card counting techniques, then it should not be held against you. After all, it is sort of a skill, something which has to be learned and something which not everyone can do. Using a gadget to count cards, on the other hand, is something else.

I suppose that if you do count cards – without the aid of any counter except your mind – then you should refrain from bringing your iPod to a casino. Otherwise, you might find yourself in deep trouble.

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